By Daytripper Ambassador Sam Zuckerman (UMich ‘22)

Are you visiting the University of Michigan for the first time? Or are you a student with some free time between exams? Follow along with sophomore, Sam Zuckerman, as she shares her favorite places in Ann Arbor. 

FLEETWOOD DINER

Fleetwood Diner, located at 300 S Ashley St, is every student’s go-to for delicious breakfast and late night eats. Fleetwood is no run-of-the-mill diner. The staff feels like family, the walls are completely covered in stickers, and they have invented their own legendary dish: Hippie Hash. This plate of homemade hash browns topped with veggies, feta cheese, and egg is even better than it sounds! What’s more, the diner is open 24 hours a day, so you can get your Hippie Hash whenever the craving sets in. Enjoy! 

NICHOLS ARBORETUM

Nichols Arboretum, or “The Arb” to Mich students, is the perfect place to go on a beautiful day. Open to the public (for free) seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, the beautiful botanical garden is filled with rivers, beautiful running trails, and amazing views. Whether you want to get your morning run in or simply clear your head after a long night at the library, the beauty of The Arb is sure to put you in a good mood. 

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Having just recently opened in the Biological Sciences Building (1105 N University Ave), the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History is one of two museums on campus. It’s a great place to go with kids, and as a college student, I honestly found myself “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” throughout my time there. The museum includes several interactive exhibits as well as a state-of-the-art planetarium. Perfect for a rainy day activity! 

BLANK SLATE CREAMERY

Trust me when I say this is the best ice cream I’ve ever had. Blank Slate, located at 300 W Liberty St, is always sure to have a line of hungry college students and faculty wrapped around the building. While they’re famous for their ever-changing menu of mouth-watering flavors such as Apple Cinnamon Crisp and Peanut Butter Cone Crackle, as well as a delicious array of dairy-free options such as Peppermint Chocolate Sorbet and Coconut Matcha, Blank Slate also sells ice cream cakes, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, and brownies. Be sure to stop in for a treat and while you gobble down your cone, feel free to make use of the interactive games and chalkboard walls. 

PALMER FIELD

Palmer Field is a hidden gem of the UMich campus, and one of my favorite places. Situated between Alice Lloyd Hall, Couzens Hall, and Mosher Jordan Hall, the field is a central recreational spot for students that live on The Hill. Have a picnic, run on the track, play a game of tennis on one of the four tennis courts, or study in a shady spot under a tree. 

MENDELSSOHN THEATER

Located within the Michigan League building at 911 N University, Mendelssohn Theater is the perfect destination for a dose of culture. The theater is absolutely beautiful and only sits around six hundred people, so any performance you go to is sure to be intimate. Come see a play, dance, or comedy show by the incredibly talented students of UMich!