Michigan: Ann Arbor

When I lived in Michigan for a few years, it was always fun to head down to Ann Arbor and let off some steam. Of course it's famous for being a college town, but Ann Arbor is also a refuge from the rest of the somewhat conservative state of Michigan. Gay bars, vegetarian eats and a laid back atmosphere stand in sharp contrast to the gun racks and buffet dining of up north.

You'll find a number of great places to shop and eat in Ann Arbor, and there quite a few places for just hanging out and enjoying the scene. And that's really what is most worthy of recommending of this fairly small city: the casual, easy going pace and sophisticated yet simple way of life. Cute college kids for flirting with is just an added bonus...

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While getting around the downtown area by foot is easy enough, a car is necessary for getting to the far reaches of town. A large parking structure is situated right in the center of town and is fairly inexpensive.

One of three art fairs held annually in Ann Arbor, the outdoor summer event is probably the most popular. People come from all over to what is considered one of the best art shows in the country. Along 26 blocks throughout the downtown area, artists of wildly varying tastes and abilities compete for the judges' attention as well as impulse shoppers.

Much of the artwork and crafts on display are quite affordable, though the discerning critic might argue that the price tag is still highly inflated in relation to the quality of workmanship. I like strolling through the fair not so much to check out watercolors and terra cotta dinnerware but to people watch and get caught up in the fun spirit of the eager crowd. The tacky food stalls with their fattening and sugary treats are also a big plus.

The Nectarine Ballroom is the main dance club in the Ann Arbor area, and is particularly popular with gay men on Tuesday and Friday nights. But whenever you go you'll find a fairly pansexual crowd in this liberal college town. The music and club itself is kind of retro in feel, which appeals to the younger college kids and was nice for me after spending too much time in the oppressive clubs of New York. There is a certain live and let live feeling in the Nectarine, which really is a reflection of the town as a whole, in my opinion.

The Aut Bar has had several monikers and make-overs, but hopefully the latest incarnation will stand the test of time. If you're not looking to kick up your heels on the dance floor at the Nectarine, you can stand around with a beer and flirt with cute college students instead at the Aut.

There is food service if you want to grab a meal and an espresso bar if you'd rather not drink alcohol. Billiards table is available for games, and a patio out back allows you to take your new friend outside to get to know each other beter. A small library addition adds to the sense that the Aut Bar is more than just a bar. In fact, you could say it's become the town's preferred gay community center.

PJ's is a great used record shop. It's fairly large for a small city, has a great selection of older and more unusual selections, features a lot of vinyl in addition to cds, and has a fairly knowledgeable staff. Though some of the stuff is overpriced the large selection ensures that you'll find a good deal or two if you search long enough. One helpful note: though it's right smack in the center of downtown, I've often found it easy to get parking right out front of the store, as people come in and out fairly quickly.