For a town of its size, Ann Arbor offers up an impressively diverse array of nationalities, ethnicities, and social strata, owing mainly to the presence of the University of Michigan. If you're visiting from any typical metropolitan area in the states, you'll be surprised at the level of sophistication, considering the fact that there's a cornfield within ten miles in any direction. If you're visiting from a town of comparable size elsewhere in the Midwest, you might even remain impressed for awhile. If you're in town for a few days or a weekend, there's plenty to keep you busy. We'd recommend you start in the downtown area, in the vicinity of Main and Liberty Streets. Ann Arbor's college-town charm can be best appreciated in its relatively crime-free, walkable Main/Liberty/State Street corridor. In an area about three blocks by six, you can enjoy an interesting variety of shopping and dining in the course of an afternoon or two, although if you're into books, music, or art, you might get bogged down and take a little longer. There are numerous galleries and specialty shops near Main and Liberty, and too many restaurants to list here. Some recommended highlights: After Words Books, on Main, boasts an amazing selection of remaindered books and reprints, at surprisingly non-corporate pricing. Liberty Video (on Liberty, duh) is a rare commodity these days - an independently owned video store. They stock a lot of hard-to-find foreign and indie films. A bite to eat? If you're looking for high-end, try The Earle, D'Amato's, or Bella Ciao. For standard American fare, and a nice selection of unique beer, try Arbor Brewing or Grizzly Peak. For a classic "roughing it" diner experience, try the Fleetwood Diner. Meat-free? Seva, on Liberty. Sushi? Try Miki, on First St., near Huron.

If you end up perusing these areas, don't miss the shops on Fourth Ave., or the shops on Ashley. Ann Arbor has some weird pedestrian grooves, and it's easy to miss a really unique shop that's only a block out of the way. If you end up near State Street, hit Borders, and try to catch a film at the classic Michigan Theater, a restored, old-school cinema experience. They often present live performances as well. If you're around long enough to branch out a bit, be sure to visit Kerrytown, especially on Farmer's Market days. Also within a couple blocks of Kerrytown are Zingerman's Deli, Treasure Mart , and some interesting shops on North Main. To get a quick take on entertainment around town, keep your eyes peeled for a copy of the Current magazine, a free monthly that covers almost all the clubs, films, and special events around town. If you'll be near Detroit, the comparable free mag is the Metro Times. Locally, you can always catch some jazz at The Firefly or The Bird of Paradise. If you're into a slightly more Rock/Blues/Dance venue, try the Blind Pig, The Cavern Club, or The Club Above. After a stressful weekend of partying and carousing, take your hangover to brunch at The Bistro, Gandy Dancer, or Angelo's. Be consistently prepared for a wait at Angelo's (it's probably for their legendary Raisin bread). The Bistro, strangely, will often have a table available, in spite of doing a steady Brunch business. Be sure to try their Salmon Benedict, if they still have it on the menu. After you've slept off brunch, enjoy the eerie peace that is Ann Arbor on a Sunday afternoon. Grab a paper and kick back at one of the local cafés.