For a Half Day

Ann Arbor: Less than one-hour's drive from Downtown Detroit, this student-heavy city offers quaint cafe-lined streets, bookshops and numerous record shops. It's easily accessible by car from the I-94, by train or by bus. You can get more information from the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (tel: (734) 995 7281; website: www.annarbor.org).

For a Whole Day

Windsor, Ontario: Windsor offers visitors the chance to nip across the Detroit River and get into a bit of Canadian culture. There is a thriving gaming industry, with loads of casinos and slot machines lining the riverfront. The Canadian Club Distellery, 2072 Riverside Drive (tel: (519) 561 5499); website: www.canadianclubwhisky.com), offers free tours and tastings of the famous Canadian Club whisky, and plenty of cheap shopping malls. It's easily accessible by the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Further information is available from the Windsor Convention and Visitors Bureau (tel: 1 800 265 3633; website: www.visitwindsor.com).