The Ann Arbor area is a vibrant, eclectic, unique community, full of wonderful and special shops, eateries, theaters, museums, galleries, and more. Many of these businesses and organizations have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting mandates for closures of dine-in restaurants, bars, performance spaces and more. This will be part of an ongoing series. Get the latest coronavirus updates here.
There are a multitude of ways to continue enjoying some of the outstanding experiences that Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities have to offer. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.
1. Connect with nature
Getting outside in the early spring sunshine is great for your mental and physical health. We wholeheartedly recommend exploring the Ann Arbor area’s parks and recreational areas (just be sure to maintain those social distancing recommendations from health officials and follow all requirements) - where you can observe wildlife, listen to bubbling streams and rushing rivers, and connect with the greater outside world. Here are a few of our favorite spots.
Saginaw Forest
Located on the west side of Ann Arbor in nearby Scio Township, the Saginaw Forest is 80 acres of wetlands and forest. Part of the University of Michigan since 1903, the site is used for research on woody plants, forest ecology, soil, and more. No bikes are allowed and parking is very limited, but those who make the trek to the Saginaw Forest are rewarded with some of the most untouched outdoor spaces in the area. Dogs are welcome, just keep your pooch on a leash!
Dexter-Huron Metropark
With the Huron River running through it, the Dexter-Huron Metropark is heavily wooded and offers some of the most peaceful trails in the area. Pets are welcome (just keep them on a leash!) and you’re sure to see some of the resident wildlife when you visit. Additionally, the metropark system offers virtual programs and activities as well. 
Bird Hills Nature Area
The largest park in the city of Ann Arbor, Bird Hills Nature Area is hilly and wooded and perfect for long walks. With five trailheads that wind through ravines and wildflower groves, you’ll absolutely love a relaxing jaunt through this undeveloped sanctuary.
2. Get restaurant takeout or delivery
The Ann Arbor area is one of the most well-known foodie havens in the Midwest. With award-winning restaurants, internationally-inspired cuisine, and townie favorites, we want to keep our local dining scene as vibrant and robust as ever. Currently, restaurants are offering deliver and takeout only – but you’re in luck, because there are some really tasty options out there for meals to-go. Some are offering special deals right now, as well!
The Earle
The Earle, a fine dining, French and Italian-inspired restaurant that’s served the Ann Arbor area for years, is offering curbside pickup for the first time. Locals rave about the Sauteed Duck and the Sea Scallops, and there’s no better place in town for a classic French Onion Soup! And, right now, The Earle has a great deal on gift cards – buy one for $200 and get an extra $25 added on.
Go! Ice Cream
Ypsilanti’s fun, inclusive, friendly ice cream bike-turned-shop, Go! Ice Cream, is offering delivery to Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor – and you can’t beat these flavors. Classics like Michigan Strawberry and Chocolate Sorbet are complemented with funky tastes like Moonwinks Magic and Irish Cream. You won’t be disappointed – Go! was named the Best Dessert Spot in Washtenaw County two years in a row! Bonus – for every $100 gift card purchased right now, Go! will donate $10 worth of ice cream to a local health care clinic serving vulnerable community members. 
Zingerman’s
Ann Arbor’s classic, famous deli – Zingerman's – is joined by the other businesses in the Zingerman’s family to offer its full-flavored food and beverages via curbside pickup and delivery. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area, swing by the Bakehouse for the city’s best chicken salad sandwich or some tasty chocolate cherry bread. Coffee-lovers can pick up their beans curbside (and grab an avocado toast while they’re there!). For the first time ever, Zingerman’s Roadhouse is delivering within a six-mile radius, so you can get your BBQ fix (don’t forget those epic sweet potato fries as well). If you’re not here locally at the moment, never fear – zingermans.com (Zingerman’s Mail Order) ships tons of products, including a reuben kit, nationwide.
There are lots more eateries offering takeout and delivery – visit our Restaurants page to see many more options. Just call ahead, to be sure that they’re operating right now. Or, call or get online to order gift cards from your favorite eateries. It’ll help them stay afloat while they’re closed for dine-in customers, and you’ll be ready to go for your favorite eats when they reopen!
