Beyond the Campus: Ann Arbor's Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

As someone who measures cities by their bookstores, Ann Arbor scores off the charts. The crown jewel is undoubtedly Literati Bookstore, a three-story independent haven on Washington Street that reminded me of Shakespeare and Company in my adopted Paris, but with a distinctly Midwestern warmth. The typewriter on the lower level, where visitors leave anonymous notes, had me lingering for nearly an hour reading strangers' thoughts.

But don't stop there. Dawn Treader Book Shop on Liberty Street houses labyrinthine aisles of used books where Marie and I lost track of time hunting for out-of-print basketball coaching manuals and French poetry collections. I emerged with a 1950s cookbook and a rare edition of James Baldwin essays.

For the perfect reading atmosphere back at your accommodations, I recommend bringing along a book light – mine has been essential for those evenings when my husband has gone to sleep but I'm still captivated by my latest find. And don't forget to pack a book journal to track your literary discoveries across Ann Arbor's independent bookstores.

My love affair with jazz began in smoky California clubs in the 1970s, so discovering Ann Arbor's vibrant music scene felt like reuniting with an old friend. The Kerrytown Concert House, housed in a Victorian home, offers chamber music and jazz performances in an intimate setting that puts you close enough to see every finger movement on the piano keys. We caught a Sunday afternoon jazz trio that transported me straight to my twenties.

For evening entertainment, The Ark on Main Street is legendary among folk music aficionados. Though primarily known for folk, their calendar spans genres from bluegrass to world music. With just 400 seats, there's not a bad view in the house—something this former coach appreciates after years of straining to see over taller spectators.

My unexpected favorite was the basement venue at Lo-Fi, where local university students and seasoned musicians alike take creative risks. The experimental jazz fusion we stumbled upon had me scribbling notes in my pocket notebook to research artists later. When traveling to music venues, I always bring my earplugs which protect my hearing while maintaining sound quality—essential for us music lovers of a certain age!

If there's one thing my years in Paris taught me, it's that food markets reveal a city's true character. Ann Arbor's Kerrytown Market & Shops embodies this philosophy perfectly. On Saturday morning, Marie and I arrived early to watch the farmers market come alive—a choreography as coordinated as any basketball play I ever designed. The Spice Merchants shop inside transported me across continents with their collection of global spices, and I couldn't resist purchasing their Michigan apple pie spice blend.

For coffee enthusiasts, skip the chain stores and head to Roos Roast, where the beans are roasted on-site and the baristas treat coffee-making as both science and art. Their 'Lobster Butter Love' blend made me temporarily forget my beloved Parisian cafés.

Dinner at Spencer was our splurge—a small plates restaurant with a wine list that would impress even my Parisian neighbors. The seasonal menu celebrates Michigan's harvest with global techniques. We lingered for hours over perfectly executed dishes and wine pairings.

For cooking enthusiasts, Zingerman's Delicatessen is not just a place to eat but a culinary classroom. I use my spice grinder almost daily for the special peppercorn blend I discovered there. And the infusion bottle I purchased helps me recreate some of the herb-infused waters we enjoyed throughout our weekend.

Even in a university town, finding moments of natural tranquility is essential—something I've learned to prioritize after years of coaching high-energy teenagers. The Nichols Arboretum (affectionately called 'The Arb' by locals) offers 123 acres of wooded trails that transform into a symphony of reds and golds come autumn. Marie and I spent Sunday morning wandering its paths, my coaching instincts compelling me to create an efficient route that maximized foliage views while minimizing hill climbs!

For a different perspective, the Argo Canoe Livery offers kayak rentals well into fall. Paddling the Huron River as golden leaves drift onto the water's surface creates moments of perfect stillness—a meditation in motion. The riverside trail system also provides miles of walking paths if you prefer to keep your feet dry.

While exploring these natural areas, I was grateful for my insulated water bottle which kept my tea hot throughout our chilly morning walks. And don't forget to pack a lightweight blanket for impromptu riverside picnics—we spread ours on a sunny bank of the Huron River for an afternoon of reading and watching kayakers navigate the gentle current.