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Things to Do in Troy
Dining, Activities & Places to Stay
December 9–10, 2026 · Detroit Marriott Troy
Troy's Columbia Center, designed by Minoru Yamasaki — a quarter-mile down West Big Beaver Road from the symposium hotel.
Getting Around
MiCSS26 is at the Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Road — right on the Big Beaver corridor, which is where most of Troy's dining and shopping sits. Almost everything below is a short drive from the front door.
Parking is free on site
There's no charge to park at the Marriott, so coming and going during the symposium is easy. If you'd rather not drive in December, rideshare coverage in Troy is good, and the front desk can help you sort out getting somewhere.
A note on timing: this is Michigan in December, and the week of the symposium falls in the middle of the holiday season. Hours shift, and some places get busy. Call ahead or check online before you set out — we've linked each spot below so you can.
Where to Eat
All of these are within a few miles of the hotel.
First, what's already included
Your registration covers more meals than people expect:
• Breakfast — both Wednesday and Thursday
• Lunch — Wednesday
• Snacks, coffee and tea — throughout both days
• Refreshments at the MAPSA Social — Wednesday, 4:30–6:30 PM
So the recommendations below are for the meals outside that — Wednesday dinner, Thursday after the workshop wraps at noon, and anything on either side of your travel.
At the Hotel
200 West
The Marriott's own restaurant and lounge, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The path of least resistance for Wednesday dinner, and the easiest place to keep a conversation going after the Social.
A Short Drive Away
Morton's The Steakhouse
Classic steakhouse in the office tower at 888 W. Big Beaver, a few blocks from the hotel. Dinner only — book ahead.
Fogo de Chão
Brazilian churrasco carved tableside, with a large salad and sides bar. Good for a group that can't agree on anything.
The Capital Grille
Steak and seafood at the Somerset Collection. The obvious choice if you're already over there shopping.
Mon Jin Lau
A Troy institution, family-run since 1972 — Asian cooking and a sushi lounge. The local pick on this list rather than the national one.
Granite City Food & Brewery
Relaxed American menu and house-brewed beer. Easier on a per-diem than the steakhouses, and no reservation needed.
Sedona Taphouse
Tap list in the dozens plus a straightforward American menu. A good spot for a smaller group that wants to actually hear each other.
Things to Do
If you're coming in early, staying over, or looking for somewhere to go once the day's sessions are done.
Somerset Collection
About 1.6 miles · 2-minute drive
The big one. Over 180 shops and restaurants across two buildings joined by a skywalk, anchored by Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks. It is fully decorated for the holidays the week of the symposium, and the restaurants inside make it an easy evening out even if you have no intention of buying anything.
Troy Historic Village
A two-acre living-history site with a one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, general store and print shop. Worth a look for anyone who thinks about how schooling has changed — which is most of this audience.
Oakland Mall
The more everyday shopping option, a few minutes south on John R. Easier parking and shorter queues than Somerset in December.
Detroit Zoo — Wild Lights
The furthest on this list
In Royal Oak, roughly 15 minutes away. Their Wild Lights display runs on winter evenings — a walkable hour outdoors if you want something other than a restaurant.
Where to Stay
Start here
The MiCSS26 Room Block
Stay in the hotel where everything is happening. Our block at the Detroit Marriott Troy is the only option that puts you upstairs from the sessions — no drive, no parking, and the easiest way to catch the people you came to see.
The block is nearly full. If a room is still showing at the symposium rate, take it.
Block sold out? Check the Marriott anyway.
If the block is full, that doesn't mean the hotel is. The Detroit Marriott Troy often still has rooms available at its standard rate — you just won't get the symposium rate. Check there first, because staying on site is worth a great deal more than the difference.
If the Marriott Is Full
These are the closest alternatives, listed nearest first. Distances and times are by road from the Marriott's front door.
Hotel Indigo Detroit North – Troy
0.2 miles · 1-minute drive
The closest bed to the symposium that isn't in it — same road as the Marriott, recently renovated.
EVEN Hotel Detroit North – Troy
0.2 miles · 1-minute drive
Shares the building with the Hotel Indigo above, so if one is full the other may not be.
Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Troy
2.6 miles · 6-minute drive
On East Maple. The other Marriott-family option if you're holding points.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Detroit–Troy
2.8 miles · 7-minute drive
All suites with kitchens. Sensible if you're coming in for several nights.
Holiday Inn & Suites Detroit – Troy
3.6 miles · 6-minute drive
Full-service, on Tower Drive north of the venue.
Booking outside the block means you won't get the symposium rate, and you'll need to drive in each morning and park.
