Plansmart - Ann Arbor, MI Area Guide

Detroit residents John Allen and Elisha Rumsey founded Ann Arbor in 1824. Originally named Annabour, the area filled with settlers from the East Coast. With the founding of the University of Michigan in 1837 and the arrival of the Michigan Central Railroad in 1839, the village boomed as an educational and transportation hub. World Wars I and II increased the population as Ford's Willow Run plant, located nearby, built planes for the war effort. Soon, rural land became neighborhoods, including Plansmart, while maintaining laid-back charm.

Since the 20th century, Ann Arbor has maintained a proud position in the arts scene, with many musicians either born or educated here. With its rich history, there's no lack of museums and events in Ann Arbor. Visit President Gerald Ford's Presidential Library, and stop in at The Museum on Main Street to learn more about the area's colorful and interesting roots.

Delectable dining sits just a stone's throw away from the Plansmart neighborhood, with options ranging from trendy cafes for breakfast and brunch to high-end dining that requires a reservation. You also find a variety of local pubs and clubs to while away a weekend evening with friends.

Whether you crave coffee or plan to meet up with friends for brunch, make The Songbird Cafe on Plymouth Road your destination. Vegetarian-friendly, this small diner serves up everything from a classic breakfast of bacon and eggs to culinary masterpieces that include a goat cheese and arugula sandwich that customers ask for over and over. Search the amazing selection of lattes and teas that you won't find anywhere else for a perfect cup to go with your meal. Students love the free Wi-Fi.

For Indian fare and gluten-free dining, locals head to Curry On located on Plymouth Road. Inspired by all the best cuisine served from Indian street carts, this cafe-style restaurant specializes in classic dishes such as vhada and sambhar, which consists of fried lentil dumplings with onion. Finish your meal with carrot halwa: a sweet pudding made with carrots.

For an evening out with someone special, head into downtown Ann Arbor and find Pacific Rim on W Liberty Street. This Asian-driven fusion restaurant treats you to amazing flavors and an unforgettable ambiance. Creatively plated offerings include quinoa-crusted scallops and seared big-eye tuna.

Most of the nightlife in the area centers on the downtown streets of Ann Arbor. Being a college town, there's never a lack of entertainment. Stop in for the incredible whiskey selection at Mash on E Washington Street, and stay for the trivia. Those looking to get a groove on, strut their stuff at Necto Night Club on Liberty Street. The club features dual dance floors and a hidden restaurant down the spiral staircase. Drinks can be expensive and the place charges a cover, so come prepared.

The Plansmart neighborhood provides easy access by car to downtown Ann Arbor in mere minutes, and U.S. 23 takes residents out of the area and onto I-94 for travel to Detroit. You'll find ample parking in business areas; parking rates for lots, structures and meters costs between $1.50 and $1.70 with free parking on Sundays and federal holidays.

With a major university in the immediate area, Plansmart and the surrounding neighborhoods provide plenty of sidewalks, trails and dedicated bike lanes for walking and cycling. Major roads are relatively safe to travel by bike, and locals know to look out for those on bikes.

The Ann Arbor Transit Authority provides transportation through fixed routes throughout the city and into the Plansmart neighborhood on Routes 1 and 2. Cabs can be easily hailed downtown, but you'll want to call ahead in Plansmart. Uber also provides ride-sharing services to and from the area.

The city of Ann Arbor features 158 parks, so Plansmart residents always have somewhere to go for exercise, recreation and family time.

Head to Leslie Park in the Plansmart neighborhood with your kids for an educational day at the Leslie Science and Nature Center. The grounds, trails and exciting raptor center welcome the public free of charge, making this a great option for your budget. The park also contains an 18-hole public golf course for an enjoyable day spent perfecting your swing. The golf course does charge greens fees.

The city of Ann Arbor provides two dog parks — Olson Park and Swift Run Park — for off-leash play for the furriest residents. Fees are charged for entry, and the parks run an annual Halloween-costume contest with prizes for the winners.

With so many parks, Ann Arbor offers everything from swimming pools and kayaking to pavilion rentals and an outdoor ice rink. Most parks are free and open from sunup to sundown.

Every year, thousands flock to the streets for the annual Ann Arbor Art Fair, where music and visual arts collide in a joyful celebration that takes place the second weekend in July. If sports are your thing, make sure to pick up season tickets to cheer on the Michigan Wolverines as they sell out early and games are a must-attend event for residents.

Because of its proximity to the city of Ann Arbor, the cost of living in Plansmart sits even with the city and 15 percent higher than Detroit and the rest of Michigan. A one-bedroom apartment rents for $1016 a month on average in the neighborhood. Depending on the bar and the beer, a pint will cost you anywhere from $3 for drafts to $7 for a microbrew.

A gallon of gas costs about 5 percent less than the national average cost in Plansmart, and a one-way trip on an Ann Arbor Transit Authority bus will set you back a mere $1.50 for adults, with seniors, children and the disabled riding for $.75. Pick up a 30-day flex pass for $58.

Ann Arbor features a bevy of shopping centers, markets and malls scattered throughout the area to meet the diverse needs of the Plansmart community. Briarwood Mall features recognizable big names, including Sears, Macy's, Gap and Land's End among others. For unique personal stationery, invitations or cards for special people, walk through the doors of Rock, Paper, Scissors on Main Street downtown. The cozy store features everything from Michigan-centric gifts to home goods and decorative items alongside its paper goods. Not your average resale shop, The Getup Vintage on S State street stocks quality vintage clothing and accessories for its clientele. Pick up a 1970s concert T-shirt and a couple of hats to express your style. Plansmart residents head to the Kroger on Plymouth Road or the Trader Joe's on Stadium Boulevard when the need for groceries arises. Both offer a wide range of items for the well-stocked kitchen. For an eclectic outdoor shopping experience, check out Kerrytown Market and Shops, located in Ann Arbor's historic Kerrytown district. This year-round market provides an adventure on its own. Ann Arbor Farmers Market operates at various hours and days throughout the year, offering everything from fresh local produce to artisan breads. Several fun and funky shops also reside in the Kerrytown Market area, so you'll find something for everyone along for the trip.