Ann Arbor = best place ever! (Part 2)

So I just realized that during my first trip to Ann Arbor, Dom and I had a list of things we wanted to do and planned it so that we had 1 activity each day. For those of you spending this summer in Ann Arbor, here are a few thing I suggest you check out!

- William Clements Library

As a Campus Day Leader, I talked about this building all the time, yet never took the time to actually go inside it. When Dom and I stopped by one Thursday, we stumbled upon some librarian's convention. We quietly walked our way around the museum, which houses many different artifacts of American History (including the letter that Christopher Columbus wrote to Queen Isabella detailing his discovery of the new world). One of the gentlemen who worked there was extremely helpful and even gave us a tour of the Rare Books Room (which is a very 'rare' opportunity!)

Aside from the architecture, the overall experience was great and truly rewarding for a random Thursday afternoon. Check out the website for their hours and more information on their current special exhibits.

- Hands On Museum
While I've still yet to go, I've heard that its a great way to spend an afternoon or go on a date, regardless of your age. Get in touch with your inner kid and have fun tinkering, touching, and bring out the scientist in you. If you've been to the Hands on Museum, be sure to comment with what you think!

- Farmer's Market

On the weekends, this is quite a great thing to stop by and get some groceries, or just poke around and see whats in bloom! The Farmer's market market is what makes Ann Arbor's little village of Kerrytown so quaint. This is a great place to shop, especially if you're trying to buy local products. Fresh items are brought in from all over Michigan and just block away from your doorstep! Even if you don't have the cash, it's always fun to see what's available and stretch your legs a bit and breathe in the fresh air.


- Main Street Shopping
Anyone who comes around Ann Arbor knows that Main Street is the main drag for top dining. But even if you're not going out for lunch, take a stroll to see all the little shops and boutiques you pass by on your way to Palio, Real Seafood, and the Chophouse. There is a comic book theme store, several jewelry shops, a few places with housewares, decorations, and clothing made by women all around the world, and more. Window shopping is definitely a fun way to spend an hour or two for virtually nothing! (I say virtually as you may end up buying a thing or two).

- Kayaking

If you've taken a stroll in the Arb, you may have seen a person or two poking around the lake in a Kayak. If so, you may have seen us doing the same thing!

Check it out on the Ann Arbor website (just do a simple google search of Kayaking in Ann Arbor/ Huron river) and you'll see where to go. The staff at the place were very friendly and we paid just $18 for a 2 person kayak and 2 hours out on the river. It is fun, relaxing, and can be as easy or challenging as you make it to be. (for example: rowing upstream when the river is high is quite the challenge. a great way to get your arms in shape for swimsuit season, or put the finishing touches on your tan or sunburn)

This is definitely something I'd do again next time I'm in town.

- Graffiti Alley

Little known secret to passers by, but Graffiti Alley is located on Liberty just a few doors down from American Apparel. Its a great place to stop by as you never know what'll be happening, or what new artwork has been left behind. If you're chewing gum, you may want to leave your mark and add it to the gum wall. During the day it gets some great sunlight which is awesome for photography of the graffiti, or of yourself with it. Bring out your inner hip hop star and strike a pose. People may be confused when you tell them that the picture was taken in Ann Arbor.

On Monday when I walked by, there was a guy with a stereo blasting Michael Jackson and channeling his inner moon walk. So Cool.


- University of Michigan Modern Art Museum

Finished during winter/spring 2009, The new addition to the art museum reside just across from the Michigan Union. While we didn't have too long to wander around, it houses a bunch of cultural artwork from regions all around the world. Its neat because while not too large from the outside, there are plenty of twists and turns inside to keep you occupied for hours. We liked to go our separate ways around each exhibit and meet up at the large focal point in the room, which allowed us to see what we wanted to see, and take the time soaking it all in.

It's amazing the types of things that the University of Michigan has come to have (or temporarily show on display), and it really gets you thinking about Michigan being an outstanding place on a global scale (personal plug of my love for Michigan :)

Its free to go in, and they just recommend a $5 donation. Totally up to you, but its nice to take a day feeling cosmopolitan and soaking in the sights at the museum.

- Music Exchange
While not an event or somewhere to go, still a valid activity. Grab your laptop and a friend's laptop along with an ipod, headphones, and an external hard drive and you've got yourself a music exchange party! Most people tend to listen to similar stuff as their friends, but with summer in full swing its time for some new tunes! Freshen up your play lists with a few songs (or a few GB) of music, and get introduced to your friends/significant others favorite bands. Knowing the types of music someone likes is a great way to better understand and really get to know them. Dom listened to my top 25 most played along to my commentary for each song, and it was neat to see how each tune fit into a part of my life. Whether it be 8th grade, or the song I had on repeat when I worked at the driving range. Fun, Free, and a great way to fill up an afternoon.


- Kerry Town
The Kerry Town 'mall' so to speak is just a 1/2 block away from Zingermans and has a whole bunch of surprises to offer. From the sweetwaters cafe downstairs (give your Starbucks gift card a break) to the various botiques upstairs, its quite a nice break from the regular big business chains we've all gotten used to. There is a toy store on the 2nd floor that we poked around in for awhile, and re-lived some of our favorite activities from our childhoods. Not to mention thought to ourselves, "when was the last time I was in a toy store?!"

Probably my favorite attraction is the Spice Merchant - a shop that sells a worldly variety of spices, salts, sugars, and (my favorite) teas. You can buy fresh, loose tea there that tastes great and goes a long way. For about $4 you can get 6 uses (2 cups each) of tea. Not bad eh. If you need a loose tea pot, they have them at IKEA for pretty cheap, or you could always just let the tea leaves soak in a jar/bowl, then strain them out as you pour the tea into your cup. Goes great with a morning breakfast, or late night chat. Smelling the teas in the shop is a joy in itself too.


So yes, I've shared my love for Ann Arbor with you, but really I just shared my first of many summer adventures. Next re-cap will be that of my Backpacking Trip on the AT. Get Excited.

Peace, Love, and Happiness,
~Jenna