Maricat Eggenberger is the Communications Manager with the Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. She’s a proud Michigander that has lived in Ann Arbor for three years. She loves to travel, anything eco-friendly and the little adventures in life. If you're looking to charter a bus to Ann Arbor, she's an expert!
By Maricat Eggenberger
The home of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a city with small-town charm and the excitement of a big city. With something for everyone, you can take your taste-buds on a flavorful adventure, satisfy your cultural cravings or explore the outdoors of ‘Tree Town.’
Each season in Ann Arbor is packed with fun events and activities to enjoy. In the fall, don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime experience of catching a game at the University of Michigan Football Stadium. Fondly referred to as ‘The Big House,’ the stadium seats 109,901 fans. Not visiting in the fall? You can book a tour of ‘The Big House’; you’ll be able to walk on the field, walk through the locker rooms and even tour the suites!
Summers in Ann Arbor are a wonderful time to experience outdoor festivals; the Ann Arbor Art Fair and the Ann Arbor Summer Festival are popular events taking place right in downtown. Dine al fresco at one of Ann Arbor’s downtown restaurants. Check out the campus of the Wolverines and duck into the U-M Museum of Art, Kelsey Museum of Archeology, the Natural History Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Library. Don’t forget to walk through the Law Quad; you’ll feel like you are on the set of the Harry Potter movies at Hogwarts.
Planning a visit in late May will ensure you’ll be able to see hundreds of peonies in bloom at the University of Michigan Arboretum. A year-round 123-acre park at the edge of the Huron River and just blocks from downtown Ann Arbor, the ‘Arb’ as locals call it is a perfect place to hike beautiful trails.
Ice skate Ann Arbor’s outdoor ice rinks or cross-country ski the trails of nearby metro parks during the winter. Or, check out one of the Ann Arbor area’s world-class performances from the University Musical Society, whose performances take place at the historic Hill Auditorium. Catch a show at the intimate Purple Rose Theatre, in nearby Chelsea, founded by actor Jeff Daniels.
A few other tips for visiting Ann Arbor….
- Visit Zingerman’s Delicatessen, located in historic Kerrytown. Take your pick from their extensive sandwich menu and taste specialty meats and cheeses at the Deli!
- Stroll one of America’s Best Main Streets, full of outstanding restaurants and unique boutiques.
- Wander around the ‘Diag’ of the University of Michigan campus, located at State Street and North University.
- Kayak the cascades of the Huron River! Rent kayaks or canoes from Argo Canoe Livery, just blocks from downtown Ann Arbor.
- Keep your eyes open for fairy doors! They can be found all over downtown on the outsides of shops and restaurants.
- Check out Ann Arbor’s breweries! With four located right downtown, stop by for dinner and some great local beer.
- Eat your way through Ann Arbor. We guarantee you won’t regret it.