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City Spotlight: Ann Arbor

A Travel Guide to the Tree Town

Nestled in the heart of Michigan like a bookworm's fever dream, Ann Arbor is the kind of town that makes you wonder if someone slipped some psilocybin into your farm-to-table salad. It's a place where you're just as likely to overhear a heated debate about quantum mechanics as you are to stumble upon a unicycle riding juggler outside a craft brewery.

Welcome to Ann Arbor, where the coffee shops double as think tanks, and even the graffiti is peer-reviewed.

Quick Look at Ann Arbor: What You Need To Know Before You Go

• 🗺️ Location: Southeastern Michigan, United States

• 📍 Coordinates: 42.2808° N, 83.7430° W

• 🕰️ Time Zone: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC -4 hours

• 📅 Founded: 1824 by John Allen and Elisha Rumsey

• 👥 Population: Approximately 124,000

• 🗣️ Language: English

• 💱 Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

Did you know?

"The Big House" isn't just a cute nickname - Michigan Stadium is literally the largest college football colosseum in the U.S., a concrete monster that eats other stadiums for breakfast and still has room for 110,000+ screaming fans.

Local Cuisine: What to Eat & Drink in Ann Arbor

• Zingerman's Reuben: A legendary sandwich featuring corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on rye bread.

• Frita: A Cuban-inspired burger topped with shoestring fries.

• Detroit-style square pizza with a crispy, caramelized cheese edge.

• Cheese Puffs - Light, airy cheese pastries.

• Craft Beer - Ann Arbor has a thriving craft beer scene.

Best Sandwich in Ann Arbor

🥪 Zingerman's Deli is an Ann Arbor institution famous for its legendary sandwiches, particularly the Reuben, which features house-cooked corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on toasted marble rye. It has been featured on national "best sandwich" lists and is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike

Best Breweries in Ann Arbor

🍺 HOMES Brewery: Known for creative brews—including a range of IPAs, sours, and eclectic fusion dishes, it's a trendy spot with bold flavors.

🍺 Wolverine State Brewing: Praised for its consistently well-crafted lagers and solid bar food, it's a classic spot with a welcoming vibe.

Best Vegan Spot in Ann Arbor

🌱 Jerusalem Garden: Known for their falafel, shawarma, and hummus, it's a casual spot with affordable prices.

Best Hot Dog in Ann Arbor

🌭 Biercamp serves up mouthwatering artisanal hot dogs and smoked sausages, made in-house with locally sourced ingredients—perfectly paired with their craft beer for a relaxed and flavorful meal.

Best Bakery in Ann Arbor

🥐 Zingerman's Bakehouse has been crowned the best bakery in the entire state of Michigan. Known for their artisanal bread, fine cheeses, and premium meats.

Best Coffee Shops in Ann Arbor

☕ Vertex Coffee Roasters: Known for its high-quality coffee and minimalist menu, Vertex is a favorite for its expertly crafted drinks and welcoming atmosphere.

☕ Roos Roast: A local favorite known for their house-roasted beans and quirky atmosphere. Try their signature "Lobster Butter Love" blend or the "Rich French Neighbor" for a darker roast.

Best Ice Cream in Ann Arbor

🍦 Blank Slate Creamery reigns as the champion of Ann Arbor's ice cream scene, winning the title of Best Ice Cream for six consecutive years. They offer homemade, artisanal, locally-sourced ice cream with an enormous rotating flavor selection, including non-dairy options

🍦 Washtenaw Dairy: Operating since 1934, this local institution offers delicious homemade ice cream. Their butter pecan is a local favorite, but also try their seasonal flavors like Michigan black cherry.

Explore & Enjoy: What to do in Ann Arbor

Free Things to Do in Ann Arbor

🎨 University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) – Enjoy free admission to this museum that houses a diverse collection of over 20,000 artworks.

🌳 Nichols Arboretum – Wander through 123 acres of natural beauty featuring gardens, scenic trails, and stunning views along the Huron River.

🏛️ University of Michigan Campus Self-Guided Tour – Take a leisurely stroll around the campus to admire historic architecture and learn about the university’s storied past.

🧚‍♀️ Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor – Hunt for the whimsical miniature doors artfully hidden throughout downtown Ann Arbor.

Best Local Market in Ann Arbor

🥕 Ann Arbor Farmers Market – A producer-only market offering local produce and artisanal goods, open year-round on Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm..

Best Shopping Destination in Ann Arbor

🛍️ Main Street – This charming downtown area is dotted with unique boutiques and art galleries. While exploring, be sure to check out The M Den for exclusive University of Michigan merchandise.

Best Independent Bookstore in Ann Arbor

📚 Literati Bookstore – A beloved local bookstore known for its curated book selection, lively author events, and the famous public typewriter that invites you to share your own thoughts.

Best Place for Live Music in Ann Arbor

🎵 The Ark – A renowned intimate listening room that has been showcasing folk and acoustic music since 1965, offering an intimate venue to enjoy live performances.

Sports in Ann Arbor

🏈 Michigan Wolverines (NCAA) – Watch the Wolverines dominate at Michigan Stadium, also known as "The Big House," the largest stadium in the U.S. and home to one of college football's most passionate fanbases.

