Are you looking for unique things to do in Portland, Maine? We traveled to Portland, Maine for the Women In Travel Summit (WITS). We always look forward to attending this all-women conference. It’s empowering to be surrounded by women who work in travel for three days. The comradery, networking, and learning can’t help but elevate your travel writing game.

As you might expect during our visit we ate lobster. Truth be told, we ate a lot of lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We also ate a lot of other tasty food too but that’s a story for another day.

Since we were so busy eating, and learning and eating we enlisted the help of our expert traveling gal pals from WITS to help us tell the other side of the story of Portland, Maine. This seaside town is full of wonderful things to do on and off the water. We asked our colleagues at WITS19 to tell us about their favorite unique things to do in Portland, Maine. Here they are:

Unique Things To Do In Portland, Maine

The Victoria Mansion House Museum

Suggested by Suzanne Fluhr of Boomersque.com

Although some might disagree, humankind cannot live by lobster alone, so you should spend some of your time in  Portland, Maine visiting places that are not food related. One that satisfied my interests in history and design was Victoria Mansion-house museum, a National Historic Monument. 

Built between 1858 and 1860, the Victoria Mansion is considered to be one of the finest examples of Pre-Civil War Italian Villa architecture in the United States. Remarkably, 90 percent of the interior is original and in the process of being carefully conserved.

Victorian interior design may be well over the top for today’s tastes, but it is a feast for the eyes to visit this family home from a time when more was more. An Italian artist painted many of the walls and ceilings, employing the ever-fascinating faux (false) 3-dimensional appearing trompe l’oeil technique.

The Victoria Mansion is open from May 1st through October 31st and during the Christmas Season, either on a docent-led tour or a day pass where docents are present in the individual rooms. Check the Mansion’s website to plan your visit.

Eastside Bayside Mural Walk

Suggested by Jeanette Hardy Baum of BravePursuits.
On Instagram: @bravepursuits

Whether you step foot into a museum in Portland, Maine or not, there are opportunities to experience local artists work everywhere you go- you just have to know what you are looking for. From beer can design to restaurant signage, to city walls covered in murals- local businesses seek out artists to help their brand stand out and create spaces that are lively and welcoming.

In the constantly evolving industrial neighborhood of East Bayside, there is literally art around every corner. Also known as Yeast Bayside for its dense concentration of breweries, East Bayside is home to a large population of New Americans from Africa and has seen tremendous changes in the past 10 years. I was lucky to stumble upon the East Bayside Mural Walk and would recommend it to any traveler wanting to experience an interesting neighborhood and appreciate some amazing art that deviates from the maritime narrative found in downtown Portland.

To see the murals, walk on the Bayside Trail, starting at Anderson Street, and walking towards Diamond Street. A map of some of the murals can be found here, but like most street art exploration, be sure to look down every alley as things are always changing. You can bookend the short walk with a brewery stop at Goodfire (Anderson St)  and Rising Tide (Diamond Street)- both breweries feature art by Better Letter Handpainted Signs, several of the artists behind the East Bayside murals.

Portland Fire Truck Tour

Suggested by Robin Smith
On Instagram: @atouchofluxurytravel

A unique way to see the city of Portland Maine is to take the Portland Fire Truck Tour. The
Portland Fire Engine Co. provides a multimedia history tour with a knowledgeable tour guide. It is a fun tour for children as well as adults. They give everyone fire gear, a fireman’s coat and hat if you want it as you ride the back of a vintage fire truck and see all the famous landmarks around the city. (What child doesn’t want to be a fireman for an hour or two?)

During the tour, we explored Portland’s peninsula and its many lighthouses and forts as well as the amazing architectural buildings hidden inside the cobblestoned streets that make up the city.

Our guide displayed high-resolution photographs through an onboard multimedia system. This brought interiors, and distant landmarks up-close for detail.

