Shakespeare in the Arb!

Last night we went to see A Midsummer Night's Eve at Nichol's Arboretum-- and I would highly recommend it to everyone.  There is something hilarious about traipsing around in the woods, watching a play where the characters spend lots of time traipsing around in the woods!  

If you love Shakespeare, you will enjoy the sheer beauty of the surroundings, as well as the play-- and if you're not a huge fan, you may be surprised at how much you enjoy the play itself-- and how FUNNY it is!  Shakespeare spoofs actors and audiences, as well as the aristocracy.

To add to the atmosphere, the peonies are also blooming

One of the parts that I loved best, was walking from scene to scene, with fairies running around in the woods-- and other fairies playing music.

 Be sure and bring a folding chair, if you don't enjoy sitting on the ground.  It may be possible to catch a ride on a golf cart rather than walking-- but I would call first and inquire.


The play runs Thursday through Sunday, until June 28.  Senior prices are $17, or with a Matthaei-Nichols membership, a reserved ticket is $15.  Read all the details here.

Ann Arbor action-packed weekend!

If you are planning on visiting the peony garden, now is the time!  This photo was taken today (Friday June 5), at noon, and the garden looks perfect.

This is the largest peony garden in North America, and has been open to the public since 1928.  Curious as to how it got here?  Check out this link to read the history.

On Sunday at 2-3:30 PM, hear Chinese flower songs performed in the peony garden (details here)

And what better Shakespeare to see in the Arb, but A Midsummer's Night's Dream-- the play that 14 years ago, began the tradition.  On now, through June 28, Thursdays through Sundays, at 6:30 PM.  (details here).

YA'SSOO!  Greek festival-- Greek food and dancing, all for a good cause.  Basically, a huge Greek party!  Lots of fun for you and the grandkids.  11- midnight on Friday and Saturday,  noon to 6 on Sunday  (details here)

Water Hill neighborhood yard sale-- Saturday 9-3  Your chance to check out this cool neighborhood on foot, while walking the yard sales.  (map here)

Motawi Tileworks summer mega sale!  Saturday 10-3 (details here)



There are many other fun activities, including nature walks, history events and art shows and sales.  Want to see a more complete list?  Check out The Calendar from The Ann Arbor Observer.

Summer in Ann Arbor!

It seems that every year someone asks me, "how can you retire in Ann Arbor where the winters are so cold?"  After explaining that I am a Michigan native, so I love snow and cold weather, I then admit that my enjoyment runs out of gas somewhere at the end of January, and we leave.  (One of the beauties of retirement.)

And now we're back, the garden is in, and I am overwhelmed with all the things to do in this great town that we call home.  Of course, Michigan is one of the most beautiful spots to be during this time of the year-- and I am inspired by the beautiful gardens in the Arb, the wildflowers that are showing up on the walk along Argo Pond, and my own back yard!

Our calendar is filling up with all the "can not miss" summer activities, such as German Park, Top of the Park, the Art Fair, Wednesday's Farmer's Market and Sonic Lunch-- and it's time to start re-acquainting ourselves with the fantastic happy hour venues in Ann Arbor as well.

I'll be posting the fun things we do this summer-- and I hope you join in.  If you think I'm missing something, please let me know--  maybe we can post together!
Regards,
Wendy
wendy@retiredinannarbor.com