Additional Information
About EMU
Eastern Michigan University, located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, was founded in 1849 as the Michigan State Normal School, and was renamed in 1959 with the establishment of the graduate school. EMU houses five colleges with over 200 majors and has approximately 17,000 undergraduate and 3,300 graduate students a year. Diversity is a buzzword that many colleges and universities throw around, but with a student population with approximately 20% African American, 5% Hispanic/Latino, and 3% Asian, Eastern Michigan lives and breathes diversity. With over 300 student groups, 18 miles of trails on campus, and nestled close to multiple historic and bustling town areas, student life is also rich with activity. Much like the city of Ypsilanti around it, Eastern Michigan is a large university, with a small campus feel.
About Ypsilanti
Ypsilanti (or Ypsi for short), a city where an old Indigenous trail and the Huron River cross, is where culture, pride, community, and history collide creating a large city with an eclectic, small town feel. Streets are lined with family businesses and small quirky shops and a multitude of diverse restaurants that will satisfy whatever you desire, from American diner to upscale international, breakfast to nightlife. If you want to get away from the town life, you are able to explore the many parks and natural areas that dot along the river and beyond, or explore creativity of those in the community shines through the art scene and theater work found around the city. With a demographic makeup of approximately 61% White, 31% African American, 3% Hispanic/Latinx, and 3% Asian, Ypsilanti does not only promote diversity, it is a city that lives it. While often overshadowed by neighboring Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti packs a unique experience into a smaller package and certainly should not be bypassed.
Things to Do
- Depot Town
- Frog Island Park
- Michigan Firehouse Museum
- Riverside Park
- Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
Places to Eat
Around Campus
Around the Hotel
- Palm Palace
- Paesano Restaurant
- Yotsuba Japanese Restaurant
- Poke Fish Sushi
- Dickey's Barbeque Pit
- Blaze Pizza
Historic Depot Town
- 734 Brewing Company (no food)
- Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill
- Corner Brewery
- Cultivate - Coffee and Tap House
- MAIZ Mexican Cantina
- Sidetrack Bar and Grill
- Sticks Bar
Historic Downtown
- Bona Sera Restaurant (has brunch)
- Encuentro Latino Restaurant
- Haab’s
- Red Rock Barbecue - Smokehouse and Craft Beer
- Tap Room
About Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor is where the historic neighbors the contemporary. Spend the day at one of the many museums within the city, and then enjoy yourself at one of the unique, modern restaurants that is only steps away. If you prefer the outdoors, the city has many parks for exploring, from playgrounds to nature preserves. Home to the University of Michigan which was established in 1837, walk parts of campus and see The Big House up close and in person; the upbeat pace of this college town will ensure you will always have something to do. Ann Arbor is a city that will take days to explore, so plan accordingly. Built on the land which previously homed two Potawatomi villages and was then settled by German immigrants, Ann Arbor has a demographic makeup of approximately 70% White, 8% African American, 14% Asian, and 7% Hispanic.
Things to Do
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
- Michigan Theater
- University of Michigan Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
- University of Michigan Museum of Art
Places to Eat
U of M/Downtown
- Alley Bar
- Aventura (has brunch)
- China Gate Restaurant
- Frita Batidos
- Pizza House
- Sava’s
- The Blue Nile
- The Last Word Bar
- Vinology
Kerrytown
- Kosmo
- Mighty Good Coffee
- Miss Kim
- The Lunchroom (vegan)
- TeaHaus
- Zingerman's Delicatessen (an Ann Arbor legend and a Food Network Top Restaurant!)
Surrounding Area
- Black Rock Bar and Grill
- Everest Sherpa
- Mediterrano
- Zingerman's Roadhouse (part of the Zingerman's family)