Some of the sights we learned about were US Customs House, Casco Bay Lines, Shipyard
Brewing Company, Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Fort Allen Park, Fort Gorges and Bug Light.

Despite the rainy weather, our tour was great and we all learned new things about the city. The tour can accommodate 13 people at a time. You must be mobile enough to climb onto the back of the firetruck, but that is the only restriction.

Portland Art Museum

Suggested by Pamela McKuen of AllTheWritePlaces

On the plaza fronting the Portland Museum of Art is a steel behemoth depicting the number 7. It’s a sculpture by the late Robert Indiana, a beloved Maine artist best known to the world for the iconic LOVE stamp with the tilted “O.”

The museum, the largest and oldest public art institution in Maine, pays tribute to the rich artistic tradition of the state and its creators. It also boasts extensive holdings of American, European and contemporary art, and decorative objects like glass and scrimshaw.

The PMA, as it is affectionately referred to by locals, anchors the city’s downtown arts district. Its galleries and collections sprawl among three architecturally significant buildings and a sculpture garden.

As you wander, you’ll come across cherished and diverse works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Matisse, Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, Claude Monet and Andy Warhol. The State of Maine Collection features Winslow Homer, Louise Nevelson and Andrew Wyeth, among others.

Also on view are a bronze sculpture of a dancer by Edgar Degas and a collection of portraits by photographer Richard Avedon.

One gallery is the Modern Menagerie, filled with animal-themed art by many of Maine’s best-known painters and sculptors. Among them are a wall-mounted, crystalized buck’s head and a whimsical sculptural assemblage of shorebirds and fish.

The museum also owns and operates the landmarked Winslow Homer Studio in nearby Prouts Neck.

For more information, visit Portland Museum of Art at https://www.portlandmuseum.org/.

Bayside Bowl

Suggested by Allison Fraser of Tour and Table.

If you want to take your fun inside, Bayside Bowl has the lanes for you. There have 20 USBC-sanctioned 10-pin bowling lanes. And they are a stop on the PBA tour, hosting the PBA League Elias Cup.

Walk-ins of all ability levels are welcome, or you can reserve lanes 48-hours in advance. Groups can reserve lanes beside one another. Lane rentals are $30/hour (maximum 6 people). Bumpers are available for the kids. Sock rentals or shoe rentals are $4/pair. Moore’s Pro Shop is onsite for other needs.

Inside, there are small dining areas to explore. Food and bar service is also offered down on the lanes. Eats include wings, pizza, sandwiches and salads. Vegetarian and vegan as well as gluten-free options are available. Drinks range from creative cocktails and mocktails to wine and beer from the local craft beer scene.

Outside, The Rooftop is a great place to hang out and watch the sunset. It has a “self-serve” (no table service) bar and taco truck to keep you happy. The space is also open for brunch, with frittatas, pancakes and yogurt on the menu. Friday and Saturday nights on The Rooftop are 21+.

Bayside hosts live music most Friday and Saturday nights on the Bayside Bowl stage. In the Fall and Winter, there are laneside DJs to get you moving.

Watch An Epic Sunset on East End Beach in Portland, Maine

Suggested by Anne-Fleur Andrle of JackandFerdi 
On Instagram: @jackandferdi 

Nothing beats the view of the golden hour from East End Beach. Just a few minutes walk from the city center, this small yet charming beach is a way to catch the city sunset and the ocean sunset all in one.

Nestled at the foot of the hill of the Eastern Promenade, Portland’s only public beach has long been a favorite for swimming, dog-walking and sunbathing. Take a seat on one of the benches, unpack your picnic and take in the panorama of Casco Bay. A top experience would be to rent a kayak or a paddleboard and experience a scenic sunset from the water. If you have time, give yourself an hour or two before the sun goes down and take a walk across the historic Eastern Promenade. This 2-mile waterfront trail built along an old rail corridor offers spectacular views of the bay and beyond.

