Ya’ll, I’ve lived in Ann Arbor for over a year and I can’t even believe it. I guess time flies…well, you know how it goes. For the girl who swore up and down back in 2007 that I’d live in Chicago until my twilight years, I’ve adapted to small town life easier that I ever would have thought. And, rather than wait ten years to show you around my new digs, the good folks at Toyota lit that fire, and let me zoom around in a Prius for the week to capture all the sights, do all the things and try all the eats. Come along with me, won’t you?
Should you find yourself visiting the metro Detroit area, I implore you to head west to give Ann Arbor a go. Home to the University of Michigan, this quintessential college town is so much more than co-eds and frat houses. I actually suggest you come during the summer, when the weather is fine and the streets a bit more full of local rather than collegiate flavor. In fact, Treetown actually made it to #1 on Livability’s 2018 best places to live list and I can surely see why.
Have I convinced you to head to the Mitten? Good. Here’s what we’re going to do when you visit.
Take a stroll down Main Street
Main Street, USA comes to life in the heart of the city. Working your way south, you’ll find everything you didn’t know that you needed, from knick-knacks for the lake house that you don’t yet have at Rock, Paper, Scissors to souvenirs from all corners of the globe at Ten Thousand Villages. One of my faves is the Himalayan Bazaar, which takes my memory all the way back to Nepal, sans altitude sickness.
Should all that shopping work up an appetite, al fresco dining makes for the perfect break,
and more than one ice cream shop will keep you cool on a hot summer’s day.
Hit up the Farmer’s Markets
Being perfectly situated in farm country, the summer farmer’s markets are the perfect place to stock your kitchen each week. From fresh veggies to the brightest flowers to the sweetest honey, you have a lot of options to get your fix.
You’ll find the Kerrytown market bustling every Saturday, stocked with all of your favorites.
The nearby shops are actually open all year round, and should you find yourself needing a nibble, you can easily be accommodated.
And, food trucks will keep you full on the go, each month’s first Wednesday through the summer.
If you miss the market on Saturday, don’t fret! Head to Cobblestone Farm, an actual farm, an oasis if you will, smack in the middle of the city.
I mean, how cute is this?
Open on Tuesdays, you can find just what you need here, with a side of a violin serenade.
Just mind the livestock.
Get your learning on
This is a university town, after all, which means that there is a plethora of options to keep your mind sharp and your manners cultured.
Meander down State Street, or take a detour through the Diag until you get to UMMA, of the U of M Museum of Art. Art not your thing? Head back in time at the Museum of Natural History or dig into it at the Kelsey Museum of Archeology.
While it’s easy to pass it by, be sure to take in the architecture. It’s truly beautiful.
Make a trip to the Michigan Theater for a movie, a concert, or just to oogle the surrounds. Likewise, the Ark seems to be the hottest ticket in town each weekend, with the line extending down Main Street most Saturday nights.
Opt Outside
Perhaps my favorite thing about living in Ann Arbor is that nature is literally just outside my door. I spent the last ten years in a concrete jungle and so being able to unplug amongst the greenery without having to leave town has been a dream come true.
The Arb (aka, Nichols Arboretum) is a summertime favorite (especially the Peony Garden!), as are the Botanical Gardens. Both have enough gardens, trails and arts to fully occupy a summer vacation.
If you’re willing to go a bit out of town, two of my favorite places just a stone’s throw away. Pinckney Recreation area has trails of all lengths and difficulties, so lace up your shoes, grab your best friend, pack up your car and get ready to immerse yourself.
A little further is Kensington Metropark, which has activities to keep you busy all year. From boat rentals, a golf course and SUP in the summer, running trails for the fall and cross-country skiing in the winter, it’s got something for all the seasons!
Try and keep me away.
Public parks, tennis courts and pools galore make it really easy to take your workout outside, which is so much better, IMO. Plus, we’ve been stuck inside all winter and enough is enough!
Don’t you agree?
And, if you time it right, A2 really knows how to take advantage of the out of doors with its Top of the Park festival, which lasts through June. From movies in the park to workout classes to concerts, something new every day will keep you busy all month long.
Eat all the things
One of the hardest things about moving here was all the absolutely amazing food I left behind (oh, and my friends. Right, them). Truth be told, Ann Arbor’s got it going on, and there are a few favorites that keep us locals well fed.
A verifiable restaurant conglomerate, everything that Zingerman’s touches is golden. For an authentic experience, head to the deli, and expect to wait in line. Yes, it’s worth it. Head across town to check out its affiliated Roadhouse, creamery, coffee shop, candy store, and bakehouse.
Tomokun Noodle Bar is one of my favorites around lunch time and the tako yaki I had there bested the batch I got in Tokyo!
Seriously!
If you find yourself on the Old West Side, head to Jefferson Market for some good eats and sweet treats!
Michigan brew is some good stuff, and Ann Arbor’s got the boozy goods to keep you well-oiled. The Jolly Pumpkin on Main Street boasts some pretty good fries, and sour beers which A2 has in spades in the same way Chicago does IPAs. If you’re digging the sours, HOMES Brewery across town serves theirs with a side of kimchi fries (YES.).
If beer isn’t your thing, check out the cocktail scene at Nightcap or head to the Ann Arbor Distillery for happy hour. In any case, you won’t go hungry or thirsty!
Truth be told, with only one year under my belt, there is much more to Ann Arbor that I have yet to explore. This list will no doubt grow but I think I’ve made a pretty good start. Thanks to Vidalia and Gouda for tagging along for the ride.
So, who’s coming to visit?
P.S. Toyota is donating $1 to PawsChicago for every “like” my Ann Arbor Instagram posts get, so head over and do your part to help the furry friends still waiting for their forever home. I’m forever grateful to them for uniting me with my Crawley, though, less thankful when I get poked in the face each morning at 5:30 am.
This post was sponsored by Toyota. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that keep THB plugging along. #MyTownMyPrius
Aww I love this post!! I know I have said this before but I do need to get to Michigan! It will definitely be a summer trip whenever I make it though 😉 xo