Boredom Busters for Spending Fall Break in Ann Arbor

By Cammie Finch on October 13, 2014

Does it seem that everyone you know is camping up north or going to the comforts of home for Fall Break? Everyone except you? Don’t worry— here’s a list of things you can do if you are staying in Ann Arbor for Fall Break. Think of it as your “could-do” list. There are no limitations or expectations. Do all or none, and have fun!

Autumn to the Third Power
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1. Check out the Kerrytown Farmers Market. Pick up a farm-fresh pumpkin for your dorm room or your house. Need some HGTV inspiration? Check out these no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas.

Ok, this cat is adorable.
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Why not pick up two pumpkins and bake something cinnamony? Here are two of my favorite pumpkin recipes: pumpkin mug cake (easy for in the dorms) and pumpkin ice cream (for you chef-types).

Like we needed an excuse for whipped cream…
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2. Wake your brain up after the tired slog-through of exam week with a thought-provoking read found off the shelves of the Literati Bookstore.

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In David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell looks at why underdogs often exceed expectations, delving into history, politics, science and education.
In his new book Happiness by Design, Professor Paul Dolan looks at how adapting our environment and behavior can make life more cheerful.
Knopf’s Associate Art Director Peter Mendelsund investigates in his book, What We See When We Read, how readers interact with and understand the characters and actions of our most beloved literary tales.

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3. Get Dirty! Grab your gardening gloves and head over to the Nichols Arboretum for an Eco-Restoration Workday. This Saturday, October 11 from 9 am to 12 noon, you can help cut invasive shrubs like buckthorn and honeysuckle. This is a great chance to get some fresh air, meet other people who share a love for the earth, and have a direct impact on reducing the harmful effects of invasive plant species in our own backyard! For more information, visit http://www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/.

4. Dates for Your Date Night

This weekend is a fantastic time to see a live show on campus! Take your date out for dinner and a show (student tickets are only $10 each, or free with a Passport to the Arts.) My top picks are:

Cabaret by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, October 9-19 at the Mendelssohn Theatre
Kiss and Cry, a unique “finger” ballet show by the Charleroi Danses and UMS, October 10-12, Power Center. (Watch this YouTube video and prepare to be amazed! http://youtu.be/gDKnO4yYGtA)
UMMA After Hours – Explore the University of Michigan Museum of Art “after closing time” and enjoy free art, music, and refreshments!

A scene from “Kiss and Cry”
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5. Grab a picnic from Zingerman’s and head to Gallup Park for a brisk day of paddle boats, frisbee, and fun! Being close to water has scientifically been proven to make us happier, calmer, and also more successful in life and relationships. Can we push it and propose success on midterms, too?

A perfect spot for a picnic
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I’d drink apple cider to that view any day. Happy Fall Break!