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Discover the Charm of Michigan: Top 8 Fun Facts about Ann Arbor You Need to Know!

illustration of ann-arbor
Get ready to embark on a quirky journey through Ann Arbor, a charming town full of unexpected surprises and fascinating tidbits!

1. Fairy Door Town

Knock, knock! Who's there? Fairies! No, seriously – they have doors and everything: Ann Arbor is dotted with charming fairy doors nestled within local hangouts like Michigan Theater, Sweetwaters Cafe, and MOTT Hospital. Be sure to leave a tiny gift as a token of your gratitude for the wee mystical inhabitants!
Source => metroparent.com

2. Most Educated City, USA

If knowledge were currency, Ann Arbor would be swimming in gold like Scrooge McDuck in DuckTales: Ann Arbor holds the heavyweight title of the most educated city in the USA, with over 56% of its residents aged 25 and older being proud degree holders, and a public school system that would make Hermione Granger feel right at home.
Source => clickondetroit.com

3. BFF Cities: Sister City Bonds

If exchanging BFF bracelets seems like too small a gesture for entire cities, Ann Arbor has the perfect solution: sister city relationships! Hilarity and diplomacy unite as delegations, school kids, and even garbage trucks cross oceans for friendship-building: Since 1965, Ann Arbor formed six sister city bonds, with two still active - Tubingen, Germany and Hikone, Japan - promoting cultural exchanges and Eisenhower's belief that people-to-people connections sow "the true seeds of lasting peace."
Source => aadl.org

4. Tree Town's Chatty Trees

If trees could talk, Ann Arbor would be the chattiest forest in the midwest: Known as "Tree Town" for its over 50,000 leafy loquacious residents, this city boasts a vibrant and diverse forestation throughout its streets and parks. Alas, the emerald ash borer has been a bit of a party pooper, affecting around 10,500 ash trees, but never fear - the locals have sprung into action, planting new species to keep things lively and green.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Birdwatchers' Paradise at Gallup Park

5. Birdwatchers' Paradise at Gallup Park

Calling all quails, egrets, and ducks – oh my! Gallup Park is hosting a fancy feathered extravaganza, and you're invited to bring your binoculars to this wet-n-wild avian shindig: This Ann Arbor gem is home to a special wet prairie region that attracts a diverse range of plant and animal life, making it a prime birdwatching spot during the winter months and garnering a proud feature in a Natural Area Preservation newsletter back in 1999.
Source => a2gov.org

6. The Big House: Colossal Stadium

In a world where size does matter, one colossal behemoth stands out as the ultimate crowd pleaser: Michigan's very own "The Big House." This hunky-dory home to sporting buffs and football fanatics has a ravenous appetite for seating that's simply unbeatable: With a massive official capacity of 107,601, Michigan Stadium not only reigns supreme as the largest stadium in the United States but also ranks as the third largest in the world, hosting events ranging from football matches to hockey games and even the NHL Winter Classic, all with over 115,000 in attendance!
Source => en.wikipedia.org

7. Pizza Mecca: Domino's Home

In a town where the dough never sleeps, and cheesy goodness reigns supreme, Ann Arbor is like the Mecca for pizza pilgrims seeking that sacred slice: Home to Domino's Pizza headquarters, originally founded in Ypsilanti in 1960, Domino's now boasts over 18,800 tasty locations worldwide, spreading saucy satisfaction across 83 countries like a pepperoni tycoon.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

8. Centenarian Farmer's Market

Before urban farmers were hip and farmer's markets became the ultimate pumpkin-spice-sipping hotspots: Ann Arbor Farmers Market has been a titanium-trowel-wielding superhero of farm-fresh delights since 1919. Aging gracefully, like a fine bottle of Michigan wine, this centenarian farm-to-table haven catered to the thriving appetites of locals and guests since its inception on 4th Avenue, before it sauntered over to its current Detroit Street digs in 1931, sporting an impressive WPA-built roof structure from 1941.
Source => a2gov.org

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