Maine Brew Bus

Suggest by Evelyne Budkewitsch of CultureEatz
On Pinterest: @CultureEatz

L.L. Bean Store Visit

Suggested by Tonya Denmark of Detail Oriented Traveler
On Instagram: @DOTraveler

Maine is known for its Great Outdoors, and who better to lead the path down the hiking trail than the experts at L.L.Bean. Located in Freeport, just a short 20-minute drive or Amtrak ride away, the L.L.Bean store is open 24 hours. In fact, they say their doors never lock.

L.L.Bean started his company over 100 years ago selling boots. Since then it grew to be synonymous with outdoor adventure and supplies, everything from camping to clothing. In addition to exploring the flagship store, L.L.Bean offers outdoor discovery programs.  They’ll take you fishing, kayaking, snowshoeing and more.

If you don’t have time to step out on one of their outdoor discovery programs, try an archery lesson located inside the store. My fellow group of eight other women had an opportunity for a lesson. Located in a protected room, the archery assistant will set you up with the right size bow. She teaches stance, aim, and most importantly, which is your dominant eye. Fortunately, shooting the bow isn’t difficult. Aiming and accuracy on the other hand definitely takes skill and practice. Paired in twos, the archery expert offers advice after each shot on how to improve. I even hit my target twice.

A visit to Freeport is a great addition to a Portland trip, just shopping, and archery at the L.L.Bean Flagship store alone!

Soakology

Suggested by Elizabeth Tittle of The Adventurous Spinster

Soakology, located in the Old Port section of Portland, is a haven from the bustle of the street activity just outside its doors. The day spa provides a sense-ual respite from all the sightseeing.

Natural lighting fills the spacious reception area. Soft fairy lights strewn throughout rustic, skeletal tree branches enhance the illumination of the space. The aroma of herbs and teas waft through the air, spark the imagination and transport you to the exotic places from which they are imported.

Step behind the rustic barn door to a private, tranquil retreat, tucked behind airy, washed linen draperies. Slip into a luxe silk robe, lined with the softest terrycloth. Sink into a downy-soft chair. Soak your feet in a copper vat filled with a soothing mixture of warm water and a blend of herbs. Feel the tensions of your mind and body gently melt away as the therapist strokes and gently kneads the pressure points of your neck and shoulders with healing oils.

Nourish your body with a light nibble and a refreshing beverage from the tea house, delivered to your overstuffed throne. Don’t rush out at the end of your experience. Linger in the lounge. Order a pot of tea and browse the beautifully appointed and well-stocked store. Emerge refreshed and ready to take on the Port City.

Lucky Catch Cruises

Suggested by Marcie Cheung of Mommyland
On Instagram: @marcieinmommyland

One of the coolest things to do in Portland, Maine is to learn how to fish for lobster! Lucky Catch Cruises has a fantastic 70-80 minute boat tour around Casco Bay. You’ll see old Civil War forts (like the popular Fort Gorges) as well as Maine’s famous lighthouses. But, the real reason to do this cruise around Portland is to learn about lobster. The crew will pass out bright orange aprons and gloves and they will put you to work as they talk about Maine’s long history of lobstering.

They even have lobster pants for little kids! You can participate as much or as little as you like. For those who want to get involved, you’ll have the opportunity to bait the traps with herring and push the traps into the water. You’ll also be able to clean out the bait from the old traps. And watch out for the seagulls! They are eager to eat the bait and love hanging out near the boat in hopes of a quick snack! Some of them will even score a little crab!

If you are looking for an entertaining boat ride where you’ll learn about lobster fishing, head to Lucky Catch Cruises. You won’t regret it!

Sunset at Sumner Park

Suggested by of My Wandering Voyage
On Instagram: @mywanderingvoyage 

Portland, Maine is on the east coast, so you wouldn’t think it would have as beautiful sunsets as they do sunrises. But you would be wrong. The Peninsula where Portland sits like a saddle, dipping down where the Old Port is and up again at Munjoy Hill, an old historic neighborhood.

