Graduate Ann Arbor

Let's jump back a couple of weeks, shall we? It's been a whirlwind start to summer ever since Memorial Day weekend, that's for sure! If you didn't catch it on Instagram, Eric and I headed out to Ann Arbor over the long weekend to stay at Graduate Ann Arbor. The amazing folks there invited us to experience the hotel, grab a bite to eat at the Allen Rumsey Supper Club, and enjoy checking out the quaint downtown of Ann Arbor. We've been to Ann Arbor a couple of times before, but I've never stayed a full weekend, so it was great to have a bit more time to explore, walk around, check out some of the bars and restaurants, and do a little bit of shopping!

We first stopped to IKEA (which is about 20 minutes from Ann Arbor) because we don't have one close to us... so anytime I'm in that area, I have to stop! After a day there (and a totally packed car) we headed to the hotel to check in and get settled. Of course, as soon as we got up to our room on the 6th floor, I immediately passed out and took a nap. The room came with two double beds, so Eric and I were both just nappin' in our own beds. Hahaha, IKEA will do that to you! After a refreshing nap though, we got ready and headed downstairs to check out the hotel's restaurant, The Allen Rumsey Supper Club.

The restaurant was so fun, and very retro-inspired – both the decor AND the menu. We started off with delicious cocktails, and bread. I ordered the filet mignon with porcini bordelaise, Eric ordered the Lake Erie perch, and we split an order of the mashed potatoes and green beans in hazelnut and brown butter. For dessert, we splurged on the key lime bars. Everything was incredibly delicious, the service was great and very attentive, and we definitely enjoyed our experience. After dinner, we headed over to Ashley's, which is a very popular pub, and ended our evening at Bab's Underground Lounge (mostly for their retro photobooth, which I love).

The next day in Ann Arbor, we walked over to Maize & Blue Deli for lunch. It was a super mom & pop deli, with giant sandwiches. Definitely a fun switch up from Ann Arbor's famous Zingerman's Deli, but I'd still have to say I love Zingerman's more. After lunch, we did a bit of shopping. Stopped to Urban Outfitters, Ragstock, the University of Michigan Campus Den, and then made the trek out to Madewell (absolutely had to!) and to grab an iced coffee at Mighty Good Coffee. After shopping and wearing ourselves out, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for a night out!

First we headed over to Bill's Beer Garden, and I LOVED that place. They had several tables (full of people) and you grabbed drinks from an outdoor bar. They had several beers to choose from, along with wines/margaritas/sangria (thank goodness) and you could also rent board games and buy decks of cards. It was just a great atmosphere, and Eric and I enjoyed having a couple of drinks on the patio before dinner. We grabbed a quick bite at Arbor Brewing Company, and then walked back to the hotel to watch National Lampoon's Vacation in bed at the hotel. One of my favorite things about Ann Arbor was the ability to walk everywhere pretty much! Very walkable city, plus our hotel had bikes you could rent too! So fun.

The next morning, we walked over to breakfast at Afternoon Delight. It's known for it's delicious eggs benedict, so of course we had to try them. Eric got his on potato pancakes, and I immediately regretted not doing that. So tasty! After breakfast, we made our trek back home. Such a fun city! So many great bars, restaurants, and shopping, and Graduate Ann Arbor was a perfect place to stay to walk everywhere and enjoy amazing things inside the hotel. We hope to be back someday soon!


Outfit details:

H&M Off The Shoulder Top (similar)
Levi's Dark Wash Jeans
Madewell The Transport Tote
Urban Outfitters Sunglasses (similar)
Forever21 Brimmed Hat (similar)
Target Strappy Flat Huarache Sandals