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Christmas shopping is in full swing right now, with barely two weeks left until the big day. Mall parking lots are filled with cars circling round and round, looking for the prime parking spot. Internet shopping is seeing a big boost from cyber-shoppers clicking their way through Christmas lists. Big stores have aisles packed with shoppers looking for just the right gift for their loved ones.
If you’re looking to avoid some of the crush of shoppers at all the chain stores, consider shopping locally for your gifts. Shopping for locally produced products supports the state’s economy, helps small businesses, and also is good for the environment, as you’re reducing your carbon footprint by not buying products shipped from long distances.
To add to the gifts piled under the Christmas tree in your Ann Arbor home, consider paying a visit to these local stores and markets:
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
The Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market offers locally grown and produced merchandise every Wednesday and Saturday through December (January hours are Saturdays only). This is a great place to pick up some greenery, jams, fresh made bread, and other holidays treats to enjoy yourself, or to give as gifts.
315 Detroit Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 794-6255
May through December:
Wednesday & Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nicola’s Books
Ann Arbor’s independent bookstore, Nicola’s Books, is a great place to spend a few hours on a snowy afternoon, browsing through racks of great reading. They will even wrap your gift for free.
Westgate Shopping Center
Jackson Av. & Stadium Blvd.
2513 Jackson Av.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Tel: 734-662-0600
Fax: 734-662-0702
http://www.nicolasbooks.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp?s=localbestsellers
Peoples Food Coop
The Peoples Food Coop offers healthy food in a community-based environment. The coop purchases locally grown and produced food when available to support the local economy and reduce pollution produced by shipped from a distance. Organic food, grocery, home and beauty care products are available. The Food Bar is a good stop for a quick take-out meal, and features fresh salad ingredients and hot soups, side dishes, entrees and desserts. Anyone can shop at the co-op, which is a member-owned store.
216 North Fourth Ave.
Ann Arbor, 48104
7734-994-9174
http://www.peoplesfood.coop/storecafe.html
Acme Mercantile
You’ll never know what you’ll find at this quirky store in downtown Ann Arbor. This local merchant calls themselves “the world’s smallest department store in 900 square feet.” Their merchandise ranges from the practical, toilet plungers and dog food, to the downright odd, like their monkey-shaped cookie jar or the rat antenna topper. This is the perfect place to something for the person who has “everything.”
111 West Liberty Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1376
(734) 213-3722
Downtown Home and Garden
This hundred-year old store evolved from a livery stable and feed mill into an urban emporium for garden supplies and gourmet kitchenware. This shop is an excellent resource for gardening supplies, including organic products and seedlings. Downtown Home & Garden
210 S. Ashley Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
734-662-8122
http://www.downtownhomeandgarden.com/
Ann Arbor Art Center
The Ann Arbor Art Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to making art accessible to everyone, has a gallery shop promoting regional artists. Enjoy browsing through the gallery; in addition to crossing names off your gift list, you might find a gorgeous piece of artwork for your own home. The galleries and studios are open daily for your enjoyment. Public hours: 10-6 PM, Monday - Saturday, 12 - 5:30 PM on Sundays.
117 W. Liberty Street
Ann Arbor, MI. 48104
Tel: 734-994-8004
Bivouac
This local store is a hot spot for travel gear, outdoor apparel, camping equipment, and other outdoor sports gear. But, they’re not only the place to go for supplies for having fun in nature, they also sell designer clothing. Jeans, shirts, sweaters, scarves, from designers like Chip and Pepper, French Connection, Juicy Couture, and Michael Stars can all be found here. The sales people are really knowledgeable and happy to help you pick out the perfect gift (and maybe a little something for yourself, too).
336 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2477
(734) 761-6207
Great Opportunity in Ypsilanti--Click to view 4Bedroom University Estates Home, an updated classic 2-Story home with landscaping, great yard on a tree-lined street. University Estates Subdivision
is located off Washtenaw between Mansfield & Bellevue with Candy Cane Neighborhood Park. Walk to Eastern Michigan University's Campus & Stadiums, as well as Schools, Parks and Restaurants.
2102 Roosevelt features
great amenities such as Hardwood Floors & Trim, Fireplace with Modern Mantel, Large Bedrooms, 2-1/2 Baths and an Updated Kitchen & Breakfast Room. Part-Finished Basement and 2-1/2 Car Garage.
If you would like more information about 2102 Roosevelt in central Ypsilanti, Contact Andy Piper at 734-604-8242.
--CALL Andy Piper for more info/to view at (734) 604-8242!
