Ann Arbor

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Ann Arbor, MI - Lifelong Resident

A travel journal to Ann Arbor by catronma

Blimpy BurgerMore Photos

Having lived in Ann Arbor for over 20 years I have had the unique experience of growing up with a wide variety of activities.

  • 11 reviews
  • 1 photo

Ann Arbor, MI - Lifelong ResidentBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Ann Arbor is one of the best places I have lived as far as activities go. You can find something to do here year round, skiing and ice skating in the winter, running and walking trails in the summer, camping is never far away and the sporting events are ever present for all ages. Not to mention the various festivals all year but more so in the summer. Ann Arbor is also a place of endless sources and variety of foods, if you can dream it, you can find it. The location is also perfect, a short drive to Detroit, Windsor, and Toledo, as well as heading up north for a long weekend.

Quick Tips:

The Ann Arbor News on Thursday an Fridays or the monthly Ann Arbor Observer will have the events for the coming week or month.

Best Way To Get Around:

Webers InnBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Webers"

Webers has to be one of the oldest hotels around Ann Arbor, it has been there for as long as I can remember. It is considered a higher end hotel, though it is small and the location is not the best as far as proximity to activities (nothing within walking distance).
The indoor pool with games and a bar nearby are a great way to pass the time. The restaurant has a decent buffet for breakfast, I have only had dinner there once. The rooms are furnished nicely thought they are a bit small when you try to fit 4 people and their stuff in them.
They do have a few smaller meeting/gathering rooms that are nicely done.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by catronma on December 4, 2006

Webers Inn
3050 Jackson Rd. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
(734) 769-2500

Red Roof Ann Arbor Univ NorthBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Red Roof Inn"

This is one of the cheapest hotels in Ann Arbor but it is not terrible to stay at. We have used this hotel frequently when family visits because it is not horribly expensive and still very close to North campus, the hospital, and a much shorter drive to DTW than some of the west side hotels. The rooms are standard hotel rooms, nothing special, but have always appeared clean and in good condition. They are all outside rooms with the front balcony, which I like for relaxing in the warmer months. You may want to request a room towards the back because at rush hour Plymouth Road can get busy and loud. There is a Big Boy restaurant on site as well as Applebees and a CVS pharmacy just one parking lot over.
Also nearby is Dominos Pizza HQ and farms, Pfizer, and the start of North Campus. The location right off 23 gives you easy access to M14 and US 94 to go towards Lansing, Flint, Detroit or Toledo.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by catronma on January 30, 2007

Red Roof Ann Arbor Univ North
3621 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
(734) 996-5800

DinerstyBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

A fast food-type Chinese restaurant that has eat-in and delivery up. By far the best food for your money of any Chinese place I have ever been. You get a massive plate of food at about the same price as a Chinese place in a mall, but the food is fresh and much better.

On Liberty between Main and State, near the downtown library.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by catronma on July 17, 2006

Dinersty
241 East Liberty St. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
(734) 998-0008

Blimpy BurgerBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Blimpy Burger
An Ann Arbor icon for those that have lived there for a while. Your arteries will harden upon walking in the door, but you must keep going. If you do not order in the proper order and in the right amount of time you may get yelled at depending on whose working at the grill. Do not hesitate to get at least a triple, they are thin, and many in my family like to throw and egg on there too, something I have never seen anywhere else. The onion rings are perfect, and my mom loves the mushrooms. There is not a ton of space inside so you may have to take your food to the curb, literally.

Most importantly if you are a Blimpy Virgin you get 10% off your order, no need to tell them if you are, they will probably know!
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by catronma on January 17, 2007

Blimpy Burger
551 S Division Ann Arbor, Michigan
(734) 663-4590

Ann Arbor Art FairBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

I have been to the Fairs nearly every year for the last 20 years, and even spent a few years working at one of the T-shirt booths on S. University (which is my preference of the three). The S. University fair tends to be a little less crowded, but parking is also more scarce. The State Street has to be the most crowded, in my opinion, and the Main Street area has the most food. Do not wait until the last day for this one, by far always the most crowded. Though it may seem far to some, if you park at the Main Street end, it is not far to walk to S. University, and you can experience the city while you walk. Going through the diag and law quad area, usually less crowded than State to S. University. Even if you are not into the art, like me, or can't afford it, the people-watching and food is great!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by catronma on July 17, 2006

