With its walkable downtown area featuring a diverse range of local shops, places to experience art and culture, and dining options suited to eclectic tastes, visitors can enjoy an artsy and flavor-packed weekend getaway in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the midwestern United States.
Disclosure: This Ann Arbor weekend getaway guide was published in partnership with Destination Ann Arbor and Wanderful. It also contains affiliate links. When you click on one of these partner links and make a purchase or book a hotel stay, I may earn a commission.
Why Take a Summertime Weekend Getaway in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
A charmingly quirky college town, Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan. With many college students on summer break, mid-May through mid-August is an ideal time for a weekend getaway to Ann Arbor, where you can explore all that this Southeast Michigan city has to offer.
Having grown up about 30 miles from Ann Arbor in Dearborn, Michigan, I am honored to partner with Destination Ann Arbor and the premier women’s travel network Wanderful to share one of my favorite Michigan cities with you. You can click here to read more of my Ann Arbor guides.
There are so many fun and unique things to do in Ann Arbor; I’m sure you’ll enjoy visiting this college town as much as I have. In particular, Ann Arbor is a fabulous getaway for foodies, art enthusiasts, and travelers interested in cultural pursuits.
Let’s plan a delicious and art-filled weekend getaway in Ann Arbor this summer! For even more information about visiting Ann Arbor, click here.
Where to Stay: Downtown at Graduate Ann Arbor
Stay in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor at Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor. You’ll be conveniently located near the University of Michigan campus and just a short walk from boutique shops, local restaurants, swanky cocktail bars, craft breweries, music venues, theaters, and public art and gardens.
Some say our college years are some of the best of our lives. If your university housing was anything like the campus-inspired digs at Graduate Ann Arbor, then that sentiment probably holds true. Though I bet your dormitory didn’t have a cocktail lounge. 😉
At Graduate Ann Arbor, you’ll have fun taking in all the scholastic-inspired details. For example, your room key will resemble a student ID, chalkboards in the lobby will be covered with mathematical equations, and a “studying” pennant will replace the usual “do not disturb” door hanger.
Food & Drink at Graduate Ann Arbor
In the collegiately chic lobby, take a seat around a long table that replicates those in the university’s famed law library and savor freshly brewed coffee from the on-site Poindexter Coffee.
Later in the day, gather in the Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge for a Mrs. Robinson, a cleverly named drink of wheat vodka, lime, rosemary, simple syrup, blackberry liqueur, bitters, and egg white.
Book Your Stay at Graduate Ann Arbor
During my own late spring weekend getaway in Ann Arbor, my mom and my husband (then boyfriend) joined me on separate nights. We found that Graduate Ann Arbor appeals to a diverse range of travelers, from Millennials to Baby Boomers, for a girls’ trip or a romantic Midwest getaway.
Especially if you’re visiting Ann Arbor with Michigan alumni, like my mom, I’m sure you’ll love having Graduate Ann Arbor as your home base for exploring this Midwest college town’s unique public art, delicious lunch spots, and indie bookstores.
Don’t miss out on this unique hotel that will take you back to your own university days — click here to reserve your room!
Address: 615 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Go Out to Eat in Ann Arbor
Home to more than 400 restaurants, the Ann Arbor area is a food lover’s paradise in the second-most agriculturally diverse US state.
Benefitting from its proximity to Midwestern farms, Ann Arbor restaurants often source local produce and craft chef-driven, seasonal menus around the bounty of America’s heartland.
Close to your accommodations in downtown Ann Arbor, you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants. You can walk or take a short drive to diverse ethnic eateries, craft breweries serving crave-able comfort foods, and restaurants with full vegetarian and vegan menus.
As a Southeast Michigan-based foodie, here are my local recommendations for where to eat breakfast through dessert during your spring/summer weekend getaway in Ann Arbor.
