Best Hidden Gem Hangout Spots in Ann Arbor
Relax, explore, and enjoy the underground wonders of AA
—By Colby O’Connor and Michael Sanchez
It’s our 5th semester on campus in Ann Arbor and we have exhausted many of the classic hangout spots. We are constantly looking for new places to visit with our friends as out-of-state students. If you are like us and need a place to hang out with your friends and family around the University of Michigan campus that isn’t the Big House on a game day, Frita Batidos, the Diag, or Nichols Arboretum, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a list of some of our favorite lesser-known hangout spots in Ann Arbor.
Basement of Shinola Cafe: AA’s coffee speakeasy
Price Level: $$
Distance from The Diag: 1.0 mile walk/drive (301 S Main St.)
“As an avid coffee drinker myself, I often lean on the aesthetic and ambient environment of Shinola’s basement,” says Dylan Crasto, a Junior studying Industrial Operations Engineering at Michigan. Tucked beneath the ever-popular Shinola Cafe is a cozy, dimly lit basement that most people don’t even know exists. It has that speakeasy-esque charm: perfect for catching up with friends over coffee or finding a quiet place to work. Along with coffee, Shinola offers a great place to rewind with some mid-afternoon alcoholic beverages. This hidden basement is the type of destination that will never get tiring, where you will feel yourself constantly wanting to relish the rich coffee and tasty croissants while catching up after a morning of stressful classes.
Barton Nature Area: Your favorite outdoor destination
Price Level: Free
Distance from The Diag: 4.5 miles drive (1010 W Huron Dr.)
Looking for a spot in nature that isn’t swarmed with people? Head over to Barton Nature Area. Located a little off the beaten path, this beautiful park is perfect for picnics, hikes, or simply soaking in some greenery. “It’s like The Docks, but the solitude and cleanliness here makes it one of the few places where you can really connect with nature. I truly feel far away from the noise of campus whenever I visit.” says Luka Abuladze, a Junior studying Public Policy at U-M. Whether you want to bathe in the Ann Arbor sun, tube down the Huron, hike the beautiful trails, or float in the clear, blue water, there are not many better day trips to make while staying in Ann Arbor.
Leslie Park Pickleball Courts: The growing sport movement
Price Level: Free
Distance from The Diag: 4.4 miles drive (301 E Huron St.)
Searching for a destination where you aren’t just relaxing? Pickleball, a sport that has not only consumed our lives, but the lives of many others, is a growing sensation in the sports scene since COVID-19. Whether it is slamming the ball past your opponents, or the sense of reward you feel from a long day on the courts, pickleball is the ideal sport for people of all athletic abilities to have a great day of activity. Leslie Park offers 6 well-kept courts to spend countless hours in this fabulous outdoor destination. Not only is Leslie a place to play pickleball, but also a welcoming community to meet many new people. Nonetheless, if you get tired of playing pickleball, Leslie also contains two tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and plenty of open grass fields to play catch with friends.
The Dixboro Project: Pure culinary bliss
Price Level: $$$$
Distance from The Diag: 7.4 miles drive (5400 Plymouth Rd.)
Now that you have worked up a sweat from a long day at Leslie; just a short drive from campus, The Dixboro Project is a true hidden gem for food lovers. With its farm-to-table concept and charming setting, it’s the perfect spot for brunch or a relaxing evening meal. The Dixboro Project’s cozy atmosphere and quality food make it well worth the trip. This suggestion was one of a U-M alum that now brings nostalgia to many patrons and their families due to its warm, inviting ambiance. Avid visitors indulge in a variety of cocktails, pizza, and pasta to the point where they have no choice but to make it a regular destination. To this day, students spend countless daytimes studying and eating brunch while taking in the natural beauty of the cabin-like atmosphere.
Detroit Observatory: Stars unlike any other on campus
Price Level: Free
Distance from The Diag: 0.5 miles walk (1398 E Ann St.)
A night under the stars offers the perfect escape from the busy college grind, and the U-M Detroit Observatory provides just that—assuming the skies are clear. The observatory offers events on Friday evenings to the public that include tour guides and various telescope viewings, so no prior knowledge is needed to attend any of these events. Whether you are interested in space, or want to try something new, the U-M Observatory is a great place to go with friends or family. The workers are extremely knowledgeable and truly care about giving you an experience that you have never had before; looking into the telescope, learning about the solar system, and exploring the history of the ancient building. Come by on Friday nights with your campus buddies and take a look at the magnificent stars.
Ann Arbor Farmers Market: Supporting local vendors
Price Level: Free – $$
Distance from The Diag: 0.8 mile walk (315 Detroit St.)
After a long Friday night at Rick’s, sometimes all a college student needs is a refreshing change of pace, and the Farmers Market in Kerrytown offers that. Located just about a 20-minute walk from central campus, the Farmers Market is open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Whether you are searching for an ingredient for a meal you plan to cook or want to buy flowers for a loved one, the Farmers Market in the Kerrytown neighborhood is a great place to check out. “The market is a perfect way to start the weekend. Vendors have great hospitality and I even bought a candle,” says Ichiro Ausin, a Senior studying Aerospace Engineering at Michigan. Surrounded by an array of coffee shops and eateries, the Farmers Market makes for the perfect location to sip on some coffee, and explore the unique offerings.
Feature Photo, Ann Arbor Central Campus; Photo Credit, Michael Loftus from Unsplash