5 Reasons Why You Should Head to Ann Arbor in the Spring and Walk Around for Hours

USATravelMichigan

Jun 1

If you haven't been to Ann Arbor, Michigan in a while or ever, it's time to start planning your trip! Make it a long weekend, pack your carry on, and get going. Ann Arbor, especially when the flowers are in bloom is a worthy site, fit to fill your senses and leave you refreshed and grateful.

I had the pleasure of visiting both Ann Arbor and Detroit Memorial Day weekend 2016 and with the rain free, warm weathered weekend, every moment was packed with taking in sights, laughs, and great food. Make sure to bring your walking shoes!

Ann Arbor Neighborhoods

Take your time to not only walk around downtown (which I will share in a moment), but wander off the main streets to the nearby neighborhoods to observe the architecture and art, smell the flowers (which are shockingly gorgeous), and smile at the locals. Their homes and gardens are beautiful and help make your time in this beautiful city a special one.

I could walk around for hours with delight trying to pick out which house was my favorite; each one with more charm and character, and emanating with a unique identity and its own little story.

Ann Arbor Downtown

Even if you or one of your loved ones aren't looking for colleges, spend some time on the central campus of the University of Michigan, relax in the Diag, and walk to the Law Quad to step inside the Law Library. Lush green, stately English Gothic design, and local wildlife will meet the eye and set your senses ablaze. And if you're a fan of Harry Potter, it will fill like you might see Hermione or Draco at any moment.

Walk about town . . . Liberty Street, State Street, Main Street . . . or ride an Arbor Bike. Take your time browsing in and out of shops, grab a coffee and explore little colorful hidden corners of the city.

Delicious cuisine

Whether you hit up one of the many famous Zingerman locations, discover the local ethnic foods, fine dine or grab some ice cream it seems like you can't go wrong at any of the awesome eateries in Ann Arbor.

The Beer Depot.  How great is this sign? — The Beer Depot. How great is this sign?

Random photo of David Arquette on The Broken Egg specials menu - get the classic eggs, bacon, english muffin breakfast

Zingerman's Delicatessen and its famous lines

Zingerman's Next Door. . .  try the gelato... — Zingerman's Next Door. . . try the gelato...

If you have a kitchen, grab some fresh veggies from the farmers market and eat local!

Blueberry Pancake ice cream is a must try at Blank Slate Creamery

Bonus: Spend the day in Detroit

If you visit Ann Arbor for a long weekend, take the time to visit downtown Detroit, a very worthy city. A lot has and still is taking place in the Motor City, but their is something so special about its history and pride that it is worth giving your time and attention to.

With a new stadium being built, and serious businesses coming to town Detroit can't be stopped and deserves the visit.

Grab a craft beer and wings at Detroit Beer Co.

Adorable and hip Ashe Supply Co.  Grab a cookie — Adorable and hip Ashe Supply Co. Grab a cookie

Walk along the water, take in a view of the Bridge to Canada and Canada!

At the end of the day in Detroit, I had the opportunity to meet some friends of friends in Highland Park, a neighborhood just outside the limits of Detroit. And despite, the ups and downs of the cities economy and crime, these sweet folks have lived in their home for 30 years and see no reason to leave. It was their sweet pride and love for their home and city that left my heart full and willing to share the story of this dope city.

I hope you feel inspired to give Ann Arbor AND Detroit a go. I feel certain that it will meet and perhaps exceed your expectations.

Let me know how it goes!

Enjoy,