Ann Arbor Art Fair
Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106
(734) 994-5260

Ann Arbor Hands-On MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Great for kids, and fun for adults who feel a little silly too. There are at least a days worth of activities that will keep kids involved, can get a bit out of control with kids on the weekends. Also not very expensive.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by catronma on July 17, 2006

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 East Ann Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
(734) 995-5439

University of Michigan FootballBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

It has been a few years since I have been to a game but having lived across the street from the stadium for many years, and having parents with season tickets, I have experienced my share of games. For parking, your best bet is to go to one of the nearby neighborhoods and find someone doing parking in their yard. This is also the best bet for trying to find a tailgate spot if you do not already have one. The other option is Pioneer High School but many of the lifetime game goers have established spots there so go early! There are always scalpers out before games, and unless you know someone, that is the only way you will get tickets. On good game days be prepared to pay a pretty penny for tickets. Your other option is to do what we used to do when we were kids and collect cans and bottles, take them to the Buschs grocery store a short walk from Pioneer High, cash them in and start looking or someone with tickets! You may laugh but I have known people who managed to get over $100 doing this. Virtually nothing is allowed inside the gates so bring plenty of money for snacks and drinks!
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by catronma on July 17, 2006

Gallup ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Large playground, canoe launch and shuttles, plenty of trails for running biking or walking, and picnic areas. Many of the picnic areas have charcoal grills.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by catronma on July 17, 2006

Gallup Park
Geddes Rd. Ann Arbor, Michigan

German ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Wow! I can't believe this hasn't been listed! A must for anyone who has anything to do with or likes German culture, or just likes beer! I will do my best to describe this unique and highly popular event, but I doubt I will do it justice.

Held the last Saturday in June, July, and August, German Park is a traditional German festival atmosphere. Live German bands play near the dance floor, traditional German food is served, and it's hard to miss the smells! German beer flows, and you by it by the bucket, yes the bucket, which you may keep. The party goes until the beer runs but for the most part, there is a closing time but I don't remember what it is. Arrive early! the later you wait to arrive the longer the lines will be to park, get in, and for beer. Also they will stop serving food so if you go for the food go before 7pm.

There is no better atmosphere in Ann Arbor, entire families attend, children too, and even if you don't like German food or music you will still enjoy yourself drinking and people watching. This is outdoors, in a parklike setting so prepare yourself for the weather, and bugs! There are an abundance of picnic tables but I have seen table space run out, this is that fabulous. Entrance fee used to be $5 that may have changed since the last time I was there. Beer and food are very reasonably priced.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by catronma on January 18, 2007

German Park
5549 Pontiac Trail Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
(734) 769-0048

ScorekeepersBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

We arrived fairly early, around 8pm. Not at all crowded and still serving dinner. There are TVs all around the bar area showing sporting events, and tables are set up for the dinner crowd. The attire at this point appeared to be more business casual; though it was a Saturday night, most of the people there looked like they just came from work in suits and such, a bit odd to me for a sticky-floored sports bar. Around 10pm they begin to move out the dinner tables and bar stools and the DJ comes in for the night. The suited crowed leaves and in comes the drinking crowd and standard nightclub attire, though everyone did seam a bit 80s flashback to me.

The bar itself is multi-level, with the main floor bar area and elevated dance floor, upper area over the bar with pool tables, and another upper area with seating and an additional bar, which appeared to either be closed or with a private party. Standard bar decor and drinks, not a nightclub type place, as the lights were full when we were there. Started getting so crowded at midnight that there was a line well out of the door to get in and you had to virtually fistfight your way to the bathrooms at the front of the place, a horrible location. Overall this is just an average bar with standard crowd—nothing special, but with the severe lack of decent nightclubs and bars in Ann Arbor, this is a good option.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by catronma on February 15, 2007

About the Writer

catronma
catronma
Nixa, Missouri

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