The Reinhart Blog

This week we are featuring Jean Wedemeyer’s listing –  2110 Shadford Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Q. Can you describe the architectural style of this home?
2110 Shadford Road is a classic colonial with some very family-friendly features. There are hardwood floors throughout the house and much of the original 1930’s trim and accents remain. Across the back, the large open kitchen/dining area has a breakfast bar and plenty of counter and cupboard space.  The mudroom at the driveway entrance will hold lots of coats and backpacks.

Q.  What distinctive features set this home apart?
The master suite has a walk-in closet, updated bath and private balcony. The 3 other bedrooms share the full hall bath.  Also upstairs, a nifty loft suite located over the 3-car garage – great for guests or as a second master.  It includes a sitting room, bedroom, kitchen area, full bath, private entrance and deck.

Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
Outside, the oversized .35 acre lot is fully fenced with a large side yard for play. Off the kitchen, a lovely sunporch opens to the pool area. The pool has a new high-efficiency heater and filter which makes for a comfortable swim from May to October.Q. Can you tell us a fun fact about the home?
2110 Shadford was built in 1937 by Eugene Hannah, a local contractor and land developer, as his family’s residence. Hannah Homes built houses throughout the city of Ann Arbor, including many in Ann Arbor Hills and Burns Park.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?
In the basement, a rec room with daylight windows and fireplace adds even more living space.

If you would like more information about or if you are interested in 2110 Shadford Road, Ann Arbor or if you are scheduling a showing, please contact Jean Wedemeyer at 734-604-2523.

Is rain on the weather forecast? Not a problem. Ann Arbor is packed with a variety of indoor attractions and activities, whether you want to encounter wildlife up close or your idea of adventure is reading a new book with a cup of coffee in hand.

Don’t let the rain bring you down! Get out there and explore all that Ann Arbor has to offer in the great indoors.

Shop at Kerrytown Market & Shops

Duck into this historic brick complex in Kerrytown, where you’ll discover an endless array of options, including dining destinations, markets with local produce, and a variety of unique shops and businesses. Use our interactive map and guide to Kerrytown to help narrow down the overwhelming choices available here, with options for food and drink, shopping, and activities.

Meet Wildlife at the Creature Conservatory

Photo courtesy of Kim Ellis via the Creature Conservancy

The Creature Conservatory is a nonprofit organization home to a wide variety of animals most of whom were abandoned, injured and non-releasable, or surrendered exotic pets. Their conservation through education mission allows our community to meet these animals, learn about wildlife and nature, attend educational programs and camps, and more. On weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can enjoy limited outdoor viewing for free, but the conservancy is open indoors on Saturdays and Sundays from 1–5 p.m., allowing an opportunity to get up close and personal with the wildlife.

See a Movie at Michigan Theater or The State Theatre

Cozy up with a movie at Michigan Theater or The State Theatre, two historic theaters just steps away from one another in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. Founded in 1928, Michigan Theater is now home to three screening spaces for independent movies, concerts, comedy shows, national tours and more. Opened in 1942, The State Theatre is almost as old, and today, offers regular showings of indie movies, limited releases, special screenings and more. To see upcoming showtimes for both theaters, click here.

Bowl a Strike at Bel-Mark Lanes

This retro-yet-timeless activity is a great way to pass the time on a rainy afternoon. Bel-Mark Lanes provides a casual, fun atmosphere perfect for all ages, and their updated scoring system and interactive games take your bowling experience to the next level. And don’t worry — they have dinner and drinks covered, too. Guarantee your spot by reserving a lane at Bel-Mark in advance!

Explore the Indoor Conservatory at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Photo Courtesy of Eric Branson via Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum

While Matthaei Botanical Gardens has 11 outdoor areas to explore when the sun is shining, their year-round indoor conservatory is the perfect retreat on a rainy day. The conservatory has three climate spaces, the Tropical House, the Temperate House, and the Arid House, featuring a variety of plant species in each biome. Admission to the conservatory is always free, but if you drive here, expect to pay $1.70 per hour for parking with a $5 daily maximum charge.

Tour the JIFFY Plant

The home of JIFFY Mix and the industrial heart of Chelsea, Chelsea Milling Company offers free tours open to the public with a reservation. Your one-hour journey through the factory includes an inside look at the packaging plant, a video presentation, refreshments and a product sample. Yes, that means you get to enjoy a free muffin, too!

Stroll Through Nickels Arcade

Built in 1915, Nickels Arcade is a covered shopping district with a variety of shops to explore, including Mix, Van Boven Clothing, The Arcadian Antiques, Bivouac, and the Caravan Gift Shop, which has been in operation since 1927. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is considered one of the only remaining examples of a free-standing commercial arcade building in the state of Michigan. Before you start your adventure in Nickels Arcade, be sure to fuel up with a cup of coffee at Comet Coffee.

See a Show at The Ark

The Ark is Ann Arbor’s destination for live music. Founded in 1965 by four area churches, the venue has grown to offer more than 300 nights of shows each year in one of the best listening rooms anywhere. This intimate, 400-seat venue brings up-and-coming artists and well-known musicians alike, and in the past, they’ve brought big names like Howie Day, Blind Pilot and the Violent Femmes to town! See all their upcoming events here.

