No surprise, Detroit is rife with entertainment and cultural offerings for car nuts. In Dearborn you can visit both the Automotive Hall of Fame (21400 Oakwood, Dearborn), a 25,000 square-foot museum honoring the pioneers and innovators of the auto industry, and The Henry Ford (20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn), adjacent to AHF. Founded by Henry Ford, this vast "history attraction" is also the starting point for tours of the Ford Rouge Factory Tour a fascinating interactive look at the history of this modernized 80-year-old auto plant and a tour of the final assembly area where Ford F-150s are made today.

Before you head out of Dearborn, see how Henry Ford himself lived with a tour of his former home, Henry Ford Estate (University of Michigan - Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Rd., Dearborn).

Take a cruise north to visit the Walter P. Chrysler Museum (1 Chrysler Dr., Auburn Hills), a beautiful 55,000-square-feet building of polished red granite and black glass at the edge of DaimlerChrysler's North American headquarters. The museum houses the company's vehicle collection, as well as historical photographs, advertisements and video footage.

No matter when you're in town, you're sure to stumble on a car-centered event, and the granddaddy of them all is the Woodward Avenue Dream Cruise (Woodward Ave. between Ferndale and Pontiac, with activities centered in Ferndale, Berkley and Royal Oak), which is officially held on the third Saturday of August but is practically turning into a summer-long event. Another popular one is Cruisin' Gratiot in Eastpointe, a week-long June celebration that culminates in a day-long cruise. Also in Macomb County, downtown Mount Clemens has an active cruise night every Wednesday in the summer.

In the winter, check out Cobo Center (One Washington Blvd., Detroit) or the Rock Financial Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave., Novi), both of which frequently host car shows and expos.

If seeing all of these cars gets you jonesing for a spin, head east to Kart2Kart (42075 Van Dyke, Sterling Heights) and satisfy your own need for speed with the best indoor go-carting around.