There’s a small green space called Sumner Park where the highest point of Munjoy Park is. It’s a popular spot among locals to catch the sunset over the city and Back Cove.
To get here, you can climb the stairs off of Washington Avenue or go the long way around. Either way, it’s uphill. But the views are worth it.

On your way there, make sure to admire the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow mural at the end of Marion Street, right before you climb all those stairs.

When I was there, we had such a vibrant sunset, since it had been cloudy all day. But when the sun started to sink, the clouds broke, and the colors were reflected among the clouds. It was a wonderful memory for the last day in Portland, Maine.

Real Portland Tour

Suggested by Lindsay Davies of I’ve Been Bit
On Facebook: @ivebeenbit 

What better way to get to know Portland than hopping on a tour given by a local? Whether it’s your first time in town or you’ve visited the city before, you won’t want to miss The REAL Portland Tour!

Derek, your tour guide, was born and raised in Portland, ME. A college librarian in the winter months, he’s a plethora of knowledge as he shows you the local side of this ‘jewel by the sea’. This is no ordinary tour! Not only does it take you to not just one but THREE lighthouses in the Portland area, but he’ll give you some of the best advice for good eats, great treats and Portland’s fascinating history. Take in everything he has to offer as you travel through the downtown core, the Arts District, the Old Port and the Eastern Promenade with all of the local hotspots in between. Admire the eclectic shops and Victorian architecture as you traverse the city from the tour van, taking in all of the fun factoids Derek has to offer!

Chances are he’ll offer it at the end of the tour, but if it doesn’t come up – ask Derek about his Portland rap. It’ll blow your mind!

One More Thing

We’re adding one more unique thing to do in Portland, Maine. Take a drive to Harpswell. It’s less than an hour away but you’ll be treated magnificent hiking trails when you arrive. We had the chance to hike the Cliff Trail which provided us some stunning views of the area. While you’re there don’t miss the Giants Stairs on Bailey Island. It’s a short 15-minute walk but you’ll see that it’s well worth the effort.

You can be sure that there are plenty of spots to eat more lobster in this neck of the woods. Since we have to end with more food we also had a wonderful lunch with a view at Morse’s Cribstone Grill in nearby Bailey Island. This Crabster sandwich had crab and lobster you just can’t beat that.

As you see there are many, many things to do in Portland, Maine besides just eat. We hope you get a chance to explore Portland, Maine yourself and let us know your favorite spots.

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Why Ann Arbor food? What’s so different about this Midwestern college town? You may think of fast food, soggy pizza and lots of cheap beer. Certainly, you can find those classic university staples in Ann Arbor, Michigan and most other college towns. What really separates this suburb of Detroit is how it brings local flavors to its residents, students and visitors in a unique multicultural way. 

Getting Into Ann Arbor Food

One of my favorite things about visiting Ann Arbor is the way you instantly feel at home. Any time you walk into a store, restaurant or market the people you meet there are sure to greet you with a smile and a story.

Stories of how the proprietor came to be in Ann Arbor. Or how they loved the agricultural culture and the dark fertile soil abundant in this particular region of Michigan. Time and again you will hear about people who went to school at the University of Michigan then left to pursue their “dreams” only to find themselves with a hankering to come back to this vibrant, welcoming town.

Although I’ve had the opportunity to visit Ann Arbor on several occasions, each time I leave thinking about when I will return. There never seems to be enough time to see everything, taste everything and hear all the stories I’d like.

What To Expect

My goal is two-fold. First, I want to share my culinary finds in Ann Arbor with you. Second, I want to leave you with a sense of the food culture in this special place. These people really care about food. But they also care about their community and help one another in their pursuit of bringing the best and freshest foods to their guests and visitors. Call it friendly co-opetition. Finding all these people with similar stories beautifully shines a spotlight on their deep connection with this town and region.

