Halloween Decoration Ideas for Your Ann Arbor Home

Decorating for Halloween can involve the entire family. To begin, select a large orange pumpkin together for the front door area. Carving a spooky face and adding lights inside will set the mood. Now comes the fun part — how to create a one of a kind Halloween experience for the little trick or treaters that will ring your doorbell. Ask each family member what they like best and incorporate their ideas into the decorations.

Ann Arbor Halloween Home
by Between Naps on the Porch

Halloween Decoration Ideas for Your Home

There are the typical plastic spiders to hang up dangling from fake cobwebs and the stuffed black cats placed in windows. But you can also try unusual things this Halloween. Some people have displays of Autumn items such as a scarecrow or pumpkin patch in the yard. A friend decided to pretend to be the scare crow and as the children walked up he moved slightly. It took a few minutes for them to realize that the stuffed scare crow was moving and they would get the candy and run screaming down the steps.

There are eerie sounds like creaking doors and spooky noises to greet the children as they ring the doorbell. Or you might add chuckling or boo sounds to the pumpkin by the door. It will amuse children when the pumpkin talks.

Also, add some of the deep purple lights on windows or front gates. Not only do they look beautiful but they cast a glow on the pumpkins by the door. Or you can decorate with strings of miniature lighted pumpkins. These light the entryway of your house without being to bright.

Halloween Party Ideas

If it’s a Halloween party you are throwing add dry ice to the table in a “witch’s cauldron.” The overflowing mist will provide atmosphere to the night. Sometimes, in Ann Arbor it can be cold even as early as Halloween. So when you use decorations outside its best to not use cardboard cut outs as they won’t hold up. Instead, think of plastic or natural fibers such as ghosts made of weather resistant cotton. A display of ghosts can be created in the front yard to attract trick or treaters.

Plan ahead so that you have the time to make a Halloween night to remember. You can use different sizes of pumpkins each with a scary or cute face to decorate outside. When the pumpkins are lighted their glow will be welcoming to passers by.

Halloween Home Decorations
by FOCAL POINT STYLING

Halloween in Ann Arbor

Halloween in Ann Arbor can be magical. Its a wonderful close knit community 35 miles west of Detroit. Near the Huron river it has dense forests and hills. The University of Michigan is located here as well as the Nichols Arboretum.

When holidays arrive its great when everyone gets into the decorating. Driving down the city streets look at the shops to get some new ideas. Work with your neighbors to make a whole block a Halloween spook adventure. Creating a spook house is another idea you might consider. With black cats and candy corn it is sure to be a hit.

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Ann Arbor’s Halloween Attractions & Pumpkin Patches

Ann Arbor is a beautiful tourist town that offers a wealth of amenities to local residents and visitors. October brings many fun, family-oriented events to the Ann Arbor community, including several great haunted attractions and corn mazes. If you are looking for some fun Halloween thrills this fall in the Ann Arbor area, you should check out these exciting attractions that are coming up.

Ann Arbor Halloween Cemetary
by Sk12

The Brandywine Cemetery

  • Where: 2727 Brandywine Street in Ann Arbor
  • When: October 30th and 31st. Gates are open between 7PM and 7:30PM, gate closes at 9PM
  • Price: Free. Donations are accepted for area charities each year. This year’s contribution will go to the local food bank
  • More Info: Click Here

The Brandywine Cemetery Tour is a haunted attraction that is located in the southeast part of Ann Arbor. This beautifully detailed cemetery contains amazing sculptures of gargoyles, tombstones and various props that are used for haunted attractions throughout the city. This gore-free event is a fun way for the entire family to enjoy the spirit of the Halloween season. Each year the Brandywine Cemetery takes up donations to benefit local Ann Arbor charities.

Slaughterhouse Adventure

  • Where: 5781 Grand River in Fowlerville
  • When: Open every Friday and Saturday starting on October 4th, from 7PM to 11PM
  • Price: Slaughterhouse, Haunted Maze and Haunted Hayride are all $13.00 per person, per event. Combos and Group Discounts are available. Price for Haunt-Free Corn Maze is $6.00, children under 4 are free.
  • Phone: (517) 223-9140
  • Web: Click Here

The Slaughterhouse Adventure located in nearby Fowlerville offers an abundance of thrills and chills for all ages. There are plenty of spooky attractions and gore-filled mazes to take part in at this annual Halloween event, as well as a family-friendly haunt-free corn maze. The Slaughterhouse Adventure and Grand River Corn Maze guarantee that you will have an experience like no other, whether you travel through the haunted maze, take a tour of the Slaughterhouse, or travel along on the Haunted Hayride. There are combo packs available so that you enjoy two, or all three attractions at a discounted price.

