26 Reasons We Love Ann Arbor

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). 734/764-1817; umich.eduCeramics 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.comDowntown districts Main Street, State Street and Kerrytown are different, but they share this: almost no chain businesses. (800) 888-9487; visitannarbor.orgEspresso Love Breakfast Stout This smoky, coffee-infused ale is our fave among Arbor Brewing Company's beers. (734) 213-1393; arborbrewing.comFried 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

Glowing Art Festifools, an early April festival, is filled with elaborate luminaries, music and creativity. (734) 763-7550; wonderfoolproductions.orgHaute pub grub (pictured) Oven-dried-tomato pizza. Truffle-oil fries. The Jolly Pumpkin turns a pint into a food adventure. (734) 913-2730; jollypumpkin.comIntriguing jewelry The tempting selection at 16 Hands Gallery includes watches made from silver spoons. (734) 761-1110; 16handsgallery.comJuicy 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

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.comLouis Comfort Tiffany collection The glitzy University of Michigan Museum of Art displays a stunning array of Tiffany glass. Free. (734) 764-0395; umma.umich.eduMorning food Cafe Zola's French-inspired brunch menu includes 11 omelets. Our pick: goat cheese and asparagus. (734) 769-2020; cafezola.comNapoleons Custard-filled pastries cap off an old-world feast of kielbasa and paprikash at Amadeus Cafe and Restaurant. (734) 665-8767; amadeusrestaurant.comOpen-air art (pictured) Ann Arbor hosts four art fairs at the same time each summer. (800) 888-9487; artfairs.visitannarbor.org

Paella Also: Spanish tapas, flatbreads, a weekend bloody mary bar and sangrias at Aventura. aventuraannarbor.comQuixotic gifts Shop for decorative papers, bookbinding materials, stationery and more at Hollanders. (734) 741-7531; hollanders.comRailroad rumble Trains rattle past the Gandy Dancer restaurant, offering a thrillingly gritty backdrop to steak and seafood dinners. (734) 769-0592; muer.comSidewalk cafes (pictured) Spring in Ann Arbor means dusting off the tables and umbrellas for another season of alfresco dining. Ethnic fare, smoothies or subs-you name it, someone's eating it while basking in the sun and smiling.

Taramousalata This addictive, garlicky potato-caviar spread with the texture of whipped butter starts every meal at Mediterrano. (734) 332-9700; mediterrano.comUpscale Italian food Forget red sauce. Paesano Restaurant-Wine Bar serves innovative dishes such as chestnut risotto. (734) 971-0484; paesanosannarbor.comVibrant art The nonprofit Ann Arbor Art Center (pictured) has a colorful gallery and hosts lots of classes. (734) 994-8004; annarborartcenter.orgWind chimes Spruce up your nest with outdoor music-makers from Downtown Home and Garden. (734) 662-8122; downtownhomeandgarden.comXtra calories Indulge in a midday truffle at Schakolad Chocolate Factory. (734) 213-1700; schakolad.com

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 (pictured) 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. (888) 636-8162; zingermans.com(Prices and other details can change; please check specifics before making travel plans.)