If you’re a hearty Midwesterner like me you won’t be deterred from visiting in the colder months. You can easily curl up with a hot cup of tea from the Tea Haus or take advantage of the sales on Main Street. Or you can visit one of the many festivals and markets that go on even in winter.

If you prefer, you can visit in the summer months and enjoy hikes, biking to breweries and just relaxing in the many beautiful parks or outdoor cafes.

Inspirations From Other Lands

It’s trite to say that you can find any type of cuisine and restaurant that you crave in Ann Arbor, or frankly most Big Ten college towns. It’s not cliché to say that they are all thriving and supporting one another. I’ll share with you some of the most memorable places I think you should not miss on your visit to Ann Arbor.

Turkish

I came to love Turkish food when we wandered through Turkey for 10 days a few years ago. Being a land with 3 volcanoes, the volcanic soil in Turkey makes things grow amazingly well. I have a feeling that, even without volcanoes, the earth in central Michigan has many of the same rich qualities. Don’t let the fact that Ayse’s Turkish Cafe is located in a strip mall deter you. Who among us hasn’t found great food in unexpected places?

Don’t expect to get a menu when you arrive. Chef-owner Ayse Uras simply writes the menu on the chalkboard every day. That’s because she doesn’t know what she’s going to serve until she’s been to the butcher and farmers market to see what is the best meat and produce available. You will hear the term “in season” all over Ann Arbor’s culinary scene like a mantra. And, that’s a good thing. Have some Turkish coffee or tea and don’t miss the baklava. It took me right back to a small town right outside Cappadocia where I tasted my first piece.

Korean

When you visit Ann Arbor you can’t help experiencing the “Zingerman’s effect.” I have to admit that I was actively looking for a reason why Zingerman’s was bad for Ann Arbor and its food culture. I’m pleasantly surprised to say there isn’t even one. When Ari Weinzweig and Paul Saginaw opened the infamous Zingerman’s Deli in 1982, I’m not sure they knew what effect it would have on this town. Now they operate 15 food businesses under the Zingerman’s umbrella and impact even more. It’s this company that helped put Ann Arbor on the food map.

Miss Kim

Miss Kim is one of those restaurants that is part of the Zingerman’s community. Chef Ji Hye Kim creates Korean food with using the local produce of the region. Meeting Chef Kim is like meeting a rock star. Her magnetic energy and stories of how she grew up in Seoul, Korea learning cooking from her family are both funny and intimate. Her strong drive to succeed took her from working 80 hours a week as a successful health insurance executive to someone who wanted more from life.

She decided to return to Ann Arbor (she’s a graduate of U of M) and learn the food business from the ground up by working at Zingerman’s Deli. Long story short, she learned the business and started making and selling dumplings in a very successful food cart. That endeavor led to opening Miss Kim, with the help of the Zingerman organization. Zingerman’s provided some funding but more importantly also helped with the step-by-step business model and support to succeed.

You’ll find all the dishes you’d expect at a Korean restaurant but they are prepared with local seasonal ingredients. There a many vegetarian options and you really need to try her famous dumplings and pork buns.

Italian

Italian food is plentiful in most towns. What makes Mani Osteria and Bar stand out to me is not only the food but the vibe. Take a quick look around during a busy weekend night and you will see everyone there – families with kids, college students, couples on date nights, both straight and gay, by the way, girlfriends out for a night and just about every other combination you can think of.

Unique Pizzas

Mani Osteria and Bar has some of the most unique pizzas I’ve ever tasted. You’re bound to find one that you fall in love with. Sit near the bar or the pizza oven for the best views of what’s coming out of the kitchen. Do not leave without tasting the pickled tomato appetizer. You and your fellow diners will gobble them up in no time.