Eat at Aventura

Photo Courtesy of Hayden Stinebaugh Photography via Aventura

Considered one of the most romantic restaurants in Ann Arbor, Aventura is the perfect escape on a gloomy day. Complete with exposed brick walls, gorgeous tilework, unique light fixtures and bold wallpaper, the interior is cozy, comfortable and inviting, yet remains modern, cheerful and eclectic. Aventura focuses on authentic Spanish cuisine and culture including tapas, paella, vino and delicious, artisan cocktails.

Inspired by the old-world atmosphere and the historical nature of the building itself, restaurateur Sava Lelcaj designed the restaurant from the bones of the original, 1872 space by utilizing classic Spanish design elements paired with works by local artists. In traditional Catalan and Valencian style, the dining room and bar are intertwined, emphasizing the lively social experience of the classic tapas bar.

Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art or Museum of Natural History

A rainy day is the perfect excuse to spend hours getting lost in a world of art, history and science at a local museum. Thankfully, Ann Arbor has plenty of museums worth exploring, including the University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural History.

Located on campus, the University of Michigan Museum of Art is one of the largest university art museums in the country. Their collections represent 150 years of art collecting and include everything from 1000 BCE Middle Eastern artifacts to 21st-century paintings. Admission to the museum is always free, but a $10 donation is also appreciated. Get full details and plan your visit here.

The U-M Museum of Natural History features a variety of constantly expanding exhibits, including interactive displays about mastodons and prehistoric whales, multimedia artwork, the evolution of life on earth, space exploration, and more. You can even see the museum staff at work in the Fossil Prep Lab! For more information on your visit, click here. And remember, admission to the museum is free, but donations are always accepted.

Escape From Decode

As Michigan’s top escape game, Decode offers some of the most interesting and complex escape rooms in the state — and they have facilities in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Detroit! In Ann Arbor, their facility offers a three-part adventure called Minerva’s Trilogy. The story is about Minerva, an adolescent Artificial Intelligence machine with lofty goals. The first and last parts of the trilogy, Minerva Project and Minerva’s Return, are both indoor one-hour escape rooms. And on a sunny day, tackle Minerva’s Escape, a free puzzle hunt taking you through downtown Ann Arbor.

Read and Sip Coffee at Literati Coffee

Hilary and Mike Gustafson opened Literati Bookstore in 2013 as a book lover’s haven in downtown Ann Arbor. On the store’s lower level, they set out an old typewriter and invited anyone and everyone to type a note. Using compiled notes, essays and photos collected over the years, the team published “Notes From A Public Typewriter” in 2018, and in 2019, Literati Bookstore was named the Publishers Weekly Bookstore of the Year! And in addition to their public typewriter, their huge inventory of books and their friendly staff, they offer a full-service coffee shop upstairs. There, you can grab a mug, grab a book, and enjoy events, book clubs, author readings and other community-oriented gatherings.

For more bookish places in town, check out The Book Lover’s Guide to Ann Arbor, and to track down our favorite coffee shops, take a look at The 16 Best Coffee Shops in the Ann Arbor Area.

Go to Pinball Pete’s

Dating back more than 30 years ago, Pinball Pete’s has become the go-to destination for arcade fun in Ann Arbor. Both kids and adults alike have a blast here, playing arcade games, video games, pool, air hockey, and much more.

Take the Kids to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

The Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum specializes in interactive exhibits with the goal of helping both children and adults discover the scientist within. Visiting the museum any day of the week means you can explore exhibits like Michigan Nature, Lyons Country Store, MediaWorks, and DTE Energy Foundation Light and Optics. Both you and the little ones will enjoy your time at this hands-on, interactive museum in Kerrytown. General admission is just $12.50, members are admitted for free, and admission is just $5 after 5 p.m. on Thursdays!

Climb at Planet Rock

Ann Arbor’s premier indoor rock climbing gym, Planet Rock offers more than 25,000 square feet of climbing surface, a full training area and a giant bouldering mushroom. Their second location in Madison Heights offers a 15-meter official competition speed climbing wall and an ice climbing training area as well! Special programs for children ages 4 – 19 encourage body awareness, coordination and problem-solving skills, and each program includes free belay lessons for parents and free climbing while their child is in class! Both beginner and experienced climbers can find fun challenges and learning opportunities at Planet Rock.

Get Produce at the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market

You may be surprised to find a farmers’ market on a list of rainy day activities, but have no fear — this one is completely covered! Plus, the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market is open year-round on Saturdays (plus Wednesdays during the summer!). No matter what time of year it is, and whether the sun is shining or the rain is falling, you can get farm-fresh produce, homemade baked goods, fresh flowers, dairy and meat products, and much more at the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

What are your favorite rainy day activities in Ann Arbor? Let us know in the comments below!

Decorating a home is a fun, yet sometimes overwhelming, process. It involves an initial vision for the space, knowing where to shop, and selecting the perfect pieces to complete a look. Let’s take care of one of those steps by taking a tour of the best home decor stores in Ann Arbor.

