Ann Arbor Regional Adventures

Explore the Region

Itinerary Ideas: Regional Adventure

Day 1

Plan a weekend adventure exploring the Ann Arbor area. You’ll find countless hidden gems and new favorites to treasure!

Breakfast On-the-Go

Joe and Rosie’s in historic downtown Dexter is perfect for a quick and tasty breakfast or brunch. This English coffee shop and teahouse offers hot breakfast sandwiches, various baked goods (vegan and gluten-free options available) and a full coffee bar. Be sure to try the lavender latte — it’s a Joe & Rosie classic!

Home Away from Home

Looking to bring a bit of the Ann Arbor area home with you? Three décor-pleasing shops in Dexter — Artistica, Painted Trout, and Boxwood Cottage and Home — are sure to stimulate your design sensibilities!

Chelsea Clocktower Cuisine

Located in the historic Clocktower Complex in Chelsea, the Chelsea Alehouse Brewery is perfect for a bowl of chili, flatbread or sandwich and beer made on-site. The root beer is fantastic as well, and frequent live music is an added bonus — check the Alehouse’s calendar for dates and times!

A Hop, Skip & a Jump

The Chelsea Antique Mall showcases antiques from over 20 individually owned and operated antique dealers. From martini shakers and glassware to antique toys and gadgets, you’ll find great deals — and rich history — here.

An Uncommonly Good Meal

Chelsea’s Common Grill is an upscale American bistro in a 100-year old restored building. Specialties include grilled Black Angus sirloin steak, oven-roasted chicken breast, grilled ahi tuna salad, smoked chicken pasta, seafood chowder and homemade rolls. Locals will tell you that the bread alone is worth the trip!

Curtain Call

Catch an evening performance at the Purple Rose Theatre Company, founded by actor Jeff Daniels. Its productions are always well-received. Or, venture to nearby Dexter for a Broadway-style show at the Encore Musical Theatre Company.

Day 2

Da Bomb!

Head to Ypsilanti for the Bomber Breakfast, dubbed a Top 5 “over-indulgence” by the Food Network.

A ‘Hot’ Attraction

The Michigan Firehouse Museum features antique fire trucks, equipment, clothing and memorabilia. The exhibits demonstrate early American firefighting history through the 20th century.

Movin’ on to Milan

Check out the Victorian architecture and historic buildings in Milan. Downtown Milan boasts a place on the National Register of Historic Places with fine examples of Italianate, International, Art Modern, and other architectural styles. After a stroll around the city, head out to the Milan Dragway for a race!

In Praise of Beer

Named for its home of Saline, Salt Springs Brewery microbrewery and restaurant makes its home in a renovated church. In addition to a large selection of house beers and a rotating variety of wines, Salt Springs offers salads, pastas, pizzas and steaks, all made from local Michigan ingredients.