Breakfast and Brunch in Ann Arbor
In the a.m. hours, head to unique Ann Arbor coffee shops, health food restaurants with fruity and protein-packed smoothies, or weekend brunch spots.
Poindexter Coffee
If you’re the type of traveler who needs coffee first thing in the morning, head downstairs to the Graduate Ann Arbor lobby.
There, you’ll find Poindexter Coffee, offering a variety of grab-and-go breakfast items. Pair your pastry or a bagel from Zingerman’s Delicatessen, a well-known Ann Arbor deli, with your freshly brewed coffee.
Address: 615 East Huron Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Juicy Kitchen
Just a short drive from downtown Ann Arbor, Juicy Kitchen is a health food café and market open for breakfast and lunch.
On the menu are vegan burritos, egg-and-white-cheddar sliders served on focaccia or gluten-free bread, avocado toast, fruit-packed smoothies, lattes, and a variety of other breakfast dishes and drinks that accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets.
Address: 1506 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Sava’s
Sava’s is a delight for all your senses! From the colorful tile floor up to the burst chandeliers, your eyes will be pleased. Your taste buds will be, too.
Start your weekend brunch in Ann Arbor with the Bang Bang Shrimp, and the seasonal lemonade is refreshing on a hot summer day. If you’re craving breakfast, try the French Toast Brulée or Eggs Benedict; otherwise, I recommend Sava’s Greek salad.
The brunch menu is offered throughout the weekend, but the brunch buffet is only offered on Sundays.
Address: 216 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
RELATED: 7 Ann Arbor Spots That Aren’t Your Average Coffee Shops
Lunch in Ann Arbor
During the lunch hour, head over to the Kerrytown neighborhood, home to the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market. The market runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, so you can browse the locally grown produce, farm-produced foods, artisanal items, and more from 125 Michigan-based vendors before or after your lunch at Zingerman’s Delicatessen or Miss Kim. If you plan to be downtown or just need more ideas for where to eat lunch, check out my guide to the best local Ann Arbor lunch spots.
Zingerman’s Delicatessen
Located near the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market in the Kerrytown neighborhood, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a renowned deli founded by Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig.
If you’re also a rom-com lover, you may recognize this Ann Arbor institution from its feature on the silver screen as the workplace of Jason Segel’s character in The Five-Year Engagement.
Although the deli is filled with gourmet foods that you can bring home as edible souvenirs from Ann Arbor, it’s particularly known for its made-to-order sandwiches. The menu can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, but a staff member will be happy to help you find the perfect sandwich.
Personally, I give two thumbs up to Benno’s Birdie! This sandwich is perfect for pesto lovers, featuring Amish chicken breast, Ligurian pesto, oven-dried tomatoes, and fresh, handmade mozzarella on grilled, rustic Italian bread.
Before you check out, add a side dish from the case of deli salads and Jewish sides, or complete your lunch with a dill pickle or a bag of Zingerman’s potato chips, a collaboration with Traverse City, Michigan’s Great Lakes Potato Chips.
Address: 422 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Miss Kim
Also in Kerrytown, at the Kerrytown Market & Shops, is Miss Kim. Here, Seoul-born Chef Ji Hye Kim, a 2024 James Beard Award semi-finalist, creates authentic Korean dishes using local Michigan ingredients in the spirit of Korean culinary traditions.
If they are still on the menu when you go, don’t miss the fluffy steamed bao made in-house. I highly recommend the roasted pork belly bun, but the sautéed mushrooms bun is a great vegetarian option that can also be made vegan.
I also loved the bibimbap-like chicken avocado rice bowl during my lunch at Miss Kim, and the smashed potatoes tossed with Korean chili flakes are addictively delicious.
Address: 415 N Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Dinner in Ann Arbor
Later in the day, head to one of the many restaurants within walking distance of your hotel in downtown Ann Arbor. You can sip sangria and share Spanish tapas at Aventura or bite into a juicy burger under the shade of a blue umbrella on the patio of Knight’s Steakhouse.
