A Guide to the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Heading to the Ann Arbor Art Fair this summer? New to the art fair world and looking for a guide to help you better appreciate the event? Wondering what the Ann Arbor Art Fair is all about? 

The Art Fair is a massive event that takes over the streets of downtown Ann Arbor each year for the past 5 decades. Truthfully it’s four art fairs rolled into one event! The Ann Arbor Art Fair features a range of styles, activities, and fun from over 300 artists and vendors including live music, food, and of course art.

Check out our brief guide to the fair below. 

The 4 Fairs: Encompassed under a single event, the four fairs include the original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the State Street District Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and South University Art Fair. Check out maps and more info at the Art Fair website. 

The 3 Stages: Tune into live music from street performers through the fair or at one of three stages – Art Fair Main Stage, Fountain Stage, Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair Stage. This year, the main stage welcomes local talent Kerri Lynne Roche. The fountain stage is great for friendly sets and is located right next to a food court. The Summer Art fair stage features an eclectic mix for a modern vibe. 

Art Activity Zone: This is a great detour with families and kids, hit the art activity zones to create your own works of art. Get in touch with ancient history and create a mosaic, help build a LEGO mural, or play with clay at these fun zones. 

Artist Demonstrations: Witness art in the making with live demonstrations throughout all 4 days of the art fair. Watch masters of their crafts at work painting, throwing clay, and weaving. 

Special Activity: Each year, the fair is also dotted with special activities. This year, you can enjoy the energy of Bichini Bia Congolese Dancers on Saturday and Sunday. 

Get the Full Art Fair Experience and Stay in One of the Top Hotels in Ann Arbor

Make your visit to the Ann Arbor Art Fair last and book a room at Weber’s Boutique Hotel in Ann Arbor. Trust us: when it comes to such an amazing event filled to the brim with activities, you want to make more than a day of it. Stay the night or the whole weekend and get the full experience. Call to book your room today!

What to Do on Your Guys’ Night in Town

Planning a bachelor party or reuniting with friends in Ann Arbor? Looking for ways to spend an evening with friends in Ann Arbor? Digging around for events and hotels in Ann Arbor to host a few friends in town?

As we move past the college years it can be tough to find time for friends. So, make the most of your guys’ night by planning ahead and finding some great options for entertainment and fun right in downtown Ann Arbor! Check out our list of top choices for a guys’ night in town to get started. 

1. College Sports

The energy and excitement of college sports can be electric. Take in a game with the guys at one of the classic Ann Arbor college sport venues like the Big House and the Crisler Center. 

2. Drink Tasting

Go classy with a craft cocktail or wine tasting at an upscale bar. Or you can dress down with a flight of beers at a unique spot like Bill’s Beer Garden. You can even plan a tour of one or all eight of the local breweries in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. 

3. Taste of Ann Arbor

Fill up on samples from local eateries at this popular summer event. Or ditch the crowds and curate your own tasting with appetizers from a handful of restaurants downtown. 

4. Hit the Water

Give your guys’ night an early start with a trek to a few Ann Arbor parks. With options for kayaking, tubing, and swimming at various parks throughout Ann Arbor, you have plenty of options to entertain a more outdoorsy group. 

5. Rolling Sculpture Car Show

Car fanatic or not, anyone can get into the display of exotic, classic, and concept cars taking over downtown Ann Arbor in July. 

6. Book a Room at Weber’s

Make Weber’s Hotel home during your stay. One of the top-rated Hotels in Ann Arbor, Weber’s offers chic and comfortable lodging, an ideal location close to the action, great dining options, and live entertainment. 

Your guys’ night in town will be a time you’ll never forget if you have the initiative to plan now. Whatever you decide to do with your friends, it all starts with comfortable and convenient accommodations for the whole group. Give Weber’s a call today and let us help you plan an awesome guys’ night for your crew. 

Annual Summer Events in Ann Arbor You Don’t Want to Miss!

Spending the summer in Ann Arbor, Michigan?

Are you planning to do some fun things this summer with friends and family?

Need help brainstorming a few ideas?

Ann Arbor’s events and festivals have something to offer everyone all summer long. Ask any local or University of Michigan alum - you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more exciting, beautiful place to spend summer days and nights than the Ann Arbor area. In June, you’ll find art, street fairs, Restaurant Week, and more.

Top of the Park Series: a three-week event full to the brim of classic summer activities. Top of the Park is part of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, and features 150+ events in the early summer. You can experience a mix of live music and other events running at 5pm, 6 nights a week.  Some of the events are free and there’s a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. 

Movies in the Park: although part of the Top of the Park Series, Movies in the Park deserves its own space on our list because it’s a great, relaxing event for the whole family! Enjoy a popular flick in the great outdoors, shown at the Rackham stage. Movies start at 10pm. 

