From a trip there last month.
Category: Travel
Places of interest that catch my eye. In my mind or anywhere around the world. Go there if you can; if not, read about it here, and imagine yourself there. As Edward Streeter says: Travel is ninety per cent anticipation and ten per cent recollection.
Bronner's: The World's Largest Christmas Store
Bronner’s claims to be the “world’s largest Christmas store” and from what we saw, it might very well be true! Located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a quaint town with strong German influences, this is a local attraction where the nativity scenes start out on the grounds of this store, and of course, continue within. A very interesting trip any time of year, and even more so during this holiday season!
36 Hours in Ann Arbor, Michigan via The NYT Travel Section (This is my town!)
The “ultimate college town” is also known as my hometown! Original NYT article follows:
Friday
2 p.m.
1) OLD-TIME SHOPPINGStart your weekend in Nickels Arcade, an elegant glass-covered atrium that opened in 1918 and still houses businesses dating back more than 80 years. Van Boven Clothing (326 South State Street; 734-665-7228), for instance, is a men’s clothier that has long catered to well-dressed fraternity boys. The intimate Comet Coffee (16 Nickels Arcade; 734-222-0579) brews coffee from Ethiopia to El Salvador one cup at a time. Then cross State Street to Moe’s Sport Shop (711 North University Avenue; 734- 668-6915; moesportshops.com) to suit up for tomorrow’s game. “U of M” apparel has been sold here since 1915, and you’ll find such items as T-shirts and temporary “M” face tattoos.
3 p.m.
2) STUDENT SCENEThe Diag, as the open space on the central campus is called, is a leafy oasis intersected by sidewalks connecting academic buildings. Relax on a bench and take in the student scene, featuring everything from charity bucket drives to Ultimate Frisbee games. Just don’t step on the brass inlaid “M” in front of the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library — lore has it that freshmen who step on it will earn an F on their first exam. Then visit the architecturally stunning Michigan Law School quadrangle (625 South State Street), which could easily stand in for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, as could the library’s Reading Room with its vaulted ceilings, oak wainscoting and stained glass windows.
5 p.m.
3) NEW NOSTALGIABetween the Law School and the Ross School of Business you’ll find Dominick’s (812 Monroe Street; 734-662-5414), which has been serving students and the area’s aging hippie population ever since the ’60s, when the town was at the forefront of the Vietnam War protest movement. Though its picnic tables and booths are increasingly filled with entrepreneurs and M.B.A. candidates, everyone seems to enjoy the sangria served in jam jars on the patio. But avoid the temptation to eat here; instead head to Mark’s Carts (markscartsannarbor.com) — a jumble of ethnic food carts in a cozy courtyard on Washington Street between First and Ashley Streets, where, on Friday evenings throughout the fall, you can eat paella ($8) or tangy Thai slaw ($3) while listening to jazz, folk and rock performers.
8 p.m.
4) COOL CULTUREThe University Musical Society (ums.org) offers a range of dance, theater and musical productions performed at places that include the Hill Auditorium, with its superb acoustics and the small but elegant Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. But it is the Ark (316 South Main Street; 734-761-1818; theark.org), one of North America’s oldest nonprofit acoustic music clubs, that has developed an international reputation, not just for preserving American music (folk and bluegrass, in particular), but also for showcasing world music from Africa, the Caribbean and elsewhere. Tickets start at $10.
Saturday
9 a.m.
5) SUNNY SIDE UPBeat the crowds at Angelo’s (1100 Catherine; 734-761-8996; angelosa2.com), where thick slices of raisin toast ($2.35) are second only to the pumpkin pancakes ($6.99). Work off the calories with a brisk walk to the Farmers’ Market (315 Detroit Street; tel: 734-794-6355), with stalls stocked with local products, from fruit-flavored syrups (rhubarb, peach, cantaloupe, $8.99) to wooden bird houses ($20).
Noon
6) PATIENCE & PUMPERNICKELDon’t be put off by the line outside Zingerman’s deli (422 Detroit Street; 734-663-3354; zingermansdeli.com); waiting is part of the experience. The friendly servers hand out nibbles of fresh bread, cheese and brownies while you decide which of the 99 sandwiches you want (most popular: Zingerman’s Reuben on Jewish rye, $15.50). Or cross the street to Monahan’s Seafood Market (407 North Fifth Avenue; 734-662-5118; monahansseafood.com) for an oyster po’ boy ($8.95) and fresh chowder ($4.95).
