Whether you’re a big Michigan fan or you cheer for State a visit to Ann Arbor, MI is a must. Traveling from Grand Rapids it’s a quick 2 hour drive to Ann Arbor which makes it a perfect weekend getaway for your family, with your best friends or with your significant other. Check out this weekend guide filled with the best place to stay, where to eat, and fun things to do in the city!
Stay:
The best place to stay when you’re visiting Ann Arbor is hands down The Graduate. What sets this hotel apart is the attention to detail when it comes to decor and styling with items that represent the University of Michigan. From the room keys to the artwork to the smallest decor items everything was articulate and inspired by the university. Also, the people who work at The Graduate are so helpful, welcoming and truly make you feel like family from the moment you walk in the door. When we opened the door to our hotel room it was spacious and extremely comfortable to relax from all the walking we did at the Art Fair.
If you’re like me and need coffee right when you wake up you’ll love the convenience of going right to the lobby to discover Graduate Coffee. They offer a curated menu including Zingerman’s croissant (I would highly recommend) and of course amazing coffee.
We also grabbed a cocktail at the Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge located inside the hotel for a late night drink while we visited. Again, the decor of this cocktail lounge has such incredible details and the outdoor patio is great for enjoying the summer weather.
Drink:
Where can you find a good cup of coffee or tea in Ann Arbor? Make your way to Comet Coffee for your morning cup of coffee and grab a croissant. You should also check out Teaspressa which if you haven’t heard about is actually tea inspired by coffee. We tried an Americano and it was honestly amazing (they were also featured on Shark Tank).
If you like beer check out Arbor Brewing Company. I’m not a huge beer drinker but I love the Euchre Pils and Cory loves the Strawberry Blonde Ale. They also have a great food menu including pizzas if you’re in the mood to order some food. If you’re looking for more beer options stop by Grizzly Peak Brewing Company or Jolly Pumpkin.
Looking for a good cocktail? Head to The Ravens Club for a late night drink. They have an amazing cocktail list and a long whiskey list. Cheers!
Eat:
You can’t go wrong with a delicious breakfast or lunch at Fred’s in Ann Arbor. The interior pulled me right in but the food was even better with options like avocado toast and a breakfast burrito. This avocado toast was probably one of the best I’ve had in a really long time with pickled onions and some hot pepper flakes for some heat.
After traveling to Barcelona last summer I’m always on the lookout for paella and our favorite pan a la catalana. So we made our way to Aventura for dinner and let me just say the food brought us right back to our time in Spain. We made it there in time for happy hour and shared the paella de marisco with clams, mussels and shrimp.
You can’t go to Ann Arbor and not visit Zingerman’s Deli. Yes, the line might be out the door but everything here is amazing and we’re always finding new items to try. Try this spot for lunch and order a sandwich like Rodger’s Big Picnic (my favorite) and check out all the fun items on the shelves. You can’t leave without one of their magic brownies.
If you’re looking for another brunch or lunch spot check out Sava’s. They also have incredible avocado toast, daily quiche and their mimosas are spectacular. During the weekend this is a perfect spot to enjoy a long brunch.
To Do:
Check the schedule before you go but if you’re in Ann Arbor when the farmers market is open you should definitely go. With fresh produce and local bakery items this farmers market was one of our favorite spots to visit.
I always recommend when people travel to a new city to check out the local events or festivals going on. While we were in Ann Arbor the Art Fair was taking place and we had such a fun time walking around and checking out the art.
It’s also fun to walk around Michigan’s campus and see the incredible buildings. How cool is the law library?!
More Things I Love:
Shopping at Rock Paper Scissors and Shinola
A macaron from Le Bon Macaron
Disclosure: My stay at The Graduate was sponsored, but all opinions here are my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who allow me to continue to create content on The GR Guide.
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