I grew up in Ann Arbor, spending my weekends hanging out with my friends as a teenager. I knew the best places to shop, the best places to eat it was home. While I still go back and forth I haven’t had a chance to spend much time downtown, so I recently had a chance to explore with my camera.
So much has changed, but there were still so many familiar sites. I didn’t have a lot of time, but often we don’t need a lot of time, a few minutes can work just fine and that’s how things ended up with me. Short and sweet but it was just perfect.
The State Theater was always a favorite place for us. I remember seeing Purple Rain there several times. Opening in 19402 the theater has been a downtown landmark. After ownership changes, it was purchased by the Michigan Theater and recently re-opened after a renovation. I didn’t get a chance to catch a movie on this trip, so I guess it will have to be another trip. Just across the way is the Michigan Theater. On this day the marquee was celebrating a couple’s wedding. Combined with the State Theater the two give you a chance to step into beautifully historic buildings and enjoy the art of the movie or show.
Cutting through Nickels Arcade I was able to stop and look at how beautiful it is. Filled with old and new shops, it’s easy to see why it’s still such a popular spot for photos. With beautiful light streaming through the arcade forms a lovely background. I remembered with a smile my disappointment, as a girl when I found out that Nickels Arcade was not filled with games, fortunately there was Pinball Pete’s for when I got old enough to hang out with my friends. Nickels Arcade was always perfect as the perfect spot to duck in from the rain or just to window shop and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
My last stop was a spot that wasn’t around when I grew up but it has become a landmark in it’s own right. Graffiti Alley gives artists a chance to express their individual and unique talent. Passing a couple and their photographer, in this popular photo location, I stopped to watch an artist create his work. Bright, bold, graphic and colorful, Graffiti Alley is right up my alley (get it LOL).
As I go back and forth to spend time with my mom and family, it feels really good to revisit places from my past. I can’t wait to see what’s next, there is always so much to explore.
What should I add to the list?
-Trina