Smitten with the Mitten: coffee, brunch and shopping in Ann Arbor

In this Smitten with the Mitten travel series, I am highlighting some favorite spots in Michigan. Next stop: Ann Arbor! Home of the University of Michigan, an adorable downtown with plenty of coffee, tea, brunch and shopping.

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p.s. If you’re not familiar with the Midwest or Michigan, us Michiganders like to refer to Michigan as “The Mitten” (because it’s shaped like a mitten) hence the name of not only this travel series, but my site as well.

Where is Ann Arbor, Michigan?

Ann Arbor is located in Southeast, Michigan – just 45 miles west of Detroit, 35 miles north of the Ohio state line, and about 65 from Lansing (the state capital).

The other week my friend Andrea and I spent the day in Ann Arbor (about an hour drive from Lansing for us) just wandering around in search of endless caffeine options and delicious brunch menus to share with you all.

We left fully caffeinated with both tea and coffee, and full from an amazing brunch.

Here’s what we found for you from both our own experience and suggestions from Instagram.

Best Coffee Spots in Ann Arbor

• Teaspressa – Andrea recommended we stop here and I am so glad we did! They have delicious signature tea lattes – you can get them hot or iced – as well as coffee drinks. The barista (tea-barista?) asked if I wanted a superfood “beautea” shot with my iced matcha and of course, I couldn’t say no. Any chance
• Wilma’s – We made a pit stop in and it’s quite adorable. There were lots of people grabbing a bite to eat, as well as ordering coffee and setting up shop to work or study. They also have a cooler of fresh pressed juices. I’ll definitely be going back next time I’m in Ann Arbor.
• Le Bon – A cute little french-inspired coffee shop with colorful macarons and great coffee drinks. There’s a location in Grand Rapids as well.
• Lab Cafe – We stopped in here for a quick pastry as we waited for our table to be ready at Sava’s. A good spot for pour overs and an assortment of baked goods.

Favorite Places to grab Brunch in Ann Arbor

• Sava’s – Definitely high on the recommendation list and I’ll say it did not disappoint! Not only is the atmosphere killer, the food was quite delicious as well. Plenty of brunch options, and a Sunday brunch buffet available as well. I got the hippie bowl, and Andrea got the breakfast sandwich with chorizo, egg and avocado. The menu was huge and I can’t wait to go back to try more.
• Avalon Bakery & Cafe – I ate here back in January and it was delicious. A more casual place, nothing too fancy on the menu but still great for foodies.
• Frita Batidos – highly recommended by Instagram friends, definitely another place to check out next time we visit!
• Wilma’s – Worth another mention because they’ve got a great menu for brunch as well! A quicker casual spot with healthy eats and lots of natural light. re: great for that Instagram photo 😉

Quick Shopping in Downtown Ann Arbor

• Nickels Arcade – a neat building with specialty shops and more coffee (Comet Coffee, hours here.)
• Bivouac – A clothing and gear shop for the outdoor enthusiasts carrying name brands like Merrell, Patagonia, Keen, Lole, Camelbak and more. They’ve got great end of season sales, too!
• Rock Paper Scissors – Adorable stationery shop with great gifts and plenty of fun Michigan themed items. One of those stores where you walk in and immediately want everything.
• Literati Bookstore – There is something so charming about bookstores and this one does not disappoint. Recommended by several readers to check out as well. Plus more coffee here too!

Have you been to Ann Arbor?

Any of your personal favorites I missed??

Be sure to check out Andrea’s post too! Click here.

I also feel it’s worth mentioning Mr. FMK went to Michigan State University. And if you’re not familiar with the area or Michigan and sports, MSU and U of M (University of Michigan) are HUGE rivals.

Mr. FMK would likely divorce me if I didn’t say at least once:GO GREEN.

(and you say) . . .go white.

That is all 😀