15 posts tagged “ann arbor entertainment”
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
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
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
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 Ann Arbor Tree Conservatory is holding their first Annual Bike Ride and Tree Tour this afternoon. The two-hour leisurely bike ride will wind through some of Ann Arbor’s beautiful neighborhoods, past Ann Arbor homes, and through tree-lined streets. Cam Knight, a local tree care contractor and bicycle enthusiast will lead the ride, and will discuss the history and details of stately trees along the route.
Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje will be among the riders today. The first-annual ride was organized in part due to a recent media interview, during which the Mayor noted that his favorite tree in Ann Arbor, an elm at his childhood home, had died. Ride organizers are hopeful the Mayor can find a new favorite tree during today’s bicycle ride.
The Ann Arbor Tree Conservatory was started by a small group of citizens In the Westside Ann Arbor neighborhood of Virginia Park, and is committed to preserving the beauty of Ann Arbor’s trees. Ann Arbor is named in honor of the founder’s wife, as well as the many trees in the area.
Riders should meet by 2 p.m. this afternoon (Saturday, October 10) at Allmendinger Park at the parking circle off Pauline between Hutchins and Edgewood. No reservations are necessary. Rain date is Sunday, October 11 at 2 p.m. For more information on the ride, visit the conservatory’s website. For more information on native Michigan trees, visit MSU’s County Extension website.
The Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department is filling their calendar with fun activities for the family this fall. If you’re looking for something fun to do outside of your Ann Arbor home, check out the Parks and Recreation Department’s Web site for a full list of classes, special events, and recreational activities. Here is a sample of what’s on the menu this autumn:
Free Friday Family Golf Night, Huron Hills Golf Course After 4 p.m. Friday Night Family Free for All at Huron Hills Golf Course, 3465 E. Huron River Drive. Don’t miss this fun time for the whole family. During October, any adult and child (under 17) can play a free nine-hole round of golf after 4 p.m. Call Huron Hills for more details and to book your time now, before the spots fill up. Details:
http://www.a2golf.org or call 734.794.6246.
Instructional skating/hockey lessons, Veterans Memorial Ice Arena
All skills levels are welcome at the Veteran’s Memorial Ice Arena instructional ice skating and hockey lessons. The indoor ice arena opened last week, and offers adult and general skate hours. Call 734.794.6235 or visit http://www.a2gov.org/vets.
Preschool River Kids, Gallup Park
Come down to the river for fall adventures on the Huron River! Enjoy the wonderful autumn colors by exploring the river on paddleboats, kayaks and canoes. Experience the thrill of catching fish off the docks and discovering river critters. Stories, art and playing in Gallup Park round out the fun. Grandparents, babysitters and Moms and
Dads are welcome. River Kids is for ages 2-6 yrs w/caregiver. Siblings are welcome and pay a special discount.
Image courtesy Flickr: chispita_666
Eating locally grown and produced food is good for the environment. Buying food that is produced locally puts meals on your table that are fresher, and also reduces the amount of fuel needed to transport food from other locations.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture is making it easier to identify foods grown and produced in Michigan, though the “Select Michigan” brand identification program. The Select Michigan logo can be found on many Michigan food products sold at grocery stores, farmers markets, and on individual farms.
Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, says that locally-grown food is healthier than food shipped long distances, because many fruits and vegetables can lose up to half of their nutrients in just five days. He recommends that people who want the healthiest, freshest, best-tasting fruits and vegetables should buy ones grown right here in Michigan.
It’s easy to find locally-produced food in Ann Arbor. The Ann Arbor farmer’s market is a great source for local food, as are many of the produce markets and grocery stores around town. Many Ann Arbor home owners are planning small gardens in their backyard, taking advantage of Michigan’s great growing season.
Purchasing Michigan-grown food is also good for the state’s economy. If every Michigan household spent just $10 a week of its current grocery budget on locally-grown and produced foods, the result would be almost $2 billion circulating within our state economy every year.
To learn more about Michigan food products and where to buy them, visit SelectMichigan.org.
Image courtesy Flickr: farlane
Ann Arbor’s Parks and Recreation Department offers many classes for youth and adults, and registration for their next term is now open. You can view the class offerings at http://www.a2gov.org/parks. Registration for new classes has started, so if you’re looking for a new adventure or activity, check out the offerings online and sign up soon!
The guide has information on a variety of activities, including synchronized swimming, hockey, ice skating, golf, fitness, and writing, to name just a few. You’ll also find information on canoeing, the Ann Arbor Senior Center, and swim lessons in the new 56-page program guide. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market, Cobblestone Farm, Leslie Science and Nature Center, and other special attractions around town are also featured in the new guide book.
