Three Days in the Big Ten - Ann Arbor

 Ah, autumn in Michigan, known for its stunning natural beauty and fall colors, seasonal activities like cider mill visits and corn mazes, and of course, the potential for a foot of freshly fallen snow. As your native Detroiter on the UO Alumni Association staff, it is my pleasure to present you with my guide to Three Days in the Big Ten – Ann Arbor, as we return to my home state and watch the Oregon Ducks take on the Michigan Wolverines.

Getting Around

Ann Arbor is situated about a sixty-minute drive from downtown Detroit, and a thirty-minute drive from Detroit Metro Airport. If you plan to venture anywhere outside of downtown Ann Arbor, be prepared to either drive or arrange for an expensive ride share. Detroit is known as the motor city, and Michigan’s infrastructure is designed for driving cars with minimal options for public transportation. Do yourself a favor and rent a car. Added perk for UOAA members: your membership allows you access to an online travel portal for rental car discounts. (Not a member yet? Register online today to access these exclusive travel discounts and more!)
 

Every state has their own unique traffic laws, and Michigan is no exception. Should you decide to explore the state by car, be prepared to make a “Michigan Left.” Most divided highways in Michigan do not allow a traditional left turn, requiring the driver to make a Michigan Left. To turn left at these intersections, drivers must either continue straight or turn right, then make a U turn at a median crossover. It’s a bit nerve wracking when you encounter these intersections for the first time, and you should be emotionally prepared for drivers to honk at you. Michiganders are loving people, except when behind the wheel of their cars. Don’t take it personally; yelling just comes naturally to Detroiters. 
 

Also, did you know that Ann Arbor is only an hour drive from the Canadian border? If you have some extra time in your schedule, pack your passport for a quick overnight trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls!

 

Key Stops

• Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village: Dive into American History with a stop at this expansive indoor and outdoor museum space. The museum includes tours of Thomas Edison’s laboratory, the Wright Brother’s airplane workshop, and a Rosa Parks bus exhibit, where visitors can board the bus where Rosa Parks defied segregation laws in 1955. I strongly recommend adding an extended Ford Rouge Factory Tour to your visit and to witness the final assembly line for the Ford F-150.
   
• Detroit Institute of Art: Named Best Art Museum in the US by USA Today readers for the second year in a row, the DIA is a must-see destination for anyone visiting this area. In addition to world-class exhibitions, visitors also experience Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals and the first Vincent van Gogh self-portrait to be acquired by a US museum.
  
   
• Motown Museum: Stop! In the name of love… and head over to the offices of Hitsville, USA and Studio A, where some of the greatest songs of all time were recorded.
  
   
• Cliff Bell's: If jazz is more your scene, then make a Friday evening dinner reservation at Cliff Bell's, a staple in Detroit's music scene since 1935. The club's art deco design has been meticulously restored, offering a nostalgic ambiance reminicent of the 1930's. And the food is outstanding.
  
   
• Coney Island: Coney Island dogs are a beloved part of the culinary scene in Detroit. A coney island is both a beef hotdog with meat chili, diced onions, and mustard as well as the name of a restaurant or diner where you can purchase said delicacy. American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island are the most famous of all coney spots in Detroit, but you can find a coney dog on the menu at nearly every diner in Michigan. Additionally, most coney island restaurants include an extensive list of Greek and Mediterranean dishes on the menu and are a great place for those late night saganaki cravings.
  
   

Midwest Speak

Michiganders might be aggressive drivers, but they’re always happy to chat and tell you all about their favorite things about the Mitten State. (Fun fact: you can use your left hand as a map of Michigan to show people where you’re planning to visit.) Here are a few words and phrases to help you follow along in the conversation:

• Pop: Ah yes, the age-old debate of pop vs. soda vs. Coke. In Michigan, the locals prefer their pop. For those looking for a pop adventure, I recommend trying local Michigan favorites Faygo or Vernors.
  
   
• Yooper: This term refers to residents of Michigan’s upper peninsula, or UP. Yoopers call those living in the lower peninsula “trolls,” because they live south (under) the Mackinac Bridge.
  
