When asking yourself about something to do near me in Ann Arbor with a group of friends or family, consider
Kerrytown Market Place
Why Kerrytown Market Place is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Kerrytown Market Place in Ann Arbor is a vibrant and historic destination that offers an exceptional blend of old-world charm and modern appeal, making it an ideal place for friends to meet and enjoy a memorable outing together. The marketplace is housed within historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, originally used for trades like lumber and grain, and these structures have been lovingly preserved with features like exposed brick and beams that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This setting enhances the experience as visitors explore a variety of unique shops, specialty markets, and delicious dining options. Highlights include the impressive Kerrytown Chime, a musical tower featuring 17 European-crafted bells that entertain guests with charming melodies. The market is known for a diverse lineup of shops such as FOUND, featuring handcrafted goods, and Zingerman's Delicatessen, a must-visit for food enthusiasts. The farmers market offers fresh, local produce, making it a lively hub especially on weekends and summer Wednesdays. Comfortable seating areas, including picnic tables in the farmers market zone and cozy spots in the mall and near eateries, make Kerrytown Market Place especially welcoming for visitors to rest and socialize. Its combination of historic architecture, variety of boutiques, artisanal food shops, and entertainment creates a dynamic social atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a fun day out.
Here's what people think of Kerrytown Market Place
As of recent, Kerrytown Market Place holds a 4.6-star rating based on 15 reviews.
User reviews of Kerrytown Market Place consistently highlight its charm as a shopping and dining destination. Many visitors appreciate the unique and interesting variety of shops available, praising the quality and craftsmanship of items found at stores like FOUND. Food lovers frequently mention Zingerman's Delicatessen as a highlight, especially for its beloved corned beef sandwich and its wide range of gourmet products. The farmers market draws favorable comments for its fresh fruits and vegetables, with many customers enjoying the seasonal bounty and the inviting market environment. The presence of ample seating and rest areas is frequently noted as enhancing the overall visitor experience, particularly for those who may need breaks during their visit. On the downside, some reviewers mention the challenge of parking and navigating the busy market area during peak times, which can detract from the convenience of visiting. A few visitors also express the desire for clearer shop names and signage to improve the ease of exploration. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment in the reviews is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the marketplace's unique combination of historic atmosphere, quality shopping, and excellent food options. This positive balance makes Kerrytown Market Place a favored destination for locals and tourists alike wishing to enjoy a vibrant, sociable environment.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Bill
Part of Ann Arbor. Farmers market and neat little niche stores. Fustinos has a wide variety of vinegars. You will taste some and go no way is this vinegar. They also have a website
Judy Frankowski
Always fun shops to look around in.
Ms. Anonymous
I love the new Sparrow Kitchen.restaurant. It's a nice change of pace!
Michael Walsh
Bigger hype than the experience was. High prices.
Penney Veilleux
If you cannot find what you want then you aren’t looking. Little bit of everything here. Food shops, nostalgia shops, gift shops, card shop, WAY too much to list here. Visit on Farmers market in the parking lot mid week.
How to reach Kerrytown Market Place
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Website: None
Why Kerrytown Market Place may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Kerrytown Market Place with your friends?
Kerrytown Market Place in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is an ideal rallying spot for friends seeking a vibrant, multifaceted outing. The market’s unique combination of historic ambiance and lively, modern amenities creates a welcoming atmosphere for groups to gather, explore, and enjoy quality time together. With a solid 4.6-star rating reflecting enthusiastic visitor approval, Kerrytown offers an experience that blends shopping, dining, culture, and entertainment, all under one historic roof. This environment fosters conversation, discovery, and shared experiences, whether you are sampling gourmet foods, browsing trendy artisan shops, or simply strolling through the beautifully preserved 19th-century brick buildings. For groups looking to engage in activities that appeal to diverse interests—from food lovers and shopping enthusiasts to culture seekers and casual browsers—Kerrytown Market Place provides a perfect backdrop. The market also features charming elements such as a 17-bell chime tower that plays captivating melodies, adding a unique sensory experience. Whether your goal is to savor a casual meal, hunt for one-of-a-kind gifts, or soak in a culturally rich environment, Kerrytown offers a dynamic setting that encourages lasting memories with friends or family.
What kinds of shopping experiences can you enjoy at Kerrytown Market Place?
