Red Shoes' tagline is absolutely befitting: "There is no place like home." Wonderfully cheerful,…read moreRed Shoes is a home decoration store that you surely do not want to miss. Located in a row of former homes now converted into small shops, Red Shoes sells colorful, fun, and unique home decorations and vintage furniture that make you feel happy the moment you set eyes on them. Of course, be sure to check out the fairy door at the front entrance.

From the owner: small shop, art, gifts, vintage, bath and body, lotions, candles, jewelry, pillows, rugs, baby…read moregifts, blankets, vintage furniture.

Nickels Arcade is always a must stop for me when I'm in Ann Arbor…read more Located in a small alley near State Street and The Diag, Nickels Arcade offers a cobblestone pathway and numerous local shops that are so incredibly unique. Most shops are closed by 5pm or 7pm so I definitely recommend stopping by early in the day if you can. However, Nickels Arcade is still perfect to stroll by in the evening as well. I wanted to visit Bon Bon, a local chocolate shoppe, but unfortunately they were closed by the time I made it during my most recent visit. I loved that they offered a menu outside so I could still look at what they offered. Another shop I'd like to stop at during my next visit is Comet Coffee. I am always interested in finding new coffee spots and the window art on Comet's window was so inviting! Other shops in the alley include a barbershop, tobacco shop, and various antique shops. Spend an hour strolling through the shops. You won't regret it!

Really adorable shops. Went to check it out on my trip and found cute handcrafted thingsread more

The Caravan Gift Shop is an interesting store located inside of Nickels Arcade in Ann Arbor. Nate…read moreand I stopped in while we were in town last summer and looked around - there are lots of different types of items including kid stuff (clothes, toys, books, etc.), tiny animal figurines, cards, jewelry, art, accessories, home and garden goods, bath and body products, chocolate, decor... quite an interesting mix of items. We ended up buying a Michigan made felted wool cat toy that looked like a mouse. Super cute and durable. The employee ringing us up was very friendly and nice and told us about the cat toy, which was cool. I always appreciate a kind interaction at places like this. I think this would be a great place to shop for someone who's "hard to buy for" since there are so many different types of gifts and products at the Caravan Gift Shop. This place has been open since 1927!

It's hard to know how to classify The Caravan Shop except to call it a "gift shop." However, for…read moreme, that always calls to mind cheesy Hallmark cards and knick-knacks, and this store is far cooler than that. It's one of several small local retailers located in the nifty walking mall called Nickels Arcade, off S. State Street. They have a variety of items that would make nice gifts, ranging from hand-sewn handbags, kitchenware and old school wooden toys. The staff were nice. They said hello and goodbye with a smile but didn't hover. I always appreciate that.

Got to sample their wines and that was fun!…read more I ended up using my $10 birthday coupon for their Omaamaayan wine that is sweet and has different notes of fruit. I can't wait to drink it!! The employee who helped us was nice and helpful! Gotta love Cherry Republic!

Overdue for an update now that they've expanded into the space next door. Hard to believe but it's…read moreeven better! The new space houses a wine tasting counter and a place for their beverages and a few other products. This lets the whole space breathe a bit more and gives for more elbow room during peak shopping times when it gets nice and crowded in there. High five for still offering plentiful samples. Right now we're big fans of the amaretto cherries in this house. Also the extra dark cherries! But honestly I don't think I've ever had anything here I didn't like. Proud to have them based here in MI!

Didn't realize I could miss the constant crowds at Zingerman's in downtown Ann Arbor by going to…read morethis location south of the highway. The candy is delicious- though it's pretty fed as a premium product so be prepared! The cafe inside is great and there's a Bakery store down the way so you can enjoy sandwiches, pastries and delicious brownies!

I stopped by here when in A2 this past week, I was visiting the Bakehouse for a work article. We…read morehave recently written about the Candy Manufactory for work too so I was curious to actually see it! I've never actually had any of Zingerman's candy bars so I bought two full size bars, plus a small version of the Cashew Cow. I think both the Zzang and Peanut Butter Crush were equally good. The store also has non-Zingerman's brand candies, such as Venchi, which is also a high-end brand. The shop doubles as a coffee shop, as well, and I think may have also had some small food items, but don't quote me on that. Overall, I would return the next time I'm in town.

First time coming here. I wanted to check this store out because it caught my attention. This place…read moreis great, very reminiscent to going to a Hot Rags or Earthbound store. It has a bunch of hippie stuff, incense, even beetles in container. I'm assuming it's real! I definitely love the variety of what this store offers but it's more on the pricey side. Store is very clean, well organized and it'll take you a nice 30 minutes to fully explore the store honestly. Wouldn't mind coming back.

i accidentally knocked over a figurine and it broke but trying to be honest with them i went to the…read moresales lady and i said "hi i broke this" and she's like "oh well u need to buy it" and i was like "cool no big deal it's my mistake anyways" (and it was $50 even tho it's sold online multiple places for $30) but then i pay for it and she won't give the item to me, she told me they keep it and send it back to the company to "get a refund" and i was like absolutely not you just had me pay $50 for it but you're going to send it back to the company to get refunded too? a little super glue and it'll look brand new (the tiniest piece broke off) but again i already paid for it so i'm taking it home. she started yelling and telling me that it's their policy although it wasnt posted anywhere and i told her that's sooooo shady and she argued with me for quite a while before she shoved it at me across the counter and then told me she was going to call the cops on us?? i expected better from a "local business." if i was trying to be honest and pay for something i broke so your business didn't lose a profit why am i being treated like the asshole?

Glad we stopped in here. I found a couple items I have been searching for! I wanted to try the…read morelarge marshmallow cookies, but I was really, really craving the toasts that are like a cracker. I have had them in France and Mexico, and they are so good with butter and jam dunked in some hot coffee. You would think they would be easy to find, but it took me several stores to finally get them. I wish this place had Weetabix, but they no longer carry it, and due to the viral trend, they are sold out all over. I loved the variety of interesting foods. I would come back for some of the candy and other food items. They also have some interesting home good items for sale, like a yakatori grill, couches, etc... The people working here were extremely friendly and chipper. The only issue I have is that their prices are higher than most places that sell the same products, so I would not come here for items like Buldak noodles unless you really cannot find them elsewhere. I would like to come back with the kids.

My favorite store. Has Pier One vibes but better. My go to place for Greeting Cards now since…read moreHollanders closed. Always a good selection of inexpensive jewelry. Huge selection of interesting snacks and drink. Always have to get something weird to try. Tons of cute holiday merchandise and great kitchen gadgets. I never leave empty handed.

Shinola Cafe: I…read moreheard it was the best matcha in town, so l had to go try it. I'd been to the cafe before just to experience the vibes, and they are great. Dim lighting, modern upscale design, and a record player playing chill tunes. I ordered the Plain Jane matcha which was $10.50. A little pricey, but I was willing to try it out. It was definitely the best matcha I've ever had, and it makes sense that it would be more expensive compared to other places' matcha which tastes watered down in comparison. I will definitely be coming back. Just for the atmosphere. And I'd also like to try their other drinks including the pour-over as l am such a big coffee fan.

I love how Shinola has a cafe downstairs on Main Street. I heard about it so I had to check it out…read more The vibe is very classy and quiet. I enjoyed the different drinks and there are lots of space to either study or read. The service was nice and they hand deliver the drinks to you. I personally never bought anything from the store but the coffee is pretty good.