Patrons at the downtown Ann Arbor Library will soon find it easier to find parking, as work has begun on an underground parking structure next to the main library branch. The parking structure, which is expected to be open by the Art Fair in 2011, will have 677 parking spaces. The former surface lot had spots for 200 vehicles. (The library’s parking lot is closed, but public parking spaces can be found at the 5th and William parking lot, the 4th and William parking structure, and at meted parking spots on the street).
The City of Ann Arbor and the Downtown Development Authority are working together to build the 3-story underground lot with an emphasis on being environmentally conscious. The structure is being paid for with parking revenues from the public parking system.
The new parking garage will utilize natural light as much as possible, and will use dimmers on lights, as well as LED lights, to save electricity. Electric cars can recharge while they park at the power outlets that will be installed. The DDA is looking into additional energy-saving measures, including using geothermal heating systems, solar panels, and reusing building materials from the excavated cement.
The city is seeking proposals for development above the parking garage, and several uses are being discussed, including building a large structure with a hotel, offices, a convention and residential spaces. No decisions have been released yet about the suggested uses, but prime Ann Arbor real estate such as this is generating a buzz of interest from investors.
Motorists will find it even easier to locate a parking spot downtown once this project is finished. Downtown Ann Arbor is a popular destination for both residents and visitors alike, with a multitude of restaurants catering to all tastes, boutiques full of unique gifts and theatres offering live shows and indy movies, there’s always something to enjoy in the city.
For information and construction updates on the parking structure project, visit:
a2dda.org/current_projects/s_fifth_ave_parking_structure_project
Contact Andy Piper at 734-604-8242 to set up a showing.
Plymouth Green Crossings Condominiums offer a great opportunity to rent / lease a new construction one-level condo in Ann Arbor at very attractive rates. Located at Plymouth and Green roads, Plymouth Green Crossings is just minutes to the University of Michigan, U of M hospitals and downtown Ann Arbor. This great location is also on the AATA bus line and within walking distance of shopping centers.
Plymouth Green Crossings photo tour (45 photos)
There presently 6 units left to lease with both East facing and west facing units available. The units feature luxury kitchens with stainless steel appliances, 42 inch cabinets, kitchen islands with pull out drawers, granite counters, luxury baths with large tubs and separate tile showers, walk in closets, in unit washer and dryer, Huge patio with doors from living room and master bedroom! Additionally, units come with a one car detached garage with additional storage.
Plymouth Green Crossings remaining units won't last long as they are the ONLY new contruction condos for lease with these ammenities at reasonable prices within the city of Ann Arbor.
Like it or not, fall is here, and winter is just around the corner. This is the perfect time to scratch some things off your to-do list to prepare your Ann Arbor home for winter. This list offers some suggestions on how to ready your house before the snow flies.
1. Put up holiday lights now. Yes, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but it’s easy to string those lights up now, rather than try to balance a ladder in the snow that’s sure to be here soon. Plus, white lights always look nice, so why not string a few in your trees and turn them on every once in a while before the holidays arrive?
2. While you’re up on a ladder putting up the lights, check your gutters for any leaves or debris that may have clogged them. Clean gutters allow water to flow off your roof and away from your home, which is important come spring when snow melts off the room. A clogged gutter can result in a flooded basement, which is never a welcome sight.
3. Plant tulip bulbs before the ground freezes. Tulips require a period of cold to allow them to be dormant before the next blooming season. Check online, or with a local garden store, for information on what species do well in Michigan. For weeks of color in the spring, plant tulips in stages, so you have some early-bloomers, some in mid-season, and late colorful blossoms as well.
4. Move your summer clothes out of the “prime parking spots” in your closet. To make it easier and faster to get dressed each morning, take all of your summer clothes out of the areas of your closet that are easiest to reach, and move them into the back, or pack them in totes and put them under beds, on high shelves, or under your hanging clothes. Having the clothes you wear often easy at hand will make it faster to select an outfit each morning. Remember to dry-clean your clothes before packing them away, and toss a few cedar balls in containers to keep moths at bay. While you’re at it, take a moment to sort through clothes you need repaired, or that you no longer wear and can donate to charity.
5. Check for leaky windows and doors. Even a minor crack can allow cold air in, and warm air out, which costs you money and can make your house feel cold. Cracks under doors leading into garages can be remedied with a towel rolled up and placed against the door, or by sewing a tube out of fabric, and filling it with “stuffing beans” (available at hobby and sewing shops). Rubber strips are also sold that slide under the door to help keep drafts at bay. Windows can be sealed by taping light sheets of plastic over them, or by caulking around the edges. Check your home for leaks around pipes leading into your home, and caulk these too. To help heat your home, open blinds during the day to let sun stream in.
