<p>My D was admitted to LSA EA. As she is OOS, we will be visiting Ann Arbor in March for a Campus Day visit to see what makes U Michigan so special in person. She's also waiting on several RD applications at other schools so this will be an important part of her final decision-making process. She is really excited to learn more about the possibility of choosing Michigan. Given that, I'd be really grateful for any advice from current students or alumni about how to get the most out of the Campus Day event. Also, any good restaurant recommendations gratefully received. I hear Ann Arbor is a great college town, so the food must be good!</p>
<p>Just to add on to the above my D is also an LSA EA admit and is going to Campus Day two weeks from today. Same type of question - any advice as to what to focus on during this day? My D did visit in the fall and had the basic info session and tour. So she has an idea of the campus and town, etc and is just looking for tips to get the most out of the day.</p>
<p>Son and I did Campus Day last April after his acceptance - he had not visited campus prior to this day. We enjoyed the experience - it’s definitely geared towards convincing your student to choose Michigan and highlighting why you should choose Michigan - their stellar academic programs, activities, opportunities and sports. Some of it is a repeat of the typical college visit - you’ll get a campus tour, eat in a dining hall compliments of Michigan.</p>
<p>One thing we did ahead of time, which was very beneficial, son reached out to the director of the learning community he was interested in - Alice Lloyd Scholars program. She met with us, had a student come to our meeting and answer questions, and even invited him to attend one of her classes! It was a very personal and rewarding experience. After this, son was 100% set on attending Michigan. If you have the opportunity to meet with a faculty member of the program your son/daughter is interested in, you should definitely take it.</p>
<p>Regarding restaurants, there are many great places to choose from in downtown Ann Arbor on Main Street. Angelo’s for breakfast (which is near medical school) and Zingerman’s Deli in Kerrytown for lunch are big hot spots, but also very crowded and not inexpensive. </p>
<p>Lastly, freshman orientation over the summer was most beneficial, since our son is the first to attend college among his siblings. Very information packed, establishes academic expectations early and the kids register for classes at this time, so try to go as early as possible in the summer so that all the classes they want are not full yet. If you have any other questions, ask away and I’ll do my best to answer.</p>
<p>As a third-generation alumnus, you do NOT have to twist my arm for information on why 1. Michigan is the greatest school on the planet and 2. what to do when you visit! ha ha </p>
<p>Bigdoglover- This is where you tune out because I have already sent you so many PM’s on this topic! ha Just Kidding.</p>
<p>Preface - since I was a toddler, I have known the fight song. My grandfather would often tell me that Ann Arbor was the greatest place to live in the US and Michigan the greatest school. I grew up listening to his stories and then my mother’s stories, and my aunt’s stories, and my cousin’s stories - ok you get the point. I have a lot of stories. I also have a lot of information on Michigan, past, present and future. I am a very involved alumna that keeps up with both my individual school and the school as a whole. So, of course I am going to ramble effusively, but, bear with me. I love U of M! </p>
<p>Restaurants:
Bfast - Angelo’s is superb! My husband will rarely take a trip to Ann Arbor without cajoling me to wait for a table. Usually not too busy on weekdays but weekends are another story. Other alternatives include Amer’s on State St. or Church St. the coffee house in the Michigan Union - I think it’s still Expresso Royale. </p>
<p>Lunch and/or dinner. When Desmond Howard (one of our 3 Heisman winners) was inducted into our ‘Michigan Legends’ program recently, PM me for more on that, he mentioned “Cottage Inn” in his acceptance speech! This will tell you how great Cottage Inn Pizza is! ha ha. NOT TO BE MISSED during a trip to Ann Arbor. I once had 3 U of VA football players in my car for a campus tour and they asked to be driven by 'that famous pizza place everyone talks about." HA!
