1. People From Flint Like Their Coney Island Hot Dog Their Way
Take a hot dog, ground beef heart (basically, fine-ground beef), and, to be truly authentic, Koegel coney sauce and voila–you have a Flint style coney dog. There’s no chili on these, and that is the biggest difference between a Flint style and Detroit style coney dog.
2. Beautification Is A Thing Here
From the landscaping of 21 gateways in the city of Flint with a planned plant palette, street tree palette and more, the Cultivating Our Community project (partnered with Keep Genesse County Beautiful) is helping to ensure that Flint stays beautiful.
3. The Flint Local 432 Is Where People Go To See Bands Before They Blow Up
The Flint Local 432 is an all-ages music venue that showcases local musicians and bands. You know Chiodos? How about The Swellers? They both got their start at playing at the Flint Local 432.
4. Flint’s Got A Fury For Sports
From the Flint Fury football team to the Flint City Derby Girls roller derby team, there is no shortage of home teams to root for here.
5. This BBQ Joint Is No Joke
Table & Tap is new to the Flint restaurant scene and arrived with a bang. This joint offers 30 taps of mostly Michigan-made beers and the best barbecue pork and chicken you could ever imagine. Everything tastes fresh–and that’s because it is; the menu is made up of largely made up of locally sourced ingredients.
6. The Flint River Trail Is The Perfect Place To Go On An Adventure
Starting in downtown Flint, the Flint River Trail follows along the Flint River and takes you through historic neighborhoods and beautiful parks. Pack a picnic and enjoy the peacefulness that the outdoors has to offer.
7. And If You Want A Break From Your Adventure, Head To Bluebell Beach
There is nothing better than cooling off at a beautiful beach on a hot summers day. Located along the Flint River Trail is Bluebell Beach, which is equipped with splash pad and playground for kids as well as a nice area to relax with your summer book.
8. The Flint Masonic Temple Is One Of The Town’s Best Kept Secrets
From Battista’s on the lower level serving up delicious lunch–you can’t beat their homemade macaroni–to the visually delicious upper levels, the Masonic Temple delivers breathtaking examples of masonic architecture and art. It’s definitely one of the best venues in town.
9. People From Flint Love Buying Local So Much They Expanded Their Market
The newly expanded Flint Farmers’ Market, now located on the Saginaw Street corridor, offers the downtown area with more than 50 businesses and opportunities to eat and buy local year round. From tacos to apples, the Flint Farmer’s Market has got you covered.
10. Paul’s Pipe Shop Is For Smokers And Nonsmokers Alike
Paul Spaniola was a legend. He was a six-time world pipe-smoking champion and went to Hollywood to teach Susah Haywood how to smoke a pipe. He opened his pipe shop in 1930, selling handmade pipes and his own mix of tobacco. Though he has passed on, his legend is still very much alive. Paul’s Pipe Shop is practically a museum for pipe smokers.
11. Edible Flint Facilitates Farm To Fork
Edible Flint is a co-op that is working to turn vacant lots into community gardens and in turn support Flint residents in accessing healthy food while reconnecting with each other and the land.
12. The Crim Isn’t Your Standard Race
An annual road running event, The Crim Festival of Races isn’t just one event but rather several races and walking events. This unique festival draws runners from all over the world. I bet it’s the infamous Bradley Hills that keep runners coming back year after year.
13. Summer Music Festivals Are A Big Deal
Flint has multiple music festivals that are local favorites. From the Buckham Alley Fest to the Flint Folk Music Festival, your genre preference is covered.
14. You Auto Check Out Back To The Bricks
Back to the Bricks is an annual cruise that celebrates the age-old tradition of teenagers cruising from spot to spot. This festival spans five days and includes a rolling cruise, “Brick Flick” at a drive-in theatre and much more.
15. Art Is Such Big Deal Here...
The Flint Institute of Arts contains more than 8,000 works of art. Visitors can check out everything from Post-Impressionist paintings to a rare shaped panel by Peter Paul Rubens to the works of Mary Cassat. But if museums aren’t quite your scene…
16. …It’s Spread Throughout The City...
