Honor & Folly: A Weekend Giveaway

11.28.2012 | by: Meghan

Honor & Folly: A Weekend Giveaway

Detroit, Michigan

In the September issue of Martha Stewart Living, I put together a tight little visiting guide to Corktown — my neighborhood for living and inn-keeping (in this post, some bonus photos by Joe Vaughn that didn’t make the story). When I opened Honor & Folly, I was excited about stepping out from behind the computer screen and introducing travelers to the neighborhood-centric Detroit I know — not the Detroit you see from 17th story of some mid-rise hotel downtown. I never gave much thought to the community of neighborhood business owners I was going to be part of, and turns out, that’s a hugely rewarding facet of owning a small business. I’m proud to send guests downstairs to Astro, because the owners, who are my neighbors in real life, are such good people and amazing at what they do. I tell guests to save room for brunch a few blocks away at Brooklyn Street Local, and to make sure to go to Mudgies for a humongous sandwich, the Lager House for a music show, and St. Cece’s for the best unassuming farm-to-table food in the most quirky, unlikely setting. I love bragging about my friend Ryan, who started an urban farm in North Corktown, and rooting on some other friends who are opening a distillery down the street. My brother-in-law runs Pony Ride–an incubator for artists, designers and entrepreneurs–and it’s been fun to watch that grow. If you could have seen this neighborhood when we moved here eight years ago, you would have never believed it would one day in the not-so-distant future end up in the pretty, iconic pages of Martha Stewart Living. There were no working streetlights, hardly any businesses, almost no one walking down the street while I pushed my baby stroller over broken glass. And now. Now I’m giving away a weekend to hang out here for fun! Excuse me while I pinch myself.

In honor of the first-year anniversary of Honor & Folly, I’m giving away a weekend in the neighborhood I love so much. The winner will get two nights at Honor & Folly*, breakfast at Astro, two drinks at Sugar House, and a $50 gift certificate to Slows. I will also give you a personal tour of the city, including stops at some of my favorite places in Detroit, from Eastern Market to Belle Isle. To enter, just leave a comment below, and I’ll announce a winner — picked at random — at the end of next week. Cut-off for entry Thursday, December 6th at 5pm EST.

You can find the Martha Stewart Living article on the page I finally created for my writing work. Thank you so much for being interested, and for all your support the past year. I am so grateful.

[Photos, all by Joe Vaughn, from top to bottom: Honor & Folly (top three), Acre, Mudgies, Hello Records, Le Petit Zinc, Green Dot Stables, Sugar House]

*Contest assumes mutually agreed upon dates, which must fall between January and the end of March 2013. The sooner you pick dates, the more likely it will be that the dates are available, as the inn tends to book up a month in advance on weekends. If you decide to book mid-week, you will get an extra night.

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28 November 2012 | Melissa Grillo Said:

Love and appreciate what you’ve done with space in my hometown! Yay to urban farming.. Go D

28 November 2012 | Annah Said:

This looks amazing! I love Astro and I love Detroit!

28 November 2012 | Lisa Said:

So Beautiful! My family and I have just moved to the midwest from the west coast and I am so happy to see this little gem — just one hour from me! Can’t wait to explore!

28 November 2012 | Hillary Said:

I’d love to win this. I went to U of M and grew up in GR so I’ve been to Detroit a few times but not in awhile. I’d love to see these changes and growth in such a historic city.

28 November 2012 | Heather Hawkins Said:

Congrats on two years!! Honor & Folly is on my list and I’d love to visit Detroit!

28 November 2012 | Victoria Said:

I love your site and am constantly awed by everything you’re doing at Honor & Folly! Thanks for this great contest, too!

28 November 2012 | Jen Said:

I live in Minnesota and have never been to Detroit. Hard to believe. This little gem put the city on my must visit list. Thanks for the chance to win a free stay!

28 November 2012 | Emmy Said:

I am dying to visit Detroit. What a giveaway!

28 November 2012 | Kelly Said:

Yay! I love Detroit!

28 November 2012 | Tricia Liston Said:

Detroit looks so unique and interesting. I would love to come and see it all myself.

28 November 2012 | Ruthann Said:

I would love to explore Detroit! Yes, please!

28 November 2012 | Jason Said:

Detroit, here we come!

28 November 2012 | sarah Said:

have been meaning to make the trip from buffalo to detroit for AGES.