Ann Arbor Corn Maze
by Lulu Hoeller

The Blast Corn Maze

  • Where: 6175 Daly Road in Dexter, MI
  • When: September 1st through November 9th, from 5 PM to 10 PM on Fridays, 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays and 11 AM to 8 PM on Sundays.
  • Price: $7.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Children ages 5 to 12. Children under 4 are Free. Group rates of 15 or more people are $5.00 per person. Hayrides cost an additional $3.00 per ride.
  • More Info: Click Here

The Blast Corn Maze is a family friendly event that is located in Dexter, MI which is not too far from Ann Arbor. There is a ten acre corn field that features 3 ½ miles of trails with three exits. Kids can play on the mountain of straw or in the corn box before of after walking through the maze. Other attractions include the Corn Cannon, Cow Train, Duck Races, Pedal Car event and Picture Props. There will be pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds, corn stalks and straw bales available to purchase in October.

Halloween in Ann Arbor, MI

The Ann Arbor community has a lot of fun and spooky attractions to offer local visitors and residents each year. Whether you are hoping to experience the scariest entertainment in town or get lost inside a corn maze with the entire family, you are sure to find an event that will suit your fright level in or around Ann Arbor.

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Great Places to Shop at in Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor, Michigan is a popular tourist destination that has a population of around 113,934 residents. The city of Ann Arbor is the county seat of Washtenaw County. This historical town was founded in 1824. Once the University of Michigan relocated to Ann Arbor in 1837, the city began to grow at an impressive rate. Today, Ann Arbor is known as one of America’s “Best Small Cities” and has been listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the most livable cities in the United States.

The residents of Ann Arbor get to enjoy all the benefits of living in a small community while also being part of a historical tourist town. Since so many people visit Ann Arbor each year, there are many great locally owned shopping opportunities in the area. Here are some of the top three places to shop in Ann Arbor:

Shopping Malls in Ann Arbor

Kerrytown Market & Shops

Kerrytown Market & Shops is a shopping center that contains a wide variety of different shops, boutiques, and restaurants. At this popular shopping mall, customers may purchase everything from toys to jewelry and clothing. This location is the home of the Sparrow Market and Kitchen as well as Sweetwaters, Hollanders, and Fistolinis Oils. There is a good mixture of both well-known chain stores and locally owned shops at Kerrytown. And the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market is open every Wednesday outside the mall.

The Foggy Bottom Bayou

  • Located at: 213 S State Street
  • Phone: (734) 913-1040

Ann Arbor residents who love to smoke enjoy going to the Foggy Bottom Bayou because this shop features a wide selection of cigars, cigarettes, and other tobacco products at a reasonable price. This tobacco store is located in downtown Ann Arbor and attracts a lot of local tourists as well as frequent visits by the locals. Along with a good selection of reasonably priced tobacco products, the Foggy Bottom Bayou also sells custom made blown glasswork that make exceptional gifts for friends and family members. Check out this one-of-a-kind shop the next time you are in the downtown area.

Vault of Midnight Comic Books and Stuff

Vault of Midnight Comic Books and Stuff is a comic lover’s dream come true. This store, located in downtown Ann Arbor, features classic comic book titles along with a wide assortment of action figures and other comic book memorabilia. The store has a great selection of graphic novels, vinyl toys, and games for every genre. This location has been deemed as one of the very best comic book stores in the state, which is mainly due to their overwhelming inventory. The staff members who work at VoM are also very knowledgeable when it comes to current comic related trends as well as all the classics. If you are a comic book enthusiast, do not expect to leave this store empty-handed.

Ann Arbor is a beautiful town that is rich with history. The residents who live in this area get to enjoy all the fine amenities that come along with living in one of the top small towns in the nation. Be sure to check out one of these fine, locally owned establishments the next time you are visiting the pleasant town of Ann Arbor.

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Great Places to Eat at in Ann Arbor, MI

Dining in Ann Arbor, Michigan is an experience in worldly cultures. If you have a taste for something specific, chances are that any of the unique Ann Arbor neighborhoods has just what your taste buds desire. Ann Arbor is generally known for its varied cuisine with a multi-cultural flair. Restaurant dining covers the top chef gamut of Asian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Spanish and good ole Saturday American menus. A taste of Ann Arbor’s delectable dining environment, includes:

Ann Arbor MI Restaurants

Mani Osteria & Bar

  • Italian
  • Downtown Ann Arbor
  • 341 E Liberty St
  • Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Mani Osteria and Bar is a great family friendly restaurant and bar, which specializes in the best in Italian cuisine. Mahogany oak tables, with woodwork trim, as well as white linen sets the tone for this perfect family atmosphere, with dishes prepared by a top chef. Their menu features such fares as pasta, pizza, barbecue ribs, grilled sandwiches, antipasti, soup, crispy pork belly with apricot marmalade, and many specially prepared seafood dishes. While you are enjoying these amazing dishes, you might want to down a glass of Ann Arbor’s popular craft beer, old world wines, and specialty cocktails. They are open, almost daily, to delight your palate, from Tuesday – Sunday.