Aventura
At this modern Spanish tapas restaurant, you’ll find a menu of traditional Spanish cuisine and drinks.
Based on my dining experience at Aventura, I recommend the red sangria, bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with blue cheese, gambas al ajillo, and Brussels sprouts served with pistachios, apples, honey, olive oil, and Crema Fresca.
Though I haven’t tried it yet myself, I’ve also heard a lot of praise for the squid ink paella.
Address: 216 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Knight’s Steakhouse – Downtown Ann Arbor
Like Metzger’s German Restaurant and Weber’s Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, Knight’s Steakhouse is one of those longstanding, family-owned businesses that have been serving the Ann Arbor community for generations.
The Knight family first opened a meat and grocery market on the city’s west side in 1952 before expanding into steakhouse restaurants in 1984. Now, the family runs three Knight’s Steakhouse locations in the Ann Arbor and Jackson area.
The newest location, having opened in 2014, is located downtown on East Liberty at the corner of Maynard Street. In the summer, you can dine outside under an umbrella and watch the passersby.
In addition to prime cuts of bone-in ribeye and filet mignon, the menu includes mouthwatering burgers, fresh salads, seafood dishes, and more. I recommend the Brussels sprouts appetizer, and, if you are dining inside or on an unseasonably cool day, you should add a cup of Ray Knight’s famous chili to your order.
Address: 600 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Cool Treats for Summer
With average high temperatures ranging from 80°F to 84°F (26-28°C) in June through August, you will likely want to cool down with a frosty treat during the summer in Ann Arbor. Lick an ice cream cone at Blank Slate Creamery or sip an iced tea in the TeaHaus tea bar and lounge!
Blank Slate Creamery
Cool down with a scoop of all-natural, made-in-house ice cream at Blank Slate Creamery!
You’ll find unique flavors such as balsamic strawberry, lavender lemon honey, chocolate-covered pretzel with a caramel swirl, Vietnamese cinnamon, and campfire s’mores.
Address: 300 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
TeaHaus
With over 175 varieties of tea, you’re sure to find one you’ll enjoy at TeaHaus. On a hot day, cool down with iced tea and pair it with a macaron.
The chocolate-hazelnut macaron I had at TeaHaus was seriously the best macaron I’ve ever had, and the strawberry and star fruit white iced tea was refreshing.
Address: 204 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Drinks in Ann Arbor
Sip cocktails created with locally distilled spirits, crisp ciders, hoppy IPAs, and more adult beverages at stylish cocktail lounges, craft breweries, and other bars during your Ann Arbor weekend getaway.
Bløm Mead + Cider
At Bløm Mead + Cider, savor light, refreshing session meads and crisp ciders crafted from Michigan-grown farm ingredients. This is a great spot to share a Michigan cheese plate and a tray of seasonal drinks for sampling. Plus, all of these craft beverages are naturally gluten-free.
Address: 100 S 4th Ave STE 110, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
HOMES Brewery
A short drive from downtown Ann Arbor, HOMES Brewery is the perfect spot for sour beers, saisons, IPAs featuring tropical hops, and fruit-forward beers paired with Asian street food. Sit out on the patio and soak in some sunshine, too!
Address: 2321 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge
After a night on the town, head back to the Graduate for a nightcap. At the Allen Rumsey Supper Club, you’ll sip old-fashioned cocktails in the tradition of Midwestern supper clubs. I thoroughly enjoyed the gin-based Matthaei Botanicals — named after the local botanical garden.
Address: 615 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Experiencing the Arts & Culture in Ann Arbor
Whether you are passing a mural on the street or attending a concert or art exhibit, there are plenty of ways to indulge in the arts in Ann Arbor.
Listen to Live Music
The Ark
Hosting more than 300 performances each year, The Ark is nationally renowned for folk, acoustic, and roots music performances.
