Detroit: Side Trips

A roughly 50-min. drive west of downtown Detroit on I-94, Ann Arbor is filled with terrific restaurants, bars and shops — and the University of Michigan, of course, which dominates life here. The sprawling, grassy campus, with its mix of Gothic and modern architecture, is worth strolling; on the weekend of a home game, the campus and surrounding town fairly vibrate with collegiate cheer. Aside from Michigan Stadium ("The Big House") — the largest stadium in college athletics, with 107,501 seats — other worthwhile destinations include Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. (Ann Arbor is "Tree City," after all.) Also, while you're in town, be sure to stop by Zingerman's Roadhouse for some high-quality American fare; if you're a carnivore, order the beef brisket.

• 1. University of Michigan
  Ann Arbor, MI 48104 42.276164-83.743171
• 2. Michigan Stadium
  1201 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 42.265924-83.748779
• 3. Matthaei Botanical Gardens
  1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105; 734-647-7600 42.300167-83.663397 More Info
• 4. Nichols Arboretum
  1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104; 734-647-7600 42.2814724-83.7267729
• 5. Zingerman's Roadhouse
  2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48103; 734-663-3663 42.279976-83.780901 zingermansroadhouse.com