   
• Grinder: Submarine sandwich, specifically one made at an Italian-American deli.
  
   
• Pasty: (pronounced PASS-tee) A large, savory, half-moon shaped pastry filled with meat and vegetables. Pasties and are very popular in the UP.
  
   
• Party Store: A local convenience mart, where you can buy milk, paper towels, chips, ice, beer, hard alcohol, solo cups, and lottery tickets. You know, all the things you need for a party.
  
   
• Door Wall: Michigan term for a sliding glass door. Is it a door? Is it a wall? Why choose?!
  
   

Duck Fan Travel Itinerary

The UOAA offers a three-day tour to Ann Arbor for those looking for an ultimate fan experience trip to relive the 2007 Ducks victory over the Wolverines. The Ducks Fan Travel tours handle all the travel details and provide you with a custom tour experience. You take care of your flight and game tickets, and the UOAA will take care of the rest.

For those who would like to create your own experience, here are my recommendations for making the most out of your Three Days in Ann Arbor:

Friday
4:30 p.m. Tour the University of Michigan Campus
My heart might bleed green and yellow, but I can still appreciate the overwhelming beauty of the University of Michigan campus. Stop by the Michigan Union, head over to the spinning cube, stroll the Law Quad, and finish your walk by strolling down the “Diag” with a stop in front of the library to see the big M. Make sure to bundle up against the cold and wind! 

5:30 p.m. Zingerman’s Deli 
Zingerman’s is an Ann Arbor institution, proudly serving amazing sandwiches and stocking the best selection of meats, cheeses, chocolates, and anything you can think of since it opened in 1982. Take your time and wander around the shelves or indulge in the best corned beef sandwich outside of New York. This is also a great spot to pick up a handful of Michigan souvenirs for family back home. Insider tip: Ask for samples from the deli counter. 

7:00 p.m. Main Street, Ann Arbor
Since you’re still bundled up from your tour of campus, head over to the iconic Main Street to take in the night life. Main Street hosts a number of restaurants, book and record stores, bars, and clubs. I suggest stopping by Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub for warm conversations and traditional Irish fare. 

Saturday
10:00 a.m.–Brunch
A 3:30 p.m. kickoff will leave plenty of time for you to enjoy a leisurely brunch! I suggest heading back to Avalon Café and Kitchen for a little taste of Eugene in Ann Arbor. It’s a popular spot, so make your reservation in advance. Or if fine dining is more to your taste, treat yourself to an elegant brunch at Gandy Dancer, housed in the restored Michigan Central Depot building.

1:00 p.m.–Mighty Oregon Tailgate!
If the fan experience is more your style, join the UOAA for the official Mighty Oregon Tailgate. For those on the official Ducks Fan Travel tour package, roundtrip gameday transportation will be provided.

3:30–University of Oregon vs. University of Michigan
Bundle up and settle into the Big House as we cheer on the Ducks to another victory! Be prepared for a large crowd, as Michigan Stadium has the capacity to seat over 100,000 fans. The University of Michigan also boasts one of the top marching bands in the country, so expect an elaborate halftime show. 

Post-game–Hockey Night in Canada
While basking in that post-game victory, head back up Main Street toward Grizzly Peak Brewing Company and enjoy a Detroit tradition of watching Hockey Night in Canada on tv, games are usually at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Or order delivery from Buddy’s pizza and enjoy traditional Detroit-style pizza from the comfort of your hotel. 

Sunday
9:30 am Brunch
Before heading to the airport, grab a bite to eat at Anna's House and say hello to the resident duck family. I recommend the candied pecan and banana french toast, but anything you order is sure to be delicious. 

There’s always something cool to discover in Southeast Michigan. Whether it’s driving into The D, grabbing some donuts at a cider mill, or just trying to pronounce street names like “Dequindre” or “Livernois,” I hope you all have a great time in my home state. And let me know if you need anything from the party store, Ducks Fans. I need to pick up some pop to go with my coneys.