28 November 2012 | katrina Said:

From the midwest…would love to visit Detroit!

28 November 2012 | Laurel Said:

Great article! Makes me want to visit and explore… Love the investment you’ve made in the community, keep it up!

28 November 2012 | Melissa Said:

i would love a weekend getaway in detroit!

28 November 2012 | jennie Said:

Wow, what a generous giveaway. I’ve never been to Detroit, or Michigan at all, so I would love to come and experience your city and state.

28 November 2012 | Sarah Said:

Happy first-year anniversary to Honor & Folly!

28 November 2012 | anne Said:

What a fabulous giveaway – would love to visit!

Would love to visit – fabulous story and vision!

28 November 2012 | Lindsay Said:

This looks very cool! I’ve never been to Detroit.

28 November 2012 | Brittany Said:

Been a fan of your inn for awhile, and so happy to see these kinds of small businesses inhabiting Michigan, especially Detroit.

28 November 2012 | Sally Said:

What a great contest! Thank you for this

28 November 2012 | angie Said:

I love Detroit & Corktown but have never seen Honor & Folly. Would love to visit!

28 November 2012 | Elizabeth Said:

“You’re from Michigan? As in Detroit? Like in the car commercial?!” said the Hawaiian to this native Michigander. Glad to see someone other than Eminem, generating positive press about Detroit in the mainstream media (no offense to Chrysler/Eminem). Would love to come for a visit!

28 November 2012 | Lauren McGregor Said:

I would LOVE to win this! Have always wanted to stay at Honor & Folly as a metro Detroit gal

28 November 2012 | Larry Said:

My dream gettaway

28 November 2012 | BrittanyZ Said:

Ah! This is fantastic and even though I live about a mile from Honor & Folly I would love to re-gift this to someone.

Thanks for the opportunity to dive even further into the city I’m falling more in love with every day.

28 November 2012 | Crystal Said:

This is such a great giveaway! As a local Metro-Detroiter, whenever I travel I love to speak of Detroit and all the fantastic things that are happening. The community that comes out of creating places like Astro, Slows and Honor & Folly are what will set our city for continuted forward momentum.

28 November 2012 | Mark Beard Said:

I really hope that Corktown wins Curbed Cup this year.

28 November 2012 | Harriet Evans Said:

I want to visit!

28 November 2012 | Jody Kirklin Said:

LOVE THIS!!! D-town needs more wonderful people to step forth!! Keep up the amazing work for this amazing city!!!

28 November 2012 | Kara Durham Said:

So glad to see Detroit thriving!! Your Midwest sister from the CLE would love an excuse to travel north!! =)

28 November 2012 | dana randall Said:

what a great giveaway! pick me!

28 November 2012 | linda Said:

Love Detroit, but haven’t been there in years.

28 November 2012 | Julia Said:

Ooooo…Honor & Folly AND Slow’s? I might just die of the awesomeness…

28 November 2012 | Micah Schmidt Said:

I would absolutely love to stay here with my girlfriend! We need a getaway badly.

28 November 2012 | Delia Tethong Said:

Ahhhh!! This is so exciting. My business partner Holly (who will be posting below, Im sure) and I own a business in Portland that we want to expand to Detroit in the next year and all we want in life right now is to stay at HONOR + FOLLY. That might sound dramatic, but it is true…ever since we found you guys online one fateful day.

Not only that, what’s better than a personally guided tour!

Okay, i’m done ranting.

28 November 2012 | Amanda Said:

I’m so glad my friend posted a link to this blog… amazing things are happening here! I’m always stoked to see someone pointing out the beauty in our mitten. (I’ve never been to Slow’s but I’ve heard fabulous things about it… *fingers crossed!*)

28 November 2012 | Shanna Said:

Sounds like an amazing trip!

28 November 2012 | Sonya Said:

Oh wow! I would love to win this! I want to visit Honor and Folly either way.

28 November 2012 | Jamie Said:

Went to Detroit last year for my birthday and it was the best birthday ever! Spent a lot of time at Astro and had my birthday dinner at Slows. By far one of the best trips i’ve ever been on!

28 November 2012 | Emily Said:

It would be so much fun to win this!!!

28 November 2012 | Pooja Said:

Pick me! We’ll be in the Midwest next May and I’d love to swing by Detroit!

