Seniors Descend Into Ypsilanti

Ypsilanti, commonly shortened to Ypsi, is perhaps best known as the home of Eastern Michigan University, with a population just short of 20,000. Senior travelers will find Ypsi between Ann Arbor and Detroit.

I-94 runs across the south edge of the city and the Huron River runs north to south through the heart of the city adding to its scenic beauty. Ypsi has been known as one of the most tolerant and progressive communities in Michigan.

 The name catches many senior visitor’s attention. It is Greek, and Ypsilanti was named after Demetrius Ypsilanti, a hero in the Greek war for independence. It’s been said that Ypsi is the Brooklyn to Ann Arbor’s Manhattan.

Seniors Enjoy Arts and Foodie Scene

“Despite Ann Arbor’s reputation as a regional bohemian cultural center, many creative people are flocking to Ypsi to live, work and play. As a result a vibrant underground arts hotspot has developed around an ever-growing foodie scene.”

Annual events like the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival, The Color Run Michigan Eastside and Michigan ElvisFest keep visitors of all ages coming back year after year.

Camaro Superfest, Thunder Over Michigan, the Michigan Vintage Volkswagen car show are attractive to senior visitors. 

Ypsi  has played an important role in the automobile industry. From 1920 to 1922, Apex Motors produced the “ACE” car. It was in Ypsilanti that Preston Tucker (whose family owned the Ypsilanti Machine Tool Company) designed and built the prototypes for his Tucker ’48.

 Seniors Enjoy Cruise Nights

The historic district includes both downtown Yps, along Michigan Avenue, and the Depot Town area adjacent to Frog Island Park and Riverside Park, which features many specialty shops, bars and grills, and a farmers’ market.

You will not want to miss Depot Town, that glows with restored splendor in the historic district. Depot Town was created after the Ypsilanti Train Depot was opened in 1838.

Senior car folks, Depot Town rocks on Thursday evenings during Cruise Nights when hundreds of visitors stroll the length of Cross Street to check out classic cars, hot rods, and customs.

The Michigan Firehouse Museum is an educational treasure trove that includes an original 1898 firehouse. The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage is home to cars from the local Willow Run Plant and cars from Hudson Motors. Remember the old Hudson cars? I sure do. They had a unique sleek shape.

So set your GPS for a taste of Pure Michigan and enjoy your stay in Ypsi. -jeb