Let the favorites begin! The ballots are in, the votes have been counted, and now Ann Arbor Family reveals the 2010 Family Favorites! Thanks to all our readers for telling us what they love most about the Ann Arbor area. From local experts to exciting sites, it’s no wonder we love to call Ann
Arbor home!
LET’S EAT
FAMILY RESTAURANT
Bagger Dave’s
859 W. Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor
734-994-3283
www.baggerdaves.com
Runner up: Bob Evans
UNUSUAL KIDS’ MENU
Qdoba
For locations, www.qdoba.com
Runner up: Red Robin
FUN PLACE FOR DINNER
Chuck E. Cheese
2655 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor
734-222-1003
www.chuckecheese.com
Runner up: Red Robin
ETHNIC RESTAURANT
Mi Zarape
7025 E. Michigan Ave., Ste H, Saline
734-470-6638
Runner up: Palm Palace (formerly La Shish)
PIZZA JOINT
The Original Cottage Inn
512 E. William, Ann Arbor
734-663-3379
www.cottageinn.com
Runner up: Anthony’s Gourmet Pizza
BURGER PLACE
Bagger Dave’s
859 W. Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor
734-994-3283
www.baggerdaves.com
Runner up: Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
ICE CREAM SHOP
Washtenaw Dairy
602 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor
734-662-3244
www.washtenawdairy.com
Runner up: Kilwin’s Chocolates
PLACE WHERE KIDS EAT FREE
Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack (Sundays)
104 E. Michigan Ave., Saline
734-944-6227
www.macsinsaline.com
Runner up: Moe’s Southwest Grill
NATURAL FOOD STORE
Whole Foods
3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Runner up: Trader Joe’s
HEALTHY FAST FOOD
Subway
For locations, www.subway.com
Runner up: Noodles & Company
TOPS IN A2
PLACE TO CHANGE A DIAPER
Von Maur
300 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor
734-622-0233
www.vonmaur.com
Runner up: Ikea
KID-FRIENDLY GROCERY STORE
Busch’s Fresh Food Market
For locations, www.buschs.com
Busch’s Grocery Store admits
the era of the corner grocer has
passed, but that doesn’t stop
them from using the best in local
foods and current technology to
give their customers that same
kind of old-fashioned attention.
With fifteen locations across
Southeastern Michigan, including
two in Ann Arbor, Busch’s
offers produce from the Detroit
Produce Market and carries several
area brands. The in-store tags on most shelves have nutritional labels such
as “fat free,” “organic, and low carb” to help health conscious shoppers more
easily pick the appropriate foods. Keeping convenience at the forefront, Busch’s
also offers the MyWay program, allowing customers to track their shopping
history online to find the best deals on the products they buy most. Customers
can also print or download to their phone a grocery list, arranged by the flow of
the store for quick and easy navigation, or subscribe to a grocery pickup service
where purchases are ready to load in the car the minute they arrive – perfect for
families on the go!
Runner up: Trader Joe’s
NEIGHBORHOOD TO RAISE KIDS IN
Saline
Runner up: West Side
PLACE FOR KIDS’ HAIRCUTS
Arcade Barbers
Nickels Arcade, Ann Arbor
734-665-7894
www.arcadebarbers.com
Runner up: Fantastic Sams
BEAD STORE
Stony Creek Bead & Gallery
2060 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
734-544-0904
www.stonycreekbead.blogspot.com
Runner up: Jo-Ann Fabrics
PROGRAM, ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOLERS
My Urban Toddler
7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline
734-944-3628
www.myurbantoddler.com
Runner up: Lamaze Family Center
SUMMER DAY CAMP
Yspilanti Township Recreation Center
1015 Congress St., Ypsilanti
734-483-5014
www.ewashtenaw.org
Runner up: Varsity Day Camp
BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
TCF Bank
For locations, www.tcfbank.com
Runner up: Chase
FAMILY FRIENDLY CAR DEALERSHIP
Varsity Ford
3480 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
734-996-2300
www.varsityford.com
Runner up: Briarwood Ford
TEACHER
Mrs. Kelly
Early Learning Center
3070 Redwood Dr., Ann Arbor
734-973-7722
www.elcpreschool.com
Runner up: Mrs. Zeichman,
Bach Elementry
TUTOR/LEARNING CENTER
Step Ahead Learning Center
152 S. Industrial Dr., Saline
734-944-5658
Runner up: Rainbows Child
Development Center
DENTIST/ ORTHODONTIST
Dr. Eric Brust
2355 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
734-662-7200
www.drbrustortho.com
Runner up: Raymond Maturo, Ann
Arbor Pediatric Dentistry
OPTOMETRIST
Jennifer Sortor
117 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
734-665-5306
Runner up: Stadium Opticians, Inc.