1 p.m.
7) FUN IN THE BIG HOUSEKickoff time varies between 1 and 4 p.m., depending on the college football broadcast schedule. Don’t show up at the Big House, as the stadium is called, ticketless. Buying seats ($70) in advance is a must for most of the seven or eight home games a season; tickets are available through the university’s athletic site, mgoblue.com. Though alcohol is not allowed, there is plenty of spirit in the cheering of “Let’s Go Blue” and the tunes played by the Michigan Marching Band. When football season is over, there is ice hockey in the winter, softball in the spring, and some 20 other sports, from water polo to wrestling.
5 p.m.
8) COCKTAIL CRAWLWhether Michigan has won or lost, students hit the bars. Avoid South University and State Street (student hubs) and head to the more civilized Main Street (the place Bob Seger, who grew up in Ann Arbor, is actually singing about in the song “Mainstreet”). With dozens of night spots, it’s easy to find a martini or microbrew; one favorite is Palio (347 South Main: tel: 734-456-3463; paliorestaurant.com), where postgame parties erupt on the rooftop bar.
7 p.m.
9) THE GLOBAL GOURMETIf it is ethnic food you crave, try Pacific Rim (114 West Liberty Street; 734-662-9303; pacificrimbykana.com) whose pan-Asian menu includes a delicate tuna tartare with taro chips, and pan-seared quinoa-crusted scallops (dinner with wine, $50). Head to Logan (115 West Washington Street; 734-327-2312; logan-restaurant.com) for Gruyère custard with caramelized onions and tomatoes or wild boar Bolognese (dinner with wine, $50). If you want a quick bite, Frita Batidos (117 West Washington Street; 734-761-2882; fritabatidos.com) serves Cuban specialties like fritas (spicy burgers of chorizo, black bean, white fish, beef or turkey on a soft brioche for $7 and $8), and batidos, fresh fruit shakes, with sweetened milk, crushed ice and the option of rum.
9 p.m.
10) WILD AT DARKHoused in an old brewery, the Cavern Club (210 South First Street; 734-913-8890; cavernclubannarbor.com) attracts some of the biggest bands and D.J.’s from metro Detroit (when a band is performing, $5; $10 for 18 to 21). Or check out the Michigan Theater (603 East Liberty Street; 734-668-8463; michtheater.org). Opened in 1928 as a vaudeville and silent movie palace, it now offers live entertainment (the Ann Arbor Symphony performs here regularly), as well as independent films. Night owls will appreciate the Saturday midnight shows of cult classics like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the nearby State Theater, an Art Deco cinema built in 1942 (233 South State Street; 734-761-8667; michtheater.org/state).
Sunday
9 a.m.
11) NOT JUST A NAMEAs the town’s name suggests, there are many trees, both native and exotic, here. You can see some of them at Nichols Arboretum (1610 Washington Heights; 734-647-8986; lsa.umich.edu/mbg), a 123-acre site with panoramic views and a path along the winding Huron River (open sunrise to sunset).
11 a.m.
12) ECLECTIC BRUNCHCafé Zola (112 West Washington Street; 734-769-2020; cafezola.com) offers an eclectic menu that borrows from French, Italian and Turkish cuisines — like crepes, both savory and sweet, and Turkish eggs (with feta, spinach, tomato, olives and cucumber). Brunch, $20.
1 p.m.
13) PAINTINGS, POTS AND MOREWith over 18,000 works of art (European, African, Asian, American and Middle Eastern), there is something for everyone at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (525 South State Street; 734-764-0395; umma.umich.edu). Those preferring ancient and medieval art should cross the street to the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology (No. 434; 734-764-9304; lsa.umich.edu/kelsey), with more than 100,000 Mediterranean and Middle Eastern objects.
IF YOU GO
The Bell Tower (300 South Thayer Street; 734-769-3010; belltowerhotel.com) is a charming hotel located right on campus and close to downtown. A standard king is $175 a night.
The Inn at the League (911 North University Avenue; 734-764-3177; uunions.umich.edu/league/inn), with wonderful views of the grounds, offers a true campus experience, a convenience store, information desk, cyber lounge, several dining spots and a garden. Both a standard king and double room start at $135 a night. Suites are $230 and $15 for each additional guest.
