SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 BACK TO SCHOOL New student guide to the City of Ann Arbor BARAK HOWELL Groundcover contributor Reason Why? For tasty craft cocktails and more (including non-alcoholic drinks) in atmosphere, this cafe/bar is perfect for newcomers and regulars alike. For a consignment farmers market: Argus Farm Stop* 325 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 and 1226 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? For local foodievores, this stop offers a plethora of local producers' and farmers' products and an enduring pause. For hiking/walking trails: The Arboretum 1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? With 123 acres of diverse landscapes, this park is perfect for recreational use in any season. For ultra training: Border to Border Trail System 1352 Lake Shore Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? A 55-mile non-motorized paved pathway ideal for distance excursions into the great outdoors. For a bicycle co-op: Common Cycle 416 W Huron St, Suite 11, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Reason Why? A community-driven cycling ecosystem offering mechanic workshops, courses, replacements and repair pop-ups. For a wall to climb: Planet Rock 82 Aprill Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Reason Why? Whether you are a veteran boulderer or a top ropes newbie, this indoor gym has been a local adventurer’s haven since 1994. For A New School Backpack: Bivouac 336 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? With a loft full of a variety of daily travel supplies, this retailer originally started in 1970 as an army surplus by Ed Davidson. For a rain jacket to stay dry: Fjällräven 213 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? From Örnsköldsvik, Sweden to the urban campus of U-M, this outdoor retailer is known for quality water resistant waxed-canvas outdoor clothing and equipment. For a neighborhood watering hole: The Hidden King 210 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 For a vegan hub: Detroit Street Filling Station 300 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? Detroit Street, and their north campus location The Lunch Room, are driven to provide the healthiest, plant-based options since their launch in August 2017. For classy street eats: Frita Batidos 117 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason why? Offering Cuban-inspired burgers and shakes in a brightly lit eatery and driven by in-house crafted tenets of the Slow Food Movement. For the best tacos: Chela's Restaurant and Taqueria 693 S Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Reason Why? With street-style tacos, loaded burritos and flavorful horchata, Chela's is bound to spice up any occasion. For tasty barbeque: Ricewood 245 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 and 1928 Packard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? Boasting three ingredients (Salt, Pepper and Time), the barbeque joint lures in a hungry crowd for smoked brisket and pulled pork delights. For a bean roastery: Hyperion Coffee 111 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? These coffee aficionados know how to roast a green bean to For arcade game thrills: Pinball Pete’s 500 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? Come for the Skee Ball and stay for the Halo Fireteam Raven attractions at this newly renovated arcade’s downtown location. For rare vinyl records: Underground Sounds 120 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? Record stores are still fun at this local vinyl hub featuring an independent curated collection of fine music. For a movie palace: Marquee Arts* The Michigan Theater 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 and The State Theater 233 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? As a Michigan-based nonprofit committed to movies and performances, and preservation, the Michigan and State Theaters offer arthouse programming for a variety of audiences. For a live concert venue: The Ark 316 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? Another nonprofit organizational staple in the community, The Ark features top live folk, roots, ethnic music and more. *You are likely to meet a Groundcover News vendor outside these businesses! For delicious ice cream: Blank Slate Creamery 300 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Reason Why? Touting a garden fresh lineup of flavors, this chalkstyled shop provides delectable frozen treats sourced from all-natural ingredients. For a cocoa treat: Mindo Chocolate Makers Shop* 206 N 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? Sourced in the foothills of Ecuador direct to your taste buds, Mindo’s hand-crafted bean-tobar chocolate is sure to please your savory sweet tooth desires. For a local bookstore: Literati* 124 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? 2019’s winner of Publisher Weekly’s Bookstore Of The Year prize, this premiere independent bookselling institution is a must-peruse for any book worm. a welcoming perfection and serve up a delicious brew for your study sessions. Check our their original Ypsi cafe too! For a source of comic books and board games: Vault of Midnight 219 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Reason Why? Graphic novel and board game enthusiasts are sure to find a home here in Ann Arbor's arts and cultural geeky entertainment environment. GROUNDCOVER NEWS 7
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