28 November 2012 | Melanie Said:

I grew up in the mitten with long family roots in Detroit– from bakeries to bands and now startups.

Though I now live in Chicago, I always try to find occasion to return back and have enjoyed rediscovering the city (albeit only in day or night trips). Winning this would be just the opportunity to fall in love with Detroit in the heart of its new neighborhoods.

Crossing mittened fingers and toes!

28 November 2012 | cindy m Said:

love it. let’ go.

i meant….love it. let’s go.

28 November 2012 | Lindsay-Jean Said:

I was so excited to see that article. Crossing my fingers!

28 November 2012 | Julie Fisher Said:

This article and transformation of Corktown is so inspiring! I would love an opportunity to stay at Honor and Folley, and take in the local cuisine and scene! A guided tour of an area with such a rich history by the true expert… C’mon, what could be better?

28 November 2012 | Adi Segal Said:

I have always wanted to visit detroit’s artist communities when I fly in to visit my brother in ann arbor…. so much cool community building magic going on there!
and I always love reading your posts – first posts I check from my blog reader! so many places to see in the world— need to start packing!
thanks for sharing!

28 November 2012 | Terry Zeller Said:

Sounds like fun, great B-Day present for my spouse.

29 November 2012 | Sy Pie Said:

Wowee zowee! My friend and I have been curious about Detroit for some time now…this would be a primo adventure.

29 November 2012 | Wendy Said:

Nice pictures, great style! I love it. Keep on the good work

29 November 2012 | Maggie Said:

Just got to Detroit from Cleveland. Loving it so far!

29 November 2012 | Jessica Said:

Detroit is an awesome city! I’m glad to see that people around the nation are realizing that and featuring it. Beautiful pics!

29 November 2012 | Shanley Said:

would love to explore Detroit, and this is just the way to see it! thanks for a lovely blog and a generous giveaway!

29 November 2012 | Kurt Said:

Grew up in Detroit and have it in my blood. I would love to see your Detroit.

29 November 2012 | Sarah Said:

I love Detroit and the way it is re-envisioning itself. So much creativity there, and I haven’t been up to visit in the last few years. Would love to see all that’s happened.

29 November 2012 | heather costello Said:

congratulations on your anniversary! i’d love the opportunity to bump up a visit to H&F on my to do list – cheers!

I’d love to see a place like yours- obviously designed and operated with impeccable taste and great care.

29 November 2012 | Liza Said:

I’d love to visit Detroit!

Love coming to this site to explore the oh so many great places you highlight! Having worked for years on downtown revitalization-related projects and read and seen so much about Detroit, I hope I can visit (and stay at H&F) soon!

29 November 2012 | tracey quigley Said:

i’d love to come back and see the city on a more relaxed schedule , through your eyes, preferably in the dead of winter ! YES.

29 November 2012 | Holly Hoover Said:

As my business partner (Delia) stated, we want to expand to Detroit and LOVE what Honor + Folly, not to mention, all of Corktown is doing! Not only would we love to stay at the beautiful space, but the biggest thing we would love is a tour around the city! There is so much to see! Go D!

29 November 2012 | Lisa Johnson Said:

Would love to meet you and visit Detroit!

29 November 2012 | Andrew Heiberger Said:

This sounds like it would be a great trip. I’ve never been to Detroit. I would love to see what is going on there.

29 November 2012 | Heather Said:

It’d be nice to win this and visit my family back in Detroit.

29 November 2012 | Jennifer Said:

Been a fan of everything related to Designtripper since stumbling across you on twitter last year, and what you’ve done with H&F is fabulous! Grew up in metro D-town area and have a huge soft spot for this city of true heart and soul (as I like to call it).

29 November 2012 | Jena M Said:

Oh-la-la! I’ve always wanted to visit Detroit! What s truly wonderful space you’ve created!

30 November 2012 | Leila N. Said:

I currently live in San Francisco, but grew up in the Cleveland area. I remember visiting Detroit as a kid quite a bit, and thinking there were many similarities. I haven’t visited Detroit as an adult, and would love the opportunity.

30 November 2012 | Jenn Tendero Said:

oh this would be sweet. i would take my husband who was born in detroit and who loves cities. i’ve wanted to visit since you first opened.

30 November 2012 | Vanessa Said:

Would love love love to win this–especially for the personal tour!

