Ann Arbor Pride 2018

Ann Arbor Pride isn’t just a parade, it is a full weekend event and comes from the heart of a deep history fighting for LGBTQIA rights

So, if you are visiting between August 3rd through the 5th make sure to head to the Kerrytown area which is very close to the hotels in Ann Arbor Michigan.

What To Look Forward to at Ann Arbor Pride 2018

The headliner for Ann Arbor Pride this year is America’s Got Talent Finalist (4th Place) Brian Justin Crum. Brian will appear on Saturday, August 4th. He will also have a meet and greet (get your tickets using Eventbrite).

Other events will include the parade, a silent auction, exhibitors, and many more events. As soon as the full schedule is released you will find it at Ann Arbor Pride’s official website.

The Jim Toy Community Center Near Hotels in Ann Arbor Michigan

As you investigate the press releases and information advertising Ann Arbor Pride, you will see that proceeds benefit the “Jim Toy Community Center” which is “a resource center that exists to provide information, education, social events, and advocacy by and for the Queer and Ally community in the Washtenaw County area. JTCC welcomes all who support its mission to participate in its activities” and which has been active in Ann Arbor for over 25 years now.

The Jim Toy Community Center provides a safe place for a wide variety or related groups to meet and grow in community with each other and offers a number of program and events every year throughout Ann Arbor.

Who Is Jim Toy?

Jim Toy is a local, national, and international gay rights icon.

Mr. Toy first openly identified himself as Gay during an anti-Vietnam war speech in 1970 at a time when very few people were coming out of the closet to self-identify as Gay. In 1971 he helped found the Human Sexuality Office at the University of Michigan (now known as The Spectrum Center). The Human Sexuality Office was the first office of its kind in the entire world (designed to address discrimination around sexual orientation).

Jim was also co-author of the first official Lesbian-Gay Pride Week Proclamation in the United States so it makes perfect sense that Ann Arbor Pride Week is so closely identified with Mr. Toy (who still lives in the area).

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances near hotels in Ann Arbor Michigan.

And, of course, when you look for a hotel in Ann Arbor Michigan, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010.

One day in Detroit

So, you are visiting Ann Arbor but you want to spend one day visiting and exploring the great city of Detroit.

Finding great things to do in Detroit will be no problem at all.

Image by Peter Mol@pixabay.com

Here are some suggestions for how you can get the most out of your day trip to one of America’s greatest cities from your U of M hotel.

Belle Isle Conservancy

The mission of the Belle Isle Conservancy is to protect, preserve, restore and enhance the natural environment, historic structures and unique character of Belle Isle as a public park for the enjoyment of all – now and forever.

The Conservancy, a 982 Acre park, is located in the Detroit River and is home to the Great Lakes Museum, a Conservatory, a Nature Center, and the Belle Isle Aquarium which is home to one of the largest collections of air-breathing fish to be found anywhere in the world.

You can reach Belle Isle Park by taking the bridge located at the intersection of Jefferson Ave and East Grand Blvd in Detroit.

The Detroit Zoo, Only 30 to 40 minutes from your U of M Hotel

Lions and Tigers and Bears…plus a red panda.

These are some of the hundreds of animals you will encounter at the world-renowned Detroit Zoo.

The Detroit Zoo hopes to provide broad audiences with unique educational opportunities that lead to the appreciation and stewardship of nature while inspiring through engaging, meaningful, and memorable experiences.

The Zoo is located at 8450 W 10 Mile Rd in Royal Oak Michigan.

The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

Would you like to take a trip through the history of technology and innovation in the United States?

The Henry Ford Museum provides visitors unique experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and innovation. Their goal is to inspire people to reach out beyond convention to find new technological solutions for the problems of tomorrow.

Also, don’t forget to balance out your experience with a visit to the other half of the Henry Ford Museum at Greenfield Village where you can travel back through time and experience the history of innovation first hand. Catch a ride on a Model T, visit Thomas Edison’s Lab, or visit four working farms across 80 acres.

Other Great Things To Do In “The D”

Sports fans can visit Comerica Park (home of the Detroit Tigers), Ford Field (home of the Detroit Lions), and the brand new Little Caesars Arena downtown (home of the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings).

If you enjoy games of chance Motor City Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, or the Greektown Casino. There is also the Detroit Opera House, the Greektown area, the Mexicantown area, and everyone needs to visit both Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island in order to come to your own decision over who offers the best Coney Dog in Detroit.

Finally, no trip to Detroit for any serious music fan would be complete without a visit to the Motown Museum.

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances near your U of M Hotel.

And, of course, when you look for a hotel in Ann Arbor Michigan, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010.

How to Choose Your Hotel In Ann Arbor

So what is the secret to finding great Hotels in Ann Arbor? Obviously, once you have decided on amenities and price probably the most important considerations should be proximity and ease of access to everything you plan to do.

Most activities in Ann Arbor happen around several area hubs.

There is a University of Michigan Main Campus hub, a Downtown hub, the Kerrytown hub, a North Campus hub and a few other centralized areas of interest.

The Main Campus Hub

If you came to town to visit the University of Michigan, there is a pretty good chance you will want to be close to the main campus when you are looking for your hotel in Ann Arbor. The main campus of the University holds most of the main academic and performance buildings, several museums, and is ringed by hundreds of stores and restaurants (including being home to the Bell Tower Hotel).

Some of the main streets that you should look for include: State Street, South University Ave., North University Ave., and Church Street.

The Downtown Hub

Just a few short blocks from campus lies Ann Arbor’s downtown area home to one of the most diverse and thriving foodie cultures in this part of the country. In addition to amazing clothing stores, incubators for entrepreneurs, and tourist spots there are literally dozens of highly rated and well-reviewed restaurants (well-reviewed not only in Ann Arbor but in national publications).

