A GUIDE TO YPSILANTI
EXPLORE BEYOND CAMPUS
FO O D I E FAVO R ITES N E A R CA M P U S
There is a reason foodies love Ypsilanti. From taquerias to homestyle cooking to vegan-only restaurants, you’ll find creative menus and meals crafted with care. Start at one of these favorites close to campus.
This is just a sample of some of our favorite food spots in Ypsilanti. Keep exploring and get to know your city!
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH Go Big
Keep It Simple
Try the classic Cap’n Crunch French Toast and large portions at The Bomber. This local favorite doubles as a mini museum spotlighting Rosie the Riveter.
Dom Bakeries is an Ypsi must-try that locals love with fresh donuts baked daily. Pick up your iced latte from Northern Grind Coffee on your way back to campus.
LOCAL MARKETS Farmers Market
Grocery Shopping
On Saturday mornings, bring your own bag and stock up on fresh local produce and goods at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market.
The Ypsi Food Co-Op in Depot Town is a great go-to for local and organic groceries. The café sells hot foods and grab-n-go items.
MIDDAY MEALS Vegan & Vegetarian Places like Gora’s Grill and Plant Based Coneys are highly rated and offer 100% vegan menus.
Classic Diners & Drive-Ins Work your way through the classic Ypsi diners and drive-ins that have been featured on TV and have gone viral. Here are the famous four: • Bill’s Drive-In for chili hotdogs • Roy’s Squeeze Inn for burgers
• Gabriel’s for cheesesteak hoagies • Chick-Inn for chicken dinners
LATE NIGHT SNACKING Special Deals Happy hour starts at 9pm at Maiz, a local Tex-Mex hotspot with appetizer specials. Order a la carte, share fajitas for two, or come in for Taco Tuesday.
G ET O UTS I D E
Home to miles of pathways, nature preserves, Ford Lake and the Huron River, Ypsilanti and its surrounding areas are rich with nature and reasons to go outside in every season.
Whether you’re biking the Border to Border Trail, tubing down the Huron River, or picking up a new hobby, start gearing up for your next outdoor adventure.
ON THE RIVER Tubing
Kayaking
Rent a tube to experience the Argo Cascades or bring your own tube and float down the Huron River from Argo to Gallup Park (3.5 hours).
Prefer to paddle? The Argo Canoe Livery in Ann Arbor offers kayak rentals to go at your own pace around the Argo Pond.
OUTDOOR SPORTS Disc Golfing
Mountain Biking
Hit the one of the two courses at Rolling Hills County Park after visiting The Throw Shop, Michigan’s largest disc golf pro shop.
Nearby Chelsea is home to the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, a popular destination. If you like mountain biking, you must try this trail.
FINDING PEACE IN NATURE Hiking & Birding
Best Sunset Views
The Lefurge Woods Nature Preserve has trails winding through wetlands, meadows, and wooded areas. It’s the perfect birding and wildlife-viewing spot.
Clear your mind as you walk along the path at North Bay Park. This local favorite is located along Ford Lake with boardwalks that take you from island to island.
BORDER TO BORDER TRAIL Spend time biking, skating, running, or walking on the Border to Border Trail that passes through Eastern Michigan’s campus and past the GameAbove Center. Explore trail corridors within surrounding destinations like Ann Arbor, Chelsea, and Dexter. Refuel at a local café along your route.
TH E C O M M UT E R’S G U I D E
Calling Eastern Michigan University commuters! We know you’re coming here for class. But do you know about these low-cost things you can do within one mile of campus? Spend time finding the most underrated spots for great food, unique shops, and quiet parks before or after class.
Pro tip: Choose one idea from each category and build your ideal Ypsi afternoon. What you discover might surprise you!
WHAT’S FOR LUNCH? Near Campus
Downtown
Check out Gora’s Grill, a 100% plant-based restaurant, or try STUFD, specializing in burritos, or Basil Babe for fast-casual Thai food.
Grab pizza by the slice at Mama Pizza. Or head to Dos Hermanos Mexican Market — the best place to fill up on fresh salsas and deli foods.
ONLY IN YPSILANTI Go Retro
Unique Shopping
Thrift your next look at A2 Vintage. Nearby is Find & Shine Vintage, basically a treasure chest of fit finds. Or visit Wyrd Byrd, an eccentric shop that carries rare zines, vinyl, and hosts movie nights
Admire and browse crystals at World of Rocks, one of the largest rock shops in Michigan or stop in Ypsi Art Supply to shop for art supplies and all things that celebrate living a creative life.