It’s an intimate venue with approximately 400 seats, and tickets to most shows cost less than $50. Occasionally, you can even snag a ticket for as little as $11.
The Ark has hosted big names over the years, including Kacey Musgraves, Emmylou Harris, and Ben Folds. Check The Ark’s calendar to see if there is a concert while you’re in town!
Address: 316 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
See Street Art in Downtown Ann Arbor
Michigan Wings by Kelsey Montague
As you walk around downtown Ann Arbor, you are likely to see some street art, and one of the most photographed is Michigan Wings by street artist Kelsey Montague.
If you are into street art, you probably recognize her work, especially her #WhatLiftsYou project.
The Michigan Wings mural features iconic sights from the University of Michigan’s campus, including Burton Tower, the Law Quad, and the brass “M” on the Diag.
Address: 555 E Maynard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Global Graffiti Project Murals by Cacao Rocks
When you find the Panera Bread at the corner of South Thayer Street and North University Avenue, you’ll see three more murals, including the one pictured above by Greek street artist Cacao Rocks.
Part of a series created by international artists brought to Ann Arbor through the Global Graffiti project, these public artworks offer a global perspective and were created to demonstrate how street art is a powerful medium of expression and communication.
Address: 318 S Thayer St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Singin’ in the Rain by David Zinn
Created by local street artist David Zinn, this downtown Ann Arbor mural depicts actor Gene Kelly, with a closed umbrella in hand, swinging around a lamppost during the iconic scene of the classic Hollywood film, Singin’ in the Rain.
It’s on the backside of the entrance to the underground Library Lane Parking Structure, between the Ann Arbor Public Library and the Blake Transit Center.
Address: 300 E Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Attend a Summer Festival
Ann Arbor Art Fair
Known as the largest juried art fair in the US, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is a three-day event spanning 30 city blocks in downtown Ann Arbor. It is comprised of three separate juried art fairs that turn Ann Arbor into an outdoor art gallery over a long weekend each July.
Shakespeare in the Arb
Another summer event to attend in Ann Arbor is Shakespeare in the Arb at Nichols Arboretum. These outdoor theatrical performances of The Bard’s works coincide with the Arb’s annual peony bloom each June. The Arb’s peony garden is one of the oldest and largest peony gardens in North America, and seeing the garden’s nearly 800 plants abloom with over 10,000 flowers is a Michigan Bucket List experience.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Finally, visitors in June can also take advantage of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. The three-week festival celebrates the performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit with a jam-packed event line-up of concerts, movie screenings, art exhibits, kid-friendly activities, and more. Most of the events take place in the evenings at Top of the Park, located on the University of Michigan campus at Washington Street and Ingalls Mall.
View the Law Quad’s Architecture
Walk through the archway to the University of Michigan Law Quad, where you’ll see the classic Tudor Gothic architecture.
Inside the Law Library, the reading room’s arched windows feature stained glass seals of other universities. With dramatic chandeliers and a high, cathedral-like ceiling, I felt like I was Harry Potter, stepping into the Hogwarts Great Hall for the first time.
My favorite details from the University of Michigan Law School are stained glass cartoons featuring aspects of the law — divorce, inheritance, and crimes such as burglary and forgery. You’ll find those in the Cloister Hall, the first floor of Hutchins Hall.
Address: Legal Research Building, 801 Monroe St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Browse the University of Michigan Museum of Art
Did you know the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) is one of the largest university art museums in the United States?
Its collection features European and American art dating back to the 1100s, artworks from Africa and Asia, modern and contemporary art, photography, and outdoor sculptures.
Admission to the museum is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Check the museum’s website for accurate hours of operation and current exhibits!
Address: 525 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Catch a Flick
Need to beat the heat? Rainy day? Go see a movie at one of downtown Ann Arbor’s unique theaters.
At the State Theatre, a four-screen Art Deco cinema, watch the summer’s big blockbuster movie or another modern classic.
