Now that Spring finally showed her smiling face--- lawn games are back in a major way. 

Bocce is the best of all (because its my fave). And while there's a few places in Detroit that offer this game of drunken skill and chance--- the spot I love is Ottava Via. 

This Italian restaurant is luxe on the inside and chill on the outside. Let's focus on the outdoor space since the weather is nice. 

This is the place that screams late-night date night. Beautiful plants and flowers are spilling from everywhere on the patio. Grab a seat around a table in a cute selection of mis-matched retro chairs that,  once upon a time- belonged in a classroom. Check out the wood-burning brick oven in the corner, nice touch.

Now let's get down to business: The bocce court. Grab your drinks and that lady by the hand because you're playin' bocce now. Toss that clay ball to the other side. Help her with her form. Twinkling lights are strung above the bocce court for added ambiance. 

Pro Tip: Weekdays. Bocce is available on a first-come, first served basis. We've been here during the day and night. It's generally easier to snag a spot in the daylight hours, plus- then you have the added bonus of day-drinking. But we've also been here at night when nobody is playing- it's all about timing. 

Time to get out of that cave you call home and explore some sculptures that are chillin' around town- kinda waiting for you to check them out. Detroit has a ton of pieces created by world renown artist. 

All you need are your Adidas and some time, and you'll be ready to rumble- art style. 

Here's a map of some contenders to get you started.

"Gracehoper"
Another sculpture located within walking distance, also located on the grounds of the DIA is the ”Gracehoper."  Created by artist Tony Smith, this massive piece was created in the early-seventies, in the minimalist style.  
​

“Spirit of Detroit”
Sculptor Marshall Fredericks’ “Spirit of Detroit” is located in downtown Detroit. He’s the mascot of the city. Sitting on Woodward between Jefferson and Larned, this hulking green giant made of bronze is here to keep steadfast even as the times change around him. The best part is when he dons a jersey in support of the local sports teams.

“Helios Trail”
“Helios Trail” can be found at Wayne State, College of Engineering. This modern piece was created to signify the future. The stainless steel sculpture resembles a bolt and was made by Bruce White and installed in the late-eighties.

“Untitled”
Detroit artist Ed Sykes made “Untitled” in 2001. This modernistic creation can be found on the intersection of West Warren and Anthony Wayne Drive. This sculpture is amazing in structure and design. The piece was commissioned in commemoration of Wayne State Professor Andrzej Olbrot. 

“Monument to Joe Louis” 
The “Monument to Joe Louis” was created by Robert Graham. This larger-than-life piece is suspended from dual triangles. “The Fist”  was created in honor of the infamous boxer, and is located in close proximity to Joe Louis Arena, in downtown Detroit. The art is located on Jefferson Avenue at Woodward Avenue.

“The Thinker”
Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker” sculpture is one of eleven statues in the United States cast of the same figure. The sculpture is made of bronze and sits in front of the Detroit Institute of Arts on a pedestal. 
​

Related: Art in Detroit | A Sculptural Adventure  
​

​Related: Koi Transfer at Belle Isle