Ann Arbor named among top charming small US cities by TravelMag
ANN ARBOR – Here’s a ranking that doesn’t surprise us. TravelMag recently released its 30 Most Charming Small Cities in the USA list and Ann Arbor appears along other famed small cities -- and college towns -- like Annapolis, Maryland, Charleston, South Carolina and Bloomington, Indiana. “Home to the University of Michigan, it has long been a seat of higher education, forward-thinking, technology and progressive ideas,” wrote TravelMag. “You can see echoes of these elements everywhere, including at the numerous annual events held in the city, including expos, airshows, and the annual film festival that has been running for decades. “In the city’s lively dining scene, this same balance of tradition and modernity is reflected by Ann Arbor mainstays such as Zingerman’s Deli, right through to the trendy international cuisine from across five continents.”AdWith the award-winning Ann Arbor District Library, 161 beautiful public parks and educational and cultural events abound, it certainly is a wonderful place to live.
Tourist attraction in Michigan’s UP offers scenic and inspiring view for up to 20 miles
ST. IGNACE, Mich. – In September of last year I got a million dollar view for only $1. A view from the top of Castle Rock in St. Ignace, Michigan. (Natasha Dado)This photo was taken from the top of the popular tourist site Castle Rock in St. Ignace, Michigan. I discovered Castle Rock in Mackinac Island last year while trying to find out what attractions were nearby. After you get off the Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City and into St. Ignace Castle Rock is less than 10 minutes away.
One year on, Real Irish in Ann Arbor stands its ground despite pandemic
ANN ARBOR – For many small businesses, the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic was a recipe for disaster. After three months, Real Irish opened its doors again in June to customers. Woolen sweaters, caps and jackets are just some of the specialty items sold at Real Irish. (Meredith Bruckner)“Because of everything that happened, we were able to really grow our online business,” said Marley. The last two months of the year were a major success for Real Irish, with customers seeking out authentic Irish gifts for family members and friends for the holidays.
See Ann Arbor’s fall colors from a helicopter
ANN ARBOR – Helicopter company MI Flight Aviation is offering helicopter tours in Ann Arbor to take in the beautiful fall colors on Oct. 24 and 25. Its Fall Scenery Tour is $40 per person, with a two person minimum. Flights take off from the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport at 801 Airport Dr. In addition to the Fall Scenery Tour, the company offers an $80 flight over downtown Ann Arbor and the Big House. Our staff opens and closes the helicopter doors to eliminate high-touch surfaces and to ensure all doors are safe and secure.
Ranking: Ann Arbor one of best places in US to live, retire
ANN ARBOR – U.S. News & World Report released its 2020-21 Best Places to Live and Best Places to Retire rankings, and it comes as no surprise that Ann Arbor ranks high on both. This year, Ann Arbor ranked the No. 7 best place to retire in the country and No. 12 best place to live. Its methodology in determining the best places to retire included ranking retirement scores based on the following indexes:Housing AffordabilityHappinessDesirabilityRetiree TaxesJob MarketHealth Care QualityOverall, Ann Arbor ranked high for value and quality of life.
Plan a spectacular getaway for the fall season
This article is sponsored by Traverse City TourismThe fall season in Michigan is a beautiful time of year. Jillian Manning, PR Manager for Traverse City Tourism explained how it’s a great time to visit Traverse City since many places to stay, shop and eat are open and operating. The Traverse Wine Coast has more than 40 wineries where you can try cherry wine while enjoying the fall weather. If you would rather drive, there are different routes starting in Traverse City where you can see all of the beautiful fall colors. Traverse City Tourism asks that you wear your mask and follow social distancing guidelines while visiting.
European Union reopens its borders to 14 nations but not to American tourists
More than 15 million Americans are estimated to travel to Europe each year, while some 10 million Europeans head across the Atlantic. The EU said China is subject to confirmation of reciprocity, meaning it must lift all restrictions on European citizens entering China before it will allow Chinese citizens back in. Countries considered for the safe list are also expected to lift any bans they might have in place on European travelers. European Union countries hastily slapped restrictions on who could cross their borders in February as the virus spread in Italy. The EU list does not apply to travel to Britain, which left the EU in January.
Detroit-area couple waits 2 1/2 months in lockdown to visit Pompeii
POMPEII (AP) An American couple waited a lifetime plus 2 months to visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii together. Colleen and Marvin Hewson, retirees from Michigan, were first in line when the archaeological site reopened to the public Tuesday following Italy's coronavirus lockdown. Their long-delayed visit capped an unlikely adventure that had stranded them in modern Pompeii, a small tourist town, since early March. It only took 2 months," Marvin Hewson added. Marvin Hewson, a history buff, had visited once while serving in the U.S. Navy in the 1960s and always vowed to get back; the trip was his wife's gift to him.