Cinetopia Film Festival: speaking of movies, Ann Arbor’s own film festival is a spectacular event, showcasing dozens of films from world famous festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW. The festival includes many Michigan movie premieres and some national premieres. 

Sonic Lunch: this rocking Ann Arbor summer tradition runs the entire season and features local bands and musicians as well as music from out-of-towners. You can catch the live music on Thursdays at Liberty Street and Division Street starting at 11:30am. 

Taste of Ann Arbor: if you’re thinking, “okay, let’s get to the food!” right about now, the Taste of Ann Arbor more than delivers. Take advantage of this event and sample from the diverse palette of Ann Arbor restaurants all in one spot, on Main Street between Washington Street and William Street. Bring the kids along for some fun activities, too. You can buy tickets for Taste at the event.

Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel: a great spot for live music, a relaxing weekend stay, or a fun night with friends this summer or year-round! Enjoy the heat on the outdoor terrace, choose from a great selection of wine in Ann Arbor at the Ventura, or experience live jazz every Sunday night. 

To learn more, read our article titled “The Best Summer Activities in Ann Arbor.”

The list of summer activities in Ann Arbor is truly endless! But our picks for the best will help you plan a fun and eventful summer for the whole family whether you’re a local or just passing through. Give us call for help planning your summer this year! Weber’s is a great spot to host gatherings or just get away from it all with a glass of wine in Ann Arbor. Call today to make a reservation.

Visit the Best Bars in Town!

Are you looking for a new place to hang out?

Need to grab a cocktail after work?

Are you looking to find a place to unwind at the end of your work day?

Some of the best places in Ann Arbor include:

- Ann Arbor Brewing 

- Ann Arbor Distilling Co. 

- The Bar at 327 Braun Court 

- The Last Word 

- Black Pearl 

- Good Time Charley’s 

- Weber’s Restaurant

If you’re visiting, hosting, or looking for a great night, Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel has it all. Enjoy the heat on the outdoor terrace, choose from a great selection of wine in Ann Arbor at our bar, or experience live jazz every Sunday night. 

Book Your Stay Today: Call or Book Online

Save time and money without skimping on your experience when you choose a “staycation” getaway. Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway, a romantic night away from home, a place to host a family from out of town, or other hospitality needs, Weber’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel is here to serve you.

Give us a call or make your reservation online today.

Travel Hacks to Make Your Flight More Comfortable!

Flying on a budget but still want to be comfortable? Looking for tips to make flying better? Could you use a few simple hacks to fly more comfortably? 

When you’re not prepared, flying economy can be a potentially uncomfortable experience. On most airlines, the seats are getting smaller, the snacks are skimpier, and you have little control of your surroundings. But there are a few things you can do to make your flight better. Be prepared with these travel hacks and fly more comfortably. 

1. Choose Wisely: If you can spare a few more dollars, you can usually get seats with a little extra leg room; this is a great option for really long flights. Or keep the money in your pocket and consider choosing seats at the back of the plane. In these seats you won’t have anyone behind you potentially kicking you right in the back! For a potentially roomier flight, before take-off, be on the lookout for open seats and ask an attendant if you can move. 
2. Blackout: One of the best ways to pass the time on a flight is sleeping. You can fall asleep easier with a sleeping mask and earplugs or headphones. Follow the lead of the woman in the photo that recently went viral and hang a note around your neck asking to be woken up for snacks!
3. Be Special: On long flights with meals, if you order something special, like the vegetarian option, your food will be one of the first to come out! You’ll be satisfied with a full belly and also be feeling special for the VIP treatment. 
4. Pillows: Most of us already know about the U-shaped neck pillows, and they’re really worth the investment if you fly semi-regularly. But you could also consider shoving a small, light pillow in your carryon for lumbar support or even a little extra cushion for your behind. 
5. Hydration: between forgetting to drink water in the chaos of travelling and the bone-dry cabin, we all get dried-out when we travel. So, bring water, buy water, and drink water on the day and throughout the flight and you’ll feel way better at the end of the day. Consider packing lotion and lip balm in your carryon, too. 
6. Layer Up: You don’t have much control of the temperature on your flight, and you can often vacillate between too hot and way too cold several times in just a few hours on a plane. To be more comfortable, wear and bring a few layers of clothing. Even consider socks and a scarf! 
7. Something to Do: If you use your travel time to do something you don’t normally have time for, you’ll pass the flight quickly and may even look forward to getting in a plane. Maybe flights are the only time you catch up reading gossip magazines, or when you take the time to listen to a new album from an artist you love. 

These hacks are sure to improve your experience when you fly.  If you’re coming to Michigan, be sure enjoy a glass of wine in Ann Arbor with us a Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel. Give us a call today to make a reservation or discuss your special event. 

