Welcome to Ann Arbor!
Why visit Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town with a lot to offer visitors. It has a lively arts and culture scene, a diverse range of dining and shopping options, and beautiful outdoor spaces to explore. It's also home to the University of Michigan, a top-ranked public research university.
Ann Arbor is a charming college town with plenty to see and do. Here is a sample itinerary for how to spend a day in Ann Arbor:
Morning: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at one of Ann Arbor's many great brunch spots. Try the famous Zingerman's Deli for their amazing sandwiches and baked goods, or the Fleetwood Diner for their classic diner fare. You can also start your day with a visit to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, located in the Kerrytown neighborhood. This bustling market is open year-round and offers fresh produce, artisanal food products, and handmade crafts. Grab a cup of coffee or a breakfast sandwich from one of the local vendors and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The following is a list of excellent breakfast places that you can start your day with:
After breakfast, head to the University of Michigan campus for a self-guided tour. The university is home to many beautiful historic buildings, including the iconic Burton Memorial Tower and Hill Auditorium. You can also check out the university's museums, such as the University of Michigan Museum of Art or the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. A list of famous buildings to visit would be:
Afternoon: For lunch, try one of the many unique restaurants in Ann Arbor's downtown area. Some great options include Frita Batidos for Cuban-inspired cuisine, The Lunch Room for vegetarian and vegan options, or Sava's for upscale American fare. Here is a list of outstanding lunch places for you to choose from:
After lunch, take a stroll through the Nichols Arboretum, a beautiful park with trails, gardens, and stunning views of the Huron River. You can also check out the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, which features a range of plants and flowers, and often hosts art exhibits and events.
Evening: For dinner, head to Mani Osteria & Bar for delicious Italian-inspired cuisine or Aventura for tasty Spanish tapas. Here is a list of upscale fine dinning for your special occasion in Ann Arbor:
After dinner, catch a performance at the Michigan Theater or the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, or explore the many bars, restaurants, and music venues in downtown Ann Arbor. For a unique experience, check out the Ann Arbor Art Center's monthly Artini event, where you can enjoy art, music, and cocktails.
Night: Cap off your day with a show at The Ark, a beloved music venue in downtown Ann Arbor. The Ark features a variety of live performances, from folk and acoustic music to stand-up comedy and storytelling. Check the schedule in advance and reserve your tickets early to ensure a spot at the show. You can also finish your day off with a nightcap at The Last Word, a cozy speakeasy-style bar that offers a wide selection of cocktails and other drinks in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Ann Arbor is known for hosting a number of major events throughout the year, including:
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is a massive art fair that takes place every summer in downtown Ann Arbor. It's actually four fairs in one, and it features thousands of artists and vendors from all over the country. Visitors can browse and buy a wide variety of art, from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and pottery. In addition to the art, there are also food vendors, live music performances, and other activities. The fair is held in July and draws over 400,000 visitors to the city.
The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America, and it's been showcasing independent and experimental films since 1963. The festival takes place every spring, and it features a wide range of films, from animation and documentary to experimental and avant-garde. The festival also includes workshops, panel discussions, and other events for film enthusiasts and filmmakers. It is held in March and features over 100 films from around the world.
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is an annual arts and culture festival that takes place in downtown Ann Arbor. The festival features a wide variety of performances, including music, dance, theater, and comedy. There are also outdoor movies, art installations, and other activities for all ages. This is a three-week-long festival that takes place in June and July and features music, dance, theater, film, and other performances. The festival also includes outdoor movies, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
The Taste of Ann Arbor is an annual food festival that takes place in June in downtown Ann Arbor. The festival features over 40 local restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisine, from Thai and Indian to American and Italian. Visitors can purchase food tickets and try samples from different restaurants, and there are also cooking demonstrations, live music performances, and other activities. The festival is a great way to sample the diverse food scene in Ann Arbor.
The Ann Arbor Folk Festival is an annual music festival that takes place in January in downtown Ann Arbor. The festival features two nights of music, with a wide range of folk, bluegrass, and roots music performers taking the stage. The festival is a fundraiser for The Ark, a non-profit venue that hosts live music performances year-round.
General Ann Arbor Event Calendar Schedule:
January:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
WALKING TOUR Of ANN ARBOR
A walking tour of Ann Arbor is a great way to experience the city's vibrant culture and beautiful architecture. Here's a suggested itinerary for a self-guided walking tour:
1.
Start at the University of Michigan Central Campus: Begin your tour at the heart of Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan Central Campus. Admire the historic buildings and beautiful green spaces that make this campus so unique.
2.
Walk along State Street: Head south on State Street towards downtown Ann Arbor. You'll pass a variety of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Be sure to check out the Michigan Theater, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace.
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Visit Nickels Arcade: Turn right onto Maynard Street and walk through the charming Nickels Arcade, an enclosed shopping arcade built in 1918. The arcade is filled with unique boutiques, shops, and restaurants.
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Stroll through Kerrytown: Exit the arcade and walk to Kerrytown, a historic neighborhood just north of downtown. You'll find a variety of independent shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as the Ann Arbor Farmers Market.