Old Montreal: Step Back Into Time and Stay as Long as You Like
A recent trip to Montreal, Quebec was a blast in more ways than one. A most cosmoplitan metropolis, Montreal has a unique blend of the best of both worlds– the old and the new. A trip around Old Montreal is evidence of this. See for yourself!
Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal: An Awe-Inspiring Basilica on Mont Royal in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
This is a landmark monument in Montreal. The Oratory’s dome is the third-largest of its kind in the world after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in the Ivory Coast and Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the church is the largest in Canada. We had a great time climbing up to the very top, but took the elevator down! The views were spectacular, and just as impressive as the basilica was a garden called “The Way of the Cross” tucked away to one side. A separate post on that, but for now, take in these views of the Oratoire.
More on the La Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal: An Awe-Inspiring Landmark
A recent holiday to the lovely city of Montreal, Quebec included the requisite touristy visit to the La Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal. Although I’d posted a few pictures from my phone while there, here are a few more that capture the essence of the splendor of the place.
Delhi Must-Dos: National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides
Except for the first and the last one on this list, I can say “been there, done that” to the rest– in addition to a whole lot more in this city that I called home for a short while in the early nineties.
This post is inspired by the recent course of events in the city of Old and New Delhi in recent days, as well as a friend you intends to make the trip there some time soon. Article follows…
Akshardham Temple
“The white marble, pink sandstone, and myriad of intricately carved deities bring to life the grandeur and depth of Hindu mythology.”—Sue Mitra, author, Sacred India. Inaugurated 2005. Diverse architecture, including Orissan and Rajasthani. Massive complex. National Highway 24, Nizamuddin Bridge (Noida turn-off); tel. 91 11 2201 6688. www.akshardham.comBaha’i House Of Worship (Lotus Temple) a.k.a. Indian Baha’i Temple
“The lotus flower, a powerful symbol engrained deep in the Indian psyche, combines with the Baha’i philosophy to signify universal harmony and purity.”—Sue Mitra. Stunning white lotus-shaped temple surrounded by well-tended garden; embraces all religions. Closed Mondays. Kalkaji; tel. 91 11 2644 4029. www.bahaindia.org/temple/Chandni Chowk
“Step back in time and take a cycle-rickshaw down Chandni Chowk to the Spice Market, where mounds of fragrant whole spices and flaming-red chilies fill the air with heady aromas.”—Sue Mitra. Old city’s major thoroughfare, flanked by frenetic bazaars. Old Delhi.Humayun’s Tomb
“Its architecture is said to have influenced Emperor Shah Jahan when he built the Taj Mahal.”—Sanjay Singh Badnor, journalist, Times of India. Classic 16th-century Mughal tomb built by Emperor Humayun’s chief wife. Graceful high arches and meringue-like dome. Fee. Off Mathura Road, Nizamuddin East.Jama Masjid
“Climb the minaret for views that extend beyond the old city, right up to Parliament House.”—Sanjay Singh Badnor. Mid-17th-century mosque (India’s biggest), created by Emperor Shah Jahan. Main courtyard holds 25,000 worshippers. Off Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Delhi.Nizam-ud-din’s Shrine
“On Thursday nights there’s live qawwali [Sufi devotional music] and the whole shrine comes alive with the intoxicating sound of devotional music, coupled with the smell of roses which devotees pour on the saint’s grave.”—William Dalrymple, writer and historian. Islamic shrine. Off Mathura Road, Nizamuddin West.Qutub Minar
“The tower, which now tilts some 60cm off the vertical, is one of Delhi’s best examples of early Afghan architecture.”—Sanjay Singh Badnor. Five-story victory tower started in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, with subsequent additions. Mehrauli; tel. 91 11 2664 3856; fee.Red Fort (Lal Qila)
“A massive rhubarb-red curtain wall pierced by a pair of mighty gates and fortified by a ripple of projecting bastions.”—William Dalrymple. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the mid-17th century. Sound-and-light show nightly except Monday. Fee. Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Delhi; 91 11 2464 7005.Sulabh International Museum of Toilets
Quirky museum dedicated to toilets, with information dating back to 2500 B.C.; 19th-century Austrian chamber pots, replica of the throne-toilet of Louis XIII and XIV. Free guided tour. Sulabh Bhawan, Mahavir Enclave, Palam Dabri Marg; tel. 91 11 2503 1518. www.sulabhtoiletmuseum.org
Cruise On The St. Lawrence River: Perfect Saturday PM Pastime
