Just 30 minutes’ drive from Detroit, lively and liberal Ann Arbor is home to the illustrious University of Michigan — as well as a buzzing food and arts scene. A popular destination with families visiting students at the university, or couples and groups keen for a fun weekend break, the city offers a range of characterful accommodation options. Many of the best places to stay in Ann Arbor also promise excellent facilities for business travellers or big event hosts.
Centred around the University of Michigan’s historic campus, downtown Ann Arbor is appealingly walkable. Pop into bookshops, cafés and bars serving locally-brewed craft beers, or sample top-notch farm-to-table fare in a burgeoning array of trendy eateries. If you’re here for the food, the farmers’ market is not to be missed!
Culture enthusiasts can admire the University of Michigan Museum of Art, the African American Cultural Museum and the U-M Museum of Natural History. Look out for an exciting programme of events at the Michigan Theatre, The Blind Pig and the State Theatre. The city also plays host to some superb festivals — the Ann Arbor Summer Festival and the Art Fair included. The Nichols Arboretum is a wonderful place for a wander, and there are lots of outdoor activities focused on the nearby Huron River.
Get your hands on tickets to a football game at Michigan Stadium — known as ‘The Big House’ — if you can. Celebrate with the thrumming crowds at the stadium before getting a taste of Ann Arbor’s funky nightlife. The best places to stay in Ann Arbor can fill up fast on game nights, so book your trip well in advance to avoid missing out.