Jerusalem Garden

  • Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
  • Downtown Ann Arbor
  • 307 S 5th Ave
  • Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Don’t be fooled by the little light brown and green building in this downtown neighborhood. It resembles the many residential homes around it, however it’s the home of Jerusalem Garden, a wonderful restaurant whose menu is filled with big authentic Mediterranean tastes. The University of Michigan students love this restaurant because of its affordability, its proximity to the campus, and large portions of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Whether take-out or dine in, the Jerusalem Garden serves offerings that include hummus, grilled shish kabob, falafel patties, baklava, tabbouli, rice pilaf, mjaddara, soup and salad. The atmosphere is like the neighborhood, old world friendly, helpful, and there is plenty of parking. They welcome you daily for lunch and dinner and their catering service is fast and delicious.

Casey’s Tavern

  • American
  • 304 Depot St
  • Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Casey’s Tavern is a great traditional beer and hamburger style bar. Casey’s is one of the many local neighborhood taverns, sprinkled throughout Ann Arbor. Located across the street from the train station, you can find Casey’s Tavern in the historic neighborhood of Depot Street. It is the neighborhood gathering spot, especially during playoff games. Their menu is the great American cuisine of steaks, beer, fries, burgers, salads, fish, deli sandwiches, vegetables, and their “blackboard specials.” Casey’s was voted Michigan’s best neighborhood tavern because of the dining experience that it provides. Casey offers menu specials for the whole family, many of which are classic foods like black bean chili with grated cheese, onions and sour cream. They are open six days a week, from 11 to 11.

Ann Arbor is a mix of the old and the new, of luxury and affordability. The communities, the people, the entertainment, and the dining experiences help to make Ann Arbor a vibrant, growing, and culturally mixed restaurant for people who believe in living life to the fullest.

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Great Places to Get a Coffee at in Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor, Michigan is known for being an arts and entertainment hub that is home to a variety of top-notch restaurants, boutique shops and more than 200 pristine parks. This vibrant city also boasts plenty of great coffee shops to stop in for your favorite drink and a quick bite to eat. Local favorites include Mighty Good Coffee Cafe, Comet Coffee, and Lab.

Coffee Shops in Ann Arbor MI

Mighty Good Coffee Cafe

  • 217 N. Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
  • Phone: (734) 222-4514
  • Website: Click Here

Stop by Mighty Good Coffee Cafe at any time and you’re sure to find the place packed with studying grad students and busy coworkers enjoying the free Wi-Fi along with a delectable coffee. The cafe is located on Main Street in Kerrytown and is known for its knowledgeable, friendly staff who prepare each drink artfully and with skill. Visitors can try the coffee of the day or pick from one of Mighty Good’s signature drinks such as the sea salt cocoa latte, cold press au lait or cinnamon hazelnut latte. Customers can also purchase decaf drinks or fresh roasted beans to brew their own coffee at home. The delicious pastries are a fine accompaniment to any drink and quite popular with all who visit.

Comet Coffee

  • 16 Nickels Arcade, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
  • Phone: (734) 222-0579
  • Website: Click Here

Comet Coffee, located in downtown Ann Arbor inside Nickels Arcade, is open daily and provides complementary Wi-Fi and outdoor seating. This cozy, relaxed cafe offers a variety of drinks including many prepared with single-origin organic beans. Coffee purists rave about Comet Coffee’s devotion to classic drinks such as regular drip coffee, French pressed and espresso. Other favorites among customers include the iced latte and the mocha. Visitors who aren’t sure what to get are encouraged to try a few samples to help them decide. If you’re hungry, don’t hesitate to try the popular apple tart.

Lab

  • 505 E. Liberty Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
  • Phone: (734) 827-2233
  • Website: Click Here

Thirsty patrons find Lab nestled in downtown Ann Arbor on East Liberty Street. This coffee shop features minimalist decor and a clean interior that customers find adds to its charm. This popular spot is known for regularly rotating their coffee beans to give customers a variety of choices at each visit. Top customer brew choices include Intelligentsia, Madcap and Counter Culture. Lab also boasts self-serve frozen yogurt as well as a variety of pastries, including several gluten-free options. Free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating are available. Lab also features live music on specified evenings.