The parks and recreation department offers a multitude of classes, and is a great way to try a new activity or sport, or to continue learning about something you’re already familiar with. Classes are offered around town, and you’re sure to find one close to your Ann Arbor home.
Ann Arbor has many parks and recreation areas that are great for outdoor activities like kayaking, running and hiking, and the fun doesn’t stop when the snow comes. Sledding, skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing are good ways to get exercise and fresh air outdoors.
For more information on the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department, check out their website online, or follow them on Twitter or friend them on Facebook.
Image courtesy Flickr: Jesus de Blas'
Thousands of people will participate in a Labor Day tradition in northern Michigan this weekend- walking the Mackinac Bridge. This annual event draws about 50,000 people each year, eager to walk the give-mile span from St. Ignace to Mackinac City.
The Mackinac Bridge walk is a great weekend get-away, only a four-hour drive from your Ann Arbor home, this “up-north” event is a great way to say goodbye to summer. The walk starts early in the morning in St. Ignace, which is in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Three hundred runners will be the first to cross the bridge, and then the Governor and a color guard will start their journey across the bridge, leading thousands of walkers behind them. Governor Granholm ran the bridge several years ago, which began a tradition of having runners (pre-selected through a lottery drawing) cross the bridge ahead of the walkers. The walk begins around 7 a.m., giving those trekking across the bridge a spectacular view of the sun as it rises over the horizon.
If you’re planning on walking the bridge, consider parking your car in Mackinaw City, and taking a shuttle bus across the bridge to St. Ignace. Come early, as the bus lines generally become quite long. The shuttles are available for a nominal cost. Hotels are in big demand this weekend, as this is a very popular event, but there are many hotels in the Upper Peninsula, as well as near Mackinaw City, that are a short drive to the bridge.
Wear good walking shoes, and bring a camera to capture photos of the bridge as you cross it. Mackinaw City is home to many wonderful restaurants and shops. Restaurants serving breakfast are always hopping after the walk, and the bakery draws a good crowd (they serve the best raisin bran muffins I’ve ever had!). Non-profit organizations also set up stands offering baked goods and coffee as fundraisers.
If you’re not able to make it to Mackinaw for the bridge walk, check out the many walks that will be held around the state. Visit www.michiganfitness.org/ for more information.
Enjoy the beautiful late-summer weather with an early-morning walk on Labor Day, wherever you may be in the great state of Michigan!
Photo courtesy Flickr: Wayne Hatcher
Ann Arbor is home to an award-winning BMX and mountain biker. David Yapp holds the title of champion BMX biker in Michigan, and is ranked second in the Michigan Mountain Biking Association racing circuit.
David, a 25 year old Ann Arbor native, has been a bike commuter for three years, and while he does own a car (a fuel efficient Honda Civic) he bikes whenever, and wherever, possible.
David recently completed a 3,200 mile tour, on bike, from San Francisco to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to Arizona. This cross-and-intra-country journey, fueled by his own leg power, is his second such endeavor. His first bike trip took him from Portland, Oregon to Virginia, a journey which took three months and spanned 5,600 miles.
David doesn’t just limit his bike riding to tracks and races; he also uses a bike to commute from his Ann Arbor home to his workplace. We recently sat down with David to get his thoughts on biking in Ann Arbor. Here’s what he had to say:
How long have you been a bike commuter?
I’ve been a bike commuter off and on for about three years.
Why do you bike instead of drive a car?
I bike because I’m selfish, and enjoy the money savings. Of course, that’s in addition to the health benefits and positive example of a balanced lifestyle.
How do you bike in bad weather?
Sometimes I’ll drive instead, or take a bus. I have biked in bad weather before, and it’s important to wear clothes that will keep you dry and warm, and to make sure you’re visible to motorists. Reflective markings on your bike, as well as a reflective vest, are good steps to keeping you safe on the road.
Do you commute to work, ride for fun, or both?
I ride to work for fun, and because it makes sense.
Do you ride on roads, sidewalks, or paths?
I ride on roads, through parks and on sidewalks.
What could make A2 even more bike-friend?
We could use more bike lanes, cross-walks and increased winter maintenance on pathways.
How would you rate A2 in terms of bike friendliness?
I’d give it a “Bronze.”
Does A2 have enough bike paths?
We could definitely use more. As biking continues to grow in popularity and as citizens become more health conscious, as well as conscious of the effect of vehicles on the environment, we’re going to see more bikes out on the road.
In a perfect world, A2 would ___ to make it biker-friendly?
I’d like to see more people recycling and using bicycles as methods of transportation.
What would you tell an aspiring bike commuter?
Make sure you lube your chain, wear a helmet and look out for yourself. Be respectful and use good judgment; set a good example for all of us!
