Ann Arbor is home to more than 115,000 people and offers something for each of them. The downtown district also beckons to visitors; this time of year it’s U-M alumni and football ticket holders — as well as those just searching for a good time. Regardless of your reason for being here, we know not every person can enjoy all of Ann Arbor in just one day. We recommend the following spots to see the best of A2, and maybe take a bit of it home with you.
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, 123 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Photo courtesy of sweetwaterscafe.com
Founded by University of Michigan graduates Wei and Lisa Bee, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea wholly epitomizes the maize and blue spirit. And Sweetwaters isn’t your run-of-the-mill café; signature drinks like Dragon Eye, French Vietnamese Au Lait and Iron Goddess take visitors on tasty trips around the globe. You can also choose from a selection of traditional teas and coffees, served hot, iced or frozen. Pair one with a sweet treat for the perfect mid-morning or late-afternoon snack.
Photo courtesy of kerrytown.com
Youll have to focus on more than the food and beverages to find the tiny fairy door crafted in one of the walls by Jonathan B. Wright. Author and founder of Urban Fairies Operations, Wright first created these doors at home for his own children. He felt inspired to continue the project publicly and built the Sweetwaters fairy door in 2005. It is a thought-provoking ornament in a place where people share ideas and tantalize their taste buds.
Sweetwaters is located within easy walking distance of 111 N. Ashley – Ashley Terrace, Mayer Schairer, Trio on Main Street, The Perk, and Liberty Lofts.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan B. Wright, Urban-Fairies.com
Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Photo courtesy of Doug Coombe, Concentrate Media
Before you think, “Not another book store,” we can assure you Literati deserves a visit. It is the attitude here that makes the difference, for the owners and staff believe in the power of independent bookstores to improve quality of life. This starts by supporting the community. Literati teams with locally-owned businesses whenever possible. It also celebrates authors of all walks, including those who live in or near Ann Arbor.
One of the most important aspects of Literati is its efforts to stimulate reading. On its website are “staff picks” that discuss worthwhile and sometimes little-known books. Regular events at the shop include author discussions and children’s story time. Literati also hosts book clubs and ships anywhere in the U.S. It is not a niche shop, but rather a general bookstore that encourages customers to gather and appreciate the written word.
Literati is a stone’s throw from Sloan Plaza Condos, Loft 322, and Tower Plaza Condominiums.
Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair, 115 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Photo courtesy of Lisa W., yelp.com
You probably don’t own a robot, nor do you likely need to repair one. But all the same we invite you to Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair. The items in this store are as unique as its name and will definitely make you smile. Do-it-yourself kits like the Robotic Hand, Bubble Robot and Robot Duck help you build your own automated creature. You can also choose from local artwork, computer accessories, robot-themed toys, books, and dinosaur tattoos, just to name a few items.
The proceeds from Robot Supply & Repair go to 826Michigan, a free, non-profit center that helps school-aged children explore writing. The volunteer staff do everything from tutor kids in sentence structure to publish their stories for the world to enjoy. For an experience unlike any other, visit the store and support 826Michigan. You’ll be glad you did.
Frita Batidos, 117 W. Washington, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Photo courtesy of Alex Paris, The Washtenaw Voice
Featuring Cuban street food, Frita Batidos is a unique restaurant and, as such, similar offerings cannot be found in many American towns. The purveyors buy from local providers like Zingerman’s, Washtenaw Dairy, and The Ann Arbor’s Farmer’s Market. They also continue to raise the bar in terms of quality and creativity. The menu often reflects the season and features simple, delicious fare: crisped plantains, coconut-ginger rice and tropical milkshakes made with fresh fruit, crushed ice and vanilla bean ice cream. And be sure to try a frita, a Cuban-style burger topped with shoestring fries and an over-easy egg.
Photo courtesy of Sara Patrick, foodspotting.com
Chef and author Mario Batali of Food Network fame said Eve Aranoff, the owner of Frita Batidos, has an “unequivocally divine technique” that “creates the ideal balance of what makes a meal perfect”. Stop by this Latin-inspired establishment and take a fresh bite of unforgettable food. Or order a refreshing drink, with or without alcohol, and relax.
Treasure Mart, 529 Detroit St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Photo courtesy of Heather Robinson, Lost in Arles
After your senses have journeyed to a coffee shop, bookstore, robot supply shop, and Cuban restaurant, it’s time for pleasure shopping. Treasure Mart is a three-story consignment shop that sells the old, the new and everything in-between. You’ll find antiques, perhaps a new piece for your Carnival Class collection, furniture, jewelry, and home furnishings. The idea is that no item is without value, as long as it can find an appreciative owner.
Because of its more than 50-year history, Treasure Mart is equal parts Ann Arbor staple and tourist attraction. The same customers repeatedly visit for the thrill of a new find, and newcomers stop by to affordably furnish their homes and/or apartments. Occasional visitors never know what they’ll get; the staff puts approximately 2,000 new items on the shelves each day.
Treasure Mart is near The Brownstones, Sloan Plaza Condos, and the Armory.
