A Daily Guide to Thriving in Winter Semester
The best lesser-known spots near campus for each day of the week
—By Adam Karibian, Josh Abraham, and Brian Ankrapp
After the excitement of fall semester, it is easy to come back to Ann Arbor for a routine and uneventful winter. Cold gray days, long hours in the UgLi, and a slew of difficult classes can make any Wolverine a little dull. Break up your slog with a week of lesser-known places and activities near Central Campus that showcase the bright and eclectic nature of our college town.
Monday lunch at Le Dog = La Soup
Many students will often find themselves behind schedule before the week even begins. Thankfully, Le Dog = La Soup (306 S Main St Suite #1-E, Ann Arbor, MI 48104), located in the heart of downtown, is there for a quick cheap bite to make up for your lack of weekly prep. A favorite among locals and students alike, Le Dog = La Soup is open for lunch on weekdays and serves a rotating menu of their two namesakes and not much else. What it lacks in variety, it makes up for in quality. Two frequent members of the rotation include a delightfully cheesy tortilla soup and a fan-favorite lobster bisque, all served with fresh bread from Zingerman’s. With only a takeout window in a larger building, the quirky Le Dog = La Soup is classically Ann Arbor.
Tuesday grind at the School of Education
After a hectic Monday just getting back into things, Tuesday is time to really get into the grind. What one needs is a great place to put your head into the books for a long study session. The first-floor School of Education Student Study Lounge (610 E. University Ave. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109) is one of the best areas on campus to be productive. The Student Study Lounge is rarely busy and will always have an empty spot for you. Upon entering the lounge, you are greeted with four square tables and two booths, perfect for productivity. If you need a break during your study session, the Student Study Lounge offers a sofa that is perfect for relaxation or even naps. Beyond its comfort and fully functional soda machine, the Student Study Lounge is in a prime location, directly across from East Quad, and only fifty steps from Ross.
A walk at Barton on Wednesday
Nothing dissolves pent-up anxiety from a stressful day of studying quite like a little time in nature. Despite the cold and slush often associated with this time of year, the open forests and patchwork meadows of Barton Nature Area (1010 W. Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103) and adjacent Bird Hills Nature Area provide a fantastic respite from the hustle and bustle of campus. The Barton area features a complex network of trails, a reservoir and its dam, and a pedestrian footbridge over the Huron. Located less than two miles north of Rackham and serviced by Ride Route 33, it balances serene remoteness and ease of access for Michigan students. In winter, Barton Pond and the Huron typically remain unfrozen, attracting waterfowl from miles around. Many songbirds snack on leftover berries in the thickets of Barton, making Barton one of the premiere winter birding destinations in Ann Arbor.
Thursday night live music at Blue LLama Jazz Club
After a rustic walk in the woods, Blue LLama Jazz Club (314 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104) presents a more refined experience. Located on Main Street, Blue LLama offers soothing live music and full-course Latin dining, which suits a relaxing Thursday night away from the books. With a speakeasy vibe, the small venue is great for people who have a taste for jazz. Some frequent artists who perform include Rodney Whitaker and Kimmie Horne. Conveniently enough, Blue LLama markets Thursday nights as their cheapest day of the week. Reservations for one to nine people are $15 per person, with add-ons not included. Even though alcohol is served with proper identification, there is no age restriction or dress code for guests. You are able to make a reservation on their website.
Angell Hall Planetarium & Observatory open house on Friday
The perfect follow-up to a swanky night out is a trip to the laid-back and cozy Angell Hall Planetarium and Observatory (435 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109). Located down a series of unremarkable hallways on Angell Hall’s third floor, the Planetarium is a little-known gem. The Student Astronomical Society runs intimate shows most Fridays for two hours starting at eight or nine, and if you’re lucky enough for a clear night, you could even do some direct observation of the night sky. “It’s a great place for anyone to come in and learn about the stars in a relaxed atmosphere,” says Dylan Tremba, long-time SAS member. Student-led shows every thirty minutes allow you to inquire about what fascinates you, and all of this is free of charge.
A Saturday boot at Heidelberg
Have you ever wanted to be transported to Germany and attend Oktoberfest? Look no further than Heidelberg Restaurant & Bar (215 N Main St Suite 200, Ann Arbor, MI 48104), Ann Arbor’s own taste of downtown Berlin. Heidelberg offers its patrons an experience that mimics an authentic night in Germany. On the bottom of its three floors is the “Rathskeller,” a cozy pub setting where you can enjoy a quick bite and ice-cold beer served the old-school German way—in a glass boot. If you are looking for more than a quick snack, make your way upstairs to the main dining room and savor a beer-braised bratwurst and peppers or a traditional Sauerbraten (Pot Roast). Heidelberg’s dishes are affordable and reign supreme as a heavy favorite among Ann Arbor residents who have experienced and embraced the contemporary German cuisine.
Sunday BBQ at the Blue Tractor
With the week coming to a close and the beginning of another looming, the perfect conclusion is a hardy BBQ dinner at the Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery (207 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104). With locations in both Ann Arbor and Traverse City, Michigan, Blue Tractor offers an authentic Southern barbecue experience through their flavor-packed proteins. Whether you are in the mood for a fulfilling, slow-braised pulled pork sandwich or a rack of their signature baby back ribs, each bite will make you feel like you’re at a southern cookout. Along with their unbelievable food options, Blue Tractor is also home to an award-winning craft beer selection with different options each day, providing you with a hearty way to end a Sunday and begin another exciting week.
Feature Photo: Ingalls Mall in Winter by Brian Ankrapp