Visiting your University of Michigan student this weekend?
Between a meal downtown, a little shopping and a walk through campus, there are plenty of ways to make a weekend of it.
More than 2,000 families have registered for U-M’s Parent and Family Weekend, which runs from Oct. 23-25, Nicole Banks, associate dean of students at U-M, said in an email. With a home football game on Oct. 24 and construction affecting streets around campus and downtown Ann Arbor, a little planning will help.
Leave some time between campus events to explore, Ashley Schafer, executive director of Ann Arbor’s Main Street Association, said in an interview. Downtown offers newer shops, restaurants and plenty to do within walking distance of campus.
"Our city is really fun
and it's very walkable," she said. "Bring a comfortable pair of shoes and a few layers so you can really enjoy the city, and then you don't have to worry about driving.
"It's nice that we are so close to campus because you can really get the best of both worlds."
Here's what to know before heading to Ann Arbor — and a few places to check out while in town.
Can families still register?
Yes. In-person registration is available from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Oct. 23 in the Michigan Union’s second-floor Rogel Ballroom. The cost is $55 per family group.
Registration includes Friday’s conference-style concurrent sessions, U-M said. Other events, including the tailgate and the football game on Oct. 24 and the brunch on Oct. 25, require separate ticket purchases. Capacities are limited.
What's the weather forecast?
Expect afternoons in the 60s, with cooler temperatures after dark.
AccuWeather's forecast calls for a high of 65 degrees on Oct. 23, with an overnight low of 38. Oct. 24's high is also expected to reach 65, with mostly sunny skies and a nighttime low of 38. Oct. 25 brings sunshine and some clouds, with a high of 68 and a low of 43.
Going to the football game?
Michigan plays Indiana at noon on Oct. 24 at Michigan Stadium. Football game admission is not included in weekend registration or a tailgate ticket. Banks directs families seeking game tickets to SeatGeek.com.
A home game can bring more than 100,000 fans to the stadium, along with thousands more visitors to campus and downtown, she said. Expect heavy traffic, limited parking, crowded restaurants and longer waits. Allow extra time for walking and stadium security.
What construction should I know about?
Among the closures listed by the city are:
- South Fourth Avenue: Closed from East William Street through the East Liberty Street intersection. Drivers can enter the Fourth and William parking garage from William Street only.
- South First and West Washington streets: The intersection is closed for sewer construction.
- North University Avenue and South Thayer Street: Through traffic is restricted on North University between State and Fletcher streets, and on South Thayer between East Washington and North University.
- South University Avenue: Closed to vehicles between Church Street and South Forest Avenue.
Local pedestrian access to businesses along the Fourth Avenue construction project is being maintained, according to the city. Check Ann Arbor's road and lane closure page before heading into town.
Where should I eat?
Schafer recommends Peridot, 118 W. Liberty St., for families looking for a smaller, more intimate dinner spot. The restaurant serves Vietnamese-inspired dishes.
Schafer also suggests Echelon Kitchen & Bar, 200 S. Main St. Schafer highlighted its seasonal menu and work with local farmers, making it a good option for returning visitors who want to try something different.
Other recommendations include Mani Osteria and Bar, 341 E. Liberty St.; Conor O'Neill's Irish Pub, 318 S. Main St.; The Chop House, 322 S. Main St., and Vinology, 110 S. Main St.
Make reservations when possible.
Adults can also purchase an alcoholic beverage in a designated to-go cup from a participating bar or restaurant and carry it through approved outdoor areas downtown.
Some retailers also allow the drinks inside. Look for signs identifying participating businesses and district boundaries, and check the Main Street Association’s social district map, Schafer said.
Where should I shop?
For a keepsake, Schafer suggests Noteworthy Wants and Wonders, 305 S. Main St., a newer gift shop downtown.
She recommends Rock Paper Scissors, 216 S. Main St., which carries greeting cards and pop culture gifts.
Returning visitors may remember The Getup Vintage from State Street. The resale clothing shop now operates at 210 S. Fourth Ave.
Schafer also said visitors can get a taste of northern Michigan with a stop at Cherry Republic. The shop at 223 S. Main St. offers cherry products and a tasting room.
What else is there to do?
Banks suggests exploring the State Street and South University areas, visiting museums or taking a walk through Nichols Arboretum between campus events.
Families bringing younger children can also catch downtown's Halloween festivities on Oct. 25. Participants plan to gather at the Ann Arbor District Library at 11:30 a.m. for a costume parade that starts at noon and heads toward Main Street. Trick-or-treating at participating businesses follows from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. The event brings additional street closures on Oct. 25, including Main Street between William and Washington streets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit the Parents and Family Weekend website at https://deanofstudents.umich.edu/for-parents-and-families/parent-and-family-weekend/.
Contact Adrienne Roberts: amroberts@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: U-M Parent and Family Weekend is here: Where to eat, shop and explore