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Explore the Old West Side: Head west on West Huron Street towards the Old West Side. This historic neighborhood is filled with beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. Be sure to check out the Ann Arbor Art Center and the historic Kerrytown Concert House.
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Walk around the University of Michigan North Campus: Take a bus or drive to the University of Michigan North Campus and stroll around the modern architecture of the school's engineering and art schools.
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End at the Arboretum: Take a relaxing stroll through the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Admire the stunning gardens and wooded trails, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Here is a sample scavenger hunt for Ann Arbor:
Take a selfie with the University of Michigan's "Block M" in the background.
Find the "Diag" on the University of Michigan campus and take a group photo.
Take a photo with the "Angel" sculpture in the courtyard of the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
Find the graffiti alley on Liberty Street and take a photo with your favorite mural.
Visit the Nichols Arboretum and find the entrance to the peony garden. Take a photo with the peonies.
Find the sculpture of a frog and a rabbit playing chess in Gallup Park and take a photo with it.
Visit the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and take a photo of your group with your favorite vendor.
Find the "Fairy Doors" scattered throughout downtown Ann Arbor and take a photo with one of them.
Take a photo in front of the Michigan Theater, a historic movie palace in downtown Ann Arbor.
Find the "Kissing Squirrels" sculpture on the University of Michigan campus and take a group photo with it.
Visiting Ann Arbor with Kids?
Ann Arbor offers plenty of fun and educational activities for kids of all ages. Here are some of the best things to do in Ann Arbor with kids:
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a popular destination for families, with over 250 interactive exhibits designed to encourage learning through play.
The Leslie Science & Nature Center is a nature center and wildlife rehabilitation facility, offering a variety of programs and events for families.
The Nichols Arboretum, also known as "The Arb," is a 123-acre park with walking trails, gardens, and a large natural area.
The Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a 350-acre botanical garden and nature preserve with walking trails, a conservatory, and a children's garden.
The University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is a great place to explore the natural world, with exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, and more.
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is a great place to explore and learn about local food, with a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and other products.
The Michigan Theater is a historic movie theater in downtown Ann Arbor, offering a variety of family-friendly films and events.
The Rolling Hills Water Park is a fun and exciting destination for families, with a variety of water slides, a lazy river, and other attractions.
Pinball Pete's is a classic arcade in downtown Ann Arbor, with a variety of vintage and modern games.
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is an annual event that features a variety of performances, workshops, and other activities for families.
This small nonprofit animal sanctuary is home to a variety of exotic animals, including a kangaroo, a sloth, and several large cats. Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the animals and their habitats.
Celebrating your wedding in Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor has plenty of options for a memorable bachelorette and bachelor party
Schedule a wine tasting at Vinology Wine Bar & Restaurant, which offers a wide selection of wines, cheeses, and small plates.
Relax and unwind at one of Ann Arbor's many spas, such as Bellanina Day Spa or Douglas J Aveda Institute.
Host a private paint and sip party at Painting with a Twist, where you and your friends can enjoy a glass of wine while creating your own masterpieces.
Take a stroll down Main Street, where you'll find plenty of unique boutiques and shops, including vintage stores and trendy clothing boutiques.
Learn how to mix the perfect cocktail at The Last Word, a popular cocktail bar that offers classes and private events.
Catch a comedy show at The Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, which features both local and national comedians
Dance the night away at Necto Nightclub, a popular spot for bachelorette parties with multiple levels and dance floors.
Take a cooking class at Zingerman's Bakehouse, where you can learn to make artisan bread and other delicious baked goods.
Head to a trendy restaurant like Sava's, The Earle, or Pacific Rim for a delicious meal and craft cocktails.
Take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding Ann Arbor by going on a hiking or kayaking trip near Gallup Park Canoe & Kayak, or plan a day trip to nearby parks or nature preserves.
Ann Arbor is home to several excellent breweries, including Arbor Brewing Company, HOMES Brewery, and Wolverine State Brewing Co. Plan a brewery tour with your group to sample some of the best local brews and enjoy a fun and social atmosphere.
Head to Kart2Kart in nearby Sterling Heights for some high-speed go-kart racing with the guys. This indoor facility has challenging tracks and competitive racing, making it a great option for a bachelor party.
Take advantage of the beautiful Michigan weather and book a tee time at one of the many great golf courses in the area. Polo Fields Golf & Country Club and Ann Arbor Golf & Outing Club are both excellent choices for a bachelor party.
Check out the selection of over 150 whiskies at The Last Word, an upscale cocktail bar in downtown Ann Arbor. Settle into a cozy booth with your group and sample some of the best whiskey and craft cocktails in town.
Ann Arbor has several great steakhouses, including Ruth's Chris Steak House and The Chop House. Treat the groom-to-be to a delicious steak dinner and enjoy a night of good food, drinks, and conversation.
If you're looking for an action-packed activity, consider a trip to Lone Wolf Paintball or Zap Zone, where you can enjoy a game of paintball or laser tag with your group.
Put your problem-solving skills to the test with an escape room challenge. Decode the clues and solve the puzzles to escape the room before time runs out at Decode Ann Arbor or Clueless Escape Rooms
Ann Arbor has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from. The Blind Pig and The Necto Nightclub are popular choices for a bachelor party, offering great music and a fun atmosphere.