5 Reasons Why State Street District is Best Part of Downtown Ann Arbor
1. Nickels Arcade is an Ann Arbor gem.
One of Ann Arbor’s most recognizable, iconic buildings – Nickels Arcade is over 100 years old and has housed retailers, restauranteurs, and other service providers throughout Ann Arbor’s vast history. The University Flower Shop is arguably the most charming florist in Ann Arbor, and Parrish Fine Framing & Art Inc. is an Ann Arbor mainstay for art and framing. MIX offers eye-catching clothing and accessories that defy the norm. You’ll even find coffee and chocolate and other treats in the Arcade!
2. Tasty eats abound!
Ann Arbor is undoubtedly a world-class dining destination, with eateries serving cuisine inspired by world cultures, local farms, and brilliant culinary minds. In the State Street District, some of our favorites include Amer’s Mediterranean Grill for simple and tasty falafel and a huge sandwich menu, Michigan Creamery for refreshing ice cream treats, and Red Hawk Bar & Grill for their great beer selection and awesome black bean burger.
3. Parking is easier than you think!
When visiting a vibrant downtown area, people also cringe at the notion of finding parking – but here in the State Street District, we’ve got you covered. Multiple covered parking structures are located throughout the neighborhood – like the Thompson/Maynard Garage and the N4 Thayer Structure – and there’s tons of street parking as well. You can also head up State Street to the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, which offers AirGarage parking on most days and nights.
4. Unique, unbeatable shops.
Van Boven Clothing and Van Boven Shoes, both located at Nickels Arcade, have been outfitting fashionable Ann Arborites since 1933 with unique apparel and footwear from around the world. If you’re shopping for gifts, you’ll want to stop by Arcadian Antiques and the Caravan Gift Shop, both of which offer unexpected goods that you won’t find anywhere else. Bivouac, which started as an Army surplus store over 50 years ago, now outfits students and others with outerwear and adventure gear, as well as fashionable clothing for nights out and about.
5. Murals, sculptures, and more!
Public art is everywhere throughout the State Street District. On the University of Michigan’s campus, just south of the main shopping area in the District, you’ll find the University of Michigan Museum of Art and several of its large outdoor sculptures, like Orion and Shang. At the corner of South State and North University, you’ll also find a unique bronze water fountain created by artist Alin Polasek that dates back to U-M’s 1919 Commencement, with figures in the bas relief that represent youth, labor, poetry, and philosophy. On Liberty Street, you’ll see lots of murals and painted art, including the famous Bookstore Mural – and, a new piece by Matthew Sharum and facilitated by Oxford Companies. With a nod to the ‘town and gown’ culture of Ann Arbor, this new mural has an interesting 3-D element that encourages the viewer to engage with it – be sure to check it out!
