Discover the best things to do in Ann Arbor and why this college town is perfect for a girls trip!
If you love a good small-town vibe – charming historic buildings filled with coffee shops, buzzy restaurants and cute boutiques – go on a girls trip to Ann Arbor. There’s an all-around good mix of fun things to do in this college town, from museums to live music to art workshops. So you and your friends can craft a weekend itinerary around doing exactly what you like most.
Best Things to Do in Ann Arbor
While Ann Arbor is great any time of the year – fall for football and changing leaves, summer for patio dining and kayaking, and spring for the flowering trees – it’s especially lovely in winter. That’s when the tree-lined streets are lit up with white lights, people are popping in and out of stores to do their Christmas shopping, and everyone comes out for holiday festivities.
Yes, it’ll be chilly, but everyone knows it’s not Christmas unless it’s cold, right? And it’s part of the appeal: You bundle up, shop, eat, peruse a museum or rock out to live music. Then, you warm up with a speakeasy cocktail or hot cider at the nighttime holiday market.
But even if you can’t get there in December, you’ll have a good time doing these things in Ann Arbor throughout the year:
Downtown shopping
Of course I’m going to start by talking about shopping. It’s a girls weekend, duh. And frankly, when I meet up with one of my besties, shopping is pretty high on my list. Because back at home it’s all about Amazon or painful trips to the mall with my kids, who can never find anything they like. But when I’m on a girls trip, I remember how fun it is to do actual, real-live shopping with a friend.
Here are the Ann Arbor shops you shouldn’t miss:
- Rock Paper Scissors: So much more than a stationery store, this shop is stocked with sassy knick-knacks, home décor, trendy jewelry and a cute kids section.
- Ten Thousand Villages: There’s no need to travel the world to bring home global finds. This store is packed with stuff from around the world – singing bowls from Nepal, necklaces from Ecuador, silk pillows from Vietnam – and it’s all fair trade.
- V2V: Looking for something pretty to wear? Head straight here for comfy essentials, bohemian dresses and lots of fashion inspiration. It’s a bit like Anthropologie but independently owned.
- Found: This is totally the place where your husband would find a cushy spot to sit (if he were with you) because he knows you’re going to look into every adorable nook and cranny for those little accent pieces that really give a home its character.
- Muse Atelier: Love vintage? This tiny shop is crammed with so much good stuff, including a pair of crazy-sexy cowboy boots I took home.
- Roeda: You’ll find lots of Michigan-themed gifts along with funky needle-point pillows, mugs, magnets and more.
- Treasure Mart: Go here if you love hunting for one-of-a-kind finds. You can dig through three stories packed with vintage and antique goods, from silver spoons to fur coats to armoires.
- Vault of Midnight: If you’re into comic books and graphic novels, this shop is a must-stop. Besides books, they also have manga, trading cards and figurines.
- Zingerman’s Deli: This fancy delicatessen is an Ann Arbor institution. Besides bagels, cold cuts and sandwiches, they have an extensive gourmet market to browse through.
Activities
When you’re ready to move on from shopping, there are other fun things to do in Ann Arbor, too. Check out:
- University of Michigan Museum of Art: This is one of the largest university art museums in the country and it focuses on classic European paintings and African and Chinese art.
- Ann Arbor Art Center: Sign up for any number of workshops like making modern wreaths, screen printing, or creating pottery or jewelry. They have these short workshops on Friday (called “date nights”) as well as some Saturdays and Sundays.
- University of Michigan Museum of Natural History: The recently expanded museum is home to two mastodon skeletons, interactive exhibits and a planetarium. And, it’s free.
- The Ark: If the last time you remember watching a live band (the Biebs and Taylor Swift don’t count) is college, then you’re long overdue. Discover a new band at this intimate venue that has acoustic performances – usually indie, country or folk – every night of the week.
Winter fun
I recommend visiting Ann Arbor in early December. That’s when you can stroll Kindlefest, an outdoor Christmas market that takes place in the evening. It’s super popular because it’s a great place to find artisanal wares and handmade goods that make thoughtful gifts.
You can also warm yourself around the bonfire, sip mulled wine and listen to strolling carolers. It’s basically the feel-good stuff holiday movies are made of.
Another holiday tradition in Ann Arbor is seeing Handel’s Messiah, performed by the Ann Arbor Symphony and the University Musical Society. It’s usually scheduled the same weekend as Kindlefest so you can do both if you plan for it.
Amazing Ann Arbor Restaurants
Ann Arbor is home to some seriously good restaurants. Here are my favorites, in order of deliciousness:
- Dessous: Sleek white décor and stunning French-Indian dishes will make you feel like you’re eating in a chic NYC restaurant. Don’t worry about what to order here, everything is ahh-mazing. It’s pricy but so worth it!
- Aventura: This restaurant is so warm and cozy with exposed brick walls and a kitchen that pumps out the most gorgeous Spanish tapas. You’ll want dinner to go on and on because the place just feels like home (except with a bartender that makes killer cocktails).
- Shalimar: If you love Indian food, you’re going to be one happy camper at this local favorite. It’s usually packed, but that’s just a sign that you’re about to eat a very tasty meal.
- Tomukun: When it’s chilly outside, there’s nothing better than a steamy Asian noodle bowl. You can get ramen or udon, but the best are the pho bowls topped with mint, jalapeno, basil, lime and sprouts.
- Amadeus: Order the pierogis, kielbasa and lemon torte at this little café that serves Polish, Austrian and Hungarian food. You can even get a glass of that sweet Hungarian orange wine (Tokaji Aszu) that you’ve seen all over Instagram.
Where to Stay in Ann Arbor
Most people know Ann Arbor as home to the University of Michigan, a top-ranked university. So it makes sense that the Graduate Hotel in town feels like staying at an Oxford prep school – all plaid, leather chairs and chalkboards with a hipster twist.
Spend a Weekend in Ann Arbor
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Because why make things harder for yourself?
Happy travels,
P.S. Need other girls trip ideas? I recommend going to a Secret California Wine Town or having one Incredible (and Boozy) Weekend in Nashville.
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