3. Livestream or enjoy recorded music from local artists and art organizations
Ann Arbor and the surrounding area is known as a destination for outstanding, world-class performing arts. Since most of these performances have been cancelled or postponed for the future (we’ll post revised events dates ASAP!), here are some ways to hear live music from our local artists.
Live From The Bird House 
There’s an amazing community of musicians in the Ann Arbor area, and some of them, like Erin Zindle and the Ragbirds, will be doing shows on Facebook Live as part of a series called ‘Live From The Bird House’. Cancelling gigs is hard on musicians, so they’ve set up a system to offer payment for viewing the performances, if you’re inclined.
The Blue LLama Jazz Club
Blue LLama Jazz Club is the newest music venue in town – featuring jazz musicians and music-inspired food and beverages. For right now, they’re offering delivery and takeout for their menu, and they’re livestreaming music for the public to enjoy.
University Musical Society (UMS)
UMS is known for bringing award-winning, world-renowned musical and theatrical performances to Ann Arbor throughout the University of Michigan’s academic year. Since the remainder of the season has been canceled, UMS is offering playlists for a variety of artists – including Helene Grimaud, a French pianist whose March 14 concert was canceled. Her exact concert recital program is available on the UMS website. Stay tuned for more content from UMS artists as well!
4. Virtual tours & classes
Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
University of Michigan’s Kelsey Museum of Archaeology has a web page dedicated to viewing past and present exhibitions. Check it out for a virtual visit to this campus gem – and also follow the museum’s resident sarcophagus, Djehutymose, on Twitter!
Verapose Yoga
Dexter’s inclusive, welcoming yoga and meditation house has just gone virtual! Now offering classes and sessions via Zoom and Skype, owner Courtney Fitzpatrick is ensuring that current and future yogis have the opportunity to continue their practices with her help. Check out the Verapose Yoga Facebook page for more details.
5. Grocery Delivery
Groceries right to your door? Absolutely! Here are a couple of locally-rooted grocers we highly recommend.
A year-round, indoor farmers market, Argus Farm Stop operates two locations in Ann Arbor. You'll find locally-grown vegetables and fruits, eggs, dairy products, and meat from nearby farms, and even prepared products like pasta sauces, peanut butter, and baked goods. The farmers and food producers that supply these products work directly with the Argus Farm Stop team, and you can be assured that every product is high quality and locally-sourced. Order online, or call to place an order for delivery (or pickup!).
An Ann Arbor favorite for all kinds of things from catering to garden supplies, the Produce Station on the south side of the city is working to deliver foods right to the doors of Ann Arbor area residents. Coffee from Cultivate, bread from Zingerman's, canned goods and fresh veggies - you'll find all kinds of great options in the Produce Station's online store.
BONUS: Many restaurants are offering groceries and pantry items along with prepared meals. If you're planning to have lunch delivered from Detroit Street Filling Station, Zingerman's Deli or another restaurant in the area, see if they can throw in some groceries you may need. Items like pasta, beans, vegetables, sauces, etc are available.
We’ve also been so proud of the ways that our local Ann Arbor area businesses are being innovative supporting our community. Take the Ann Arbor Distilling Company and Ugly Dog Distillery, for example – they're both producing hand sanitizer to distribute free of cost.
Here in Ann Arbor, we’re all about supporting and maintaining our unique, creative small business and hospitality community. We hope you’ll support the businesses mentioned above, and others. The current public health situation won’t keep us from enjoying the great outdoors, dining, artistic, and shopping opportunities here in the Ann Arbor area – we hope you’ll take advantage of them as well.
PSA: The safety and health of our community is on our minds right now, of course. We wholeheartedly urge both residents and visitors to adhere to the requirements and recommendations of local and state health officials, the CDC, and their health care providers. Precautions and resources can be found here.
These are definitely uncommon times but Ann Arbor is an uncommon place, full of resilient, passionate people! We are putting out a call. What does Ann Arbor mean to you? Show us by posting photos or videos of all the places in Ann Arbor that you can't wait to get back to. Post using the hashtag #AlwaysA2. Let's spread the Ann Arbor love! Learn more about the #AlwaysA2 campaign.
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