Local road races

Well, it's almost the end of the summer, and school starts soon. What better way to soak up the last of the summer sun than with outdoor exercise? Road races are fun for all ages, and you don't have to train much to run one; you can even grab a couple of friends and just walk together! Here are a few notable races happening around Michigan that you might be interested in:

Run for the Hills

Date: August 16

Time: 8:30 am

Location: Farmington

Description (from the website):

"Welcome runners, walkers, sponsors, and volunteers to the 5th Annual Run for the Hills, created to offer an awesome even for everyone and generate money for the Special Olympics Athletes of Oakland County."

Sign up: http://farmingtonrunforthehills.com/images/rfth_2014_registration_form.pdf

Run Between the Vines

Date: August 16

Time: 7:30 am

Location: Jackson

Description (from the website):

"Join us in the naturally calming and stunning landscape of Sandhill Crane Vineyards just 20 miles west of Ann Arbor. The half marathon will take you from the vineyard to rolling dirt back roads shaded by a tunnel of trees...the out and back Vineyard to Vineyard 5K is a friendly and fulfilling romp to the woods and back where the wine will be flowing!"

sign up: http://runvines.com/ (the registration for running is full, but you can still volunteer).

Glow in the Park

Date: August 16

Time: 8:50 pm

Location: Milford

Description (from the website): 

"The best way to light up the night! The ultimate party fun run! But most importantly, it's the freakin' awesome foam-pits-fluorescent-colors-blacklights-glowing-warpaint-dance-moves night you'll never forget!"

Sign up: https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=5577502

Montrose Blueberry Festival 5k and 8k Road Race

Date: August 17

Time: 7:30 am

Location: Montrose

Sign up: 

http://www.blueberryrace.org/uploads/9/7/3/6/9736435/blueberryregistration2014.pdf

The Crim

Date: August 22

Time: 8:00 am

Location: Flint

Description (from the website): Don't miss out on one of the largest and most beloved races in the country!

Sign up: https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=5886153

And just in case you miss the first glow run....

Glow in the Night 5K

Date: August 22

Time: 8:00 pm

Location: Detroit

Description (from the website): 

"Come for the 5k, but stay for the glowing after party! Dance the night away under the black lights while getting covered in more glow dust. Enjoy yourself with family & friends as we throw more color in the air every 10 minutes! You won't want this fun one of a kind night to end!"

Sign up: 

 http://nrroadracing.com/races/glow-night-5k-detroit-mi/

A few tips to save money:

1. Volunteer to help at a race! You'll meet great people, have lots of fun, get a free T-Shirt, and it is FREE!

2. Sign up as a team for a discount on your entry fees!

3. Sign up early! There is usually a discount for joining a race in advance.

If you find you are addicted to racing after trying any of these, check out http://www.runmichigan.com for more! There are races all year round.

Happy Running!!

 

by Clarissa

Top 10 Must See Places in Michigan!

While attending EMU you are not limited to just Ypsilanti and the surrounding cities
in the area. Michigan is a huge place and has a variety of things to offer for people to see. So I have compiles a list of the top 10 places that I think are a must see when your in Michigan.

10. The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

The Museum not only shows the life of Henry Ford and the history of the Ford Motor Company but also shows artifacts from America's history as well. Some of these artifacts are the bed used in army camps by President George Washington, the chair President Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was assassinated and the limousine President John F. Kennedy was riding in when he was assassinated.

Next to the museum is Greenfield Village which is a living history museum that shows life in America in its early days. It also includes a farm, Thomas Edison's workshop and a Ford's Model T car.

9. Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth a.k.a "Muth" a.k.a. "Little Bavaria", is a little German city in Michigan. The town was founded by Bavarian immigrants from Germany back in 1845 and the town (as well as the surrounding towns) still holds on to these roots. The city is mostly known for Bronner's Christmas Wonderland which is supposedly the worlds largest Christmas store.

Me and my family used to visit every year to visit the Bavarian-themed shops and restaurants. It really is an interesting little town and I recommend anyone in Michigan to stop by.