Only in Ann Arbor

🎲 Ann Arbor VFW Pinball Museum & Pinball Repair – The Ann Arbor VFW Pinball Museum, also known as "Vintage Flipper World," houses over 500 restored pinball machines from the 1950s to today. Located in Brighton, Michigan, it opens to the public only a few weekends each year due to local regulations.

Weather and Climate in Ann Arbor

🍁 Fall: Cool and crisp, with colorful foliage

❄️ Winter: Cold and snowy

🌱 Spring: Mild with occasional rain showers

☀️ Summer: Warm and humid

🌡️ Coldest month (January): Average high 32°F (0°C), low 18°F (-8°C) Hottest month (July): Average high 84°F (29°C), low 63°F (17°C)

🌧️ Annual precipitation: About 37 inches (940 mm), evenly distributed throughout the year ❄️ Snowfall: Averages 43 inches (109 cm) per year, mainly from December to March

Notable weather patterns:

• Lake effect snow from Lake Michigan and Lake Huron

• Occasional severe thunderstorms in spring and summer

• Potential for heat waves in summer

Origins & Influence: Connections to Ann Arbor

The Story Behind the Name Ann Arbor

Ever wondered how Ann Arbor (or A2 for those in the know) got its quirky name?

Here you go: It's 1824, and two guys, John Allen and Elisha Rumsey, are chilling in an oak grove. Both married to Anns (cosmic coincidence, anyone?), they look around and think, "Trees... wives... I've got it!" Ann + Arbor = Ann Arbor. Mind. Blown. 🤯

Fast forward to today, and they call it "Tree Town." Either it's a nod to the lush greenery or a clever cover for a secret Ent society. My money's on the latter.

Ann Arbor in Pop Culture

Ann Arbor is often referenced in television series that tap into its college town mystique. For example, the hit series Lost has episodes where Ann Arbor is mentioned in the context of the mysterious DHARMA Initiative, lending an air of real-world familiarity to its enigmatic plot.

Famous Personalities from Ann Arbor

• Ken Burns: Acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for his detailed historical series like The Civil War.

• Iggy Pop: Iconic singer, songwriter, and actor celebrated as the "Godfather of Punk."

• Eric Betzig: Nobel laureate physicist who revolutionized cellular imaging with super-resolution microscopy.

• Megan Ganz: Witty comedy writer and podcaster famed for her work on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Onion.

Sister City: Tübingen, Germany

Since 1965, A2's been playing international match-maker with Tübingen, Germany - a fellow brainiac hub that's so similar, it's like someone xeroxed Ann Arbor, sprinkled it with schnitzel, and plopped it in the Black Forest. These twin cities have been swapping students, sustainability tips, and probably secret beer recipes for decades.

Smart Cookies

Let's talk about the 200-pound maize and blue wolverine in the room - the University of Michigan. The town's collective IQ is higher than the calorie count in a Zingerman's sandwich (more on that cholesterol-laden slice of heaven later).

But you don't need a Ph.D. to enjoy this cerebral wonderland. Just bring your curiosity, a pair of comfortable shoes, and maybe brush up on your obscure literary references.

Grub That'll Make Your Taste Buds Go to Grad School

Speaking of Zingerman's, brace yourself for a culinary religious experience that'll have you speaking in tongues (mostly because your mouth will be full).

Pro tip: order the Reuben. Just don't plan on buttoning your pants for the next 24 hours.

For a more, shall we say, elevated dining experience, hit up Spencer. It's the kind of place where the menu changes more often than a freshman's major, and the wine list is longer than War and Peace.

Brews, Views, and Attitude

Ann Arbor's beer scene is like a frat party for grown-ups with good taste. Wolverine State Brewing Co. is a great start. Meanwhile, HOMES Brewery (yes, it's an acronym, no, I won't tell you what it stands for – Google it like the rest of us) offers IPAs so hoppy, you'll think you've died and gone to Humulus lupulus heaven.

Still upright? Head to The Last Word. This speakeasy-style bar serves up cocktails with more flair than a juggling unicyclist (they're everywhere, I swear). Try the "Bankers' Holiday” but remember: with great cocktails comes great responsibility. And possibly a great hangover.

Culture, Schmuture

Sure, you could visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art and admire works by Picasso and Warhol. Or you could embrace Ann Arbor's quirkier side and check out the Fairy Doors scattered throughout downtown.

These tiny installations are like Pokémon for the whimsically inclined – gotta spot 'em all!

For a truly unique experience, time your visit with the Ann Arbor Art Fair. You'll find everything from exquisite paintings to jewelry made from recycled bottle caps. It's the perfect place to pick up a souvenir that'll make your friends say, "What is that?" with equal parts confusion and admiration.

Where 110,000 Wolverines Roar (and Occasionally Watch Football)

You can't miss Michigan Stadium, affectionately dubbed "The Big House" - and trust me, it lives up to the hype. Even if you think football is just a bunch of dudes playing hot potato with a leather egg, this place will blow your mind.

Don't worry if you can't tell a touchdown from a home run - the sheer size and electric atmosphere will have you cheering louder than a soccer mom on espresso.

The Last Word (again)

Ann Arbor is a town that'll stimulate your mind and expand your waistline.

So pack your bags and get ready to fall in love with the smartest small town you'll ever meet. Just don't blame me when you start seriously considering going back to school for that Ph.D. in Quantum Sock Puppetry.

Adventure awaits,

Rocco Gmelin