Having a Coffee in Ann Arbor

If you love coffee, make sure to check out these great coffee shops in Ann Arbor. In addition to your favorite drinks and pastries, each location offers a unique atmosphere ideal for getting some studying done, meeting with friends or simply treating yourself on a quiet afternoon.

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What Summer Is Like In Ann Arbor, MI

Summer Fun In Ann Arbor:

Welcome to a summer festival of constant fun and ongoing entertainment in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The 2013 summer months in Ann Arbor run from May to September, with indoor and outdoor performing arts. The festival encompasses street parties, varied dance ensembles, film series, visual arts, family events, exhibitions and music everywhere. There are ticketed events and open space free events ongoing from downtown Ann Arbor to the University of Michigan. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival features local, national and international artists from all genres of art and entertainment.

Ann Arbor Summer Festival

Summer Festival Line-Up:

This year’s summer festival will feature renowned acts, such as Britain’s Django Django, the Capitol Steps, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Preservation Hall Jazz Band with New Orleans Bingo, Garrison Keillor, and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. for the kids, the amazing Montreal circus troupe of Les 7 doigts de la main performs as well as the 3D Kid Zone:Rocks and Robots demonstrations. No, entertainment is not over yet, join tourists and residents at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. We’ll see you Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. To 6:00 p.m., and Wednesdays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. under the starry night sky. The 2013 Summer Art Fair is located on Main, Liberty and State Streets with artist booths, live entertainment and plenty of art demonstrations, maybe even including you!

For more information about Ann Arbor’s Summer Festival, visit their website: click here.

Reading Is Fun In Ann Arbor:

The books are coming, the book geeks are coming! Meet avid book readers at Ann Arbor’s summer book fair which is held every May. 2013 marked the 35th annual Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair which was held in the Ballroom of the Michigan Union on South State Street and will held at this location in 2014. Readers and writers attend this event by the thousands because it features noted authors who read and discuss their works. Children are enthralled with Disney, animated characters, and children’s book authors reading to them, as well as entertaining them with arts and crafts. During the Antiquarian Book Fair, many antiquarians showcase first editions, original manuscripts and literary collectibles.

For more information about book events in Ann Arbor, visit this website: click here.

Ann Arbor Art Fair:

Yes, there is still more Ann Arbor summer fun. Join everyone for the four event, Ann Arbor Art Fair which runs from July, 17th to the 20th. The first art fair is held around the clock tower of the University of Michigan and features 200 artists who not only paint and draw, but become their own art pieces with interesting performances. The second art fair location is downtown on Main Street with jewelry artisans, sculptures, ceramic artistry, photography, glass works, fiber wear, activities for the children and lots of food and drinks for those humid summer evenings. The State Street Art Fair is an award winning display of local, regional, and international artistic talent. The fourth art fair is Ann Arbor’s South University location where traditional, modern, avant-garde and next generation art forms come together for an amazing display of talent.

For more information about the Ann Arbor Art Fair, visit their website: click here.

Come One, Come All:

Ann Arbor is the place to be this summer for non-stop entertainment for the whole family. There are no strangers at the summer festival, only smiling faces. Eat, drink and be gloriously giddy at the myriad of events that take place all summer long. If you want to join in this excitement every year, make sure you have the right house to call Ann Arbor home!

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Ann Arbor’s Alley Bar

Alley Bar Ann ArborLiving in Ann Arbor isn’t like living in a suburb. Locals love getting out, spending the night eating at delicious restaurants and seeing popular movies. And with great evening starters, you need to cap off the night with a fun experience — which can be found at the Alley Bar. As one of the most distinguishable buildings in Ann Arbor, the Alley Bar has built up a legendary reputation where locals can meet and enjoy a casual atmosphere of drinks. Located in downtown Ann Arbor, it commands a convenient location for people to cap off the night with a couple cocktails after a great time eating out. It’s the perfect mesh between creative mixers and favorite cheap beers. The atmosphere maintains the “Goldilocks” standard, where it keeps things casual, but not too casual for local residents. So, if you’re looking for a fun weekend out-on-the-town, Alley Bar is one place to go.

Bringing the Pickle Back

One of the Alley’s signature campaigns of late has been “bringing the pickle back.” When you first see one, you think it’s a shot of whiskey followed with a shot of pickle juice, but that’s not enough to describe the experience. Test your sour face and see why it has become a popular Ann Arbor drink. That’s the only way to understand the experience at the Alley Bar.

Location & Information

Living in Downtown Ann Arbor

If you enjoy the lively atmosphere of downtown Ann Arbor and want to experience it everyday, search our current listings for nearby homes and condos. You’ll not only have the convenience of being near all the places you love, but have luxurious amenities that makes living even that much sweeter. Read our article for more information, Ann Arbor Lofts, or search our current listings:

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