The historic Michigan Theater also hosts film screenings. Occasionally, there are screenings of indie, arthouse, and foreign films that you might not find at your average movie theater.
Addresses:
- State Theatre: 233 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
- Michigan Theater: 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Getting to & Around Ann Arbor
Located in Southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor is easily accessible from major highways, Amtrak, and the Detroit Metro (DTW) airport.
Perfect for weekend getaways, Ann Arbor is only a 45-minute drive from Detroit, two hours from Grand Rapids, three hours from Cleveland and Columbus, and four hours from Chicago and Indianapolis.
To get to Ann Arbor, you can road trip via I-94, M-14, and US 23, or you can take Amtrak’s Wolverine Line from Chicago or Detroit.
If you’re traveling from a distance, consider flying into DTW, about a 30-minute drive by rental car to Ann Arbor. Alternatively, you can even get to downtown Ann Arbor from the airport without a car for $25 round-trip per adult on the Michigan Flyer motorcoach.
Once you are in Ann Arbor, the downtown area and the University of Michigan’s campus are quite walkable, and you can use local buses and ride-sharing services to get around when needed.
Explore the map below to find the places I recommend for eating, drinking, and experiencing the arts in Ann Arbor!
Plan Your Summer Weekend Getaway in Ann Arbor
If you’re interested in street art, live music, and experiencing a local food scene, consider taking a weekend getaway in Ann Arbor, Michigan, during the late spring or summer.
Visiting from mid-May through mid-August allows you to explore the farm-to-table dining, craft beverages, and the arts and culture of this quirky college town when most of the University of Michigan students are on break.
Having grown up nearby in the Detroit area, I’ve always loved taking day trips to Ann Arbor. Now that I’ve experienced an Ann Arbor weekend getaway, I urge other Michiganders to consider Ann Arbor for an overnight stay or weekend summer break, too.
There is so much to explore in Ann Arbor — probably much more than you realized. I know that was how I felt. To find more Ann Arbor inspiration, you should start planning your trip at AnnArbor.org.
For even more weekend getaway ideas, check out these romantic getaways in the Midwest. I’ve also curated weekend getaway guides for Bloomington, Indiana; Parkersburg, West Virginia; and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Read Related Posts
- Graduate Ann Arbor Hotel Review
- Unique Ann Arbor Coffee & Tea Shops
- Best Local Lunch Spots in Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor Art Fair Guide
- A Bookworm’s Guide to Downtown Ann Arbor Bookstores
- Ann Arbor Date Ideas for Foodie Couples
- Day Trip from Ann Arbor: Local Dining and Shopping in Ypsilanti, Michigan
- Ann Arbor Takeout and Food Delivery Guide
- Weber’s Boutique Hotel & Restaurant Review
- Michigan Game Day in Ann Arbor
- Detroit Auto Show Visitor’s Guide
Save the image below to your Michigan travel board on Pinterest for future trip planning!
Editor’s Note: This Ann Arbor weekend getaway guide was initially published in July 2018, following a hosted visit in May 2018. It has been updated in July 2025 to reflect current offerings and more recent experiences in Ann Arbor.
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I almost went to grad school in Ann Arbor and visited once. Really loved the vibe of the town, and if I get the chance I’d love to go back and spend more time there. I love that there is transportation from the airport for $25. Seems like a great deal if you don’t want to rent a car and drive. I know I’d been eating my way around town so driving and Ubering would be the best route for me. The Graduate sounds like a super fun hotel, and I love all the student life touches they’ve thrown into the experience. Great details in this list! Love all the photos!
Michigan has never stood out tourist destination. Yet, Ann Arbor looks like an amazing place to explore the food and art scene. Sign me up for all that yummy food.