Another totally iconic place that is good for both lunch and/or dinner is Pizza House on Church Street. Despite it’s name, it’s not famous for its Pizza. Rather, it serves a salad in a large pita with some delightful dressing. This is called a Chipati. SHOULD NOT BE MISSED. </p>
<p>Other faves - The Prickly Pear, Amer’s, or Gratzi on Main Street. Prickly Pear and Gratzi are sort of dressy, Amer’s not at all. </p>
<p>Fancy Smancy - The Gandy Dancer. (in an old train station and the train still goes by!) You will love this place. Your wallet might not. ha </p>
<p>DH just called…will be back later with my things you should NOT miss while on campus! 
Anyone reading this please feel free to PM me. As Bigdoglover can attest, I love my school and I know a heck of a lot about it. Happy to answer any questions I can.</p>
<p>You go L-Dog!</p>
<p>And btw, we hadn’t talked yet but I found Angelos for breakfast when I visited in the fall. Did the wait and everything - it was great!</p>
<p>Went to Campus day…today! And in fact, am stuck here in AA due to the airport’s closing in NY preventing our return. Now that we have some extra time, we will be hitting all of your recommended restaurants . We enjoyed Sava’s tonight for dinner.
Best part of the day: The housing talk given by Amir. He must have had his start in stand-up comedy.
Worst part of the day: Lunch was in a dorm (Markley?) in a separate room from Michigan students. We would have liked to mingle with the “general population” in the nicer, brighter room, maybe speak to some students. Instead, the tour groups were herded into a different room so each tour group stayed and ate together.</p>
<p>Hi Vitrac! Nice to see my peeps from the Parents of 2013 thread! Sorry about the lunch, but it’s funny you mention Markley. That’s the dorm my mom stayed in when she first got to campus in the mid-60’s! It’s been updated since then (I think.) I also ‘believe’ that is the dorm where the co-founder of Google first lived when he attended UMich in the early 90’s! </p>
<p>Hi BigDog! My hubby and I will absolutely meet you and yours at Angelo’s before a football game next fall. Tell that D of yours to choose wisely! ha ha 
</p>
<p>Ok, more things not to miss when you are on campus, in Ann Arbor. </p>
<p>1.** The Union.** You may have seen this on your tour, but feel free to go inside and explore the ‘downstairs’ area where the massive bookstore is (and all of the fast food that your student will likely eat, when they are tired of the dorm food. lol) The downstairs area of the Union is also a great place to meet a study group. The upstairs of the Union is beautiful and includes some ‘quiet study’ rooms for those who really need serenity. Of course we are proud that JFK announced the creation of the Peace Corps on the steps of the Michigan Union, and there is a plaque commemorating this act on the outside. The Union really is the heart of the campus. There actually used to be a secret society that met in the tower of the Union, but they have since moved on…</p>
<p>The Diag - The Diag is the outdoor ‘heart’ of campus. Walking through the Diag, most students will see at least one (usually more) people they know. Michigan sometimes scares people b/c it’s “too big” but I promise, walking through the Diag will cure that feeling after your first semester! Don’t step on the M however - or you won’t graduate on time! </p>
<p>The ‘Engagement Arch’ from the Diag to South U. - Legend has it that if you kiss a girl under this arch, you’ll probably end up marrying her. Lots of engagements have taken place here. </p>
<p>South University - Great little stores (don’t miss Underground Shirts or Middle Earth!) but I don’t much care for the restaurants on South U. Good Time Charleys is ok, but nothing to write home about. The Brown Jug has been around forever, and its name relates to the ‘Little Brown Jug’ that Mich and Minnesota play for in football, but the food is bar food. Not anywhere close to the other places I’ve mentioned. South University IS the street however, where the majority of the ‘naked mile’ run is conducted and also the place where we celebrate big victories in sporting events! </p>
<p>State Street stores to check out:
The M Den - This store is two floors of Michigan sports memorabilia and sports gear goodness. Need a pizza cutter that plays “The Victors?” - You’ll find it here.
Moe Sport Shops - Not technically ‘on’ State Street, but around the corner and another great place for Michigan gear.