How to Enjoy Your Summer in Ann Arbor

Spending the summer in Ann Arbor and need ideas for things to do? Wondering how you can plan your best summer? Need help with ideas for summer adventures in Ann Arbor?

With so many options for fun, Ann Arbor is an ideal town to spend your summer. But some of us might look at all these options and feel a little overwhelmed! We understand there’s a lot to consider, so we’ve made it easier for you. Just check out our super-compact list of the best of the best summer activities in Ann Arbor. Hit them all, or pick and choose for unbeatable summer fun. 

• Top of the Park Series: three weeks and 150+ events, starting at 5pm 6 nights a week.  
• Movies in the Park: Enjoy a popular flick in the great outdoors at the Rackham stage. 
• Cinetopia Film Festival: a showcase of dozens of films from world famous festivals, including Michigan and national premiers. 
• Sonic Lunch: all summer long, local and visiting bands play live on Thursdays at Liberty and Division Streets starting at 11:30am. 
• Taste of Ann Arbor: sample from the diverse palette of Ann Arbor restaurants in one spot, on Main between Washington and William. 
• Picnics at German Park: enjoy German food, beer, and dance performances for an admission fee on the last Saturday in June, July, and August. Kids under 12 are free!
• Nichols Arboretum and Mathaei Botanical Garden: always spectacular and with occasional special events like the Peony Garden in June with over 10,000 blooms!
• The Huron River: hike the parks or get in the water on a kayak or tube. 
• Outdoor Pools: cool off in one of three outdoor swimming pools at Gallup Park, Fuller Park, and Veterans Memorial Park.
• Bill’s Beer Garden: a cool spot to enjoy craft beer outdoors. Find it in the parking lot of Downtown Home and Garden, open 5pm-11pm, Wednesday-Sunday.
• Ann Arbor Art Fair: one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation. See original artworks and performances, enjoy some food, and shop sidewalk sales.
• Rolling Sculpture Car Show: more than 300 unique, exotic, and classic cars on display downtown.  

These events are some of the best Ann Arbor has to offer. To enjoy your summer, pick a few to try out and let fun happen! If you’re looking for more details on these events, head over to our longer post about The Best Summer Activities in Ann Arbor. 

If you’re visiting, hosting, or looking for a great night, Weber’s Restaurant and Boutique Hotel has it all. Enjoy the heat on the outdoor terrace, choose from a great selection of wine in Ann Arbor at The Ventura bar, or experience live jazz every Sunday night. Give us a call to make your reservation or plan an event today. 

7 Top Travel Apps to Fuel Your Wanderlust

Looking for ways technology can help you manage your wanderlust? Planning a trip and looking for great apps to help you make the most it? Want to know more about how an app could make traveling better?

If you enjoy travel, you should never let some of the pesky details of planning a trip stand in your way! With the help of a few stellar apps, planning your trip could be easier, leaving you more time to unwind. Take a look at our list of the top nine travel apps that will fuel your wanderlust. 

1. Uber: you might already have and use this app, but it’s great for travel, too! You can find drivers in many different countries and throughout the US, and pay securely without having to worry about carrying cash and hailing cabs. 
2. Google Maps: as the long time reigning champion of navigation apps, Google maps is a travel must-have. Navigate new cities, download maps for offline use, and check the hours for restaurants and attractions. 
3. PackPoint: if you’re already a list maker or wish you were, this app is great tool for any trip. By plugging in your destination and potential activities, PackPoint generates a list of what to bring. It takes the weather forecast into account and allows you to edit the list and share it!
4. XE Currency: if you’re traveling internationally, this can be a great tool for some added financial security. The app updates constantly with exchange rates and if you’re shutting down data and roaming on your trip, you can download rates to use offline later. 
5. Google Trips: this app is great for an easy, organized, and accessible itinerary. Connected to your email, it automatically pulls reservations for a trip into an itinerary where you can add other reservations and make the most of suggested activities, eateries and more. You can store the itinerary offline for access. 
6. Trip Advisor: You can view the opinions of millions of users to confidently choose destinations, accommodations and activities. Review data is summarized and organized in a navigable format and full reviews are available. You can find details for any country, making the app great for all travelers. 
7. Google Translate: when traveling to a country or region with a language different than your own, Google Translate can give you the ability to engage with locals and find your way around much easier! Essential for any international travel. 

Ready to pack your bags and jet? These apps make travel so fun and easy, it’s hard to resist. Whether you’re heading abroad or staying in town, the technology in these apps are sure to add a lot to your adventure. If you’re looking for fun weekend getaways in Ann Arbor, Weber’s Hotel & Restaurant are here to serve you. Give us a call today or visit online to make your reservation.