A Townies Guide To The Perfect Day In Ann Arbor
From farmers market magic to off-the-beaten path in Dixboro, here's how to explore A2 like a local.
I’ve lived in Ann Arbor for 17 years—but my husband? He’s what we call a Townie. That’s local for someone who grew up here, went to high school here, and knows precisely how to navigate town on game day.
While the University is often the the hub - we ARE a college town after all, real Ann Arbor life lives in the details:
Saturday mornings at the market, coffee spots with stained wood tables, and little detours that somehow turn into traditions.
This guide isn’t the “Top 10 Must-Dos” - not really my vibe; it’s a blend of memory, ritual, and lived experience. It’s how to spend one perfect day in A2.
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8:30 AM – Farmers Market Magic
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market in Kerrytown is more than just a produce stand—it’s a sensory immersion. The first time I came here as a child, I was mesmerized by the colors, the bustle, the serious business of tomatoes and heirloom crafts.
Today, it’s still one of my favorite places in the city. Grab a lavender latte or a hot cider, chat with vendors, and let yourself be pulled into the rhythm of the morning.
Open year-round on Wednesdays & Saturdays
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10:00 AM – Dixboro Detour
(If you’re staying at The Green Jewel, you're already there!)
Just east of downtown, the little borough of Dixboro is easy to miss—but full of charm. Locals know:
Moonwinks Café: A favorite for coffee, pastries, and quiche. Bonus: outdoor seating with cozy blankets.
The Boro: Modern, seasonal dinner fare in a gorgeous space. In fact, they offer a bit of something at all times of the day, from brunch to hanging out with cocktails.
Dixboro General Store: Once an antique store where my grandparents had a booth, today it’s a home goods wonderland with a nod to the past. Come for the candles, enjoy the squeaky, patina'd old floors.
As a child, I helped mind the booth or played across the street on the old merry-go-round that is still there, along with the church building that reminds us that community is still the heart of it all; if thats your vibe, this little hidden gem is for you.
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1:00 PM – Art, Nature, and Wandering
Spend your afternoon soaking up some A2 culture, your way:
Nichols Arboretum (The Arb): Stroll the wooded trails, rest under the trees, or (in spring) marvel at the peony garden in full bloom.
Graffiti Alley: Ever-evolving, always a surprise—perfect for photos and people-watching.
Kerrytown Shops: Pop into Found for quirky gifts or Spun for local fiber arts. Don't skip Zingerman’s Deli if your stomach starts growling, but the Detroit Filling Station is the true foodie destination in the area.
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5:00 PM – Dinner, Townie Style
You can go classic, quirky, or cozy in this town. Here are a few I recommend:
Spencer: Wine-forward and ingredient-driven. Small plates, big flavors.
Frita Batidos: Cuban-inspired street food. Get the garlic-cilantro fries. Trust me.
Sava’s: Crowd-pleaser with excellent cocktails and broad appeal.
Metzger’s: Looking for a traditional spot for German? Metzger’s is an older gem worth the drive to West Ann Arbor.
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7:30 PM – Music, Books, or Ice Cream (Pick Your Vibe)
Live music at The Ark – Ann Arbor’s iconic acoustic music venue, I've enjoyed this intimate venue immensely every time I've had opportunity to go.
Literati Bookstore – Local is where it's at, and what's better than meandering a local bookstore?
Blank Slate Creamery – Homemade scoops (try the Munchie Madness or Basil Lemon Sorbet)
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One Last Thing…
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Ann Arbor always has something new to show you. It’s both humble and hi-brow, offering world-class art - and the best donut you’ve ever had.
If you’re staying with us at Pure Mitten Escapes, let us help you build your own perfect itinerary. But if you only have one day? This one’s a pretty magical place to start.
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P.S. Got a favorite Ann Arbor spot I missed? Hit reply and let me know—Townies and visitors alike, I’d love to hear what makes this place yours.
-Kate