Michigan’s hidden gem

Graham McKenzie found two of his favourite things – football and food – when he headed to the little known Michigan city of Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor is a city in the southern part of Michigan to the west of Detroit. From Detroit to downtown Ann Arbor is 45 miles, or about 45 minutes if you take the train. It’s an unassuming place, with a population of around 120,000 – about the size of Eastbourne – and Michigan’s sixth largest urban area. It could easily be overlooked on a US tour but if you’re in Detroit it’s definitely worth a look.

Firstly, Ann Arbor is the home of the University of Michigan. Much of the city’s culture is based around the university, which gives rise to the vibrant art, research, high tech and sports scene. Most of the museums in town are owned and run by the University. There are two outstanding museums one of which is the Hands On, which does what it says on the tin but in a fun and interesting way. It’s aimed mainly at children, with a host of button pushing, lever pulling and other interactions. It is not in the least surprising that adults of all ages immediately turn into big children as soon as they get through the door. The University of Michigan Museum of Art is however a completely different kettle of fish. The art exhibits have ‘all the elements of a major art museum but on a smaller scale’. Each distinct collection represents interests as diverse as Africa, the South, Japanese, Homecoming photographs, Abstraction in the 70’s and many more. A real treat and ideal for a quick visit.

The ‘Big House’ hosts ‘Soccer’

Just a short walk from the small and modest downtown lies the ‘Big House’. No this isn’t a prison, it’s the largest American football stadium in the world. Housing over 107,000 spectators, it’s the home of the Wolverines the University of Michigan’s College Football team. The best kept sports secret almost unknown to Europeans is American college sport and football is an exciting entertaining spectacle at any time. Games begin with marching bands and live short snap music to heighten the atmosphere. Mix this with a propensity for ‘shock’ results, plus the normal beer and hot dog menu, it really is an undiscovered gem.. If you can get a ticket I thoroughly recommend it. I had the less entertaining but nevertheless atmospheric experience of watching Liverpool FC versus a Manchester United reserve team. This was part of an annual tournament called the International Champions Cup whereby major European teams carry out a pre-season competitive tour in the USA. The support for ‘soccer’ in the big house was enormous with 99.9% of the 100,000+ crowd wearing replica shirts and screaming support, often at the wrong time, for one team or the other. Great stuff unless your team is losing.

Post-match you can celebrate or commiserate by eating at one of Ann Arbor’s outstanding eateries. Making the most of the easy access to a plentiful regional supply of fresh produce, there appears to have been an explosion of restaurants along Main Street, South State Street, and South University Avenue. If you’re visiting for just a short while, one of the best ways to see, smell and taste is to take a foodie tour. Our guides for the gastronomic stroll were bythesidewalk.com . The tour takes about three hours and you get a small taste of heaven at each stop. The tour starts outside Frita Batidos, which serves up Cuban delights including a succulent burger. Our epicurean adventure also included noodles, tea cakes, olive oil, ice cream and some fabulous pasta. Yes, pretty much every corner of the culinary world is represented here, except, notably, the UK. Virtually all the menus are made with locally-sourced seasonal produce and inspired by young energetic artisans. It was delicious.

If you’re in Michigan touring or based in Detroit for business, don’t miss feasting on this little gem.

For further information on Ann Arbor and other Michigan delights www.Michigan.org