8. Mackinac Island

To get to this gorgeous little place you take a ferry boat and once you finally get there you are taken back to a Victorian time. Motorized vehicles are banned so bicycles, horseback, and horse-drawn carriages are the norm. The island is a national historic site and the majority of the island is a national park. I have never been there myself but the island hosts lilac, fudge, and music festivals.

7. Sleeping Bear Dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a National Lakeshore that takes up a large portion of Michigan's eastern coastline. This park was mainly established for its beauty and it includes forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena.

I have never been to this park either but in 2011 the area won the title of "The Most Beautiful Place in America" from Good Morning America.

6. Great Lakes

Michigan is surrounded by three lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. Lake Michigan has the largest surface area of any freshwater body in the world and tons of people come here to camp, swim, picnic, fish and hike. On the coastline of the lakes include beach towns, wineries, golf courses, lighthouses, and amusement parks. I have had the privilege to visit all of these lakes as well as 4 of the 5 total great lakes (the fourth being Lake Ontario). All of them are equally gorgeous so you only need to visit one.

5. The General Motors Building

The General Motors Building is the tallest building in Michigan and is still home to General Motors and sits in the city of Detroit. Inside the building includes shops, restaurants, a hotel, and other businesses that you can visit. Also the building houses a movie theater that me and my friends used to regularly visit which shows movies for 5$ before 6:00 p.m. Behind the building is the river walk which sits on the Detroit river across from Canada. You can walk up and down this riverfront and just enjoy the sights or go get an ice cream and ride the carousel. It is a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the city.

4. Dearborn
The city of Dearborn was the home of Henry Ford and is the world headquarters of the Ford Motor Company. Even though this city was settled by French farmers in the 18th century, it is known for having the most people of middle eastern descent outside of any middle eastern country. So because of this fact it is not uncommon at all to see signs in Arabic or buildings, shops, and restaurants dedicated to middle eastern culture.

3. Belle Isle

Belle Isle is an island state park located on the Detroit River and is between the US and Canada. It is connected to Detroit by the MacArthur bridge and is the largest city-owned island park in the US. The island is home to the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Conservatory, the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, the Detroit Yacht Club on an adjacent island, the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a Coast Guard station, a municipal golf course and many other numerous monuments.

 

2. Ambassador Bridge/Detroit-Windsor Tunnel


The Ambassador Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Detroit with Windsor, Ontario, in Canada. It is the busiest international border crossing in North America and is one of the only two Canada–US border crossings, the other being the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is an underground tunnel connecting Detroit with Windsor, Ontario in Canada. So if you are planning on visiting Canada these will be your ways of getting there.

1. Motown Historic Museum

Because I am an avid music lover my top place to see in Michigan is Hitsville USA/Motown Historic Museum. It was the first studio and offices of Motown Record Corporation  where the company got its first start to produce hit records. You can go in and see where stars like Smoky Robinson and the Miracles, Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Temptations, the Jackson Five, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye stood as they recorded music. Also it was not only a recording studio but was once the home of Berry Gordy Jr. who is the founder of Motown. You can view exhibits explaining the company's entire history, listen to Motown music and buy souvenirs.

There are so many things Michigan has to offer, too many to list but I hope that my list helps you to narrow your decision on a place to visit or tour during your stay here.

by Kemia

What is great about Ypsilanti?

Learn more about the great places and events that Ypsilanti has to offer! http://www.awesomemitten.com/places/ypsilanti-bucket-list-michiganders/

Getting around Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor and beyond

Bus- The Ride 

Around the EMU campus

There is a bus that has a route around campus and to the College of Business that does not required the EMU discount pass, but only requires you to have an EMU ID card.

In Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor

Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor have an excellent bus system that helps students get around. EMU students can get a discount monthly bus pass. These bus passes can be bought at the Parking office in the Public Safety building and the Cashier's office in Pierce Hall. Using Google Maps, you can select the bus icon and figure out the bus routes and how long it takes to get to your destination.

Express Ride

The bus system also has special passes (different than the EMU discount passes) called ExpressRide to get to Chelsea and Canton from Ann Arbor.

AirRide

The AirRide is a bus that goes between the Detroit Metro Airport and Ann Arbor.