Kerrytown Market Place boasts an eclectic mix of shops that cater to a wide array of tastes and interests, making it a prime location for group members to explore diverse retail offerings. Specialty markets provide fresh produce and gourmet delicacies, including the famous Zingerman's Delicatessen, a must-visit destination for foodies. Here, groups can immerse themselves in the bustling deli environment, sampling unique cheeses, meats, and baked goods that are often hard to find elsewhere. Artisan shops feature handcrafted clothing, gifts, and paper goods, allowing visitors to find unique items unavailable in typical retail spaces. This diversity means that friends can split up momentarily to pursue their preferred shopping interests and then regroup to share discoveries. The market also incorporates historic touches, with original brickwork and exposed beams accentuating the charm of the shopping experience. For those who appreciate local craftsmanship and quality groceries, Kerrytown provides an enjoyable and rewarding shopping outing that invites thoughtful browsing as well as spontaneous purchases.
What dining and food activities make Kerrytown an excellent group destination?
One of Kerrytown Market Place's highlights is its culinary offerings, which provide exquisite options for groups to eat and socialize. The presence of renowned establishments like Zingerman's Delicatessen ensures that visitors can indulge in legendary sandwiches and gourmet treats that are perfect for sharing. Whether the group prefers a casual lunch or a more extended dining experience, Kerrytown caters well to all appetites. Besides the deli, multiple eateries and specialty food stalls serve a variety of cuisines, from fresh market produce to gourmet coffees and pastries. The layout encourages friends to grab a bite on the go or sit down for a relaxing meal together, fostering lively conversation around communal tables. The marketplace often features a vibrant farmers market during weekends, reacting with the community and bringing fresh, local ingredients into the fold. This seasonal market buzz adds to the dynamic atmosphere, creating an engaging setting for food lovers to explore new tastes and gather around shared culinary experiences.
What cultural and entertainment activities does Kerrytown offer for groups?
Kerrytown Market Place is more than just a shopping and dining hub; it also delivers rich cultural and entertainment opportunities that make it a compelling meetup location. A distinctive feature is the 17-bell chime tower, an impressive musical instrument crafted in Europe, which provides live melodic performances that charm visitors and create a distinctive ambiance throughout the market. This unique auditory experience can offer a delightful background while groups meet, shop, or dine. Additionally, the district hosts music venues and museums nearby, which provide an extended avenue for cultural exploration before or after visiting the market. Regular events and local promotions further enrich the experience, making each visit potentially different from the last. For groups interested in immersing themselves in local arts and heritage, Kerrytown’s combination of historic architecture and contemporary cultural activities offers a vibrant, multifaceted destination that stimulates conversation and collective enjoyment.
Why is Kerrytown Market Place well-suited for group gatherings and meetups?
Kerrytown Market Place’s blend of space, atmosphere, and diverse amenities makes it particularly well-suited for gatherings of friends or family. The marketplace’s layout allows groups to comfortably navigate between shops, food stalls, and communal dining areas without feeling crowded, yet lively enough to generate energy and excitement. The preservation of the historic buildings, complete with exposed brick and beams, creates an inviting and picturesque setting that enhances the social experience. Accessibility is supported by modern conveniences such as glass elevators and enclosed walkways, ensuring the space is welcoming for visitors of all mobility levels. For groups planning longer visits, the variety of activities available—shopping, eating, listening to musical chimes, and exploring galleries or museums nearby—means there is always something to engage each group member’s interest. The social nature of the marketplace encourages interactions, whether that is sharing samples, comparing finds, or simply enjoying conversation in a warm, bustling venue. Overall, Kerrytown encapsulates the ideal balance of historic charm, cultural richness, and contemporary amenities that transform simple meetups into memorable outings.
How can visitors best plan their visit to maximize the experience at Kerrytown Market Place?
To fully enjoy Kerrytown Market Place as a group, timing a visit during weekends can be particularly rewarding, especially to experience the lively Ann Arbor Farmers Market alongside the permanent shops. The farmers market infuses the area with heightened energy and a wider array of fresh, local goods that appeal to many tastes. Allowing 1 to 2 hours for exploration helps ensure there is enough time to browse shops thoroughly, sample foods, and relax in communal spaces without rushing. For food enthusiasts, dedicating some of this time to Zingerman's Delicatessen or other specialty eateries will provide memorable culinary highlights. Visiting with a flexible itinerary permits group members to split off to pursue individual interests and then converge to share their discoveries. Additionally, paying attention to local event schedules—such as musical performances or seasonal celebrations—can add unique entertainment layers to the visit. Bringing comfortable footwear is advisable given the size of the district and the variety of activities to enjoy. Planning with these tips in mind will help visitors capitalize on everything Kerrytown offers, turning an ordinary meetup into an outstanding experience.