Ann Arbor’s downtown is made for wandering with several restaurants and cafes, cute shops, and unique things to do around every corner.
We recently welcomed soulful creative, writer, educator, and friend, Diamond Davis, to explore A2 and share their experiences. Discover what Diamond loved most about Ann Arbor’s walkable downtown.
Ann Arbor on Foot
Ann Arbor is one of those rare destinations that combines the charm of a small town with the vibrant energy of a bustling city. With its walkable streets and diverse mix of shops, cafes, museums, and restaurants, Ann Arbor feels alive no matter what day of the week it is. When you visit its downtown and even beyond, you’ll find that this college town has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages.
Here’s a guide to exploring the best of downtown Ann Arbor on foot and experiencing the town’s unique vitality.
Main Street Shops
Main Street has the perfect mix of upscale and eclectic finds. From the beautiful crystals at Four Directions and finely crafted leather goods at Shinola to the unique items at Himalayan Bazaar, and seemingly endless gift ideas at Rock Paper Scissors, this blend of shops makes every stop more interesting than the last.
Food Stops and Gathering Spots
One of the best parts about exploring Ann Arbor is you’re never far from good food even if you’re on foot. Whether you’re looking for a quick chai or coffee, a healthy snack, or a tasty lunch, this town has it covered. Grab a quick green smoothie from Amer’s Deli or a delicious sandwich from York. The convenience of never being far from a good bite makes it easy to indulge in whatever you might be looking for.
Cultural Spaces
A must see while in Ann Arbor is the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, located on the University of Michigan campus. This museum is full of ancient relics that span centuries and from various civilizations. It’s a quieter spot, but only a few steps from the livelier downtown areas. And it’s free!
Small Town Meets Big City Vibe
Take a walk down 4th Avenue where you’ll stumble across local favorites like Literati Bookstore and Dear Golden. Literati Bookstore has that cozy hometown vibe with handwritten recommendation signs everywhere and shoppers sitting in corners discussing books with each other. You get the sense that this is a community hub and local staple.
Across the street is Dear Golden, a shop so tastefully and aesthetically curated that it feels like you’re stepping into a boutique in Soho, New York. From the carefully selected vintage clothing to the artisan body products and jewelry, every item in Dear Golden is displayed beautifully. This level of curation gives Ann Arbor a distinctly more cosmopolitan feel.
About the Author:
Diamond is an engineer turned soulful digital creator based in Detroit, Michigan. Her passion for the creative process inspires others to live authentically through sharing ideas, thought-provoking conversations, and connecting with audiences.
Follow Diamond's adventures at @yourcoilyness on Instagram, and learn more at TheDiamondDavis.com.
We'd like to give a special thank you to Diamond for visiting and sharing her experiences with us! Stay tuned for more exclusive features from Diamond.
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