 

Hertz on Demand

EMU has a car share program that allows students to rent a car right on campus! Click here for more information about the Hertz on Demand program.

 

Parking your car on campus

Some students choose to have a car on campus. To park the car on campus, a student must have a parking hang tag (parking pass). Parking department in the Public Safety building can assist students in purchasing parking passes. To see where students may park, visit http://www.emich.edu/maps/campus_map.pdf.



As a reminder, the State of Michigan requires all cars to have valid registration and car insurance. The Michigan Secretary of State has information about owning a vehicle.

OIS hosts the Secretary of State and Social Security Administration on campus each September. To learn more about this event, visit https://www.emich.edu/ois/ssndlday.html.

Do you have questions? Leave a comment!
by: Emily, Office of International Students Advisor

Places to Shop When Filling up Your Living Space

 

Image Source: http://www.wku.edu/housing/halls/images/keen_empty_room.jpg

Moving to a new country, or even a new state means leaving a lot behind. When you get to campus the first thing you might want to do is fill up your dorm or apartment. Filling up a room and decorating it with your own personality makes it feel more like home. Below I have several great places to shop that will fill up your room and your fridge!

Meijer

 

Image Source: http://www.blendon-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/meijer-logo11.jpg

Location: 3825 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti Township, MI 48197

Meijer is a store where you can buy everything from furniture to groceries. The school normally holds an annual event for students here called Meijer Mania during the first week of school. During this event students are taken to the store for free and can enjoy discounts, free giveaways, and more.  

Kroger

 

Image Source: http://www.markramseymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/kroger.jpg

Location: 3200 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Kroger is a large grocery store that has a wide variety of food. They have a lot more options than Meijer and have faster service. This store also offers a lot of discounts when you clip coupons and have a Kroger store savings card.

Farmer’s Market

Image Source: http://toddwaller.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Ypsilanti-Farmers-Market.jpg

Location: Ferris Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197

The Farmer’s Market is a great place to get fresh local fruits, vegetables and vegan and organic products. Currently it is only open Tuesday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Farmer’s market offers fresher produce for great prices and is a short walk away from campus.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Image Source: http://www.bioenergetika.biz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bed-bath-and-beyond-locations-mvkcmcbo.jpg

Location: 3645 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Bed Bath & Beyond is a good place to get everything you might need to fill and decorate your living space. You can order things online and either get it sent to your door or pick it up in the store. This store is great for college shopping because they offer products that are within the schools standards like extra-long twin sheets, mini fridges and non-halogen lamps.

IKEA

Image Source: http://highnames.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ikea_2310719b.jpg

Location: 41640 Ford Rd, Canton, MI 48187

IKEA is the farthest away from campus but offers a great selection of furniture, kitchen supplies and decorations. It may be far away but they have great prices and you can get stuff sent to your door. They even have a mini grocery store and restaurant if you get hungry while shopping.

I have personally been to all of these stores and highly recommend all of them. They are all on the bus line except for IKEA. If you’re living in an apartment it may not be furnished, so going to one of these stores can be very helpful. Also, even if you live on campus and have a meal plan, shopping at a real grocery store can save you a lot of money. I left a lot behind when I moved here from Ohio and I was able to find everything I needed at these stores.

If you have any questions leave them in the comment section below!

by Tyrie

What is happening in Ypsilanti and Ann arbor - The color run

Ypsilanti have a big event during summer. The event is “The color run : Happiest 5K on the planet”. This event tours about 130 cities in the U.S. In addition, they start to tour more than 30 coutries. The event is a race that has so much fun things. When the players run toward finish line, they can pass through certain color zones. In color zone, a bunch of volunteers spray the color powder made by corn. To join the event, a ticket is required. The price of ticket is various depends on how far from the day of event. If you buy the ticket as soons as possible, it would cheaper than late one. The runner can join the event as individual runner or one of team members. Making a team with friends would be a way of making the event pleasant. Once you get a ticket, you’ll join in check-in party before a few days from day of race. The check-in party have you get stuff for race in advace. You don’t neet to be in long line on the race day. 

