Scranton, Pennsylvania was one of the first cities in the US to have an electric streetcar system. This trolley line was started in 1886.

Happy Thanksgiving from Detroit, Binghamton-style!

Step onto the ferry in Brooklyn or Manhattan, it will transport you to a land filled with the enchanting sights and sounds of Fete Paradiso, an antique Parisian carnival that is stationed on New York's Governor's Island from mid-July until the end of September. 

This is the first time that the rides have left France, ever. The rides themselves were rescued from two private collections in France, then painstakingly restored by a family of artisans who specialize in meticulous workmanship. 

Fete Paradiso is an extravaganza of wonderment for children and adults. The twinkling melodies filled the air with a sound that instantly took the uber-modernized crowd back into another century, while the stunning display of rare amusement rides will have you thinking perhaps you really did take a step into a time machine and landed in another world. 

Experience the carnival like never before through the whirling of the Chaise Volante or while holding on for dear life as you enjoy the unique thrill of the Dragon Carousel as it propels forward, and then backyards, all the while daring you to not fly off. There are also the much more tame, but still awesome sailing ships, gliding to and fro in a flying journey through the sky. A toddler favorite, but older kids will want a chance to ride too.

Taking a spin on the speeding bicycle carousel is a must. There are only two of this type made in the entire world.This unique thrill ride was made in 1897 and is beyond amazing to see in action. A belt rolls the carousel into action while riders pedal furiously around and around. On this ride, everyone laughs. The suave attendant in the iconic black and white striped shirt joins in the fun, intermittently shouting commands in french and singing tunes into a bull horn to keep the peddlers riled up.

If the stunning display of vintage rides were not enough, there is a biergarten- fashioned from a bumper car pavilion from 1900, and food- crafted by Le Gamin, a French bistro in the city. The selections are fit for gourmands who will relish every bite of salad Niçoise or Croque Monsieur. Step right up and get a wand of flavored cotton candy- orange is the best, or taste one of the authentic crepes offered, then sit under the charming chandeliers and watch the rides spin and swirl as the carefree days of summer seem to pass by a little more slowly while on the island.

Games such as the Ball Guzzler will keep everyone entertained, as valiant attempts are made to land a ball into the mouths of celebs from the 1930s. This nostalgic game features likenesses of Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and more iconic figures from that era. Get five balls in, and score a drink on the house- for real. 

A children's carousel from the 1930s was transformed into a concert hall, where musicians and performers will entertain and delight the listeners. Soul Clap performed during the Parisian Ball event, while a host of other musicians took to the stage throughout the summer to entice revelers into a melodic daydream of old Parisian street music. 

Much more can be said about this festival, but the absolute best way to experience it, is to check it out for yourself- you will be in awe. 

The R. Park Fest 2013 featured all the things that make a festival great. DJS spinning live music, Firefighter Chili Cookoff!, killer cornhole tournament, a bounce house and beer. Did I forget to mention the most awesome thing ever... Roller Skating!!!! Because WHO doesn't LOVE skating? The Grinch perhaps. 

The festival was held under the stoic watch of Michigan Central Station, our massive treasure that will most likely be restored soon (call it a hunch) Anyway- what better way to spend the first day of fall than at a neighborhood picnic... roller skating! 

Detroit Design Festival 2013 featured the awesome concept that attendees could create their own path, meandering around town to check out any combination of the 60+ latest designs, innovations and installations from cutting-edge artists and designers. Happenings were conceptualized by a huge range of avant garde artists, including fashion and product designers, gallery and studio owners, cinematographers, interior and graphic designers, performance artists, boutique owners- the list is endless. 

Laneway happened.

St. Jerome's Laneway Festival brought a unique feeling to the rolling hillsides of Meadow Brook Music Festival. The low key festival with a chill vibe kicked off its first North American event in the Detroit area. The scene was set with large sculptures, hammocks, artwork and bales of hay that were scattered on the festival grounds. 

The laid back vibe extended beyond the fans themselves and seeped into the ones that they had come to see- the musicians themselves. From the lead singer to the hardcore drummer, the band was there to scope out the scene and become part of music history- watching it unfold from the stage and as part of the audience when they were done with their set. 

Laneway Detroit was a fresh fest that was cool because nobody knew what to expect. 

Bands performed.

The music was well-curated, displaying a wide range of styles which merged together to create a cohesive roster of raw talent. It was decidedly different with a sense of familiarity all at once. Meander around to discover someone you never heard of or catch your fave band as they tear into their lyrics with a new vengeance.  

From the Pavillion stage to the Movement stage, all the artists seemed excited to be at Laneway Detroit. Down to their bones. From the synthy whispers coming from Chvrches to the bombastic bravado spewing out of Run the Jewels, an El-P + Killer Mike collab, there was definitely something for everyone, with lots of in-between to check out.

All the bands that graced each of the five stages killed it. Heathered Pearls christened the Movement stage in the early afternoon, while Matthew Dear closed it out as the sun was beginning to fade. The Roscoe stage was home to Deerhunter and Frightened Rabbit, while the Meadow stage played host to the sexy BAMF singer from Alunageorge, flanked by media-fave Chet Faker and crowd-fave Run the Jewels.

The Derrick stage was the setting for the avant-garde Savages followed later that evening by the frenetic musings of The National. The Pavilion stage featured the impeccable CHVRCHES gave way to kinetic duo Icona Pop, who burst onto the scene until Solange staked her claim and made it her own, creating an edgy soul experience through her lighthearted yet sultry throwback sound. 

The musical factory of event crashers that is the Detroit Party Marching Band, spilled out everywhere wearing their signature flashy DPMB garb. Horns raging through the air, clanging their way with unabashed bravado from stage to stage, crowds erupted like hot magma collecting around a volcano.

Artists created. 

You could smell the paint in the air as the slight breeze carried a kaleidoscope of colors from the canvas. Artists such as David Corneal and Terry A. Burton worked to translate the moment into something tangible as the music played.

Crowds cheered. 

It was a place for serious fans and casual listeners. Everyone fit. The casual atmosphere was electrified by the crowds, whose excitement was matched and amplified by the bands that were featured at this all day and into-the-night bash. 

And then they went home. Or to the after-party. (But that's another story)

There are a lot of firsts taking place in Detroit. Yesterday Open Co. hosted a Detroit version of their awesome business conference- an all-day exploration of local companies, culminating in a networking extravaganza held at MOCAD. Join me to discover what makes the city go, in an exploration of the spaces, studios and offices of the people who are making things happen in the D.

Lights, Camera, Action! First up on the agenda is Department of Alternatives, hosted by some innovative companies: Detroit Bus Company, Loveland Technologies, EBLI and Dandelion. 

Andy Didorosi, the founder of Detroit Bus Co., is doing way more than simply ushering people from Point A to Point B; he is making a difference and filling a need. Andy is into doing things for the social good, which is pretty obvious by his actions.