These shops are equipped with everything you need to turn your interior design dreams into a reality, from custom-made furniture and area rugs to vintage decor and unique accessories for your shelves. Start pinning some inspiring looks on Pinterest then head to one of these Ann Arbor home stores!

Three Chairs Co.

215 South Ashley Street

Photo Courtesy of Three Chairs Co.

Situated in the heart of downtown, Three Chairs Co. is a premier home furnishings store with upholstered furniture, dining tables, bedroom furniture, side tables, area rugs, lighting and accessories. But Three Chairs Co. is more than just a furniture store; they sell the ingredients to create your own personal space to call your own and feel comfortable in. No idea how to create that space? Don’t worry — Three Chairs Co. offers interior design services, including a free in-home consultation.

16 Hands

407 North 5th Avenue

Now tucked away on the second floor of Kerrytown Market & Shops, 16 Hands has been celebrating the creative spirit in our community for over 40 years. 16 Hands sells the work from both emerging talent and well-known artists and makers right here in Ann Arbor, elsewhere in the United States, and across the globe. You’ll find an exceptional collection of original finely crafted objects, including jewelry and fashion accessories, unique gifts, decorative and functional items for the home, and much more. The inventory at 16 Hands is always changing and evolving, much like the creativity and innovative spirit of an artist!

Vintage Home Bazaar

6055 Jackson Road Suite #2

For those who love a good treasure hunt for home decor, Vintage Home Bazaar is for you! The store is jam-packed with a unique selection of vintage furnishings and art. Plus, finding a gem at Vintage Home Bazaar means you’ll likely be the only person with this one-of-a-kind piece in your home!

FOUND

415 North 5th Avenue

Photo Courtesy of FOUND

Perfectly merging vintage and modern, FOUND offers a mix of home decor, pillows, rugs, textiles, candles, jewelry and gifts. And many of those goods are made right here in Michigan by local artisans! An ever-changing assortment of retro and vintage industrial finds, such as old typewriters, vintage chairs, old doorknobs and more, makes this an exciting place to visit. Their brick and mortar location is in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown district, but you can take a peek at their new arrivals on their Instagram page.

Four Directions

211 South Main Street

Photo Courtesy of Four Directions

The folks at Four Directions travel the globe so you don’t have to, bringing back their favorite found treasures to share with you at their shop in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. The inventory at Four Directions is ever-changing, but each piece combines the beauty of nature with the artistry of skilled craftsmen. You’ll find jewelry, rocks and minerals, fossils, artisan crafts, and unique home decor — providing plenty of options for a gift for someone special (or yourself).

Downtown Home & Garden

210 South Ashley Street

Originally opened by the Hertler family in 1906, Downtown Home & Garden has transformed from a livery stable and feed mill into an urban emporium for garden supplies, houseplants, classic housewares, outdoor clothing, dog gear and more. This long-standing business thoughtfully filters out poorly made or useless items to showcase only high-quality and valuable products. Stop by Downtown Home & Garden to outfit your home and yard with the very best!

Red Shoes

2386 East Stadium Boulevard

Photo Courtesy of Red Shoes

Tucked away in the Trader Joe’s shopping complex, Red Shoes is an excellent source for unique home goods, plus accessories, bath and body products, candles, jewelry, and more. The owner, Catherine, opened the shop in the fall of 2004 with a simple vision: to have her studio and artwork alongside retail products and vintage goods she would have in her own home. Everything you see in the store is either a unique item made by an artist or from a company that Catherine adores.

The Amish Gallery by All About Furniture

5301 Jackson Road

The Amish Gallery by All About Furniture specializes in Amish and American-made furniture, custom furniture solutions, and high-quality upholstery. In their beautiful showroom just west of Ann Arbor, The Amish Gallery carries a selection of Italian leathers, reclining sofas, custom dining room sets and entertainment centers — all made in the USA. The entire experience is custom-tailored for your needs, and you could even customize your order completely by choosing the wood, style and stain for many of their collections.

Where do you shop for home decor?

Let us know about your favorite local home decor shops in Ann Arbor — whether or not they’re on this list!

Fall in Michigan is one of our favorite things—thanks in large part to you-pick apples, corn mazes, Michigan football, freshly pressed cider, pumpkin donuts, and all the reds and golds of our tree-lined neighborhoods. To help you make the most of the season here in Ann Arbor, we rounded up some of the region’s best autumn activities (donuts included!). 

For more seasonal fun, check out The 11 Best Places to See Michigan’s Fall Colors Near Ann Arbor and 19 Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards and Cider Mills You Can Visit Near Ann Arbor. 

1. Visit Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair.

Photo courtesy of Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair

Wiard’s was founded in Michigan by George Wiard in 1837 and has become one of the region’s most beloved fall destinations. Covering nearly 100 acres and located just minutes from Ann Arbor, attractions include the seasonal Wiard’s Country Fair, an agri-entertainment park that offers orchards, a cider mill, you-pick apples, a corn maze, a you-pick pumpkin patch, an apple cannon, giant inflatables, pony rides, hayrides, a petting farm, miniature golf, a haunted barn, children’s play areas and even more. You can also step inside the Country Store and Bakery to taste fresh cider, seasonal donuts, freshly baked pies, jams, jellies, honey and apple salsas.