Bivouac - Kind of like a very upscale REI. If you need excellent quality outdoor gear, you’ll find it here. </p>
<p>The Athletic Complex - Unless it’s a beautiful day, this area is probably too far to walk from the main area of campus, but if you don’t have anything else to do, I encourage you to get in the car and at least drive past our impressive athletic facilities. On State Street (leaving campus) you’ll see the Ath. Department, Ticket office, Student Athlete Academic center, Yost Ice Arena (hockey,) and the football field house and football facility (Schembechler Hall.) There is a mini-museum in Schembechler that is sometimes open to the public. Taking a right on Hoover St. will lead you down to the football stadium and it is impressive. Largest stadium in the country, 3rd largest in the world! Next to the “Big House” is Crisler Arena where our impressive Men’s hoops team has been doing very well this year! </p>
<p>As I mentioned, please feel free to PM me, and I’ll help in any way I can. ENJOY your visits to Ann Arbor. It’s a magical place and a great place to get a world-class education, have a little fun, and acquire a new family - The Michigan Family! GO BLUE!!!</p>
<p>Hey Lauren! The tour does bring the group through the Union (but not downstairs) and the Diag and the Engagement Arch (our guide called it the Engineering Arch). D2 got some great bargains on clothes at Pitaya on State Street</p>
<p>Hey Vitrac - </p>
<p>Love, love, love Pitaya. Got a wallet there this fall that everyone always complements me on! Never leave Ann Arbor, it seems, without a purchase there.</p>
<p>Perhaps the ‘actual’ name of the arch is the Engineering Arch! I would go with the guide on this one. However, it’s known on campus as THE place to get engaged You’ll find many current students whose parents (and/or grandparents) got engaged under that arch! </p>
<p>How is your D coming with her decision?</p>
<p>Hey Laurendog! It’s a beautiful day in AA. D2 having a good time here and still evaluating her choices. She has some good ones. Time will tell.</p>
<p>I wanted to add a great restaurant choice for breakfast. “Lena” on Main St. only recently started Brunch service and it was phenomenal.</p>
<p>A big thank you to everyone who took the time to answer my questions. I really appreciate the input and we look forward to experiencing the best of U Michigan when we visit for Campus Day in March!</p>
<p>A personal favorite: Comet Coffee in the Nickels Arcade, just off State St. near the northwest corner of the Diag. And I can’t believe no one’s mentioned Zingerman’s Deli, a few blocks west of campus on Detroit St. (north end of downtown A2). A little further off campus, we had some of the best tacos ever at TMAZ Taqueria, out on Packard Road; and some of the best tamales at Pilar’s Tamales, on W. Liberty (out past Stadium Blvd).</p>
<p>Some classic old A2 places that have been around since dinosaurs walked the Earth (i.e., since I was an undergrad): Pizza Bob’s on S. State (GREAT milkshakes, and how could you not love a place named Pizza Bob’s?), Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger on S. Division (cheap, greasy hamburgers; did I mention cheap?), the Fleetwood Diner downtown on S. Ashley (classic greasy spoon diner, famous for its Hippie Hash and 24 hour service, which means if you go after the bars close it will be packed). And of course, The Ark, A2’s world-renowned acoustic music club, now downtown on S. Main.</p>
<p>Hey fellow Michigan lovers (and apparently fellow dog lovers too :)). My D and I will be coming in for Campus Day next week and I eagerly read all of your good advice. It is actually my birthday next Friday (Campus Day) and my brother will be driving up from Indiana to take me out to dinner. Any suggestions on a fun, slightly nicer place to have a birthday dinner? (Not super fancy just not a total dive) btw we are vegetarians! Thanks!</p>
<p>If you are vegetarian you may want to try Seva on East Liberty</p>
<p>[Home</a> | Seva Restaurant](<a href=“http://www.sevarestaurant.com/]Home”>http://www.sevarestaurant.com/)</p>
<p>Another suggestion would be Cafe Zola on West Washington</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.cafezola.com/[/url]”>http://www.cafezola.com/</a></p>
