Start in Kerrytown Market & Shops, which is the nicest low-key way to spend your last morning in Ann Arbor without feeling rushed. It’s an easy stroll from downtown, and parking in the Fourth & Catherine area is usually the simplest if you’re driving; otherwise it’s a very manageable walk or quick rideshare from most downtown hotels. Give yourself about 1.5 hours to wander the small shops, grab coffee, and poke around without a plan. A lot of places here open around 9 or 10 a.m., and if you want a baked good or a coffee with minimal line, earlier is better.
If it’s a market day, slide right over to the Ann Arbor Farmers Market in the same Kerrytown area. This is the best fast snapshot of the city: local produce, flowers, bread, pastries, jams, and easy snacks you can take with you. It’s especially good if you want something light before a bigger lunch, and most vendors are happiest in the late morning before the busiest rush. Budget-wise, you can do a quick snack stop for just a few dollars, or easily end up leaving with coffee, fruit, and one too many pastries.
For a classic Ann Arbor sendoff, have lunch at Zingerman’s Deli right in Kerrytown. Order ahead if you can, because the line can stretch at peak lunch hour, and that’s the one place where a little planning saves real time. Expect around $18–$30 per person depending on sandwich, sides, and drink, and figure about an hour once you’ve ordered. If you’re driving onward afterward, this is a good meal to make the transition from “hanging out” to “leaving town” feel official.
After lunch, head east to Nichols Arboretum for a final breath of green space before the road. It’s a short drive from Kerrytown/downtown or a longer but pleasant walk if you feel like stretching your legs, and you’ll want 1 to 1.5 hours here to do it justice. The trails are easy to dip into without overcommitting, and it’s one of the best places in town for a quiet reset. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water in June, and don’t overpack the schedule — this is the part of the day that benefits most from lingering.
If timing allows, stop by The Ark downtown for a quick final cultural check-in before you leave. Even when you’re not seeing a show, it’s a good reminder of Ann Arbor’s live-music personality, and if there’s an afternoon or evening listing that fits your plans, you can consider one last local event before heading out. A 30–45 minute stop is plenty. From there, collect your bags, allow a little cushion for parking, and head out from downtown Ann Arbor or the east side depending on your route. Leaving in the late afternoon usually keeps things smooth; if you’re driving I-94, US-23, or M-14, give yourself extra buffer for the usual weekend-to-evening traffic pattern and any downtown curbside pickup logistics.