Highlights of Ann Arbor: A to F
Attitude Every time we visit Ann Arbor, Michigan (population: 112,000), we come back raving--about the vibrant downtown, the eclectic cuisine, the affordable galleries, the sleek museums and, of course, that infectious college-town energy. Just 45 minutes west of Detroit, the University of Michigan's hometown makes a colorful (and tasty) weekend getaway.
Big Blue The University of Michigan blends into downtown Ann Arbor. Take a stroll on the 3,200-acre campus (pictured at left; 734/764-1817; umich.edu).
Ceramics Motawi Tileworks makes Arts and Crafts-style tiles for homes, plus clocks, pendants and other goodies. Come Thursdays for tours (734/213-0017; www.motawi.com).
Downtown districts Main Street, State Street and Kerrytown are different, but they share this: almost no chain businesses (800/888-9487; visitannarbor.org).
Espresso Love Breakfast Stout This smoky, coffee-infused ale is our fave among Arbor Brewing Company's beers (734/213-1393; arborbrewing.com).
Fried pig's head Sounds awful, tastes great. Try it with mustard at Grange Kitchen and Bar, a fabulous farm-to-table spot downtown (734/995-2107; grangekitchenandbar.com).
Ann Arbor highlights: G to J
Glass cherries Selo/Shevel Gallery's cheerful bowls of glass fruit make great Michigan souvenirs (734/761-4620; seloshevelgallery.com).
Haute pub grub Oven-dried-tomato pizza. Truffle-oil fries. The Jolly Pumpkin turns a pint into a food adventure (pictured at left; 734/913-2730; jollypumpkin.com).
Intriguing jewelry The tempting selection at 16 Hands Gallery includes watches made from silver spoons (734/761-1110; 16handsgallery.com).
Juicy steaks Weber's Restaurant and Hotel serves the most tender prime rib in town. (The rooms are comfy, too; from $150.) (800/443-3050; webersinn.com)
Ann Arbor highlights: K to O
Kneading bread Zingerman's Bakehouse (see Z), hosts hands-on classes where you can learn to make doughnuts, croissants and more (734/761-7255; bakewithzing.com).
Louis Comfort Tiffany collection The glitzy University of Michigan Museum of Art displays a stunning array of Tiffany glass. Free (734/764-0395;
umma.umich.edu).
Morning food Cafe Zola's French-inspired brunch menu includes 13 omelets. Our pick: goat cheese and asparagus (734/769-2020; cafezola.com).
Napoleons Custard-filled pastries cap off an old-world feast of kielbasa and paprikash at Amadeus Cafe and Restaurant (734/665-8767; amadeusrestaurant.com).
Open-air art Ann Arbor hosts four art fairs at the same time each summer (pictured at left) (800/888-9487; artfairs.visitannarbor.org).
Ann Arbor highlights: P to S
Premieres The tiny Performance Network Theatre stages one new play each year, plus old faves (Little Shop of Horrors) (734/663-0681; performancenetwork.org).
Quixotic gifts Acme Mercantile is a fun house of funky toys, fridge magnets and even candy (734/213-3722; acmemercantile.com).
Railroad rumble Trains rattle past the Gandy Dancer restaurant, offering a thrillingly gritty backdrop to steak and seafood dinners (734/769-0592; muer.com).
Sidewalk cafes Spring in Ann Arbor means dusting off the tables and umbrellas for another season of alfresco dining (left). Ethnic fare, smoothies or subs--you name it, someone's eating it while basking in the sun and smiling.
Ann Arbor highlights: T to X
Taramousalata This addictive, garlicky potato-caviar spread with the texture of whipped butter starts every meal at Mediterrano (734/332-9700; mediterrano.com).
Upscale Italian food Forget red sauce. Paesano Restaurant-Wine Bar serves innovative dishes such as chestnut risotto (734/971-0484; paesanosannarbor.com).
Vibrant art The nonprofit Ann Arbor Art Center (left) has a colorful gallery and hosts lots of classes (734/994-8004; annarborartcenter.org).
Wind chimes Spruce up your nest with outdoor music-makers from Downtown Home and Garden (734/662-8122; downtownhomeandgarden.com).
Xtra calories Indulge in a midday truffle at Schakolad Chocolate Factory (734/213-1700; schakolad.com).
Ann Arbor highlights: Y and Z
Youthful vibe College towns have a sneaky way of making you yearn for pre-responsibility days. Wallow in the nostalgia (maybe over a slice of pizza) before checking back into reality.
Zingerman's Not just a name, but an institution, this family of businesses includes the original deli, a bakery, a creamery and, our latest obsession, the Roadhouse restaurant. Together, they form the backbone of the city's culinary scene. Zingerman's also shares the foodie love via mail-order, so even if you can't visit Ann Arbor, at least you can taste it at home (pictured at left; 888/636-8162; zingermans.com).
(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® March/April 2011.)
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and of course "B" for BEER--as Ann Arbor boasts more amazing craft breweries PER CAPITA than any city in our Great Beer State (Plus "W" for Wolverine State Brewing, naturally!) great article!
5/24/2011 09:54:10 AM Report Abuse