Are you looking to spend your date in the youthful city of Michigan? Ann Arbor is the ideal place for your romantic adventures. It lies in the Southeast of Michigan state and is the perfect marriage of outdoorsy spots, live theatre, cosy boutique hotels, and wine and cocktail bars. Ann Arbor being a college town offers both youthful energy and world-class entertainment and dining experiences at the same time. You might be in town with your partner - you’d be glad to know this city has everything to offer for a romantic time to remember. So, read on for the best romantic things to do in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
1. Enjoy a quiet stroll at Gallup Park
The fact of the matter is we don’t have to spend a lot to have a magical date night. Your loved one’s company is the most important thing. When in Ann Arbor, opt for a peaceful walk at Gallup Park. This 69-acre (28-hectare) park is the city’s most popular park. One of its best features is the picturesque Huron River and Geddes Pond. Picnic areas, grills, playgrounds, and a canoe livery are just some of the facilities provided at Gallup Park. You could sit at the boat dock on Huron River and let the day pass by with the one you love beside you.
Gallup Park
Address: 3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
Website: Gallup Park
Opening hours: 6:30am - 10pm (daily)
2. Unleash your skills at Breakout Escape Rooms
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Breakout Escape Rooms Ann Arbor on Sunday, March 8, 2020
One of the ways to spice up your date and keep things interesting is to take your loved one to an hour testing your problem-solving skills! Breakout Escape Rooms Ann Arbor is one of the most popular recreational activities in the city. The rules are plain and simple. With your partner, you’ll be locked in a room for 60 minutes, and clues are scattered at your disposal. Escape before the time runs out and you win. Keep it a fun night and test each other’s abilities with an adrenaline-pumping outing in Ann Arbor!
Breakout Escape Rooms Ann Arbor
Address: 3460 E Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, United States
Website: Breakout Escape Rooms Ann Arbor
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 11:30pm
3. Stroll along Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Conservatory
Matthaei Botanical Garden is one of the romantic places near Ann Arbor. You will find varied plants within the conservatory. What’s more romantic than strolling with your partner through a beautiful botanical garden? Here you will feel connected with mother nature. You can then take the ethnobotanical trail which is 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometres) long. Along the trail are signs describing the various trees and plants along with their uses. The best time to go to this marvellous garden is spring because the entire place becomes lively during that period.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Address: 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
Website: Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 10am - 4:30pm; 10am - 8pm
Price: Free admission (donations welcome)
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4. Enjoy masterpieces at Michigan Theatre
Your best date in Ann Arbor could be at the famous Michigan Theatre. It was constructed during the silent film era. This artistic movement masterpiece has 1,700 theatre seats that are literally trimmed in gold foil. It has a full organ that’s still played to the present day. It is truly a wonder to behold if you’re ever in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If this is often your holiday destination in Michigan, then it’s definitely something that you simply got to take a few hours to check out. If you’re actually lucky enough to catch a show at the stage, then it’ll truly be a pleasing experience and one to recollect forever.
Michigan Theatre
Address: 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Website: Michigan Theater
5. Take tango classes at University of Michigan Tango Club
After all the eating and nights out, it is time to sweep your partner off their feet. Yes, we mean dancing to the beats of tango. So put on some dancing shoes and dance away! The University of Michigan Tango Club has a program but they also welcome visitors to their fun classes. There are experts to help you out in case you are a beginner at Tango. This activity will surely leave a fond and lovely memory of uncoordinated moves and laughter.
University of Michigan Tango Club
Address: 530 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Website: University of Michigan Tango Club
6. Stroll leisurely at Island Park
You can take a stroll with your significant other anywhere in Ann Arbor and feel serene. But, Island Park is the star of the city. It is close to the University of Michigan and is also a natural habitat to a variety of flowers. It a free-entry garden with flowers grown in three climate zones – all under one roof. Take a long, calm walk in the sprawling park.
Island Park
Address: Island Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
Website: Island Park
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
7. Have a thrilling tandem biking experience
The feel of riding on a tandem differs from riding solo. A tandem bike is considerably heavier, and features a much longer wheelbase; therefore, practising together with your tandem partner on a quiet street or during a parking zone is suggested. Because of the dimensions and weight of the bike, the cyclists have to practice stopping and also swinging wider around turns. It certainly makes for a fun activity with your partner once you get the hang of it!
8. Catch a show at Power Center for the Performing Arts
After all the eating, walking, dancing, and sipping wine it’s time to join an audience to catch a great show. For this, you have to visit Power Center for the Performing Arts. It is a stage for musicians and artists to grow. It serves as a great venue for performances in theatre, dance, and music. You just have to purchase the ticket at the window, go upstairs, and prepare to be entertained. This is a place for a date with entertainment, and of course, your partner!
Power Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 121 Fletcher St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
Website: Power Center for the Performing Arts
9. Try some cooking lessons at Sur La Table
If you’re looking for your next Ann Arbor romantic getaway, not try some cooking lessons at Sur La Table? The instructors and chefs have a wealth of experience and love sharing their knowledge. Get all the private attention and guidance you would like because classes are capped at 16 students, usually working in groups of 4. So, just roll up your sleeves and get ready to chop, mix, and knead your way through each recipe.
Sur La Table
Address: 3050 Washtenaw Ave #109, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Website: sur la table
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
10. Check out the old-world charm of The State Theatre
It is a beautifully renovated theatre with enough of old charm. You can catch all kinds of movies from classics to foreign ones in an old-fashioned movie palace. If you and your partner are movie buffs, it will be one of the most fun dates ever. So, slip away intp the magic of cinema and witness the movies which you may not see otherwise elsewhere. Also, don’t forget to capture some pictures of the stunning architecture.
The State Theatre
Address: 233 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Website: The State Theatre
11. Savour the finest dishes at Dessous
If you are in the downtown area of Ann Arbor, do not miss the alluring experience at Dessous. The ambience is welcoming and vibrant where you will find the most divine meals. This place experiments with the simplest of dishes like fish and tacos (which is, by the way, an award-winning dish!) and leaves your taste buds stunned. The restaurant has scrumptious vegetarian options too. Dessous also hosts happy hours which will surely leave you more than happy. You can enjoy their delicious seafood appetizers with sips of martini, gin, beer, wine or your own version of cocktail!
Dessous
Address: 312 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Website: Dessous
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 2am (closed on Sun & Mon)
12. Go camping at Berkshire Creek Nature Area
How about going camping in a 5.32-acre (2.15 hectares) natural area containing a mature oak-hickory forest? Berkshire Creek Nature Area is located off of Huron Parkway and is accessible by car off of Exmoor Rd. This is a place where people can appreciate quiet and solitude within the 38,000 acres (15,378 hectares) of pristine wilderness. The park has an array of recreational activities: camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
Berkshire Creek Nature Area
Address: 1970 S Huron Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, United States
Website: Berkshire Creek Nature Area
Pack your bags and visit Ann Arbor with your partner
Ann Arbor has everything mentioned in the beginning and it stands true to its claim. In just a little time, you can see that the city has so much to offer! By now, you might have decided where to start this everlasting experience. So, plan your day and get started on that romantic getaway!
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