PARK & STROLL Explore the city’s quiet parks and shaded paths. The Border to Border Trail is a mostly-paved pathway with nearly 12 miles of trails in Ypsilanti alone. Start at EMU and pass through Frog Island Park heading towards Riverside Park. These two parks are connected to Depot Town by the locally famous “Tridge” — a 3-way bridge over the Huron River. The Ypsilanti Corridor of the B2B Trail extends through Waterworks Park and ends at North Hydro Park. It’s a scenic route that’s great for biking or running.
EXTRA TIME TO SPEND? Have a few hours on your hands? Take a short drive or bus ride and catch the latest movie at Cinemark 20 or meet with friends at Best in Games, an arcade offering go-karts laser tag, and a mini-golf course. Winner takes home bragging rights!
F I N D YO U R H A N G O UT S P OT
Searching for a coffee shop near Eastern Michigan University that fits your vibe? If you’re looking for a laid-back study spot and quiet outdoor patio, there are lots of great cafés in Ypsilanti less than a mile from campus.
Choose your ideal coffee shop setting and then pair with one of the following activity ideas. Build the day that fits you!
BEST STUDY SPOTS Sweetwaters Café
Count on flavorful teas and fresh-brewed coffee to keep you energized. This is the closest café to campus and a student favorite.
Café Liv
Set up your laptop and order a latte. Tables are arranged for plenty of personal space. Local art lines the walls. The whole place is a vibe.
Take a Book Break
Find a new release at Blackstone Bookstore to bring with you next time. Or browse the offerings at Book Love Bar and lounge with a book on their comfy couches.
PREMIUM WINDOW SEATS Northern Grind Coffee
Bring your journal and find a window seat. This coffee shop serving a limited breakfast menu is the perfect place to people-watch.
Bird Dog Baking
Enjoy some sourdough bread and a grain-forward pastries from the solo seat in the corner and you’ll have a great view of Michigan Avenue.
Go Thrifting
After relaxing at a café, explore one of the nearby vintage shops and find that leather jacket or perfect dorm room decoration.
PATIO RELAXATION Hyperion Coffee
Meet friends at Hyperion’s patio. It’s tucked away in Depot Town with a quiet area outdoors.
Grab and Go
Vertex Coffee
This welcoming spot hosts a front patio with loungey seating and regular community events.
Stop into the nearby Ypsilanti Food Co-Op to stock up on snacks, baked goods, and browse handcrafted trinkets before heading back to campus.
WEEKEND PLANS
Plan your weekend around Ypsilanti’s local events and festivals, go thrifting, catch a concert, and grab brunch with friends.
Spend the weekend getting to know your college town! There’s plenty to explore. Start here:
HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND Check What’s On
There is always something exciting, or unusual happening in Ypsilanti. Choose from local entertainment, concerts in the park, art exhibits and workshops, and unique festivals. Browse the YpsiReal.com events calendar for things to do.
Listen to Live Music
Music hotspots like Ziggy’s host a range of musicians playing the stage almost every night. Discover new local bands and DJs here, in a cool setting — brick walls decorated in retro game and character artwork.
GO THRIFTING Clothing and More
Go thrifting downtown and find your next favorite outfit or signature accessory. Start at A2 Vintage, then head over to Ypsi Thrift Shop, and Find & Shine Vintage.
Decor and Antiques
For decor and antique browsing, check out Salt City Antiques and Lucky Haskins, these two shops have different vibes, and both are worth the visit!
SUNDAY BRUNCH Guatamalan Dishes
Go for breakfast at Encuentro Latino, prepping Guatemalan dishes to perfection. This highly-rated restaurant will have you coming back for more.
Classic Diner
The Bomber is a local favorite. The portions are large, the staff make you feel like family, and the theme is a tribute to Ypsi’s industrial past.
Stylish Brunch
For a chic brunch vibe, meet friends at C. King and Co. downtown in a historic building. Or sit on the patio at Thompson & Co. in Depot Town.
Order at the Counter
Small batch, from scratch, sweet and savory baked goods using local and seasonal ingredients. Think creative and elevated Midwestern classics.
FO R W H E N YO U H AV E V I S I TO RS
Your parents are visiting and you’re in charge of plans! They want to know the best spots to eat and what’s around. We are here to help. Here are a few top choices close to campus to inspire your afternoon itinerary for when the family visits.
First thing’s first: Show everyone around campus before heading to Depot Town. From the sculptures to the quiet green spaces all over, they’ll like seeing your daily route.
EARLY AFTERNOON IN DEPOT TOWN Grab a Meal
Catch up on the semester over brunch or lunch at Thompson & Co. The patio is a student favorite, with reel-worthy views of Depot Town’s colorful buildings.
