My City Magazine caught up with Flint Police Chief James Tolbert on Tuesday in honor of National Police Week. He had some appreciative things to say about how people in the city are coming together to improve Flint.
Hundreds of Blueberry Ambassadors all wearing their “I’m Concerned About The Blueberries” T-shirts as well as parents teachers, principals and superintendents attended the annual awards ceremony today at the Flint Farmers’ Market. The event included the announcement of three awards:
If you’re craving some zesty and authentic Mexican food, look no further than Tia Helita’s Mexican Cuisine on Saginaw Street in Burton. Every day is a fiesta at the family-owned restaurant that has been serving tacos, frosty margaritas, crunchy chips and salsa, and much more to the community for 45 years. Now owned by Monica Reed and her mother Sonia Tate, the restaurant was originally opened by Sonia’s grandparents Urbana and Mary Villarreal. “It started out very small,” says Sonia, who started working at the restaurant in 1970, cooking, waiting tables and taking orders. The menu was limited, but all the food was fresh and homemade, and patrons lined the street outside waiting for some good, authentic Mexican food, she remembers. The restaurant became so popular, they moved to a larger building at the corner of Richfield and Western Roads. Monica took the helm in 1993, and the eatery has occupied its current location since May of 1999.
Alexandria Bradley was an observant, active child who soaked up all that went on around her like a sponge.
Whether you plan your trip ahead of time or decide to just browse around downtown for the day, a visit to the arts-and-culture-loving city of Ann Arbor will inspire you, encourage you and probably tire you out! Less than an hour drive from Flint and proud home of the University of Michigan, the city is bursting with things to do for people of all ages. Hundreds of restaurants and unique shops dot the city, in addition to world-class art and historical museums, fun outdoor adventures, great music and theatre venues, and exciting festivals and football games which bring thousands of people through the city and campus area each year. Accolades for Ann Arbor are well-deserved. It’s been named one of Best Midwest Food Towns in Midwest Living; America’s Best Main Streets in Fordor’s Travel; 25 Most Beautiful Cities in America by Budget Travel; Most Walkable Cities by Governing.com and 10 Coolest Cities in the Midwest by MSN Travel. My City Magazine presents to our readers a snapshot of what this energetic and creative city has to offer. You’re sure to find something fun to do in Ann Arbor!
Ann Arbor offers some refreshing choices for enjoying nature in and around the city. Visit Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum or a local nature center – or take a fun canoe trip down the Huron River. The city offers a total of 550 canoes, one and two-person kayaks, tubes and rafts for rental, and according to parks officials, around 70,000 visitors paddle the river each year. “We’re a busy operation,” says Recreation Supervisor Cheryl Saam. “You don’t need reservations. We make it super easy and affordable for everyone.”
Experience a little bit of magic and whimsical fun the next time you visit Ann Arbor. The city is famous for a series of miniature doors created on the exteriors of several cafes, storefronts and businesses in Downtown and the surrounding area. The first fairy door was “discovered” in a baseboard in the home of Jonathan and Kathleen Wright in 1993. While renovating the over 100-year-old home, Jonathan installed the door for his young daughters, another one in the fireplace and two in the kitchen. Jonathan, a certified fairyologist, has created a website about the doors – urban-fairies.com – and has also written a children’s book entitled Who’s Behind the Fairy Doors?
Ann Arbor has been described as a city with a small-town feel and where every corner plays a new song every day. With the hot summer months on the way, here are some top attractions you won’t want to miss.
From the casual fan to the most passionate Maize & Blue fanatic, what University of Michigan football follower has not fantasized about dashing through the Michigan Stadium tunnel and onto the field before standing in the “Block M” at the 50-yard-line to the roar of 109,000 Wolverines Faithful?
From just about anywhere in The Ark’s 400-seat auditorium, it feels a lot like you’re listening to a band of folk musicians jamming in your own living room. When the room darkens and the stage lights illuminate the performers leaning toward their microphones to begin, there’s no doubt you’re in for an incredible listening experience.
The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre has remained a beloved part of the theater community since 1929 when it began as a play-reading group. With increasing interest, the Civic Theatre developed further and began running full productions in the auditoriums of local public schools. Its operational space has changed over time, and it currently occupies space on Ann Street near Downtown for its office, rehearsal studio, set-building and storage, and 40-seat Studio shows.