6. As you’re walking around your house looking at the pipes leading into your home, drain and turn off the water faucets outside. Insulate any water pipes that may be exposed to the cold.
7. Check the insulation in your attic, and if it’s thin, consider adding another layer. Just as we lose the majority of our body heat out of our head, which is why we were always told to wear a hat outdoors, a lot of heat can escape out of drafty attics.
8. Check the batteries in your fire alarms and carbon monoxide testers, and replace them if they need to be changed. Also take a look at your fire extinguishers to make sure they are in working order. If you don’t have fire extinguishers in your home, add them to your shopping list.
9. Inventory your supply of snow shovels and salt to make sure you have enough on hand for whatever winter may bring. While you’re at it, check your car’s emergency kit- do you have a first aid kit, a “send help” sign, a snow shovel, sand (for traction if you get stuck), a warm blanket or sleeping bag, spare gloves, boots, and hat, and snacks? A flashlight and a tool to break out a window if you’re stuck in a car are also good things to keep in your car. Tidy up your glove compartment at the same time- tucking your registration and proof of insurance in an envelope helps it from getting lost among maps and other things. I also tuck a few dollars in my glove box, just in case I’m ever short on cash and forgot my credit card.
10. Stock your home’s first aid kits and emergency kits. Every family should have an emergency action plan, including a meeting destination, and a pre-selected person to contact out of the area in case of emergency. It’s a good idea to keep bottled water, as well as food that can be opened and eaten without electricity, in case of power outages or other emergencies. Make sure you have enough personal hygiene items and medications available as well.
This weekend is jam-packed with fun family events in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas. After decorating your Ann Arbor home with jack-o-lanterns, take the family and head out to one of these Halloween activities. (Visit one of the many apple orchards and cider mills around town to pick up the perfect carving pumpkin).
October 30, 2009
Halloween Concert at Eastern Michigan University
Pease Auditorium at West Cross & College Place, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti
(734) 487-2282
The EMU Symphony Orchestra present an entertaining evening of astonishing surprises and spooky music. The audience is invited to come in costume!
Cost: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors, $6 children under 12
7 p.m.
Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University, Family Activities, Live Music
October 30, 2009
Ypsilanti Halloween Festival
Children from around the area are invited to enjoy prizes, games, costumes, and candy at the annual Ypsilanti Halloween Festival. This year all activities will be held in the Ypsilanti District Library Park, and on North and South Washington Streets. Candy distribution stations and SOS canned goods collection boxes will be set up in each of these locations. Michigan Avenue will not be closed this year, instead the Ypsilanti Volunteer Service Corps will be on hand to help kids cross Michigan Avenue. Children must be supervised.
5-7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Haloween Ice Skating
Halloween Skate — Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena, 2150 Jackson Road, 734.794.6235. General admission. Skate to the spooky sounds of Halloween. Prizes will be given for the best costumes. All ages are welcome. 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Trick-or-Treating in Ann Arbor
5 – 8 p.m. Halloween Trick-or-treating in Ann Arbor neighborhoods, for participating residents. Details and safety tips can be found at www.a2gov.org/news.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Halloween Treat Parade
Main Street area, Ann Arbor
(734) 668-7112 ext. 22
Join the merchants of downtown Ann Arbor for the ninth annual Treat Parade. Area merchants will welcome costumed characters with greets and treats as the trick-or-treaters parade down the streets from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.. Black and orange balloons fly from participating businesses. Get an early start and head to the Ann Arbor District Library on S. Fifth Ave. to get in the mood with a spooky story. Two story times to choose from 9:30am and 10:30 am. All creatures welcome.
Cost: This is a free event.
11a.m. to 5p.m.
Ann Arbor, Downtown Ann Arbor, Family Activities
October 31, 2009
BOO BASH at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor
Mall wide trick-or-treating, moon walk, Colors the Clown and her Animal Magic Show, treats and more for children up to 13 years.
October 31, 2009
Halloween Boo Bash
Downtown Saline
(734)944-9463
The streets will be crowded with witches, power rangers, princesses and fireman at the local Halloween street party downtown Saline. It is an old fashion celebration with tricks and treats, games, and music.
Full event info
Cost: This is a free event.