Downtown is also home to the Hands-On Museum and several nightclubs and concert venues of note (like The Ark which is one of the best roots music venues in the nation).

The Kerrytown Hub, Close to Hotels in Ann Arbor

Kerrytown is known primarily for its Farmers Market and for being the home of the world-famous Zingerman’s Delicatessen. But Kerrytown is also the home to many other restaurants, many interesting and quirky shops, and the Kerrytown Concert House (a notable area jazz venue).

The North Campus Hub

North Campus is its own interesting and self-contained little universe a few miles away from the Main campus area. North Campus is home to the Gerald Ford Presidential Library (a must visit for all US History buffs) and the incredibly unique Wave sculpture created by Vietnam Memorial artist Maya Lin.

Other Important Areas of Ann Arbor

The Athletic Campus of the University of Michigan is primarily accessible from State Street. Washtenaw Avenue is the artery that connects Downtown Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan Campus and the body of Ann Arbor through all the way to Eastern Michigan University and the town of Ypsilanti Michigan.

The Big House which is the home of the Michigan football team is located at the intersection of Main Street and Stadium Boulevard and it is next door to the Crisler Center (where the Michigan Men’s and Women’s basketball teams play). Both stadiums are across the street from the University of Michigan Golf Course (and only a few blocks from Briarwood Mall.

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances near hotels in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

When you look for the best Ann Arbor hotel options, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010 or at www.BellTowerHotel.com.

A Great Resort, Ann Arbor, Mi

With all of the pressures of Fall, it can be easy to forget that there are few things more romantic than an October getaway in Ann Arbor Michigan (and there is no better place to start that getaway than the Bell Tower Hotel).

Great Ann Arbor romantic adventures should start with our Romantic Getaway Package (We could have just as easily have called it our “Ann Arbor Hotel Spa Package” because it starts with relieving stress with a spa treatment at Nie Fitness Spa but it is more than just a spa day).

After your spa treatment and your night on the town, you will return to your room for champagne, chocolate covered cherries, and a turned-down bed. And, after you wake up, you are invited to relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed.

Here are some more fun things you can do during your Ann Arbor Getaway.

Romantic Restaurants

Ann Arbor has one of the best culinary scenes of any town of its size in the entire country.

If you are hungry for Asian Fusion served in an intimate environment try Pacific Rim (the sablefish is amazing). If a traditional steak dinner seems more up your alley The Chop House and Ruth Chris are both very close to your hotel. Odds are good that whatever you have a taste for you can find in Ann Arbor (talk to our concierge if you have any questions).

Ice Skating at Yost Ice Arena

Few things are more romantic than taking your significant-other ice skating. Yost Ice Arena on the campus of the University of Michigan offers public skating opportunities on a regular basis (check their schedule).

Laughter Is Often The Best (Romantic) Medicine

Sometimes romance is sparked by laughter and the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase brings many of the best comedians in the United States to Michigan every week (this month look for Tracy Smith and Sal Demilio).

Take In Performances To Remember

The University Musical Society has a full slate of incredible performances coming to Ann Arbor throughout October and November. From Amir ElSaffar Rivers of Sound Orchestra to the 20th anniversary of the renowned Sphinx Virtuosi, every weekend brings another internationally renowned performance to Michigan.

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances and all just minutes from the best Ann Arbor wedding hotel.

When you look for the best Ann Arbor lodging options, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010 or at BellTowerHotel

Are you getting married and in the process of feverishly planning to host your wedding in Ann Arbor Michigan? First things first, congratulations from everyone at the Bell Tower Hotel!

Now, if you are looking to find a wonderful venue close to your favorite Ann Arbor lodging, here are some of Ann Arbor’s most beloved wedding venues:

University Of Michigan Wedding Venues

Michigan Football fans, did you know that you could literally be married on the turf of the Big House? The University of Michigan’s Athletic Department offers facility rentals for weddings from the Big House to the Crisler Center and from the luxury suite to the Stadium Club.

If sports weddings don’t speak to you but you still want to get married on the campus of the University of Michigan, the Michigan League was recently named one of the 50 most beautiful college campus wedding venues nationwide.

Regardless of which of the many beautiful venues on campus that you choose to host your wedding, the University offers a wide array of wedding support services and even has dedicated wedding and event planners on staff.

Zingerman’s Cornman Farms

Located just minutes from Downtown Ann Arbor, Zingerman’s Cornman Farms is a working 42-acre farm that is also available to host outdoor barn weddings (and corporate and dining events) in Michigan. In fact, Cornman Farms offers clients the choice of bespoke (personalized) weddings, Red Barn Weddings, Intimate Weddings (for smaller parties), as well as Winter Wedding packages.

Cornman farms can accommodate up to 350 visitors and 150 cars in a beautiful pastoral environment including access to the farmhouse, barn, or temperature controlled tent.

A Wedding Perfect For The Big Screen?

The historic Michigan Theater is known all over the country as one of the most spectacular places to see a movie but it has also been the home to many weddings and other catered events. Open since 1928 is home to a fully functioning stage, the famous Barton Organ, and seats for up to 1,700 people.
The Michigan Theater could be the perfect place to host your most memorable party.

The Secret: The Bell Tower is Within Walking Distance

Staying at the Bell Tower will always put you within walking distance of great food and amazing performances and all just minutes from the best Ann Arbor wedding hotel.

When you look for the best Ann Arbor lodging options, The Bell Tower Hotel is the perfect place for you!

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, feel free to contact us at any time at (734) 769-3010 or at www.BellTowerHotel.com.