2. Get cider and donuts at Dexter Cider Mill. 

Open seasonally, Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in the entire state. Today, the team makes cider the same way it was made 120 years ago: using locally grown, handpicked apples on an oak rack press. Even their equipment is over 100 years old! In addition to natural cider, fresh apples, doughnuts, apple nut bread, made-from-scratch apple pies, apple strudel, apple turnovers and hand-rolled gingersnaps, you can also purchase homemade hard ciders made on-site.

3. Celebrate every Michigan football game. 

Fall is Wolverine season in Ann Arbor. The full football schedule includes several regularly scheduled home games through November 30th. Check it out here and check out A Complete Guide to Tailgating for U-M Football Games in Ann Arbor for help celebrating on game day.

4. Go on a Fall Color Tour with Southern Michigan Railroad. 

Each year, the Southern Michigan Railroad hosts Fall Color Tours, seasonal events that explore the area’s changing foliage from the comfort of a train car. Because the rides sell out every single year, the railroad offers a variety of seating options, dates and rides. Six dates are available throughout October 2019 and October 12th and 13th are scheduled during Tecumseh’s 26th Annual Appleumpkin Festival. For full details on these Fall Color Tours, click here.

5. Catch live music at Northville Winery & Brewing Co.

Photo courtesy of Northville Winery & Brewing Co.

This hometown spot makes all their wine, hard cider and beer on-site and is open year-round with frequent live music events and a delectable calendar of local food trucks. To see what’s on tap and what events are coming up, check out the website here, and don’t miss Dead at the Winery every Thursday! 

For more Michigan made cider, check out Where to Get the Best Hard Cider in Michigan. 

6. Run The Original A2 Turkey Trot.

Photo Courtesy of Epic Races

Every year, Epic Races celebrates Thanksgiving with a race through Hudson Mills Metropark! This running and walking event features four different distances: a 5K loop around scenic Hudson Mills, a 10K course comprised of two 5K loops, a quick mile fun run, and the Iron Turkey which is the 10K and 5K all at once. For more details and online registration, click here. 

7. Find your way through Coleman’s Corn Maze.

A trip to this family-owned and -operated farm includes three professionally designed corn mazes with 5 miles of challenging trails, hayrides, some of the best seasonal donuts in the region, a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, you-pick apples, a petting barn and more. Though these mazes aren’t haunted, you do have the opportunity to find your way through after dark, too—just don’t forget your flashlight!

8. Pick your own fruit at Wasem Fruit Farm. 

During the fall season, Wasem Fruit Farm offers more than a dozen varieties of apples you can pick yourself, you-pick raspberries available in September and early October, you-pick pumpkins in October, and pears! At the farm, you’ll also get the chance to taste plain, apple, blueberry and pumpkin donuts paired with some of the best, fresh cider in the region! For the most accurate hours and information, follow the team on Facebook here. 

9. Grab a beer at Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. 

Photo courtesy of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Founded by Ron Jeffries in 2004, Jolly Pumpkin began in Dexter and now operates pubs and tap houses in Dexter, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Traverse City, Royal Oak, Grand Rapids and Chicago. Each location—whether full-service pub or casual taproom—offers its own character, menu and lineup of sour, artisanally aged Jolly Pumpkin beers. And it’s not only the name that has pumpkin in it. In 2017, they finally released a sour pumpkin ale made with pumpkin, a pumpkin spice blend and cacao nibs. To see what’s pouring right now nearest you, you can see all their locations here. 

To learn more about the area’s craft breweries, check out Your Ultimate Guide to 20 Craft Breweries in the Ann Arbor Area [Interactive Map].

10. Explore Nichols Arboretum. 

The University of Michigan Nichols Arboretum began in 1907 and has developed into miles of trails and land home to collections of both native and exotic trees and shrubs. These plants transform during the fall to showcase some of the best colors in Southeast Michigan, including golds, reds and even inky purples.

To find more fall foliage, check out The 11 Best Places to See Michigan’s Fall Colors Near Ann Arbor. 

Enjoy your fall! 

For more seasonal fun, check out The 11 Best Places to See Michigan’s Fall Colors Near Ann Arbor and 19 Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards and Cider Mills You Can Visit Near Ann Arbor. 

This week we are featuring Liz Rauser’s listing – 8510 Oak Ridge Trail, Dexter, MI 48130 Q. Can you describe the architectural style of the home?
Dramatic one and a half story home.

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?
On a quiet road sits an all brick home on 4 acres. Over 4,500 sq. feet of quality with in-floor heat throughout to keep your toes toasty.

Q. What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
Located five minutes to the quaint town of Dexter and 15 minutes to downtown Ann Arbor.

Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
All new spacious cook’s kitchen with beautiful quartz countertops, professional grade gas cooktop, double ovens, warming drawer and a breakfast area that looks out to a gorgeous landscaped vista.

Q. Does the community have any amenities we should know about?
A private wooded cul-de-sac of six custom-built homes.Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
An expansive beautiful stamped cement patio is covered for sitting out on rainy days to enjoy the 4 acres of nature.Q. What makes the price of this home so great?
It has endless amenities and has Webster Township taxes.

