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Thursday, November 19, 2009
Your Ann Arbor Holiday Shopping Guide
This Holiday season, ditch the mall and do your shopping in downtown Ann Arbor! Ranked one of the best walking cities in America by Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association, Ann Arbor's downtown is comprised of four distinct areas, all connected by a short walk. You'll find unique and affordable gifts for everyone on your list . . . and you won't have to circle the mall parking lot for hours trying to find a space.
Start your shopping in the South University area. Closest to the University of Michigan, the stores here cater to a younger demographic, but you'll also find plenty of University of Michigan apparal for the super fan in your life. Make sure to check out Middle Earth, a specialty gift shop carrying action figures, candles, toys, political items, bumper stickers, and more.
Cut throught the Diag at the University of Michigan an you'll be in the State Street area. Here you'll find Bivouac (with perfect gifts for the outdoor enthusiast on your list), Borders Books, Music, and Cafe (the original store that started it all), and Orchid Lane Warehouse, featuring fair trade clothing, knitwear, scarves, pashminas, and more - and nothing in the store costs more than $15.
A short walk down Liberty or Washington Street will take you to Ann Arbor's Main Street area, named one of America's Great Streets for 2009 by the American Planning Association. In addition to fabulous shopping, the Main Street Area boasts several unique restaurants and is the perfect place to take a lunch or dinner break.Visit Selo/Shevel Gallery and 16 Hands Gallery to find unique pieces. Check out Acme Mercantile for whimsical and bizarre items, and head to Vault of Midnight to find the perfect gift for the sci-fi geek in your life.
Take Fourth or Fifth north and you'll be in the Kerrytown District, home to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Saturdays) and the Ann Arbor Artisan Market (Sundays through December). You'll also find The Kerrytown Market and Shops, housing Hollander's (specialty stationary, paper, and notecards) and Hollander's Upstairs (kitchen gadgets), FOUND Gallery, and Everyday Wines. Also located in the Kerrytown District are Zingerman's Delicatessen, Dogma Catmantoo, and Heavenly Metal.
Visit all these stores and so much more in downtown Ann Arbor this year! For more information on stores and locations, visit the Plan a Visit section, or request the visitors guide.
