Discover some of the best activities in downtown Ann Arbor from a local!
As someone who has lived in Ann Arbor for the past three years, I have acquired many favorite things to do! Below I listed my favorite restaurants and activities that I highly recommend to make the best of your time in Ann Arbor!
Restaurants
HopCat
HopCat is a brewery with a very unique and psychedelic feel. They offer food such as burgers, wings, seafood, and tacos, and are very famous for their beer selection. HopCat is a fan favorite of Ann Arbor locals!
Blue Tractor
In my opinion, Blue Tractor is the best barbecue in all of Michigan! They offer many different types of smoked meats, house-made sauces, and award-winning craft-brewed beer. This restaurant has a very industrial feel to it and is located right in the heart of downtown.
Gandy Dancer
Gandy Dancer is a very popular restaurant in downtown Ann Arbor with a very historic atmosphere. While this restaurant is more expensive, it is perfect for a date night out on the town! Sitting in a certain room will even give you a view of passing trains!
Activities
Pinball Pete’s
Pinball Pete’s is an Ann Arbor classic! It offers many different arcade games and is a great place to hang out with friends!
Nichols Arboretum
This beautiful natural experience offers many different areas of gardens, trails, and more! The many fields and valleys show the rich history and beauty of the Arb. You can either walk the trails or sit and enjoy all of the beautiful views.
Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market
This farmer’s market is one of my favorite things do to in Ann Arbor! I’ve been coming to this farmer’s market since I was a little girl! It offers fresh produce, farm products, artisan items, and more all year long!
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Concordia University Ann Arbor is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
—This story was written by Isabelle Arnold, Social Media Assistant for Concordia University Ann Arbor. Isabelle Arnold is a senior and will graduate from CUAA in December 2024 with a degree in Digital Media Design. You can reach her at isabelle.arnold@student.cuaa.edu