Q. Can you tell us a fun fact about the home?
The 3 car garage has a drain for each car stall.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?
In the lower level, you will find a large recreation room, fitness area, fireplace,
kitchenette/bar, 5th bedroom and full bathroom.

For more information about8510 Oak Ridge Trail, Dexter or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Liz Rauser at 734-544-5115.

Fall may bring us apple cider, pumpkin donuts and you-pick pumpkin patches, but it also brings us the scariest holiday on the calendar: Halloween! And our communities certainly know how to celebrate. Located in towns throughout Southeast Michigan, here are the most terrifying haunted attractions, including houses, mazes, forests and even virtual reality haunts. 

Keep reading to learn more about each one and see how many you can visit this October! 

For more autumn fun without the scares, check out 19 Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards and Cider Mills You Can Visit Near Ann Arbor. 

Night Terrors 

Ypsilanti | Get directions | Facebook

Michigan’s premier haunted attraction comes alive again this October. Open at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through October 28th and then again on October 30th and 31st, Night Terrors features 89 acres of terror. The six haunted attractions include The Asylum, Hayrides of the Lost, The Ultimate Haunted Barn, The Mineshaft, Alien Caged Clowns and Splattertown Zombie Paintball; for all the details, click here. 

For more information on the less haunted fall attractions available at Wiard’s Orchard, check out 19 Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards and Cider Mills You Can Visit Near Ann Arbor.

Terrorfied Forest

Pinckney | Get directions | Facebook

The Terrorfied Forest is a real terrifying forest. Make a trip to this haunted attraction and you’ll journey into the woods for a one-mile, one-hour excursion with plenty of terror along the way. You can make your trip on weekends beginning September 27th through November 2nd. To see the complete schedule, click here. 

Erebus Haunted Attraction

Pontiac | Get directions | Facebook

Erebus is a four-story haunted tower of terror located in Downtown Pontiac. A trip here during the Halloween season means you’ll endure a half-mile indoor walk complete with state-of-the-art Hollywood special effects where things will bite you, grab you and even bury you alive! Think you can make it through? Check out the schedule and buy your tickets online here. 

Hush Haunted Attraction 

Westland | Get directions | Facebook

Video courtesy of Hush Haunted Attraction

Brimming with fearful atmosphere and spine-tingling scares, Hush strikes at your deepest and darkest fears. The haunted attraction includes three haunted houses. Descent invites you to take a trip under Hush into long stretches of abandoned mines and caverns complete with terrifying darkness and humanoid miners. The Coven will enter you into a crypt which houses the infamous Casper Coven, and Rosecliff Hall is a terrifyingly haunted manor. To read the stories behind each attraction, click here. 

Jackson’s Underworld 

Jackson | Get directions | Facebook

Enter Jackson’s Underworld and you’ll experience some of the most impressive animatronics and props in Michigan. This 115,000-square-foot and four-story haunt changes every single year and is always terrifying! To see the schedule and purchase tickets, click here. 

Awaken Haunted Attraction

Leslie | Get directions | Facebook

Not for the faint of heart, Awaken is a serious haunt with serious scares. Through their progression of professional sets, you’ll enter amazing scenes, get unexpected scares, encounter movie-set quality props and more, and that’s why parental guidance is recommended for anyone under 18. So, if you can handle the fright, check out their schedule here and get ready for a terrifying, one-of-a-kind horror experience. 

Plymouth Escape 

Plymouth | Get directions | Facebook

Unlike any other experience on this list, Plymouth Escape is offering a terrifying, haunted virtual reality game through the month of October. Enter the Insanitarium and you’ll experience Michigan’s first free-roaming VR in complete, immersive terror. To book now, click here. 

Rotten Manor 

Holly | Get directions | Facebook

Photo courtesy of Rotten Manor

Boasting the largest, most realistic custom structures in Michigan, Rotten Manor is a highly-detailed, theatrical and immersive haunted experience. This team puts together two 45-minute, haunted attractions every year—Rotten Manor and Rotten Asylum/Forest—and each one will put you face to face with your worst fears. They’re operating September 13th through November 2nd so you can get a full Halloween season of haunts! 

Azra Chamber of Horrors

Madison Heights | Get directions | Facebook

Located right next door to Escape Room-Zone (which is offering a few bone-chilling experiences, too!), Azra Chamber of Horrors is a crazy, multi-level maze of terror. And each chamber is more menacing than the last! To see the schedule and purchase tickets in advance, click here. 

The Scream Machine

Taylor | Get directions | Facebook 

When you step inside The Scream Machine, you’ll cross the threshold of insanity into the Asylum. The journey of approximately 20 to 30 minutes will bring you face to face with psychotic Dr. Scratch and other terrifying beings roaming the halls. After you make it through, you can enter two, optional five-minute escape rooms for added fun! 

Deranged Haunt 

Romulus | Get directions | Facebook 

About 20 minutes from Downtown Ypsi, Deranged Haunt offers five acres and two attractions—the haunted trail and the haunted house—for one low price. Can you survive what lurks in the woods? You can find out every Friday and Saturday from September 20th through Halloween! To get tickets online, check out the website here. 

