Lunasa

Enjoyed an evening at Lunasa in A2. A shopping "club" featuring Michigan farmers, crafters, and the like.

On hand tonight were farmers (meats, produce, eggs), a local chocolatier, baked goods, cheeses, honey, crafters, lotions/soaps, etc.

This is a great opportunity to shop local!

Michigan Wine

Enjoying a bottle of 2 Lads Cabernet Franc from Traverse City, MI. Yummy!!!


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Fleetwood!

Hippy Hash!









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Holiday shopping

At Heavenly Metal!






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The Earle

Happy Hour!






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What do you think about the proposed Ann Arbor Skate Park?

Mitten Made Holiday Craft Show

Here is a great opportunity to find those last-minute, unique gifts while supporting local artists.  Plus, none of the craziness of a mall (ick!) just a couple weeks before Christmas. 

Saturday, December 18 · 11:00am - 6:00pm

Blue House - a handmade consignment studio featuring Michigan artists (across from the Big House!)
1026 South Main St.  
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104  

FREE PARKING

Kat Foley Photography!

So, the daughter half (me!) of A2 Townies recently got hitched!  My husband and I had a local wedding and hired local vendors.  One of our faves was Kat Foley of Saline.  Kat's work is incredible, so we had to highlight it here on the blog.  If you're ever in the need of a photographer, please consider Kat.  She is a joy to work with, full of energy and great ideas, and a hard worker!!!  Plus, she is one of those people that's an instant friend and pleasure to be around.  Yeah for Kat!

Who needs cake when you can have donuts from Washtenaw Dairy?!!



Island Park, Greek Pavilion

 

 

A2 Townies!

The Story of a Dollar

Closed for the Season

Dominick's is a great restaurant serving locals and students in the spring, summer, and fall.  They've recently closed for the season leaving us eager for warmer weather when we can gather to indulge in sangria and "Constant Buzz" by mason jars. 

Dexter Cider Mill

Fall has officially come and gone, but we were certain to get a couple visits into our favorite local cider mill.  The Dexter Cider Mill is a must-stop for locals, visitors, and bicyclists galore!

If you haven't had a chance to visit, this Friday, November 26, 2010 will be your last chance this season!  Enjoy!

Wolverine State Brewing Co.

I've been waiting for Wolverine State Brewing Co. to open and was excited to go to the grand opening last night. The tap room is located in the old Big George's warehouse (you townies know where that is!) and I was impressed with the seven beers available. My fave was the Wench's West Side Wheat. It was a smooth, mellow wheat ale that came highly recommended by others I feel will be regulars!

The space is large with a viewing area of the beer production; a large l-shaped bar; a sitting area with couch, coffee table and chairs; and an area for foosball and darts (against a backdrop of the state of Michigan).

The pub's main focus is beer. If you want food it's bring-your-own.

I'm giving it a high-five and hope to take the better half of A2 Townies, my mom, for a beer soon!!

Cheers!
Laura

Ann Arbor Restaurants named "America's Top Restaurants" in 2011 Zagat Guide!

Several Ann Arbor restaurants have been named among some of America's best in the 2011 Zagat guide.  Zagat, a well-known national guide to restaurants in major cities, hits bookshelves today.   

Zingerman's Delicatessen
West End Grill
Logan
Common Grill - located in nearby Chelsea, MI

Special mention was also made of Ann Arbor's Eve and The Earle.

Congrats to all!

A2 City Guide on Design Sponge!

illustration by Nicole Ray

Today on Design Sponge, I stumbled upon a post containing an Ann Arbor City Guide by Jaime Gadaix. It's incredibly informative and contains some of our fave spots in town.

Makes us think...what are your faves in town? Townies, be prepared for a poll shortly!

Man v. Food comes to A2!

Tune in tomorrow evening, Wednesday, October 20, as Adam Richman of the Travel Channel's "Man v. Food" airs at 9 p.m.

The crew traveled to three well-known eateries in town - Maize and Blue Deli, Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger (which has also been highlighted on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives), and Tios Mexican Cafe.

Check it out!

A2 Birthday Deals!

It's good to be a townie on your birthday! There are many deals (read free and cheap!) for dining, drinks, and fun if you're in Ann Arbor on your special day.

I recently took advantage of some of these freebies on my birthday this past weekend.


First of all, I signed up to be part of the "Friends of the Owner" (FOTO) club at Ashley's. If you do this the month before your birthday, you can indulge in a FREE PIZZA! I've yet to take advantage of this offer, but I've got the month of October to do so!!


I started my birthday morning with my loving hubby for breakfast at Northside Grill. My entree was free with proof that it was my special day. This place ROCKS...they even brought my yummy skillet dish out with a candle. How cute! *Note: back in the day Northside Grill was actually Gray's Garage which was owned by my great-grandfather...how's that for being a townie?!?




After breakfast, we walked around Kerrytown and the Sunday Artisan Market. It was nice to walk off some of that great food from Northside! We also took advantage of visiting Zingerman's Bakehouse for half a dozen FREE bagels! A great and yummy deal that hubby has been enjoying for breakfast this week!


For lunch, the better half of A2 Townies (my Mom!) and niece went to Grizzly Peak. I ate light since I was still feeling full from my breakfast, but made sure to indulge in their Cheddar Ale Soup. You townies know what I'm talking about!! There, we were treated to a complimentary dessert - my choice was vanilla creme brulee. Delish! I also walked out of there with a GP pint glass and a $10 gift certificate for my next visit. All FREE!






Our dinner was at Palio where you get 1/(number of guests) off your bill. There were seven of us - mom, 2 aunts, grandma, niece, hubby, and the bday girl - ME! We had a wonderful meal, drinks, and conversation. And, of course, more FREE dessert! This time, we all shared a wonderful tiramisu. The consensus was that it was the best we had ever had. Yum!


Obviously, this was a day of eating (I didn't even hit on the family picnic with lots of food that I went to in between!)! I can't imagine tackling all the free offers that are available on your birthday or even birthday month. A great time to visit local places of business too!


Remember special A2 offers on your big day!!


Cheers!


Laura

Our first post AND Taco Tuesdays!

Gotta love it!  The first post for A2 Townies and Taco Tuesday all in one - ahhhh!

First, let us introduce ourselves...

We are a mother-daughter duo who were born and raised in Ann Arbor and are official TOWNIES! 

We love Ann Arbor (A2, the duece!) and all it has to offer.  Great food, inspiring arts and culture, nightlife, nature, and entertainment are just the beginning of what makes our city so adored...not to mention the fabulous people that make this one of the best towns to live and raise a family. 

We hope you enjoy A2 through our adventures as mother and daughter (aka best friends!).

Now, to our first "official" adventure - TACO TUESDAY!

We have been visiting Sabor Latino since they opened in 1998 (many times to get a Coke in the bottle!).  In 2009, the restaurant underwent new ownership and recently got a liquor license to serve a variety of margaritas, mixed drinks, wine, and imported/domestic beers. 

We have become regulars at Taco Tuesday for 1) the delicious tacos and 2) the great prices (tacos just $1).  The restaurant has nightly specials and Taco Tuesday is becoming wildly popular.  That said, service may not always be the fastest, but it is always friendly! 



Yummy beef, chorizo, and pork tacos!



Give Taco Tuesday (or any fab day of the week) a try at Sabor Latino!

Cheers!