Ann Arbor

Situated around an hour’s drive west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is a small but culturally rich town in Michigan. It is most famous for being the home of the University of Michigan, also known as the “Harvard of the Midwest”, which is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United States, and indeed in the world. Because of the university’s presence in Ann Arbor, it provides many of the town’s attractions, and due to the student population, there is an abundance of restaurants, cafés, bars, and nightclubs.

Attractions

The University of Michigan’s Museum of Art houses almost 18,000 works from across the globe, and highlights include its collections of works by Whistler and Picasso, as well as East Asian ceramics and paintings. The university’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are home to plants native to Michigan State and the rest of North America, as well as species from across the world.

Two important non-university attractions in the town are Ann Arbor Hands-On Science Museum and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. The museum has more than 250 interactive exhibits that allow both children and adults to learn about science in a fun way. The presidential library contains archives from the Cold War era relating to US domestic issues, foreign policy, and political affairs.

For sports enthusiasts, the university’s Michigan Stadium plays host to college American football games and boasts a capacity of 110,000 spectators, almost the same size as the town’s own population. Ann Arbor is a well-known golfing destination, with 23 courses available, offering different styles and difficulty levels.

Shopping

Downtown Ann Arbor has a wealth of bookstores, clothing boutiques, and jewellery shops. Kerrytown Market and Farmer’s Market offer early morning shoppers the area’s freshest produce, including fruit, vegetables, and baked goods. The largest shopping centre in the region is Briarwood Mall, which sells the standard range of branded goods.

Nightlife and Eating Out

Ann Arbor is known for being a dining out and entertainment destination, fuelled by its student population. Zingerman’s Deli is regarded by some locals as the best delicatessen in the United States, and offers traditional Jewish food, pastries, meats, and cheeses, amongst other treats. There is an abundance of both American and international cuisine on offer; and one of the town’s finest restaurants that comes highly recommended is Blue Nile, which specialises in Ethiopian cuisine.

The town’s bars and nightclubs are plentiful. An interesting fact is that Ann Arbor’s first tavern was established in 1824, before even its first school was built, setting a trend for the town’s nightlife. The Arbor Brewing Company is famous for live music, good service, and freshly brewed beer, and The Heidelberg has a selection of American and German beers. The Necto is the biggest nightclub in town and has something for everyone.

Tourist Information

• Ann Arbor Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, 120 West Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1318/li>
• Telephone: +1 734 995 7281
• Website: www.annarbor.org

Airport

Ann Arbor’s airport is small and only handles private or charter flights. Visitors have to fly into Detroit Metropolitan Airport, which is served by major international and domestic carriers, and in fact is an important hub for Northwest Airlines. It is situated approximately 25 miles east of Ann Arbor, and can be easily reached by bus or taxi.