What’s Next
Explore the shops on Cross Street after dining; you can even meet the resident cat at Depot Town Cats & Dogs. Then head towards the Michigan Firehouse Museum within two blocks. The museum’s mix of history and modern stories are interesting at any age.
TRAVEL THROUGH THE PARK Make your way from Depot Town to downtown by taking the paths through Riverside Park, the sidewalk on North Huron Street, or by driving.
LATE AFTERNOON/EVENING IN DOWNTOWN Stop and Shop
Stop into a few specialty shops along your route like Find & Shine Vintage, Ypsi Art Supply Co., or World of Rocks. Or browse records together at A2Vintage. Or pick out classic model cars to build at ModelCave. Ypsi is filled with eclectic independent shops to check out.
Dinnertime
Dining for a special occasion? Surprise your parents by making reservations at C. King & Co. It’s a cozy restaurant that has been thoughtfully renovated with beautiful décor. Or go for Bellflower, a neighborhood spot with a wellcrafted, seasonal, rotating menu.
Sweet Treat
Grab a handmade ice cream novelty from the walk-up window at Cold Comfort before you head back to campus.
S P E N D TH E DAY I N A N N A R BO R
One of the perks of attending college in Ypsilanti is being neighbors with a prominent university town with even more experiences made for students. If you’re seeking a change of scenery, spend a day finding out what’s just down the road.
Visit AnnArbor.org to discover even more.
YOUR STARTING POINT By Car
By Bus
Take highways or backroads directly to Ann Arbor. There are plenty of parking structures or street parking available downtown.
Take TheRide’s Route 104 Washtenaw Express from the bus stop at Washtenaw + McKinney to Blake Transit Center.
Did you know?
TheRide’s Bus Pass Program provides free monthly bus passes to EMU students. It’s an eco-conscious approach while getting around for free.
STATE STREET Pinball Pete’s
Find new games on the top floor and classic pinball and Skee-ball in the basement of Pinball Pete’s.
State Theatre
Catch a movie at the State, just look for the marquee and head inside to find out what’s playing.
What to Eat
Dine at The Seoul for modern Korean BBQ. End the day with ice cream from Michigan Creamery around the corner.
MAIN STREET Vault of Midnight
A one-stop shop for new release comics, collectibles like Sonny Angels, and niche board games.
Rocket Fizz
Next, make your way to Rocket Fizz. Stock up on just about any candy or soda flavor you can think of.
What to Eat
End your trip at Frita Batidos, a popular Cuban-inspired fast-casual restaurant. If you hear the music playing outside, you’re in the right spot.
KERRYTOWN A Charming Corner of Town
Home to the famous Zingerman’s Deli and local vegan favorite Detroit Street Filling Station. Love listening to live music? Browse the calendar at North Star Lounge.
Market & Shops
Visit Kerrytown Market & Shops that includs Sweetwaters Café, a grocery market, and a pizza counter. Or plan a visit here on Saturday mornings during the Farmers Market.
N O CA R N O P RO B L E M
So now you’re on campus and want to know what to do in Ypsilanti, and how to get there. No car? No problem! Here’s the ultimate collection of Ypsi must-dos that are close to Eastern Michigan.
GETTING AROUND By Bus TheRide is your closest public transportation option and offers discounted, monthly bus passes for students.
By Bike Navigate Ypsilanti by bike lanes and shared roads, with free self-service bike repair stations in town. Ypsi has earned national recognition as a bicyclefriendly community.
By Trail
The non-motorized Border to Border Trail connects Ypsi with parks and nearby towns. Choose the long route to the nearby cities of Chelsea and Dexter.
WHAT’S NEARBY A little of everything! Restaurants, vintage shops, and activities like escape rooms are within walking distance of Eastern’s campus. Take a brief bus ride and you’ll have access to even more entertainment, like a double feature at Cinemark 20, and a late-night arcade session at Best in Games across the street. Take the bus to downtown Ann Arbor and discover the college town next door.
WHERE TO EAT North of Campus
Some of the best food in Ypsi is on the northside of campus at Chef Restaurant Mediterranean Grill. Or if you’re craving Chinese, head to Lucky Garden. Top off the day with a sweet treat from Candy Coated Creamery next door.
South of Campus
Make Basil Babe a regular stop on your restaurant rotation for thai food. In the mood for burritos? STUFD is just two blocks down, open daily until midnight.
COFFEE, TEA & STUDY SPOTS Choose Sweetwaters or Northern Grind Coffee for your close by, off-campus coffee shop and go-to study spot. It’s a change of scenery with flavorful specialty drinks. Pair your beverage with a breakfast sandwich or light snack.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
ypsireal.com @ypsireal
facebook.com/ypsireal
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESTINATION ANN ARBOR
@ypsireal