Do you have a favorite haunt? 

Let us know in the comments below! 

Now that October has arrived, we’ve completely embraced the fall festivities—and so have our Ann Arbor area communities. This month’s lineup includes craft shows where you can shop fall treats and find the perfect holiday gifts, live concerts, fall festivals, and some of our most highly anticipated annual events.

Join the fun this October and attend an event in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dexter and more! 

For more fall fun, check out 19 Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards and Cider Mills You Can Visit Near Ann Arbor. 

Jump ahead:

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink

Arts + Culture

Arts + Culture 

Westside Art Hop | Ann Arbor

October 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Old West Side

Westside Art Hop is presented as Michigan’s quirkiest Art Walk. The twice-yearly event showcases high-quality arts and crafts for sale to the public in a festive atmosphere. While exploring the Old West Side neighborhood, you can peruse artworks, meet the artists, find decor for your home, and shop holiday gifts!

Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra | Ypsilanti 

October 6, 3:30 p.m. | Towsley Auditorium 

The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra was started by a small group of friends and musicians who gathered at Abe’s Coney Island and was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1999. Today, they host several concert events throughout the year at Towsley Auditorium on the Washtenaw Community College campus. You can catch the season premiere on October 6th! For more details, follow the team on Facebook here. 

Fiber Expo | Ann Arbor 

October 12 – 13 | Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

Once during the spring and again during the fall, the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds are filled with fiber products of all kinds. Come by to shop, learn and meet the makers of wool, linen and cotton crafts, see real alpacas and more! Children 12 years and under are admitted for free, while adults pay just $4 cash for one day or $6 for two.

Edgefest | Ann Arbor 

October 16 – 19 | Kerrytown Concert House

Edgefest began in 1997 as a single-day event and has grown into a four-day festival that includes collaborations and educational outreach, the Edgefest Parade and so much more. Hosted annually by Kerrytown Concert House, the event is focused on avant-garde jazz and creative new music performed by artists from the United States and around the globe. For ticket information, click here. 

Ann Arbor Annual Arts & Crafts Show | Ann Arbor

October 19, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | New Grace Apostolic Temple

Photo Courtesy of the Ann Arbor Annual Arts & Crafts Show

This juried arts and crafts show costs just $2 for guests over 12 years old and includes shopping from more than 60 artists and crafters, kid-friendly attractions, access to food concessions and baked goods, door prizes and more. The show is celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2019 so don’t miss out on the fun!

Ann Arbor Antiques Market | Ann Arbor

October 19 – 20, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (Saturday) + 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sunday) | Washtenaw Farm Council  

Established in 1968, this historic antique market has been fueling our love of home decor and vintage finds for more than 50 years. Admission is $6 with free parking and kids are admitted for free! Come by in October to shop antiques, jewelry, paintings, mid-century and industrial design, folk art, repurposed furniture and more. It’s the perfect place to get some holiday shopping done!

Celebrations

Community Celebrations 

Apple Daze Festival | Dexter

October 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Monument Park

Hosted by the Dexter Lions Club in Downtown Dexter, Apple Daze invites the community to enjoy local apples and apple products, participate in apple pie-eating contests, take the family on festive hayrides, and shop craft booths from local vendors and artists. For event updates, check out the Facebook event here.

Monster Mash | Ypsilanti

October 12, 12 – 3 p.m. | Rolling Hills County Park

One of four festive events this month, the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission is hosting Monster Mash on October 12th in Rolling Hills Park. Wear your costumes, feel free to bring your friendly, leashed dogs, and get ready for kid-friendly activities for all ages, including a candy hunt, a costume contest, face painting, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and more. 

For more Halloween fun, check out Halloween Hootenanny on October 6th, Halloween Bash on October 26th and Pumpkin Smash on the Saturday after Halloween. 

ypsiGLOW | Ypsilanti

October 25, 7 p.m. | Downtown Ypsilanti  

From the same team that brings us FestiFools and FoolMoon every April, ypsiGLOW is a light-filled celebration through Downtown Ypsi. In the weeks leading up to the event, local artists, businesses and organizations host GLOWorkshops so you can create your own luminary and costume. Then, you can join the community on October 25th for a celebration of Ypsilanti and art! Follow the team on Facebook here to get updates on workshops.

Sports

Sports

University of Michigan Homecoming | Ann Arbor

October 5, 12 p.m. | Michigan Stadium 

The University of Michigan faces off against the University of Iowa on October 5th for this year’s homecoming game. The Wolverines also play Notre Dame at home on October 26th! You can see the full football schedule here.

Glow Disc Golf Tournament | Whitmore Lake

October 25, 6 – 11 p.m. | Independence Lake County Park

For the fourth year, this after-hours disc golf tournament is returning to Independence Lake County Park! The 18 holes will be lit by glow sticks and $30 registration includes park entry and a player pack. For all the details, click here. 

