Ann Arbor: Open to Explore Podcast—Accessibility, Hidden Gems & Local Flavors

A secret bonsai room. A paddle along the Huron River. A harp you can play without touching a string. My latest Travels with Darley podcast takes you to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to discover unexpected adventures and meet people working to make those experiences more accessible.

Along the way, I explore how accessibility shapes a trip: getting onto a trail, enjoying a museum, choosing a hotel, and feeling welcome at a restaurant. With local experts as our guides, we discover a city where curiosity and community go hand in hand.

Behind the scenes at Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Our journey begins at the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum. At Matthaei, bonsai specialist Carmen Leskoviansky leads me through the conservatory and into the Melvin C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden, sharing the care that goes into these living works of art.

One of my favorite discoveries is the behind-the-scenes bonsai collection. Trees rotate into the public display according to the seasons, their health, and when they look their best. It’s a reminder to slow down and notice what’s around us—something that applies to travel as much as gardening.

Horticultural lead Doug Conley introduces the people helping the gardens thrive, including intern Aiden, who is harvesting fragrant basil during our visit. Andy Traugh shares another way to explore: a trail chair visitors can check out to navigate the gardens and natural areas. Our conversation brings accessibility into the landscape, opening up more possibilities for enjoying nature.

River adventures at Gallup Park

At Gallup Park, Scott Spooner shows me how the riverfront brings together recreation and accessibility. We explore part of the Border-to-Border Trail and learn about the Universal Access Playground, designed for children of different abilities to play together.

Then it’s time to get onto the Huron River. An accessible launch system helps people board canoes and kayaks, and I head out for a paddle. Watching birds and listening to the sounds of nature, I feel a world away from the city.

Comfort food at Zingerman’s Roadhouse

After exploring outdoors, I’m ready for lunch. At Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Lisa Ann Schultz welcomes me beside the vintage neon sign and Spartanette trailer that serves as the restaurant’s to-go hub.

Inside, an extensive collection of salt and pepper shakers adds to the personality. Lisa introduces the regional American comfort food, and I sample macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. It’s a delicious stop where hospitality is part of the experience.

Museums that invite more ways to explore

At the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Melissa Westlake takes me through a world of fossils, Michigan ecosystems, and university research. She also explains the thought behind exhibit heights, readable text, and programming that considers different learning styles. Sensory backpacks offer another way to help visitors feel comfortable.

At the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Charlie Reischl shares the Access for All initiatives, which address physical accessibility, neurodiversity, and financial access. He explains how the museum’s partnership with Wheel the World helps travelers understand what visiting the space in a wheelchair is like.

Our conversation also covers My Turn at the Museum events, with reduced lights and sounds, and discounted admission for visitors using qualifying benefits. Then I try some of the hands-on fun myself, from the Stringless Laser Harp to a pulley chair and walk-on piano. There’s plenty here to spark curiosity in adults as well as children.

Food with a community purpose

Near Kerrytown Market & Shops, Detroit Street Filling Station combines imaginative plant-based food with a welcoming atmosphere. Founder Phyllis Engelbert shares how the restaurant supports local nonprofits, celebrates diverse identities, and creates opportunities for people in recovery.

I happen to arrive on Taco Tuesday, but the conversation goes well beyond what’s on the plate. Phyllis describes a place where people can feel comfortable, connect, and rebuild their lives. I sample vegan tacos, pad Thai, and fried cauliflower while learning about the community behind the food.

Downtown discoveries and Cuban-inspired flavors

For a dose of local shopping, I explore Nickels Arcade, a historic covered passage with distinctive shops, coffee, and antiques. Its architecture and small businesses make it a memorable downtown stop.

My final food adventure brings me to Frita Batidos, founded by chef Eve Aronoff. Jessica Krueger introduces me to the restaurant’s Cuban-inspired fritas and tropical batidos. A burger topped with shoestring fries and a hibiscus milkshake make for a flavorful finish to the trip.

An Ann Arbor home base

During my visit, I stay at Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor, where the episode highlights guest rooms with mobility and hearing accessibility features. I also mention Residence Inn Ann Arbor Downtown, Weber’s Hotel & Restaurant, and Bell Tower Hotel as additional lodging options.

The conversations throughout this trip show how useful it is to understand the details of an experience—from room features to museum spaces and getting onto the water. Sharing that information helps travelers choose what works for them.

Listen to Ann Arbor: Open to Explore

What stays with me most is the welcome from the people I meet. They’re willing to listen, communicate, and think about how different visitors experience their spaces.

Listen to “Ann Arbor: Open to Explore” on the Travels with Darley podcast for local voices, hidden gems, food discoveries, and a closer look at accessibility in this Michigan destination. Then explore my other Ann Arbor episode for more ways to experience the city.

What’s in this Episode:

University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum — Carmen Leskoviansky, bonsai specialist; Doug Conley, horticultural lead; and Andy Traugh, who discusses accessibility and the trail chair. The visit features the conservatory, Melvin C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden and behind-the-scenes bonsai collection.

Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor — Darley’s hotel base; room accessibility features are highlighted.

Gallup Park — Scott Spooner, deputy parks manager. Includes the Border-to-Border Trail, Universal Access Playground, accessible canoe/kayak launch and paddling on the Huron River. 

Zingerman’s Roadhouse — Lisa Ann Schultz, managing partner. Regional American comfort food, the vintage Spartan trailer and salt-and-pepper shaker collection.

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History — Melissa Westlake, assistant director for exhibits. Fossils, Michigan ecosystems, university research and accessible museum experiences.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum — Charlie Reischl. Access for All initiatives, the Wheel the World partnership, sensory-friendly programming and interactive exhibits.

Detroit Street Filling Station — Phyllis Engelbert, founder. Plant-based food, inclusivity and support for the recovery community.

Nickels Arcade — Darley explores the historic covered shopping passage.

Frita Batidos — Jessica Krueger introduces the Cuban-inspired food and drinks. 

Learn more about these and other Ann Arbor attractions at AnnArbor.org