The Ypsilanti Water Tower, or as locals call it, the “Brick Dick.” Photo by krossbow on flickr, licensed under the Creative Commons.

If you’ve decided to make the trek up to Michigan to watch the ‘Cats take on the Wolverines at home this Saturday, you’re one dedicated Northwestern fan. The trip will be long and unfortunately, once you finally arrive, you’ll find yourself in Ann Arbor. This Michigan town isn’t particularly known for its plethora of exciting dinning and entertainment options. Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work already. So if you’re going to be in Ann Arbor anyway, why don’t you:

Eat a life-changing sandwich?

Zingerman’s Deli, located a measly five minutes away from the Big House, is “one of the top 25 food markets in the world” according to Food and Wine. Their sandwiches are on the expensive side, ranging from $9.99 to $15.50 a pop, but that’s small potatoes compared to the money you paid for tickets, right? Order one of the dozens upon dozens of magnificent sandwiches (by name or number), and while you wait, sample fancy olive oils or a 150-year-old balsamic vinegar. I recommend #73, Tarb’s Tenacious Tenure. Or you can just do what my dad does and order whatever matches the last two numbers on your odometer.

Directions from Michigan Stadium (courtesy of Google Maps):

Michigan Stadium
1 E Stadium Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

1. Head north on S Main St toward Snyder Ave
1.4 mi
2. Turn right at E Kingsley St
0.1 mi
3. Turn right at N 5th Ave
194 ft
4. Turn left at Detroit St
Destination will be on the right

249 ft

Zingerman’s Deli
422 Detroit St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Visit the World’s Most Phallic Building?

Erected in 1890 in neighboring Ypsilanti, Michigan, the Ypsilanti Water Tower was named the World’s Most Phallic Building by Cabinet magazine in 2003. It’ll take you about 13 minutes to get to what locals call “The Brick Dick”.

Directions from Michigan Stadium:

Michigan Stadium
1 E Stadium Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

1. Head east on E Stadium Blvd toward Kipke Dr
2.1 mi
2. Continue straight onto Washtenaw Ave
4.5 mi
3. Turn right at N Summit St
164 ft

Ypsilanti Water Tower

Drink freshly brewed beers?

Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, called “a legend in its own time” by the Ann Arbor News, has nine beers on tap that are all brewed in-house. $4.25 for a pint, $13.00 for a pitcher, or you can get a sampler of anywhere between five and nine of their signature beers. The food is delicious as well, and moderately priced.

Michigan Stadium
1 E Stadium Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

1. Head north on S Main St toward Snyder Ave
1.1 mi
2. Turn left at W Washington St
Destination will be on the right

279 ft

Grizzly Peak Brewing Company
120 W. Washington
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Accost pretentious Wolverine fans on their home turf?

Stop by The Brown Jug bar and restaurant on South University, where likely you will find a sea of maize and blue (hopefully) in tears. Make sure to remind Wolverines fans about losses to such behomeths the last few years as Appalachian State and Toledo. So what if you’ll be reminded a thousand times that NU has not won a bowl game since Truman was president.

Directions from Michigan Stadium:

Michigan Stadium
1 E Stadium Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

1. Head east on E Stadium Blvd toward Kipke Dr
0.6 mi
2. Turn right at White St
325 ft
3. Turn right at Henry St
331 ft
4. Turn right at S State St
0.9 mi
5. Turn right at S University Ave
Destination will be on the right

0.3 mi

The Brown Jug
1204 S. University
Ann Arbor, MI 48104