Food + Drink

Food + Drink 

Art & Brew | Ann Arbor 

October 10, 5:30 – 9 p.m. | Downtown Ann Arbor 

Photo courtesy of the Ann Arbor Art Center

Hosted by Ann Arbor Art Center and various downtown businesses, Art & Brew is a celebration of local food and drink and a competition for the best food and beer pairing. When you buy your $60 ticket, you’ll be invited to join the bar crawl traveling to each participating restaurant to taste their beer and snack pairings, to create your own art at each one, and then to vote for your favorite pairing. See the participating venues, buy tickets, and get more information here.  

West Cross Hard Cider Festival | Ypsilanti 

October 12, 1 – 5 p.m. | College Place 

This 21+ event brings together 15 Michigan hard cider makers and eight West Cross businesses for a fall tradition of epic proportions. You can see the participating businesses here and purchase tickets online here. 

Chefs in the Garden | Ypsilanti  

October 13, 5 – 8 p.m. | Growing Hope Urban Farm 

Hosted by and benefitting Growing Hope, the Chefs in the Garden series brings together local charity, local food and urban farm education. The three-part dinner series features well-known, local culinary talent at each event occurring on September 15th, September 29th and October 13th. The last event of the series is scheduled for October 13th with Chef Brandon Johns of Grange Kitchen & Bar with dessert from Sweet Heather Anne. For details and tickets, click here.

Happy October! 

This week we are featuring Shannon Baer’s listing – 3601 Lamplighter Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Q. Can you describe the architectural style of the home?
This 1960’s quad-level home has 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths, is almost 3,000 square feet and is situated on a private acre.

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?
This is a unique opportunity to own a home on a serene lot that is close to town. The home comes with an in-law suite with a private entrance that could be a first-floor master suite.
Q. What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
The home is located on a secluded cul de sac with no through traffic and yet only minutes from Vets Park, Plum Market, and many other shops. Extra safe for bike riding children and surrounded by nature.

Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
A new roof and freshly painted exterior are only the beginning of the upgrades. The kitchen is updated with stainless steel appliances and new cabinets. Additionally, there is a newly installed air conditioning unit that vents to the bedrooms.

Q. What amazing views will the new homeowner be able to enjoy?
The home is surrounded by coniferous and deciduous trees so there are views of nature from all windows and tons of privacy!

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?
Neatly manicured perennial gardens line the brick walkway. The new back deck and treehouse are especially lovely features!

For more information about 3601 Lamplighter Drive, Ann Arbor or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Shannon Baer at 734-544-5115.

Michigan game day is one of your favorite days and one of the most important in Ann Arbor. Complemented by tons of pre-game tailgates, game-day specials at our favorite hangouts, and the best fight song in college football history, after just one game day in Ann Arbor, this will become your favorite holiday, too. 

To make sure you can navigate all the excitement, we created this tailgating guide—complete with information on where to park and find tailgates, where to watch the game outside The Big House, where to buy your U-M merch, and where to keep celebrating afterward. And remember, Go Blue forever! 

For details on tailgating policies and procedures, click here, and for the Michigan Football schedule, click here. 

Jump ahead:

The Most Popular Tailgating Areas | The Best Places to Watch on Screen | What to Wear on Game Day | Where to Go After the Game

Tailgating

The Most Popular Tailgating Areas

Whether you’re parking or just looking for a pre-game party, you’ll find plenty of areas to do it, but be aware ahead of time that parking can cost $30 to $60 to $180 and more. To read tailgating policies and procedures and make sure you’re following the rules, click here. When you follow that link, you can also find a detailed map of parking areas. 

University of Michigan Golf Course

Located south of The Big House, the U-M Golf Course is one of the most popular places for tailgating on game day. Although RVs, trailers, pets and glass containers aren’t allowed, you can park regular vehicles and set up all your tailgating accessories within the designated areas. 

Ann Arbor Golf & Outing Club 

Located directly across Stadium Boulevard from the south end of the stadium, AAGOC offers convenient public parking for U-M football and basketball games. On football game days, public parking is first come, first served, but a limited number of reserved spots are also available through Park n Party here. For full AAGOC parking info, click here. 

Blue Lot 

This lot is available for RVs and vehicles with permits only, but open to foot traffic. That means many season ticket holders and Michigan fans who have been attending games for decades set up shop here, but everyone is welcome to peruse the tailgates and join the fun. 

Pioneer High School

One of three lots open to RVs, Pioneer High School opens on Game Day Fridays for RVs with permits and other vehicles on a first come, first served basis. These daily passes and reservations are available through Michigan Event Parking, and we recommend checking out their website here before game day. 

Brown Lot

Located south of the golf course at the Varsity Tennis Center, this lot offers cash-only permits on the day of the game and is open to RVs which can stay until noon on Sunday. 

Sports Bars

The Best Places to Watch on Screen 

If you didn’t get a ticket in time, you can still catch all the action on screen at a local hangout. For the full list of favorite sports bars which includes options in surrounding towns, too, check out The 13 Best Sports Bars in the Ann Arbor Area. 

The Pretzel Bell

Photo courtesy of The Pretzel Bell

After P Bell opened in 1934, it became the campus watering hole for more than 50 years, feeding and hydrating students, townies and visitors alike. After a brief closing, the doors reopened to become one of A2’s most beloved spots—complete with gourmet pub food, craft beer and cocktails, and more than 30 TVs tuned into every Michigan football, baseball, hockey and basketball game available! Game day attractions include drink specials, a game room with pong, Jenga and darts, late-night live DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, and more. 

