After a successful win at home on Sunday against the Rams, the Vikings (8-2) are looking to keep the winning streak alive in Detroit this Thursday. Of course, the Vikings are no strangers to the Motor City, as they prepare to face the division-rival Lions for the 113th time. After a one-score loss at U.S. Bank Stadium earlier in the season, the team is looking to bounce back in a big way this Thanksgiving Day.
In preparation for the game, we partnered with Michigan-based photographer Tony Majka to show Vikings fans around Lions territory. The catch? Bring along our iconic team helmet to help showcase Detroit's most scenic locations.
Q: Welcome to Vikings Instagram Group! What is your Instagram handle? Tell us more about what you like to shoot.
A: I'm an Instagrammer known as **@tonydetroit**. I love traveling around Detroit and documenting the rustic beauty this city has.
Q: What was it like to shoot with a Minnesota Vikings helmet in Lions territory?
A: I quite enjoyed walking around Detroit taking pictures of a Minnesota Vikings helmet; of course, I received quite a few looks in the process! A security guard near the Spirit of Detroit even approached me to ask what I was doing. Once I told him, he laughed and said, "Right on!" He then proceeded to take a picture of me while I was setting up a shot! He must've been a big NFL fan like myself.
Q: In your own creative way, describe Detroit in five words or fewer.
A: Never say die. Not ever.
Q: Tell us one unique fact or story about Detroit that most Vikings fans wouldn't know!
A: Ford Field is located in Brush Park, which was the very first zip code in Detroit: 48201, or "The 201," as locals call it.
Q: Tell us where you took your photographs and why. Which location is your favorite?
A: Here are the locations I took photos at:
- Outside Ford Field
- In front of "The Spirit of Detroit"
- In front of the Joe Louis fist
- At Hart Plaza
- The Ambassador Bridge, which links the U.S. to Canada
- Michigan Central Train Station
- Hitsville, USA, where Motown music started
- Belle Isle, for a scenic view of the city
My favorite spot that I photographed the Viking helmet was in front of the Joe Louis fist. Joe Louis represents the "never say die" attitude of Detroit!
Q: We're lucky to have such passionate fans in the NFC North. Which restaurants or tourist attractions should traveling Vikings fans check out while they're in town?
A: Fans visiting Detroit need to check out Mexican Village restaurant located in southwest Detroit. It's one of my favorite places! There's also Union Street restaurant on Woodward Ave. You must try the "Dragon Eggs!" If you're looking to grab a beer after the game, head over to Park Bar on Park and Elizabeth Streets. It's the coolest bar in town, and it's very close to Ford Field. If you're looking to kill some time before the game, go to the Motown Museum, or "Hitsville, USA," as we call it. It's a phenomenal place where early Motown artists recorded their hits. Or check out the Majestic Theater on Woodward Ave. It is a nightclub, restaurant and bowling alley all in one – and it just so happens to be the place where Harry Houdini died. Yes, that's a little-known fact!
Be sure to make the Minnesota Vikings a part of your Thanksgiving plans this year! Kickoff between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions takes place at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 23, at 11:30 a.m. (CT) on FOX. To follow along with the team's travels for the rest of the season, check out **#VikingsIG** on Instagram!