30 November 2012 | Andrew Samtoy Said:

This is awesome! Even if I don’t win, we might have to get up there soon!

30 November 2012 | Daniel H Said:

This would be an amazing getaway.

30 November 2012 | Lynda Said:

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

30 November 2012 | Lauren Said:

Beautiful! I would love to come and stay! I’ll be traveling to Detroit quite a bit starting this January. Can’t wait to check out the area!

30 November 2012 | Tina Kotrych Said:

Sign me up! Have been semi-stalking your website from Chicago since spotting it in the Dosemarket blog earlier this year. An early 30′s SE Michigan Native I can not help but be inspired by what is happening back home. xo, Tina

30 November 2012 | Kate Said:

Wow! Sounds great!

30 November 2012 | tori Said:

As an avid reader of your blog, i have been very interested in learning more about Honor and Folly and about Detroit. My husband and I are food and travel junkies – we went to Podere Palazzo last May on your recommendation (what can I say – no words!) – and would be thrilled to come and meet you, experience Detroit and see your sweet inn for ourselves. Pick Us! Pick Us! Pick Us!

30 November 2012 | Tadia Lynch Said:

I have never been to Detroit, It looks inviting and charming.

30 November 2012 | timo Said:

it was because of an article i read on honor and folly that i dragged my detroit family to corktown to take a look. i was surprised that so few of the locals knew what or where honor and folly was. eventually we found it, but a sign might be helpful! i enjoyed seeing the heart of the detroit neo-revival. lots of empty space between the jems tho. i’d like to give a shout out to the vintage ham and soup place down the street from you- and wonder why you havent mentioned it. best wishes!

30 November 2012 | Elizabeth Parmer Murray Said:

Sounds amazing! Sign me up!

01 December 2012 | Elizabeth Said:

Love the article! I’m planning a trip to Detroit in the spring and I can’t wait to check out all the places you’ve mentioned.

01 December 2012 | Annie-san Said:

Greetings from St. Louis. There is no doubt; Rust Belt chic rocks.

(Crossing my virtual fingers…)

01 December 2012 | denise Said:

Yankee girl with a homesick Michigan boy. At the risk of seeming New York forward, pick me…please!

01 December 2012 | Ashley Said:

This would be wonderful!

01 December 2012 | Diane Said:

My friend from Windsor was just telling me earlier this week how much I would love Detroit. Now I can see why! Thanks so much for the great giveaway.

01 December 2012 | Drew Said:

I’m from Cincinnati and love to see you working with the Brush Factory! You have a great eye for detail. Well done on your space!

01 December 2012 | laura h Said:

my husband and I were born in a now closed hospital in Detroit and would love to visit our birthplace!

02 December 2012 | Emily Said:

Looking forward to throwing an event in Detroit soon – my family loves Detroit!

02 December 2012 | Sara Said:

Hi Meghan! Your blog is so beautiful. Hoping to stay at honor and folly sometime, contest or no!

02 December 2012 | Jessica Brandi Said:

Looks amazing. Would love to visit!

02 December 2012 | Natalie T. Said:

Hi Meghan!

Congrats on all of your success with Honor and Folly and thanks for making Detroit a place that is worth exploring. I hope I get the chance to meet you and explore your Detroit! I think we have a lot in common!

Natalie

02 December 2012 | kathryn Said:

this is the best giveaway EVER. contest or no contest, would LOVE to come visit honor and folly one day! detroit has been on my to-do list for far too long (and your website has definitely contributed to this wanderlust). thank you for finding such beautiful spaces, sharing them with us, and for creating one of your own. it’s made traveling (and dreaming about traveling) that much more fun!

03 December 2012 | Lauren Said:

The place looks great! I’ve never been to Detroit, but it doesn’t look like I’d mind a visit… Keep up the good work.

03 December 2012 | Natalie & Omar Said:

Hi there,

I stumbled across this article and to my amazement, quickly reaslised there were a few too many coincidences unfolding as I continued to read! My partner and I live in London and have dreamed about heading over to Detroit for a holiday,or if I am being completely honest to investigate a future there. We’re in the creative industry and couldn’t imagine a better host to introduce us to this amazing place we have only had the pleasure of reading about.

03 December 2012 | Katie Said:

Hi. I have never been to Detroit and your articles have really peaked my interest. I would love to win.