If you’re out and about in Flint, you’re more than likely to stumble upon a statue or two. Whether it’s the Rosa Parks statue, which depicts her standing rather than sitting, the Automotive Pioneers of Michigan Statutes, which commemorate Flint’s automotive heritage, or the Armillary Sphere, you’re sure to walk away impressed.
17. ...And Showcased Monthly
As if the other two options for art weren’t enough, the second Friday of every month downtown Flint comes alive as people stroll from venue to venue to gaze upon local artists work. Add music and food to the art and you’ve got a great time made even better by the fact that it is all free.
18. The Flint Children’s Museum Discovers And Inspires With The Power Of Play
The Flint Children’s Museum aims to inspire kids into a lifetime of learning by using hands-on exhibits centered on having fun. Children can explore more than 40 exhibits that range from a rock wall to a fire station to the human muscular system. It’s fun for the whole family; even parents have a blast exploring and playing.
19. They’re So Into Fostering Culture There’s A Campus For It
The Flint Cultural Center has many institutions on its grounds that are dedicated to providing the community with scientific, artistic and cultural experiences. It’s basically a one-stop culture hop, blending an array of institutions into one central location. Now, about those institutions…
20. Flint Locals Can Stargaze, No Telescope Needed
Longway Planetarium is the largest planetarium in Michigan and can seat 282 people under its 60-foot dome. Cloud coverage, bugs and light pollution aren’t issues here. Why wouldn’t you want to kick back and view the night sky in its entirety?
21. The Whiting Wins The Lightning Round Of Venues
From Bill Cosby to “Mamma Mia!” to “STOMP,” The Whiting is the place to be to catch the best performances.
22. Car Makers, Say Thank You. Flint Unionized The Automobile Industry.
From 1936-1937 a strike was held, called the Flint Sit-Down Strike, that revolutionized the United Automobile Workers and eventually led to the unionization of the United States automobile history.
23. Flint’s Symphony Isn’t Bittersweet
The Flint Symphony Orchestra, part of the Flint Institute of Music, has provided the community with 96 years of outstanding concerts. From performing classical concerts to scoring classical ballets (their production of “The Nutcracker” is a tradition more than 30 years strong), there’s a reason this orchestra has a strong, loyal following.
24. Crossroads Village Is A Staycation Back In Time
Crossroads Village and the Huckleberry Railroad will transport you to way back in the day. Offering more than 34 historic structures and steam locomotive rides, it’s definitely a nice break from the daily grind.
25. It Actually Is A College Town
Source: Instagram user mekohn11
Though many do not think of Flint as a college town, it is. Home to the University of Michigan–Flint, Kettering University and Mott Community College, Flint holds its own when it comes to higher education.
26. Good Beans Café Keeps Flint Caffeinated
Source: Instagram user the_monster_king
Good Beans Café has been keeping Flint wired and weird since 2000. This café is a great place to hang out, sip some delicious coffee and soak in local music and art. I mean, their bar alone is worth a stop in.
27. The Gilded Age Is Alive At The Whaley Historical House
The Whaley Historical House is a visible link to Flint’s 19th century past. Stepping into this historic house is like stepping into a time machine that takes you straight into the Victorian era. Don’t worry ladies, corsets are not mandatory to visit.
28. Police Showcase Their Skills At Bikes On The Bricks
From classic hogs to police showcasing their skills, Bikes On The Bricks is the must-see motorcycle event. They even have a fashion show. There’s something special about seeing the good men and women in uniform showcase their driving skills weaving through cones and scoping out the latest in leather chaps in the same weekend. Trust me on this one.
29. The Atwood Stadium Is Cherished Like A Precious Jewel
The Atwood Stadium has been the home to many football teams, minor-league baseball teams, and concerts for more than 75 years. This cherished, iconic stadium is located in the heart of the historic downtown Flint community.
What do you love about living in Flint? Tell us in the comments below!