 

 

Here is stuff that I got from color-run such as a t-shirt, two hair band, color catcher(you don’t need to worry about wahing your clothes and shoes), tatoo sticker and number that can be used for finding your picture on website.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you all set, just enjoy the race with nice weather!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t be afraid of being color! The event has air machine to make you remove the power.

Ann arbor has similar event named Color Vibe in August 24, 2014. You can also join it!  

if you’d like to more information

Website Color Run :  http://thecolorrun.com/

      Color Vibe : http://www.thecolorvibe.com/annarbor.php

 

by YuJin

to read YuJin's bio, visit www.emich.edu/ois/teamhello.

Brazil 2014 World Cup in the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Area

The Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti area have different places to watch the Brazil 2014 world cup and don’t miss the final games. Here are a few places for the soccer fans to check out:

Connor O’Neil’s is located in 318 S Main St, Ann Arbor and is one of the traditional places to watch soccer and enjoy different beers from around the world.

Buffalo Wild Wings will play the soccer games on their big TV’s and fans can enjoy soccer with chicken, fries and BBQ sauce. The restaurant is located in 205 S. State St Ann Arbor.

The Brown Jug is also a traditional restaurant in Ann Arbor since 1936. It is located in 1204 S University Ave and soccer fans can enjoy the match around U of M students to celebrate the GOALS…..

On Campus is also a great option to watch the final games if you can’t leave the University or have a class before or after the match. There are TV´s in the Student Center and the REC available for student year round.

 For more information on the Student Center schedule visit http://www.emich.edu/studentcenter/ and the REC http://www.emich.edu/recim/calendar/index.php

by Andrea

to read Andrea's bio, visit www.emich.edu/ois/teamhello 

Breakfast/brunch in Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor

If there is one thing I missed while I lived overseas, it was American-style breakfast food! I never realized that breakfast was unique to every country, so now I always encourage visitors to try a type of morning meal they would be unable to get anywhere else.

Here are some great places around town to check out-make sure to get there early if you go on the weekend!

In Ypsilanti:

Beezy's

20 N Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197

(from their website):

"Every day at beezy's, we are making two different soups, whipping up salad dressing, pulling hot, fresh bread out of the oven, taking inventory and comments form guests to further expand and improve...We want you downtown, a part of things, a part of localizing, a part of making a better world-one breakfast, one sandwich, one cup of coffee at a time."

Try the:

French toast

Cafe Ollie

42 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198

(from their Facebook page)

"Desserts, Ice cream, Craft beer, fine wine, Baked goods, Local Art, Live music"

Try the:

pancake sandwich, mac 'n cheese

The Bomber Restaurant

306 E Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198

(from their website):

"The Bomber has a number of popular breakfast entrees including the Nature Lover's pancakes, omelets and the country skillet. But the Bomber Breakfast is a favorite pick for customers with super-sized appetites."

Try the:

Bomber Breakfast

Ann Arbor

Northside Grill

1015 Broadway St, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

(from their website):

"The Northside Grill is a family diner located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, that serves breakfast and lunch...The Northside Grill specializes in comfort food and quality service...The establishment attempts to attract new customers to the restaurant, confident that these customers will return and will recommend the food and 

services to others."

Try the:

pancakes, coffee

Songbird Cafe

2707 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

(from their website)

"Lunch, Brunch, and Coffee Bar"

Try the:

sandwiches, tea drinks, daily breakfast specials

Fleetwood Diner

300 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

"...if you are looking for that vintage diner feel, make sure you come in to The Fleetwood Diner today."

Try the:

Original Hippie Hash breakfast

There are many more not listed here....do some exploring to find them all!

If you are out of town for the day during the weekend, I highly suggest checking out either of these websites for advice on where to eat!

http://www.yelp.com

This is a great resource to find out what locals think of the restaurants in their area. I always try to check it before I pick a place to eat.

or

http://www.tvfoodmaps.com/

If you love The Food Network or cooking shows in general, check out this site! You can easily find any restaurants you see on TV and map out your route to get to them. 

After you try one of these restaurants, come back and post a picture or a comment! We'd love to hear what you thought of these places. Bon appétit! 

by Clarissa

To see Clarissa's bio, visit www.emich.edu/ois/teamhello.