03 December 2012 | Casey Said:

I just discovered your site and have been swooning over your lovely lovely photos for the past hour. I’d love to get to see your city and Honor & Folly!

03 December 2012 | Carolyn Said:

My boyfriend and I have always been curious about this place, we love the area but never get to stay or really explore it. I’m afraid we would never want to leave!

03 December 2012 | Jessie Levett Said:

This is pure unadulterated heaven! Has jolly well cheered me up on a grey and chilly Monday in London! xx

03 December 2012 | Rachael steadicam your love Said:

I am too excited to comment. I come in January to finish my novel.

03 December 2012 | Meggan Said:

I’ve never been to Detroit but this looks like an awesome way to explore the city in a not so traditional way! I love going off the beaten path of well travaled places and getting to know the lcoals.

03 December 2012 | Jenn Hall Said:

Nice – would love to check out the city from an insider viewpoint. Nice write-up, too.

03 December 2012 | Amanda Said:

Oh, this looks fantastic! i would LOVE to go to detroit, have been wanting to check out what’s going on there lately, and this would be a great way to be introduced to the city.

03 December 2012 | Anni Said:

Ooh, I would love love love to win this. I’ve been coveting a nice little weekend getaway with my husband, and this would be perfect. Even though I’ve lived in the Chicago area for my entire life, I’ve never been to Detroit.

03 December 2012 | Neja LovelyFood Said:

Looks awesome!

03 December 2012 | Charity Said:

I heart Cleveland…but I heart Detroit just as much! A one tank trip to one of our “sister cities” would be awesome; especially in January when the holiday scene settles down and the chilly temps off the lake set it! Cheers & fingers crossed I win!

03 December 2012 | Heather Said:

Midwest is best!

03 December 2012 | Sarah Said:

What an incredible giveaway– so many places I would love to go!

03 December 2012 | Billy Said:

Love seeing all this great stuff growing in Corktown.

04 December 2012 | Alison Said:

Looks like an amazing trip! Never been to Detroit… would love a good reason to visit!

04 December 2012 | Mimi Said:

This would be the best present for the best parents as they grow older, and as their kids scatter throughout the country. They don’t get away unless we force them to – this would be a wonderful ‘forceful’ gift for the holidays!! Thank you

04 December 2012 | Gabrielle Said:

Wonderful!
Hope to win!!

04 December 2012 | Jackie Said:

I would love to visit this beautiful space. Thanks for the opportunity.

04 December 2012 | Sarah Said:

I grew up in Metro Detroit and now live in DC. I would love a chance to see how the city has changed and grown!

04 December 2012 | Andrea Said:

Seems like the perfect place to have a “staycation” in the city. Thanks for the chance to enjoy a wonderful weekend!

04 December 2012 | Alice Said:

I admire your aesthetic and your desire to preserve such a beautiful building. Your love for the city is evident in every detail. I would LOVE to see it in person!

Beautiful – fingers crossed!

04 December 2012 | Lynn Said:

I was just in Detroit and wanted to stop but missed it due to my meetings. Hopefully i will win and be able to be there soon!!

05 December 2012 | Anthony Gelsomino Said:

This place looks wonderful! Cant wait to visit!

05 December 2012 | Billy Said:

Would love to sample all that Corktown has to offer!

05 December 2012 | Robert K Said:

I was born in Detroit and graduated from Wayne State. It has been decades since I spent a night in the city. This would be a great way to go back!

05 December 2012 | Cathy Said:

I’ve lived in Canada for most of my life (now in Boston), but have never been to Detroit. Your place is beautiful – it looks like it would be the perfect retreat and cozy home base for exploring the city.

05 December 2012 | Joan Anderson Said:

Would love to visit and have your eye & heart introduce me to your neighborhood.

05 December 2012 | Joyce Becker Said:

The coincidence of talking about Detroit and now your invitation – too perfect!

05 December 2012 | Lizzie Donohoe Said:

Would Looooooove to partake in this beautiful idea. I have been to Slows and dream of the Mac and cheese frequently . Will be visiting my guy who lives in those parts all the way from Texas in Michigan this Xmas/ New Years ! I’m spreading the news of indie and underrated detroit to my southern cohorts. Pick me pick me!

06 December 2012 | Philipp Said: