My First Drive Through Experience - Rallys Detroit

Although there are several drive-through food joints in Pune, we have always enjoyed the dine-in experience as a family.

In June 2025, I accompanied amazing local guides @Erna_LaBeau and @keithlabeau in their fabulous camper van to the Checkers and Rallys Fast Food in Detroit.

Here’s the lavish camper van of Keith and Erna. I got the front seat beside Keigth, who was driving. So I could watch the entire ordering process closely.

Note: In the US, the driver’s seat is on the left, unlike in India, where the driver enters on the right in a vehicle.

Also note that electric switches, when lifted, are ON, and pressed/pulled down are off.

While we were in the queue, Keith spoke to the attendant over the speaker phone that was placed far away from the counter.

Once the order was received, the camper van had holders for drinks, and the food was held in the hands.

After that, we drove around the western part of Michigan, visiting several parks and waterfalls, clock towers that Keith had made a list of - just for me to show :handshake:

We had an amazing wandering around Detroit, and finally dropped me back at the Detroit Hostel where I was staying.

It was a memorable first drive-through experience for me.

On the way back to the hostel, Keith also made a pit stop at an amazing shop called the TELEPHONE SERVICE that had a nice public clock adorning it.

I guess that the owner, just like me, had a fascination for public clocks and, more importantly, he was a local guide like everyone out here, who liked helping people without being asked.

Here’s a view from the street - I could not take my eyes off this simplistic yet adorable public clock.

:airplane: How to Reach

Read how to reach downtown Detroit from the airport.

:shallow_pan_of_food: Where to Eat in Detroit

Try the coney hot dog at the American Coney Island.

:hotel: Where to Stay in Detroit

  1. Hotel Pontchartrain in Downtown
  2. Hostel Detroit in the suburbs

:mushroom: Tourist Attractions in Detroit

  1. The Spirit of Detroit Statue.
  2. Monument to Joe Louis in Detroit - The Fist
  3. Pocket Watch as a Public Clock in a Beautiful Alley of Detroit
  4. World’s Most Unique Fountain in Detroit
  5. Joe Louis Statue and Photo Collage in Detroit
  6. Detroit Foundation Hotel - Formerly a Fire Department Building
  7. Local Guides Day Out - Kite Exploration on Belle Isle
  8. An Obscure Clock Tower with Amazing Landscaping
  9. The Big Brother of Tabletop Alarm Clock Lives on an Island
  10. The Kern’s Clock in Detroit
  11. Detroit - Step on The Point of Origin
  12. Huntington Place
  13. Public Clock of CPA Building
  14. American Coney Island - Detroit’s Iconic Food Joint
  15. James Scott Memorial Fountain in Detroit
  16. Visit the Corner Public Clock above Fresh Mex.
  17. The Minimalistic Art - Clock Tower on Michigan Avenue.
  18. Detroit SS Bank Clock Tower and Historic Marker
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@TusharSuradkar . For an industrial town of this size, the streets are quite deserted

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Good observation @curatorofmemory :+1:
It was almost scary :ghost:

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This place is actually out of the downtown about 10 miles away. Detroit has been bounced back quite fast. I am sure this will be one of the big project in the future @curatorofmemory

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I had a great time with you always a pleasure enjoy your company.

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So ein Drive-In ist auf jeden Fall eine bequeme Möglichkeit um satt zu werden und aussteigen braucht man auch nicht. @TusharSuradkar
Nette Uhr auf dem kleinen Servicehaus.

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I do not know that was your first time to go to the drive through @TusharSuradkar, it is very convenient especially when the weather its like -20F (-29C) but it the same time it makes us lazy to walk which is good for exercise but for the convenience reason yes it is!

I love your photo about the Telephone Service I wondered how many years it has been vacant it looks like been long time!

It such a great joy to be able to take you around my town, Tushar and looking forward for your next visit!

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In some case drive-through transformation using AI to answer orders, what about this place?

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Haha :smiley: Nice advancement @fachrie230
This place doesn’t seem to be up to the mark with AI yet, @Erna_LaBeau can confirm.

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It was a lifetime memory drive @Erna_LaBeau
I keep telling about it all the time to my wife whenever I remember it.
And trust me, she loves it and thanks you and @keithlabeau :heart_hands:

I will be in Detroit on June 1, 2026
Let’s catch up and plan more amazing tours around.
But before that, I am anxiously hoping to see you both in India :hugs:

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In some places yes, not totally all. In my experience, I prefer talking to a person because, for example, special request such as extra mayo or ketchup, can not be requested to AI, in this case the person will jump in to help. But remember AI will develop as the demand increase. Hope this helps @fachrie230 and @TusharSuradkar

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I can not promise you but I keep checking the flight, route, and places to stay, and of course our schedule with you know :wink: @TusharSuradkar. Remember if it means to be for us to touch the ground of India, breathe the air, drink the water, and knowing their beautiful culture so be it. We both love to see you and of course other Local Guides. @keithlabeau keep saying to try homemade food by @RosyKohli

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