KIDS’ PHOTOGRAPHER
Cheryl Hall Photography
734-426-8223
www.cherylhallphotography.com
A self-described “children’s photographer,” Cheryl
Hall specializes in child and baby portraiture, but
she also photographs pregnant moms and families.
She is most often consulted for her fine artistic
style, particularly with newborns. What sets this
photographer apart? The Chicago native works
exclusively in black and white photography and
is an advocate of using film. She conducts most
sessions in her renovated historic studio in Dexter
or outside on the surrounding property, but occasionally
shoots on location. Clients can choose
between custom fiber base prints, which use a
rare and high quality process for heirloom photographs,
or RC prints that yield a detailed product
with intense blacks and bright whites. Museum
grade framing is also available for clients to preserve
and display their treasured moments.
Runner up: Kat Foley Photo
PLACE TO WORSHIP
St. Thomas Catholic Church
530 Elizabeth St., Ann Arbor
734-761-8606
www.stthomasannarbor.catholicweb.com
Runner up: St. Francis of Assisi Church
PRESCHOOL
Early Learning Center
3070 Redwood Ave., Ann Arbor
734-973-7722
www.elcpreschool.com
Runner up: Jewish Community Center
PLACE TO GIVE BIRTH
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
5301 McAuley Dr., Ypsilanti
734-712-3456
www.sjmercyhealth.org
Runner up: University of Michigan Hospital
PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
Child Health Associates
3100 E. Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor
734-971-9344
www.ihacares.com
Runner up: Primary Pediatric
DOCTOR
Dr. Roger Anderberg
3100 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. Suite 100, Ann Arbor
734-971-9344
Runner up: Dr. Matthew Waier
PRE-AND POSTPARTUM EXERCISE CLASS
Stroller Strides
https://classes.strollerstrides.net/
annarbor
Runner up: Lamaze
Association’s yoga
LET’S PLAY
PLACE TO HAVE A KIDS’ PARTY
Jungle Java
3900 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor
734-786-1340
www.junglejavaplay.com
Runner up: Jump City
DANCE CLASS FOR CHILDREN
Arts in Motion
2841 Boardwalk Dr., Ann Arbor
734-222-6246
www.artsinmotion.net
Runner up: Ann Arbor YMCA
MARTIAL ARTS CLASS FOR CHILDREN
Ann Arbor YMCA
400 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor
734-996-9622
www.annarborymca.org
Runner up: Keith Hafner’s Karate
LIVE THEATER FOR KIDS
Wild Swan Theater
410 S. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor
734-995-0530
www.wildswantheater.org
Runner up: Milan High School
PARK OR PLAYGROUND
Gallup Park
www.a2gov.org
Runner up: Leslie Park
STORY HOUR
Nicola’s Books
2513 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor
734-662-0600
www.nicolasbooks.com
Runner up: Saline District Library
RAINY-DAY OUTING
My Urban Toddler
7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline
734-944-3628
www.myurbantoddler.com
Runner up: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
SUNNY-DAY OUTING
Domino’s Petting Farm
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr., Ann Arbor
734-998-0182
www.pettingfarm.com
Runner up: Gallup Park
PLACE TO SWIM
Bohr Park Pool
www.a2gov.org
Runner up: Ann Arbor YMCA
INDOOR WATER PARK
Splash Universe
100 Whitetail Dr., Dundee
877-752-7482
www.splashuniverse.com
Runner up: Kalahari Resorts
VACATION ON A BUDGET
Great Wolf Resort
Traverse City, MI.
www.greatwolf.com/traverse
Runner up: Cedar Point,
Sandusky, OH
FAMILY FRIENDLY HEALTH CLUB
Liberty Health Club
2975 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor
734-665-3738
www.libertyathletic.net
Runner up: Ann Arbor YMCA
GYMNASTICS
Gym America
4611 Platt Rd., Ann Arbor
734-971-1667
www.gymamericagymnastics.com
Runner up: Ann Arbor YMCA
BOWLING ALLEY
Colonial Lanes
1950 S. Industrial Lanes, Ann Arbor
734-665-4474
www.coloniallanescubsac.com
Runner up: Bel-Mark Lanes Bowling Center
BIRTHDAY BASH
ENTERTAINER
Colors the Clown
Runner up: Gordo the Great
PLACE FOR BIRTHDAY PARTY
Xtreme Bounce
82 Aprill Dr., Ann Arbor
734-761-3242
www.xtremebouncezone.com
Runner up: My Urban Toddler
PLACE TO BUY A BIRTHDAY CAKE
Baker’s Nook
901 W. Michigan, Saline
734-429-1320
www.shopbakersnook.com
A self-described “children’s photographer,”
Cheryl Hall specializes in child
and baby portraiture, but she also photographs
pregnant moms and families. She
is most often consulted for her fine artistic
style, particularly with newborns. What
sets this photographer apart? The Chicago
native works exclusively in black
and white photography and is an advocate
of using film. She conducts most
sessions in her renovated historic studio
in Dexter or outside on the surrounding
property, but occasionally shoots on location.
Clients can choose between custom
fiber base prints, which use a rare
and high quality process for heirloom
photographs, or RC prints that yield a
detailed product with intense blacks and
bright whites. Museum grade framing is
also available for clients to preserve and
display their treasured moments.
Runner up: Kroger
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
KIDS’ BOOKSTORE
Borders
For locations, www.borders.com
Runner up: Nicola’s Books
KIDS’ CLOTHING STORE
Elephant Ears
Kerr ytown Market & Shops
407 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
734-622-9580
www.elephantearsonline.com
Runner up: Gymboree
PLACE TO BUY KIDS’ SHOES
Stride Rite
818 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor
734-662-6600
www.striderite.com
Runner up: Target
CONSIGNMENT FOR KIDS
Children’s Orchard
887 W. Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor
734-995-8889
www.childrensorchard.com
Runner up: Grow with Me
PLACE TO BUY MATERNITY CLOTHES
My Urban Toddler
7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline
734-944-3628
www.myurbantoddler.com
Runner up: Destination Maternity
PLACE TO SPLURGE FOR THE NURSERY
Babies R’ Us
3725 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti
734-477-0943
www.babiesrus.com
Runner up: My Urban Toddler
PET STORE
PetSmart
2865 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor
734-222-0488
www.petsmart.com
Runner up: PETCO
PLACE TO BUY SPECIALTY TOYS AND GIFTS
Learning Express
2465 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor
734-997-0707
www.learningexpress.com
Runner up: Peaceable Kingdom
PLACE TO BUY OUTDOOR PLAY EQUIPMENT
Toys R Us
3725 W. Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor
734-973-2850
www.toysrus.com
Runner up: Play It Again Sports
PLACE TO BUY CHILDREN’S FURNITURE
Art Van
425 E. Eisenhower Pkwy.,Ann Arbor
734-747-7170
www.artvan.com
Runner up: Ikea
VIDEO RENTAL SHOP
Blockbuster
www.blockbuster.com
Runner up: Family Video
FOR ADULTS ONLY
DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
Real Seafood Company
341 S. Main St., Ann Arbor
888-456-3463
Runner up: The Melting Pot
PLACE FOR MOM TO BE PAMPERED
Bellanina Day
Spa & Gift Boutique
203 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor
734-327-1000
www.bellanina.com
Runner up: Tricho Salon & Spa
ROMANTIC GETAWAY
Oasis Hot Tub Gardens
2301 S. State St., Ann Arbor
734-663-9001
www.oasishottubs.com
Runner up: The Grand Hotel
SUPPORT GROUPS
Lamaze Family Center
Ann Arbor
2500 Packard, Suite 101, Ann Arbor
734-973-1014
www.lamazefamilycenter.org
Runner up: Mothers & More
PLACE FOR PARENTS TO MEET
Jungle Java
3900 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor
734-786-1340
www.junglejavaplay.com
Runner up: Lamaze Family
Center Ann Arbor
PLACE FOR SINGLE PARENTS TO MEET
Lamaze Family Center
Ann Arbor
2500 Packard, Suite 101, Ann Arbor
734-973-1014
www.lamazefamilycenter.org
Runner up: Mothers & More
CHILDREN’S DAY CARE
Children’s Creative Learning Center
1600 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor
734-769-0019
www.childrenscreativecenter.org
Since 1993, The Children’s Creative Center has provided the Ann Arbor community
with child care, based on the philosophy that children learn best through
the process of play. Programs are tailored to various age groups, including Infant,
Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten and Before and After School Care (for
students in kindergarten through eighth grade).
A full time summer day camp program keeps school age children busy when
school’s out of session, with art, sports and theater activities June through
August. With a commitment to making high quality childcare affordable, The
Children’s Creative Center offers
scholarships. All proceeds
from the annual musical show
go to the Scholarship Fund, and
the local Blackbird Theater also
donates twenty percent of their
box office receipts from every
production to this fund. What a
great — and playful! — way to
learn.
Runner up: Jewish
Community Center
GAP IN LOCAL SERVICES FOR FAMILIES
therapy for special needs,
specialty day care
PARENT WORRY
Lack of downtime for kids,
drugs, being sure kids get
enough enriching experiences,
keeping kids healthy, disintegrating
Michigan economy and
Ann Arbor reliance
ISSUE THAT MAKES
YOUR BLOOD BOIL
too high taxes, vaccines, deadbeat
dads, no changing tables in
public restrooms, unsafe drivers,
parents who don’t watch their
kids, lack of access to health care
