The Michigan burg’s blend of old-school and new, small-town and city, makes for constant contrasts. Not far from a stretch of solar-powered parking meters, chickens strut about the front yard of an old house with timber framework. Its lawn, awash in tiny blue squills, ends where new condominium construction begins. While they wait, a caped man pedals past on a BMX bicycle, drumsticks in hand, beating a rhythm on the handlebars and singing “Give Peace a Chance.” Here, in the home of one of the country’s top-ranked public universities, just visiting is a double major in the classics and modernism.
Take a Brew Tour
There are numerous unique breweries in the Ann Arbor Area. Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti always carries my favorite beer (ABC’s Phat Abbot Trippel), Wolverine State Brewing Company Tap Room is a favorite local hang out, and Original Gravity in Milan is a hidden hoppy gem. Honestly, they’re all amazing. Arbor Brewing Company, Grizzly Peak, Jolly Pumpkin and Blue Tractor are all within walking distance from each other downtown.
Catch a Game at the Big House or Crisler Center
There are plenty of places that are great for game-watching fun, but maybe none as iconic as the University of Michigan Football Stadium, more commonly referred to as the Big House. Attending an event at the largest college football stadium in North America or the nearby Crisler Center should be on every Ann Arbor visitor’s bucket list. If you’d like to watch a game or event from the comfort of a restaurant, I recommend Haymaker, Fraser’s Pub or Conor O’Neill’s. Aubree’s in Ypsilanti is a great spot too. Make sure to get there early to claim your spot!
Eat Delicious Food
Everyone ALWAYS asks me where to eat in Ann Arbor. I never have a straight answer, mostly because there’s way too much to choose from, and I have way too many favorites. Here’s my short list: the falafel wrap at Pita Kabob. The TLT at Seva. The Chicken Tortilla Soup at Le Dog. The salmon burger at Monahan’s. A slice of veggie pie at NY Pizza Depot. The #24 at Amer’s Deli. And whenever I go to Ayse’s Turkish Cafe, I always let her choose (because I can’t).
Visit Ann Arbor Public Market
Open Saturdays all year round and both Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer, the Ann Arbor Farmers Market offers many goods from more than 100 local businesses. For almost 100 years now, the farmer’s market has offered locally grown crops such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, cider, honey, and maple syrup. There are also many vendors who sell toys, art, and crafts.
Check out Burton Tower Carillon
Every weekday at noon, on the University of Michigan campus, people gather to listen to the Carillon at Burton Tower. First of all, what is a Carillon? Well, according to the Burton Tower website, If you’d like to experience this musical attraction on your trip to Ann Arbor you can either listen from the ground below or from the observation deck. The observation deck and bell chamber are open to the public during the recitals. An internationally renowned summer recital series takes place on Monday evenings throughout July and August. You can also request a formal tour of the tower, as long as you request two weeks ahead of time.
