FLINT, Michigan — A dollar can’t buy you much these days, but it can get you access and special deals at Flint museums, art institutes, libraries, parks, stores, restaurants, and more on Saturday, August 10. The
Be a Tourist in Your Hometown event returns on ‘810 Day,’ offering residents and visitors the chance to explore more than 20 attractions for just one dollar.
The annual event was popular amongst families in the past but has not happened since the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, it returns, in partnership with Genesee County and Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) Flint, on August 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Explore Flint & Genesee executive director Amari Steward has been in
her role for about a year and a half, and with the organization for eight years. Although many of the organization’s efforts are geared towards attracting tourists, Steward says this event is a way to enhance and increase community pride for locals.
“We wanted to give opportunities for our own residents to be able to take pride in some of the assets that we are promoting,” says Steward. “Sometimes, we get so caught up in our daily routines that we kind of forget to explore what’s just around the corner. Be a Tourist in Your Hometown offers an affordable and accessible way to discover or rediscover some of the main things that there is to do and see in our community.”
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Glassblowing demonstrations at the Flint Institute of Arts.Since its five-year hiatus, Steward says there have been many renovations, murals, new businesses, and positive changes in the Flint area that folks can explore now.
She’s particularly excited about some new businesses, including
Comma Bookstore & Social Hub, the
Hilton Garden Inn downtown,
LatinX Flint, the
Sloan Museum of Discovery, and the
Mott-Warsh Gallery.
Flint residents and visitors alike can purchase a $1 Be a Tourist in Your Hometown ticket, and utilize free bus transportation routes from Brush Park and the Whiting Auditorium.
“All communities are welcome,” says Steward. “We have over 300 certified tourism ambassadors in the Genesee County area, and they are catalysts for promoting things to do and enhancing that visitor’s experience. Most of our listed venues are blue star-designated locations which means that more than half of their staff have completed the certified tourism ambassador program. We’re excited to have those ambassadors on-site with us as we promote Genesee County and all of its assets.”
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Glenwood Cemetery was listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Places in 1989 and the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.Participants can enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour, education, and exploration of Applewood, Buckham Gallery, FIM Dort Music Center, Flint Children’s Museum, Flint Farmers’ Market, Flint Institute of Arts, Glenwood Cemetery, Gloria Coles Public Library, Kettering University’s GM Mobility Research Center, Mott Park Recreation Area, Shops on Saginaw, the Whaley Historic House Museum, and more.
New this year are also several local restaurants who have signed up to offer participants special menu items and special’ 810 Day’ deals, including
Blueline Donuts at Carriage Town Bakery,
The Poke Bowl, Cafe Rhema, Hoffman’s Deco Deli, Queens Provisions, Tenacity Brewing, and more.
Steward says this event provides families a great opportunity to enjoy some entertainment they might not always have the budget for.
“The event is ideal for all families, and has something for every age and demographic to be able to have the ability to enjoy themselves in an inclusive and barrier-free environment,” she says.
Seeing kids experience something for the first time at local venues feels nostalgic and heartwarming for Steward who's a Flint native.
“I remember what it used to be, and to see how we’re developing and to see how we are expanding, to see that restoration — growing together as a community and restoring that community pride — I get really excited about that. We are a very resilient community, and this just provides an opportunity for us to showcase all of our assets.”
$1 tickets are available at Brush Park on the day of the event, or in advance online.
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