I had no idea Ann Arbor was so close to Toronto! It sounds as though it would make a delicious long weekend escape …perhaps with some of that vino from Michigan wineries
I had never even heard of Ann Arbor till recently, it looks so beautiful and wow on all the food, activites and local art. And congrats on the Ambassadorship, that is awesome. Mgith have to put this place on my travel bucket list 😉
I’m really hoping to get to Ann Arbor soon. It seems like an awesome foodie destination! Your photos are making me hungry haha. And I just love Michigan. Someday I really want to take a couple of months and explore different places all over the state.
Loved my stay at The Graduate. I can really relate to the decor as a U of M alumnus. But that aside, the room was comfortable and spacious. The mini food cart in the lobby was a great place to grab a cup of coffee or tea throughout the day and a quick snack, not just first thing in the morning. Enjoyed that the hotel was within walking distance of so many places to eat, shop and visit. Also convenient that a bike rental was located right outside the hotel too in case I wanted to be more adventurous. Looking forward to staying again so I can explore all the new and old places that Downtown Ann Arbor and U of M campus has to offer. Will have to try some of the places you mentioned that I have not been to yet. Looking forward to hearing more about my favorite college town in your upcoming posts. Love your pics.
How fun that Graduate Ann Arbor reflects college memories and traditions — it’s so much fun when a hotel finds a unique way to blend hospitality with the surrounding culture. I love your choices for art exploration and the many dining options you’ve outlined. If I were planning a trip to Ann Arbor soon, I think your post would be a great start to choosing my itinerary!
This is awesome! I live in Toledo and we get up to Ann Arbor every so often but not nearly enough! I think we need to plan a trip there before the end of summer! I would love to stay at that hotel! XOXO
https://www.theweekenderafashionfieldguide.com
What an amazing getaway! Such a fun time – love your pictures!
It seems that you really had a fabulous time there in Ann Arbor. and those foods are so tempting and it makes me feel so hungry. On my next travel, I would love to explore that place too.
Loved your tour of Ann Arbor, Erin. Great pictures too. I love all the art inside and out, the cool architecture – new and old and of course, all that food and drink. Definitely putting the city on my itinerary.
You’re right, Ann Arbor looks so charming and quirky – I feel like it should be in a chick flick (kind of reminds me of the town in The Proposal) Random.
My brother is really into art. He won’t admit it, but he himself is an artist. I can’t wait to share this place with him.
I go to Ann Arbor a couple of times a year and in fact will be there this weekend for the soccer game. I am going to look up those wings and try one of the restaurants on your list. They are different than the places I have tried before. Thanks for the new options Erin.
What awesome food options! I would love to check out the craft breweries and vegan restaurants 🙂
I just went to Ann Arbor for the first time a couple of month ago. It was a surprisingly cute town. I visited Pete’s Arcade and ate at Seva. I even went to the quads (love it) and walk around the Big House (not really a fan, Ohio Stadium is so much better IMHO). Ann Arbor was pretty dang cute.
OMG, those food photos made me slobber all over myself. Ann Arbor made it on one of my top must-visit spots in the next couple of months. This looks like such a fun and delicious place to explore <3
This looks like a great place to visit. I love all the craft breweries and the hotel looks like a blast. I have never heard of bacon wrapped dates. Were they good?
I’ve never been to Michigan! I love the way the university theme runs through the hotel and food choices!
Although I’ve never been to Ann Arbor, I’ve heard nothing but wonderful things about this beautiful, college town. Your beautiful pictures make me want to go visit right now!
One of my husband’s relatives lived in Ann Arbor – no longer though – and we visited them once but we didn’t do any of the city. I’ve always heard that Ann Arbor is a cool place to visit and live. It all looks good to me – well, except those flags and that blue and yellow – I’m a Buckeye!
Lol, Jill. If you can get past the reminders around Ann Arbor that it is home to the University of Michigan, there is a lot for a Buckeye (or a Spartan) to enjoy around town. The city definitely seems like a cool place to live, too. If I had to move somewhere else in Michigan, Ann Arbor would certainly be a contender.