Around the Area at HGTV Urban Oasis 2016

From University of Michigan's campus to the Huron River, learn your way around Ann Arbor, Michigan, the location of HGTV Urban Oasis 2016.

By: Laura James

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About Ann Arbor

About 45 miles west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is a thriving college town with a population of nearly 120,000 people. In 2010, Forbes listed Ann Arbor as one the most livable cities in the United States of America.

College Town

Ann Arbor is the home of the University of Michigan, a large public university that enrolls more than 40,000 students a year. The economy, population and culture that come with a large university like University of Michigan draws many people to the area.

Tree Town

The nickname “Tree Town” roots from the dense forests in Ann Arbor's parks and residential areas. Some other nicknames for the city include "A²" (pronounced “A-squared”), "A2" (pronounced "A two") and “The People’s Republic of Ann Arbor” as a tongue-in-cheek reference to the city’s liberal political leanings.

"The Big House"

On Saturdays in the fall, football is the main event at the University of Michigan, a member of the Big Ten Conference. Known informally as “The Big House,” Michigan Stadium has a seating capacity of 107,601, the largest American football stadium in the world.

Sandwich Staple

Zingerman’s Deli is an Ann Arbor staple, demonstrated by the regular line of patrons standing outside the establishment. The deli opened in 1982 and is now one of nine business in the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, including a bakery, creamery and restaurant. The menu offers more than 100 specialty sandwiches. President Obama has even dined there. When he spoke at the 2010 spring commencement at University of Michigan, they ran a limited-edition gelato flavor called Baracky Road.

Farmer's Market

Right around the corner from Zingerman's Deli, the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market is a popular spot on Saturday mornings. It's open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, offering a variety of fresh produce, breads, flowers, art, jewelry and more.

A River Runs Through It

The Huron River, a 130-mile-long river runs through Ann Arbor before emptying into Lake Erie. Running through several parks, the Huron River is a hub for outdoor recreation, including canoeing, kayaking and fishing. With a generally slow current and only minor rapids or obstructions, the Huron River has prime canoeing conditions. Fishermen can find blue crappie, largemouth bass, rock bass sunfish, catfish, trout and more varieties of fish living in the water.

Burton Memorial Tower

Located on University of Michigan’s Central Campus, the Burton Memorial Tower stands 120-feet tall and houses the world’s fourth heaviest carillon with 53 bells, weighing 43 tons. Designed by Albert Kahn and completed in 1936 as a memorial to University President Marion Leroy Burton, who served as president from 1920 to 1925, the high-rise tower was designed in an interesting mixture of Art Deco and Art Moderne architectural styles. Today, it houses a mix of offices and classrooms.

Historic Michigan Theater

The Michigan Theater serves as a major center for entertainment and the arts in Ann Arbor. Built in 1928, the Michigan Theater Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, operates 365 days a year, attracting more than 230,000 attendees annually. A wide range of performances, events and film screenings are hosted at the theater. It's also home to the Ann Arbor Film Festival, an annual week-long event in March that attracts more than 3,000 submissions from 65 countries.

Hogwarts or Law Library?

University of Michigan’s Law School Library looks like a place for studying witchcraft or wizardry rather than law. With stunning architecture, the Hogwarts-esque building is a must-see.

Matthaei Botanical Garden

Across from the Huron River just beyond the University of Michigan’s North Campus is the university's Matthaei Botanical Gardens, which contains 300 acres of gardens and a large tropical conservatory.

Art Fairs

The Ann Arbor Art Fairs, comprised of four not-for-profit art fairs, attract more than 500,000 people annually to the area. Running Wednesday through Saturday in the third week of July, the fairs allow visitors to stroll the streets of downtown to enjoy art, live music and children's activities.

HGTV Urban Oasis 2016 Behind the Design

Around the Area at HGTV Urban Oasis 2016

Shop This Look

About Ann Arbor

College Town

Tree Town

"The Big House"

Sandwich Staple

Farmer's Market

A River Runs Through It

Burton Memorial Tower

Historic Michigan Theater

Hogwarts or Law Library?

Matthaei Botanical Garden

Art Fairs

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