5:00pm-8:00pm
Saline, Downtown Saline, Family Activities, Food and Drink, Live Music
Oct. 28- 31, 2009
Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt
Mainstreet, Liberty and Kerrytown Areas, Ann Arbor
The pirate themed Ann Arbor Treasure Hunt will take "Participating Pirates" on a voyage through the wild seas of Ann Arbor and into some of the unique shops and restaurants that make Ann Arbor a must-experience 'Port of Call.' During the entire month of October, pirates will have a Treasure Map that provide clues guiding them into participating shops, restaurants and galleries all in search of the clue's solution. Once the solution has been located, "capture" the clue on film, and after capturing all of the solutions the pirates send in their photo proof and treasure map for a chance to win a pirate's chest filled with items that been collected from a wide variety of Ann Arbor shops. It's a family friendly event and is open to everyone interested in winning lavish pirate loot! To pick up a map stop at any of the 20 ports to pick one up and start the voyage.
Full event info
Cost: This is a free event.
Hours of operation of each location
Great Opportunity in Downtown Ann Arbor--Click to view 2 Rare Ashley Terrace Studio Condos, a modern high-rise downtown Ann Arbor Condominium. Ashley Terrace condominiums are located on the corner of Ashley and Huron, near Downtown Home and Garden, Three Chairs, Sweetwater's, Nightclubs and Restaurants. Walk 1 block over to Main Street to enjoy Ann Arbor's vibrant downtown. Visit the Farmer's Market, Kerrytown, Zingerman's Deli, and the University of Michigan central campus.
Ashley Terrace Studio 813 and Studio 413 feature modern amenities such as high ceilings, hardwood floors, and open floorplans. The 2 Studios have skyline views, galley kitchens with cherry cabinetry & granite counters, open living, in-unit laundry and dedicated underground parking.
If you would like more information about the Ashley Terrace Condos in downtown Ann Arbor, Contact Andy Piper at 734-604-8242.
--CALL Andy Piper for more info/to view at (734) 604-8242!
Miki Japanese Restaurant is a sushi hotspot in downtown Ann Arbor. Located on bustling South First Street, Miki is within walking distance from other shops, businesses, and the Ashley Terrace Condominiums. Miki’s menu is large and diverse, offering everything from sushi and sashimi to bento boxes, hot noodles, and vegetarian dishes.
I’d recommend starting your meal with edamame- hot, lightly salted, boiled soybeans. Edamame is healthy, high in fiber, and packs good nutrition into a little bean. You don’t eat the pod; just slide the beans out between your teeth. The appetizer menu at Miki is packed with delicious looking items, which would make a good meal, tapas style. The gyoza- pan fried Japanese dumplings, are savory and delicious, and the vegetable tempura is a nice twist in the usual seafood tempura.
Sushi and sashimi are the specialties on Miki’s menu, although they also turn out several teriakis, hot noodle dishes, and stir fried entrees from their busy kitchen. Fish is the star of the show here, and Miki’s sushi is the perfect showcase for the fresh seafood their chefs bring in. The sushi is served with a warm miso soup, rice, and a crisp salad. The “spider roll,” made from soft shell crab, avocado, and cucumber, is a standout, but if you’re looking for something a little different, try the “French kiss roll,” sushi made of shrimp, eel, and spicy tuna wrapped with cucumber and topped with sauce.
Save room for the Banana Hama Roll- deep fried banana topped with deep fried sweet potato. It’s perfect paired with a cup of smooth, tangy ginger ice cream for desert. Miki puts their own special twist on Asian food offerings, and this special “something” is what sets the restaurant apart and makes it one of the finest in downtown Ann Arbor.
The United States House of Representatives voted last week to pass a bill that would extend the tax credit for first-time homeowners for a year for military personnel currently serving overseas. The bill, which was passed by unanimous vote, would give military serving overseas for at least 90 days in 2009 an additional year to take advantage of the tax credit. The credit, which was part of the President’s economic stimulus package- the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act- gives first-time homeowners an $8,000 tax credit. The bill would also waive repayment requirements for military families, intelligence agents and Foreign Service officers who take advantage of the tax credits, but need to move or sell their house for job-related reasons. The bill, called House Resolution 3590: The Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009, will be sent to the Senate for their vote. Many first-time home buyers in Michigan have taken advantage of this bill, buying both new and older, historic Ann Arbor homes. The University of Michigan, several hospitals in the area, as well as auto manufacturing plants brings new residents to the city every year. Many students decide to stay in Ann Arbor after graduation, and buy their first home as they settle into their new hometown. The first-time homeowner tax credit provided extra incentive for many would-be homebuyers to purchase their first home.
The Armory condos feature loft style amenities such as exposed concrete block walls, hardwood floors, exposed duct work and architectural steel beams, steel railings with open 2story family room.
If you would like more information about the Armory Condos in downtown Ann Arbor, Contact Andy Piper at 734-604-8242.
Current listings in the Armory Condominiums:
