Seniors Enjoy Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a city of just over 16,000, was founded back in 1824 by land speculators, and named for wives of the village’s founders and the stands of Burr Oak trees. Senior travelers will find Ann Arbor 45 miles west of Detroit.

Who has not heard of this city and the famed Wolverine football team?  Let’s not forget their hockey team either along with a host of other awesome sports teams.

The university shapes Ann Arbor’s economy significantly employing about 30,000 workers, including about 12,000 in the medical center. I learned that the U of Michigan with a student body of 40,000, was once in Detroit and moved to Ann Arbor in 1837.

“Tree Town” Attracts Senior Visitors

Nicknamed “Tree Town” from the dense forestation of its many parks and residential areas, Ann Arbor also has the Matthael Botanical Gardens with over 300 acres of gardens. The city abounds in performing arts groups and facilities on the University of Michigan’s campus.

It is said that Ann Arbor has a small town feel and the excitement of a big city. In the winter, holiday light festivals and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival are always crowd pleasers. Senior visitors enjoy  wandering one of America’s Best Main Streets.

Amongst the things for seniors to see and do is the Michigan Stadium, called the Big House, the largest football stadium in the country. You will also want to take in the Kerrytown District, “an historic area of downtown that offers one of a kind shops, restaurants, markets, delis, concert house, art galleries, a Farmers’ Market, a children’s museum, as well as a rich and diverse culture.”

 Ann Arbor is a Destination City

The NY Times notes that the..”urban sophistication of this town with its mix of restaurants, bars, boutiques, art-house movie theaters and world-class art museums keeps many University of Michigan alumni from leaving long after they have graduated.”

For senior visitors, the sheer energy and the abundance of cultural opportunities, from classical dance performances to bluegrass concerts, makes it easy to get into the college spirit, even if you’re not a student.

Ann Arbor is a great destination all year long. It ranks 13 in top places to live in U.S. Being a Master Gardener, I’d just have to take my wife to the Nicholas Arboretum, lovingly known as “the Arb”… a great place to enjoy a summer day with 123 acres of nature trails and gardens. -jeb