4 more ways to celebrate Valentineโs Day in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ In case you missed it, or havenโt looked at a calendar recently, Valentineโs Day is Sunday. Get some sugarBon Bon Bon will have a chocolatey pop-up at Gutman Gallery from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Read: 4 ways to celebrate Valentineโs Day in Ann ArborGo wildOn Sunday evening, cozy up for a unique Valentineโs experience courtesy of Leslie Science & Nature Center. Prove your love by running the two-mile Ann Arbor Chocolate Run, courtesy of Running Fit Downtown Ann Arbor. Proceeds from 826michigan Ann Arbor Robot Supply Co. go to its free student writing programs, which serve over 3,000 school-aged students in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Detroit.
Ann Arbor Restaurant Week returns with family meals, special menus
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Treat yourself, support local restaurants and sample some of Ann Arborโs best eats during the return of Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Between Feb. 21-26, Tree Town eateries will be offering special multi-course menus, family-sized to-go meals and offer food and drink demonstrations. Traditionally, Ann Arbor Restaurant Week specials have revolved around fixed prices. The annual foodie celebration coincides with the first-ever Ann Arbor Hotel Week which focuses on the areaโs hotel and hospitality industry. AdRead: Live your best staycation life during Ann Arbor Hotel WeekRestaurant Week is organized by the Main Street Area Association.
Lauren Kosowski honored with Main Street Ann Arborโs Dennis Serras Award
ANN ARBOR โ For the third year running, the Main Street Area Association is honoring an individual who is central to its mission and the vitality of the downtown area. This yearโs recipient of the organizationโs Dennis Serras Award is Lauren Kosowski, an IT professional who has become a passionate advocate for and supporter of the Main Street area. โThis year we nominated Lauren Kosowski for the award, someone whose job has nothing to do with downtown,โ MSAA executive director Sandra Andrade said in a statement. AdLauren Kosowski is the recipient of the 2020 Dennis Serras Award. Itโs people like you, with that love, that will help our businesses survive.โMSAAโs first two awardees were Lucy Ann Lance and A4โฒs Meredith Bruckner.
4 ways to celebrate Valentineโs Day in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Like many holidays in 2020, Valentineโs Day in 2021 is going to feel different. Listen to nationally-recognized storytellers Lyn Ford, Chetter Galloway, Antonio Rocha and emcee Steve Daut, president of the Ann Arbor Storytellers Guild. Work together to draw a design on a ceramic lidded container in one of Gutman Galleryโs Take & Make: Valentineโs Day Art Box. The Ann Arbor Art Center is offering special Valentineโs Day Art Boxes. AdRead: Melon, bonfires, mass weddings: How Valentineโs Day has been celebrated around the worldGalentineโs DaySwap out Valentines for Galentines.
Longtime owners of Four Directions on Ann Arborโs Main Street to retire
Alan and Karen Freedman in their shop Four Directions at 211 S. Main St. on Jan. 20, 2021. A giant amethyst at Four Directions on 211 S. Main Street in Ann Arbor. Colorful stone necklaces hang from a rack at Four Directions on 211 S. Main Street. Splashed copper pieces from Northern Michigan on display at Four Directions on 211 S. Main Street. Therapy stones at Four Directions on 211 S. Main Street.
Massive tree resists installation: Story behind Palioโs Christmas tree in downtown Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR โ The Christmas tree on Palioโs rooftop in downtown Ann Arbor aims to bring cheer to all this holiday season -- but how it got there is a different story altogether. โWith the closures, thereโs so much negativity that comes up in meetings,โ said Kimmie Sheldon, director of marketing for the restaurant group. โ(In a recent meeting), we all looked at each other and said it just doesnโt feel right not to do it. (Kimberly Sheldon)After several attempts, some bloody knuckles, lots of tree sap and tears from laughter, the tree now stands at its intended spot. Too big for any stand, a contractor who works frequently with Mainstreet Ventures came and built a stand last minute.
Shopping specials to take over Ann Arborโs small businesses in December
ANN ARBOR, Mich. โ Mark your calendars, the holiday shopping season is coming! During the first three Fridays of December, three downtown area districts are hosting special shopping events to help Ann Arborโs small businesses and consumers get a jump start on holiday wishlists. Hereโs what you need to know:Moonlight MadnessThe annual shopping event in the State Street District will take place across three Fridays this year. More details to be announced through the Festive Fridays website. Special shopping sales include 30% off at The Bo Store; 30% off at Underground Printing and cocktail bundles at Palio, Black Pearl and Chop House.
Ann Arbor City Council extends downtown street closures through November
ANN ARBOR โ City Council unanimously approved on Monday night the extension of downtown street closures for businesses to continue operating outdoors through Nov. 30. The closures were originally set to end on Nov. 1. The closures include:Main Street from William Street to Liberty StreetMain Street from Liberty Street to Washington StreetWashington Street from South Ashley to Main StreetMaynard Street from East Liberty Street to East William Street (seven days a week)East Liberty Street from Thompson Street to South State StreetSouth State Street from East Washington Street to East William StreetClosures will continue to be in effect from 2 p.m. on Fridays through 8 p.m. on Sundays. The Maynard Street closure will move to a weekend-only closure on Nov. 2. Ramlawi said city administrator Tom Crawford can end the closures at any time if they are deemed unsafe due to weather events.
Ann Arbors Underground Sounds will move to Main Street
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Downtown Ann Arbor record store Underground Sounds will be moving to Main Street soon. Underground Sounds owner Matt Bradish said his lease on the Liberty location will be up and that moving to Main Street will allow for better exposure. Visitors to the new location will also get a glimpse of Ann Arbor history. Inside the Main Street space is a mural of Gambrinus, a European cultural figure celebrated as the icon of joviality and beer. Learn more about Underground Sounds here.