Before my trip, I knew Ann Arbor was approximately 45 minutes away from Detroit and seemed home to one of the best public institutions in the United States. Over 45,000 students, as well as 30,000 faculty and staff, make up the majority of the city's population of 120,000. The city is also gaining renown as a technological powerhouse due to its excellent information technology program, which regularly produces highly qualified graduates (Google has an office here now). I just realized that Ann Arbor had been consistently ranked as one of the best little cities in the United States to make a permanent residence in recent years. Ann Arbor is a fantastic tourist destination for the same reasons that make it a desirable place to call home.
Lots To Learn
The local museum scene is notable for the prevalence of university ownership or collaboration, which helps to ensure that the museums in the area remain at the forefront of museum innovation. Take at least a half-day to see all of them. In its 150 years of existence, the University of Michigan Museum of Art has amassed a permanent collection of 18,000 pieces of art, focusing on Asian art (mainly Chinese and Japanese paintings, Chinese ceramics, and Tiffany architectural glass). Student feedback said "they didn't envision themselves visiting here," therefore a significant redesign was implemented to make the space more interactive and bring in more modern and global elements (including becoming known as a center for Inuit art). It has been ranked the best museum at a public university in the United States.
Over 1,800 fascinating exhibits and artifacts on geology, the evolution of life, and climate change may now be seen at the University of Michigan Natural History Museum's stunning new facility, the last phase of which opened in November 2019. The fact that natural scientific laboratories were included in the design so visitors may see students and teachers at work is even amazing. The Hands-On Museum was the first of its type when it debuted in 1982. The museum's nine galleries include more than 250 hands-on displays designed to educate young visitors about a wide variety of scientific topics—from the inner workings of high-efficiency plumbing to the causes and effects of dental plaque.
Engage Your Sporting Rhythm
The Big House, officially the University of Michigan Stadium, is the second biggest stadium in the whole globe. The stadium, which was opened in 1927 and has since undergone many expansions, claims to be "dedicated" to maintaining its current second-place status. If you want to see behind-the-scenes locations like the press box, home team locker room, and, indeed, the field, as well as find out interesting tidbits like why there's a crane buried beneath the stadium, you'll need to book a tour. Over 90,000 of the 107,601 seats are already claimed by season's ticket holders, so if you want to go to a Wolverines game, you'll need to make plans.
Incredible Food Scene
The excellent cuisine of Ann Arbor is also a significant draw. Located in the heart of a farming community, fresh foods are easily accessible, and the university's global student body means that a wide variety of ethnic restaurants can be found in the area. Some of my favorite restaurants are listed here. Among my favorite ways to dine is with a group of friends or family members, enjoying a variety of small plates. I like Aventura's menu of over 25 tapas, which includes delicious options like wonderfully crispy patatas bravas and other classic Spanish comfort foods. Located in a strip mall, Ayse's is a cozy family café providing authentic Turkish cuisine. Instead of a menu, a whiteboard with the day's specials is the only food information available. The manti, Ayse's specialty lamb dumplings doused in a garlicky yogurt as well as butter sauce, were my favorite dish.
Later After Dinner
The presence of college students guarantees the presence of a vibrant nightlife. Ann Arbor's downtown is highly accessible, so I could enjoy my stay at the Graduate Hotel (packed with funny allusions to university life) and quickly get about town. Nightcap, the newest addition to Ann Arbor's Main Street, is a cocktail haven where the drink's visual appeal is just as important as the flavor. Some of the most cutting-edge production methods include using liquid nitrogen, muddling herbs, and centrifuging liquids to create layered cocktails. True to its speakeasy roots, The Last Word has no visible signage from the street. However, once inside, it's easy to see why this tucked-away spot was chosen as the best craft cocktail bar in the state: great jazz playing and a novel book-shaped menu stocked with tasty drinks.
Conclusion
Ann Arbor is a dynamic metropolis home to a flourishing arts and cultural scene, high-quality eating and shopping, and stunning natural scenery. The University of Michigan, located there, is often considered to be the best public university in the country. Ann Arbor is a great destination for individuals of all ages and walks of life because of its progressive beliefs and friendly locals.
