Ann Arbor: The Vacation You Didn’t Know You Needed

Amelia Stevenson Howard
Jun 30
2 min read

When you think “vacation,” your mind might drift to beaches, big cities, or mountain getaways. But what if we told you that one of the most refreshing, unexpected vacations is tucked away in southeast Michigan?

Welcome to Ann Arbor — a city that feels like a perfectly curated weekend retreat, bursting with charm, flavor, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're planning a quick escape or a long, soul-refreshing stay, Ann Arbor gives you everything you didn’t know you were craving.

🧀 Foodie Heaven in a Small City Package

Ann Arbor’s food scene punches well above its weight.Start your day with a lavender latte from a local roastery, grab lunch from a globally inspired food truck, and sit down for dinner at a James Beard-nominated restaurant.Oh, and don’t forget Zingerman’s — no vacation here is complete without it.

🎨 Arts, Culture, and a Little Bit of Magic

You’ll find creativity on every corner.From murals splashed across downtown alleyways to the Ann Arbor Art Fair (one of the largest in the country), there’s always something to discover. Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art, catch a live jazz set at the Blue LLama, or stumble into a poetry reading at Literati Bookstore.

🌳 Nature Just Steps Away

Whether you’re a hiker, biker, or hammock napper, the city’s green spaces will surprise you.

Kayak the Huron River
Explore Nichols Arboretum (The Arb!)
Walk through Gallup ParkAnn Arbor mixes nature and city so seamlessly, you can spend the morning sipping mimosas and the afternoon under a canopy of trees — all without leaving city limits.

🛍️ Shop Small, Shop Local

Vacation means wandering — and Ann Arbor’s local shops are full of treasures.Kerrytown Market & Shops is your go-to for handmade goods, gourmet treats, and boutique finds. Stop in for vintage records, handcrafted jewelry, quirky bookstores, or Ann Arbor-themed gifts.

💤 Stay Awhile: Boutique Hotels & Cozy Stays

You don’t need a resort to relax. From historic inns to sleek, modern boutique hotels and charming Airbnbs near downtown or tucked into tree-lined neighborhoods, Ann Arbor makes it easy to feel at home — even just for a weekend.

🎭 Something’s Always Happening

From outdoor movie nights to summer festivals, U-M football games to silent discos, there’s no “off-season” in Ann Arbor. Check out:

Ann Arbor Summer Festival (Top of the Park)
Taste of Ann Arbor
A2 Jazz Fest
Winter Art TourWhatever time of year you visit, there’s always something that makes you say, “We have to come back.”

So… Who Says You Need to Fly Somewhere?

Sometimes the best getaways are the ones that feel like they could be home — or maybe will be one day. Ann Arbor is charming, colorful, flavorful, and full of discovery — the perfect mix of rest and excitement.

It’s the vacation that slows you down, makes you smile, and invites you to linger just a little bit longer.