What should I do while in Ann Arbor MI?

[barrynsue]

I have never been up to this part of the country but will be taking my daughter up to U of Michigan for her orientation from June 24-26. They have a full program and will be staying on campus and the parents will have their own day sessions, but separate form the kids.

I won't have a car there (at least I don't plan on renting one) and wondering what I should do?

Any suggestions are appreciated. Not too interested in hanging out w/ the 20 y.o. set so suggestions are appreciated.

Calling it a night but thanks in advance!:thmbsp:

Barry

[drknstrmyknight]

You really don't need a car in AA, the busses are good and there are a ton of cabs.
The State theatre usually has offbeat films.
The Firefly club has good jazz. We rented the place and a jazz trio for our wedding.
The Ark is a non-profit venue that features acoustic music.
The Village Corner is about the best wine shop in the state IMO and has many tastings and other events.
There are a couple of hifi shops worth browsing - Overture is one. Leave your wallet at the hotel.
There are a ton of used book stores and PJ's used records.
Conor O'Neill's has live Irish music - all the kids who work there are from the Emerald Isle.
I think Paesano's is about the best Italian place in town.
Ashleys for beer and pub food.
Gandly Dancer for ambiance and Sunday Bruch.

[Fedallah]

I'm a member of the twentysomething student set you mention, so my advice probably won't be too helpful, not as much as Frank's. But I'll try.

The public transport is good. Better than most of the SE MI area, IMO. Good choice on the car decision, parking is expensive and difficult.
There are more used record/CD stores in Ann Arbor than anywhere else I've been in the state. I've attended school in that town for two years and still haven't hit them all.
Village Corner is good, for wine and a lot of other food/drink items. I've also heard positive things about Ashley's but I've never been; the place looks like it's out of my price range from the street.
There's a dingy-looking coney place at East University and Church called Red Hot Lover's. Best hot dog/fries in town, if you're looking for a cheap meal.

About orientation: you guys might already know a lot of this, but here it is on the off chance you don't, from someone who's done it. (All of this also assumes that orientation is in East Quad this year, I haven't heard otherwise but you should know better than I.)
- The food won't impress. East Quad dining is already at or near the bottom of the ranking, but this is worse than the main school year.
- The building will be very, very warm, unless you're lucky and get cooler weather. Bring some sort of fan. No air-conditioning, and the windows on the third and fourth floors don't open far.
- Scheduling and registering for classes will be difficult. It's like trying to put a puzzle together where the pieces keep changing shape. Know what you want going in. Select alternate courses and times to choose from in case you can't get exactly what you want, because you almost certainly won't.

Any other questions are welcome.

[grumpy]

I am roughly 1 hour from Ann arbor but there are several fine members who live there who will be able to offer some advice. Only been there a couple of times so I'm no help in any department other then to extend an invite to dinner with me and the misses.

[drknstrmyknight]

Better make those dinner reservations now, that week and graduation week turn the place into a madhouse.

[Red Stick]

Check out the Museum of Natural History, it's right downtown, part of UM campus, free/donation
If the weather is nice, it's worth a walk around the downtown/campus area. Lots of unique shops. Lots of small coffee shops

[dgwojo]

I'd visit the Zingermans Deli at Kerrytown and Treasure Mart, they're one block away from each other and a brisk walk from the State Theatre, too bad Purchase Radio Closed, I'm sure Squidward will have some other great ideas, Dave. :yes:

Zingerman's Deli (http://www.zingermansdeli.com/content/pages/home.php)

Treasure Mart (http://www.treasuremart.com/)

Purchase Radio (http://jim.rees.org/aa/purchase.html)

[Red Stick]

I'll second Zingerman's

[barrynsue]

Thanks guys!!

It looks as though I will have no problem filling in my time for a couple of days/evenings.

As for my comment on the twentysomethings, it was certainly not meant to offend anyone but at 47, I have no become the old guy and figured I may not fit in any longer although I still feel like a twentysomething :yes:.

