The week of July 22nd is packed with news and things you can do in Ann Arbor – Michigan football has returned to the Nike brand, the Summer Beer Festival is here, and downtown will be host to an amazing cooking competition at the Slurping Turtle.

No matter what activities you choose, the Bell Tower Hotel is within walking distance – and we always offer optional valet parking.

If you need directions, or have any questions you can always feel free to ask anyone on our staff. It would be hard to find better service at another accommodation in Ann Arbor, MI.

It doesn’t matter if you are looking for great Ann Arbor lodging, you can call us any time – learn more at (734) 769-3010. 

Michigan Football Returns to Nike + Recruiting News

Michigan switched from being a Nike sponsored school to being an Adidas sponsored school during the 2007/2008 school year. Since moving to Adidas, Michigan football has compiled a 46 win and 42 loss composite record. While this is certainly correlative and is extremely unlikely to be causal, it still feels good to be back to Nike (starting in 2016).

At the beginning of June Michigan’s football team had only a few prospects signed, now the 2016 class boasts 23 total members including nine four-star prospects, eight three-star prospects, and four two-stars. Most likely the class will round out at about 25 members. Coach Harbaugh hopes to ink the 6th-ranked player in the country in 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary before recruiting concludes.

Slurp Up Ramen For Charity on July 26th

When renowned James Beard Award winning chef Takashi Yagihashi (Top Chef Masters) was asked why he was naming his Ann Arbor restaurant The Slurping Turtle, he talked about it being a  celebration of the tradition of slurping up ramen noodles in Japanese culture (as well as noting that turtles were lucky).

This Sunday, the Slurping Turtle will be inviting locals to slurp up the noodles of five local chefs in a charity competition. ‘The Ramen Battle’ will pit chef Tadashi Nagura (Slurping Turtle) against Michigan chefs James Rigato (The Root in White Lake Township), Eve Aronoff (Frita Batidos in Ann Arbor), Andy Hollyday (Selden Standard in Detroit), and Luciano Del Signore (Bacco in Southfield) on July 26th..

Each customer who pays the $70 fee will get to sample 5 tasting portions (one from each chef) and then vote for the bowl of ramen they liked the best. The winning chef will be awarded the title and be able to donate the $2,000 award to the charity of their choice.  You can register to eat at the event here.

A Fling 50 Years in the Making

Ann Arbor’s legendary folk performance venue The Ark is celebrating its 50th year in business with a string of special concerts this week called ‘The Ark’s 50 Year Fling.’ You can attend three nights of these special performances (Guitar Greats, Made in Michigan, and Songcrafters in the Round) by purchasing a 3 day pass available through the University of Michigan Ticket Office.

Michigan’s Breweries Take Center Stage

A recent article on The Thrillist ranked every state in the USA and the state that came out #1? Michigan, of course. One of the enumerated reasons Michigan was chosen was its “embarrassment of beer riches.”

Michigan’s treasure trove of beers will be celebrated at the 2015 Summer Beer Festival July 24th and 25th (Riverside Park, Depot Town, Ypsilanti). Over 100 Michigan breweries and an estimated 1,000 Michigan beers will be available to visitors. Tickets will be available at the event ($35 in advance and $40 at the gate).

Sports Options for U of M Parents and Fans

It has been an amazing early Summer for Michigan Athletes, family, fans, and friends! Go Blue!  There are no games on campus this week.

Looking For Laughs – Dwayne Gill

Dwayne Gill a Detroit comedian who has performed on Last Comic Standing and on the Night Shift with Kevin Ferguson (and also works a regular job as a policeman) will take the stage at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase on July 25th and July 26th.

The Bell Tower Hotel Staff is Here For You

If you want the feel of a Classic Campus Hotel with the amenities of a resort in downtown Ann Arbor, the Bell Tower offers the best accommodation in Ann Arbor and the best proximity to downtown and the University of Michigan Campus. Please let us help you with planning, logistics, or whatever you need to have the best possible time while you are staying with us!

The Bell Tower prides themselves on providing you with the best lodging in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Have you looked into our amazing conference facilities? When you are looking for classic accommodations in Ann Arbor, 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.