The Fan-Favorite Season

The best time to go to Ann Arbor is on a fall football Saturday. (That is, if you are a college sports fan and are heading to watch the University of Michigan Wolverines. If you are NOT a college football fan, then it is the absolute worst time to go to Ann Arbor--too many people, too much traffic, nowhere to park, long lines everywhere.)

Locals-Only Summer Vibes

The second best time to go to Ann Arbor is in the summertime--late May through August--after the college students have left and the locals get to enjoy the quintessential college town without them.

A Must 💯

In any case, if you find yourself in Ann Arbor, do stop by Zingerman's Deli for a delicious lunch. Founded in 1982 as a Jewish (but non kosher) deli, the business has now expanded to include a bakery, a cafe, a creamery, a coffee company, a catering company, cooking classes, cooking tours, and more--they're basically a local food empire. Fortunately, in the forty plus years since they began, the quality has remained and so has their popularity. When we stopped in recently the wait time for the sandwiches was 35 minutes--but it was 35 minutes well spent, as we could peruse their lovely cheese selections, cookbooks, and gourmet imports while we waited. (Also, it's right by the farmers market so you can wander around shopping before or after.)

Inside Tip 🪄

College football fan or no, if you aren't going to be in Ann Arbor in the near future, worry not. Their mail order breads, gourmet gift baskets, baked goods (the brownies are exceptional), and speciality items are available for delivery, and their catelogue is irresistable.

About Me

Laura LaVelle is Wonder Shuffle's Culture Editor. A fan of the great indoors, you can find her in her native NYC, her home in Connecticut, or at a concert, play, library, bookstore, or museum just about anywhere in the world.

Address: 422 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Telephone: 734-663-3354 

Hours: 11am to 7 pm daily

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