German

Many German’s immigrated to the Midwest so you would expect to find an authentic German restaurant like Metzger’s. Another restaurant in a strip mall (is this a theme?), you can get an imported German beer and a platter loaded with schnitzel, sauerkraut and homemade sausages here that are the real deal. It’s a sign of success that they’ve been in Ann Arbor for 90 years and served more than seven million guests. The homeland memorabilia will have you gawking at the hand-carved cuckoo clocks and giant beer steins. Don’t miss this spot.

Central European

For more central European dishes choose Amadeus downtown where you’ll find pierogies, cabbage rolls and goulash. Their European pastry menu includes the famous sacher torte.

While you’re in that same strip mall be sure to stop in the Grand Traverse Pie Company. First introduced to us in Traverse City, they’re making the same wonderful pies in Ann Arbor. If you’re smart you’ll choose a slice of one of their pies that feature Michigan cherries.

Local Ann Arbor Shops

The abundant produce in Michigan makes it possible for local food purveyors to thrive. I had the chance to sit in on a panel of locals discussing the culture that has grown around the agriculture. What made the group so interesting was how they all helped one another, and even leaned on one another in trying times to survive and to become successful. I always say that a rising tide lifts all ships and these folks in Ann Arbor are living that mantra every day.

Kerrytown

Of course, you’ll want to go to the Farmer’s Market in Kerrytown. It’s open year round and full of local produce and locally made items. This area is full of little shops like the Tea Haus, Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars and the Found Store that you don’t want to miss.

Tea Haus

As a tea lover, I really appreciated the Tea Haus run by Lisa McDonald. You know she takes her tea seriously when you hear that she is a tea sommelier and did her tea studies in Germany. Apparently, they have very strict tea standards (who knew?). After sampling my way through many delicious teas I had to buy the China Milky Jade oolong tea whose rich leaves made a perfect cuppa. If you’re intrigued you can also purchase one of their over 170 loose leave teas in their online store too.

Fustini’s Oils

Other shops in the Kerrytown area to browse through are Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars where you can sample your way around the world with oils and vinegar. You can also sign up for a cooking class, if you like. We had the chance to make lemon scones using lemon olive oil, delicious!

Found

Be sure to stop in the Found store they have lots of little and big things that you will find yourself fascinated with. They call it an unexpected collection and it really is.

Cherry Republic

When in Michigan, you must have cherries. It might even be a rule. One place to find all the cherry products you could ever think of is the Cherry Republic. I’m a huge cherry fan so I loved this stop. One of the reasons I enjoy Ann Arbor is the overall community. There is a sense that most people want to be part of something bigger than just themselves. Social justice and living purposeful lives is important to them. To keep up their strength I’m thinking that the Resistance Mix from Cherry Republic is doing a lot of heavy lifting lately.

Locally Grown

If you want more farm fresh finds you need to go to the Argus Farm Stop run by Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample. I had spent some time with Kathy and saw first hand her passion for helping farmers bring their products to market and get a fair price for them. I must say, hre enthusiasm is infectious. The local producers bring in their products, set their own prices and collect 80% of the asking price. Instead of selling in farmers markets just once or twice a week, the farmers are able to sell their products every day at Argus.

The Brinery

Have you heard about fermentation? Of course, you have. The Brinery, started by the “chief fermenting officer” David Klingenberger is the perfect place to stock up on his naturally brine fermented sauerkraut, kimchi, vegetables, and pickles. Their tagline, “.stimulating your inner economy,” says it all. They use an ancient process known as “lacto-fermation.” It’s simply adding salt to the locally sourced fresh vegetable.

Another example of Zingerman success, David got his early training at Zingerman’s. In fact, you can buy his products at the deli there. I enjoyed David’s sense of humor and love of fermenting. He’s a real character who’s bound to make you laugh but I’ll never forget his spicy pickled carrots. On a side note, I visited Ann Arbor in the fall. The local carrots are some of the best I ever ate. I had them at several restaurants and at The Brinery. How often do you stop and comment on a carrot? Yes, they were that good.