Dave, I would certainly love to have dinner w/ you and Mrs Grumpy but not quite sure how to get to you as I don't plan on getting a car for the visit. It would be a pleasure to meet both of you but let me see if I can figure something out. A cab would probably be big $$ (maybe not!) and if there is a way to arrange it, you know I would jump at the chance.

Looks like there will be plenty of things to do. I believe parents also have orientation during the day, although hoping there is free daytime hours so I can explore.
Sounds like a great little town!

Barry

[Drybasement]

Don't forget Encore Records on Liberty St. You could spend hours in there. Fantastic selection of vinyl and cds.

I second The Firefly Club. A great jazz club.

The Ann Arbor Brewing Company isn't a bad place for a brew and a burger.

[barrynsue]

Again, thanks for taking the time to reply. I have printed the thread to take w/ me.

And for yot 20 somethings who are or have been a part of UM, I would be happy to buy you a beer if you are around the campus and let me know when to meet (that goes for you other locals too)!! Would enjoy that immensely as I am happy to talk audio, school and or life in general.

Barry

[Fedallah]

Don't forget Encore Records on Liberty St. You could spend hours in there. Fantastic selection of vinyl and cds.
:yes:

[gigidy5]

You really don't need a car in AA, the busses are good and there are a ton of cabs.
The State theatre usually has offbeat films.
The Firefly club has good jazz. We rented the place and a jazz trio for our wedding.
The Ark is a non-profit venue that features acoustic music.
The Village Corner is about the best wine shop in the state IMO and has many tastings and other events.
There are a couple of hifi shops worth browsing - Overture is one. Leave your wallet at the hotel.
There are a ton of used book stores and PJ's used records.
Conor O'Neill's has live Irish music - all the kids who work there are from the Emerald Isle.
I think Paesano's is about the best Italian place in town.
Ashleys for beer and pub food.
Gandly Dancer for ambiance and Sunday Bruch.

Sounds delightful. Can you do that for where I live? I've run out of things to do:tears:

[BajaGringo]

Ann Arbor has more going on than Cincinnati???

:sigh:

[gigidy5]

What do you mean?


I really have run out of things to do. not sarcasm

[BajaGringo]

I believe you - it's just as a west-coaster my perception was that there would be more to do where you are at than in Ann Arbor. I have been to both cities, albeit years ago.

Or do you mean NEW things to do???

Just curious - it's not an accusation...

:music:

[gigidy5]

Well. Its just that I need more places to go. I love going to the aronoff (downtown http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/aronoff) and book stores but corporations are too big these days and I want more places like Shake It Records in the city http://www.shakeitrecords.com/Shakeit-store.html

My problem of transportation is over, but now I have no where to hang around and do some good loitering.


Thank god for family owned coffee shops and businesses!

[Squidward]

I live in Ann Arbor. If you'd like to get together for some tunes and a cold one, let me know! No car required.

[barrynsue]

I live in Ann Arbor. If you'd like to get together for some tunes and a cold one, let me know! No car required.

That sounds great! I don't know the full schedule as of yet but pretty sure Tuesday night is free. If you would like to go out for dinner, would be happy to treat, as well as the Mrs. if there is one.

I appreciate the invite and look forward to the opportunity. My direct email is ban1961@gmail.com and as we get closer to the time of arrival, we can figure exactly what is best for you.

They recommend we stay at the Kensington Court & Holiday Inn Express Hotels as they provide buses to and from the school. Not sure if this is the best place to stay but assume they are decent. It will only be me as my daughter will be staying on campus after the first night.

Thanks again,

Barry

[Bradrock]

Twist up a few fatties & catch a ride out to the arboretum. At least that's what we did for fun in the early seventies. Heh..Heh. It's probably all condos by now.

[Fedallah]

Twist up a few fatties & catch a ride out to the arboretum. At least that's what we did for fun in the early seventies. Heh..Heh. It's probably all condos by now.
No, that tradition is still very much alive.

[drknstrmyknight]

We might be up for a ride to treetown if y'all want to meet at a restaurant and chew the fat that tuesday.