Fraser’s Pub

Jimmy and Red Fraser first opened this neighborhood bar in 1962 and it’s been the A2 go-to ever since. The taps feature multiple Michigan beers, the menu includes all the bar favorites cooked up with style, and the TVs fill the whole place so you’ll never miss the action. Be sure to wear your blue and maize or you may feel left out. Go Blue! 

Scorekeepers

Especially popular amongst the younger crowd, Scorekeepers boasts more than 30 beers on tap, 17 flat screens, and a food lineup that includes bratwursts, nachos, sliders, burgers and waffle fries. They’ve been around for decades and have always been a go-to game day spot, for obvious reasons.

Good Time Charley’s

Good Time Charley’s opened its doors in 1979, the first U-M student walked in, and the rest was history. It’s located right across the street from the university and offers a parking structure, making it one of the easiest places to get to before the game starts. We recommend ordering a plate of Pepperoni Styx, hand-twisted breadsticks stuffed with mozzarella and pepperoni and topped with garlic and parmesan. Then, get ready to cheer!

Gear

What to Wear on Game Day 

When in doubt, put on your maize and blue. Some games may encourage maize-outs inside the stadium, but you can’t go wrong with any Wolverine merch. To find out where to buy yours, keep reading. 

The M Den 

The M Den is the official retailer of Michigan Athletics, which means you can find branded clothing for women, men and kids, Michigan Nike products, hats, furniture and home decor, autographed memorabilia, toys, jewelry, pet accessories and more. You can shop online here or stop by one of five Ann Arbor locations to shop in person.

Bo 

Inspired by and named after Bo Schembechler, the University of Michigan head football coach from 1969 to 1989, Bo is a store built by and for Wolverines. In the Main Street shop, you can purchase clothing and hats, mugs and glasses, posters and vinyl decals, and basically everything you need to show your Michigan pride. To shop online, click here.

After

Where to Go After the Game

If you want to keep celebrating after the game is over, you’ll have plenty of options, especially along Main Street and State Street in downtown Ann Arbor. For super late nights, check out our guide The 13 Best Places to Eat After Midnight in Ann Arbor. 

Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.

Photo courtesy of Grizzly Peak Brewing Co.

A landmark in downtown Ann Arbor, Grizzly Peak began serving craft beer in August of 1995 from their century-old building. The kitchen produces scratch-made pub eats and the brewhouse produces classic beers in a wide range of styles. To see what’s on tap right now, click here, and be sure to celebrate with a pint of Victors’ Gold after the game! You can also order Party Platters which feed 8 to 10 people and your dogs are welcome to party on the patio with their own menu of snacks! Check it out here.

Wolverine State Brewing Co.

Wolverine State Brewing’s flagship beer, Wolverine Premium Lager, was born out of a desire for an outstanding, approachable beer that was true to Michigan character. Today, this Ann Arbor craft brewery is still operating as the first and only all-lager microbrewery in the state of Michigan. That means, when you stop in, you’ll get the opportunity to explore absolutely everything a lager can do—from the solid, approachable flagship to innovative, ingredient-driven and aged creations. They’re open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays!

Dominick’s 

When you think Dominick’s, you think great patio and even better sangria. Since opening in 1960, this locally owned spot has been the go-to for locals, students, families, you name it! Grab a seat on game day and keep the fun going with potent sangria and Italian-inspired eats. 

Ashley’s 

A Downtown Ann Arbor tradition since 1983, Ashley’s is a must-visit on game day—especially if you love craft microbrews! Throughout the year, their rotating taps offer more than 1,000 different beers made right here in Michigan, all around the country and all around the globe. Pair that with a meal of pesto fries and fish and chips, and you’ll have a new favorite in town. 

Do you have a game day tip?

Share it in the comments below!

This week we are featuring Megan Mazurek’s listing – 1919 Dexter Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Q. What distinctive features set this home apart?
Recently updated, this 3 bedroom home features hardwoods throughout and a large living room with wood-burning fireplace adding a pop of color and built-in shelves. Outside the dining room, you’ll find a new patio, large fenced-in yard and 1-car garage.

Q. What are the advantages of the location & neighborhood?
In an ideal location on Ann Arbor’s Old West Side, this house is near downtown Ann Arbor, Vets Park, the Ann Arbor Skatepark, Knight’s Steakhouse as well as other restaurants, shopping and the expressway.

Q. Have there been any recent renovations or upgrades?
The lower level was recently finished, providing additional living space, a new washer and dryer, and a second full bathroom. The kitchen features newer stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and a large sink. The second floor bathroom was also updated with new floors, vanity and repainted.

Q. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about the home?
There are stairs in one of the bedrooms leading to the 240 sq ft attic providing plenty of additional storage space.

Come to the Open House on Sunday, September 8th from 2 pm to 4 pm.

For more information about 1919 Dexter Avenue, Ann Arbor or if you are interested in scheduling a showing, please contact Megan Mazurek at 734-645-4296.