Local Ann Arbor Food Spots

One of the best things about exploring other places is discovering where the locals hang out. Ann Arbor really has so many wonderful places to choose from. Some are holes in the wall like Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger and others are fine dining like at the Taste Kitchen.

Taste Kitchen

If you are more of a classic diner check out Taste Kitchen or the Standard Bistro and Larder. The Taste Kitchen led by Chef Danny Van can’t be pigeonholed into one type of dining. The menu is different every night and relies heavily on local ingredients.

Chef Van weaves the local products into his unique dishes at the Taste Kitchen. One of my favorite dishes during my visit was a beet salad that incorporates house-made cheese.

Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger

Back to Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger. If you’re looking for a place to grab a quick burger with an attitude this is your spot. Fried up crispy on a classic flattop grill and loaded with your choice of toppings.

More On Zingerman’s

As I’ve mentioned, Zingerman’s has had an impact on just about every food establishment in Ann Arbor. On my last visit I had the chance to tour what can only be described as the Zingerman’s complex on the outskirts of town. Here you can find the bakery, creamery, coffee shop, candy store and the facilities where they host ZingTrain. Yes, they have been so successful with their business model that they now train other businesses in their methods.

If you don’t have time to visit all of the Zingerman’s restaurants, this is a great one-stop shop to see and taste what makes them so special. Seriously, where else can you get Portuguese toast and their indulgent cherry chocolate bread? That’s right, nowhere.

Cornman Farms

If you’re looking to put on a tasty shindig there’s Cornman Farms another Zingerman’s establishment run by Chef Kieron Hales. The beautiful setting of the elegant farmhouse and Chef Keirons cooking makes it a perfect place for a wedding, shower or any large gathering.

Zingerman’s Roadhouse

When you are in town, take the time to eat at least one of Zingerman’s Ann Arbor restaurants. Wait in line at Zingerman’s Deli for one of their giant sandwiches. Or head over to Zingerman’s Roadhouse for hearty “American food.” As I mentioned earlier, their macaroni and cheese is legendary and has been written up in just about every food and travel article. One taste made me a believer too. So, what makes it so special? Lots of things I suspect. From sitting in a fun environment that displays a collection of salt and pepper shakers throughout the restaurant to watching the patrons smiling and eagerly decided what to order. But add Cabot Cheese to the ingredients list and you’ve got a winner.

The buttermilk-fried chicken made with free-range Amish chicken is also a worthy menu item to try. And to be thorough in my research I had to try two pieces, just to be sure. The item that really stole the show was the deep-fried bar-b-que ribs. At first I thought, um, this doesn’t sound good. But after one bite I was hooked. The spiciness of the sauce and the batter combined with the slow-cooked Niman Ranch pork ribs was perfection. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Amazing Ari Weinzweig

While having lunch at the Roadhouse we had a special guest. Co-Founder of Zingerman’s, Ari Weinzweig stopped in to join us. It was almost hard to believe this unassuming, tall guy in a t-shirt that said, “art is how you think,” was the one who started this food empire. He unsurprisingly gave most of the credit to their success to his managers and staff. Impressively he knew the names of all the employees, not just the managers but the servers and bus people too. I asked him if he ever thought of expanding Zingerman’s outside of Ann Arbor and he answered with a resounding – no. Ann Arbor helped them build their success story and was his home. And he also gives back to the community in many other ways. Since 1988 the corporate giving campaign has been earmarked to end hunger in Washtenaw County. It was a real pleasure to meet him.

Just The Beginning of Ann Arbor Food

While this may seem like an exhaustive list of Ann Arbor restaurants and shops. I can assure you that it isn’t. Have we covered the highlights? Yes! Do we want to go back and taste more? Absolutely!

Stay tuned for another look at Ann Arbor things to do and its beer, spirits and nightlife scene very soon. Let us know when you’re planning your visit to Ann Arbor.

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