History and Charm in Kerrytown

With a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s, the charming neighborhood of Kerrytown in Ann Arbor is full of things to discover. Located on the north side of downtown, the Kerrytown neighborhood is named after County Kerry in Ireland, and boasts internationally-inspired dining, super unique shopping, and pleasant, tree-lined walkable streets.

For those who love great food, Kerrytown is a gem for more reasons than one. Zingerman’s Deli is the mainstay of the neighborhood - a culinary giant that has influenced local and regional cuisine unlike any other Ann Arbor institution. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, “the Deli” is part restaurant, part grocer, part foodie mecca, and 100% not-to-be-missed during a visit to Ann Arbor. As a result of Zingerman’s Deli’s success, several other Zingerman’s businesses have popped up in the past few decades, including Miss Kim, another Kerrytown restaurant. Miss Kim focuses on Korean comfort food and is dedicated to using local ingredients however possible. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is located in the heart of Kerrytown, and is a great spot not just for fresh, delicious produce, but for artisanal cheese, baked goods, raw sauerkraut, fresh flowers and more.

Shoppers will also love the Kerrytown neighborhood. Within the Kerrytown Market & Shops (a quaint shopping center in the heart of the district) visitors will find Found, one of the most unique shops in the area - incorporating an art gallery, vintage shop, and modern home decor source. In the same building on the top floor, the yarn shop Spun is a kaleidoscope of color for crafters and knitters. Just down the street, Thistle & Bess has quirky and special gifts and home items, and is adjacent to a lovely outdoor seating area and close to one of our favorite places for tea, the TeaHaus (which also has incredible macarons!). Mudpuddles is a must-go for kids and families, with unique, educational, and innovative toys and games.

Housed in a 19th-century home, the Kerrytown Concert House is a hot spot for avant-garde, classical, and unique music in the Ann Arbor area. Other artistic and cultural attractions in Kerrytown include the Museum on Main Street (great for those interested in local history) and the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum (a regionally-famous experience for kids and families).

Artistic and cultural events abound in Kerrytown, as well. The Farmers Market is the new home for FoolMoon, a ridiculous, beautiful long-standing Ann Arbor tradition that kicks off spring each April, and the African American Downtown Festival highlights the neighborhood’s rich history of black Ann Arborites and their contribution to the city throughout the years, just to name a few.

Click to learn more about the Kerrytown District >