<p>“The Engagement Arch” - never heard it called that and I began my M career as a student in 1971. It has always been Engine Arch, as it goes through the building f/k/a West Engineering. If you look in the ground floor window on the north side nearest East University you can see the naval architecture testing tank.</p>
<p>**“Don’t step on the M however - or you won’t graduate on time!” **- never heard that one either. I was told during my freshman orientation that if you stepped on it you would fail your 1st bluebook exam. Don’t know if they even use bluebooks anymore.</p>
<p>At our tour a few days ago, the tour leader referred to the bluebook exam superstition and screamed when I almost stepped on the snow covered “M!” My days of bluebook exams are long over.</p>
<p>bclintok - I don’t like Zingermans. Always a long, long line for average sandwiches. They have recently started selling Zingermans items on the ‘club level’ at football games, so maybe I’ll warm to them, but not for me and I never recommend them </p>
<p>UMDAD- People have been getting engaged under that arch for roughly 1 zillion years. And yes, as I have already discussed it is officially called the Engineering Arch. I made a mistake and referred to it by its place in campus lore, but anyone around Michigan would know it as the Engineering Arch and not the Engagement Arch. I did not get engaged under it, but I love the stories of people who do! </p>
<p>“Don’t step on the M” - This one I won’t back down from. Maybe different tour guides assign different meanings to it, but my summer orientation leader told our group that you couldn’t step on the M until your FINAL bluebook exam or you wouldn’t graduate on time. None of us did (to my knowledge. - I know I sure didn’t!) After my final bluebook exam, one of my closest friends and I went out there, and stepped all over it! ha</p>
<p>From the U of M Central Campus Walking Tour brochure, which can be found at <a href=“http://www.admissions.umich.edu/applying/Central_Campus_Walking_Tour_Brochure.pdf[/url]”>http://www.admissions.umich.edu/applying/Central_Campus_Walking_Tour_Brochure.pdf</a>.</p>
<p>17 Diag
“Legend has it that if you step on the bronze “M” in the middle of the Diag before you finish your first “bluebook” exam, you’ll fail it.”</p>
<p>21 West and East Halls
"Professor Charles Denison designed the "Engine Arch"to maintain the traditional walkway through campus. Michigan folklore states that a person is not a true co-ed until kissed under the “Engine Arch” at midnight. The folklore dates back to the time when men lived in the Central Campus residence halls, women lived in those on the Hill, and curfew was 10:00 p.m.</p>
<p>However, from the March 3, 2011 edition of the Michigan Daily which can be found at <a href=“http://www.michigandaily.com/content/michigan-myth-does-kissing-under-engineering-arch-lead-marriage[/url]”>http://www.michigandaily.com/content/michigan-myth-does-kissing-under-engineering-arch-lead-marriage</a>.</p>
<p>“There’s a myth on campus that no hopeless romantic can resist. According to campus lore, any couple that kisses under the Engineering Arch at the stroke of midnight is destined to marry.”</p>
<p>I guess that’s why it is called lore or myth.</p>
<p>UMDAD - Are you going to offer any information for parents and students visiting U of M, or are you only going to ‘correct’ me? I offered 2 long posts full of information about Ann Arbor and visiting the University of Michigan, in an effort to make upcoming visits more enjoyable for parents and students. Yes, I confused the name of the arch in my exuberance. You continue to want to point this out, so again, if I offended, I apologize. My family has been on campus since 1926 and sometimes, little details get mixed up between family lore and official ‘campus tour’ brochures. </p>
<p>I do find it funny that the article you linked to was about how the Engagement Arch moniker is NOT really a ‘myth’ since the couple featured in the article GOT MARRIED in 2010! “It’s True! Julie wrote of the myth in an e-mail interview last week.” </p>
<p>I’ve already addressed my experience with the “M” in the Diag, so I’m not going to go back and forth on that one.</p>