By Karina Eichenberg
A few months ago, I booked a trip to Ann Arbor to see my senior and catch the much-anticipated UMich/USC football game. I wasn’t the only one with this idea—friends from Chappaqua joined, making it a mini reunion! We had Points Mom and her husband, whose kids came from USC and Cornell, along with a couple from Michigan whose son is in 11th grade, and another family showing their high school senior around UMich. It was a perfect mix of school spirit, good food, and classic football excitement.
Friday Night: Dinner at The Chop House The weekend kicked off with a fantastic dinner at The Chop House on Friday night. I had to book the reservation well in advance, and it was totally worth it. The atmosphere was upscale, and the steaks were top-notch. We toasted to old friends, new experiences, and the exciting game ahead.
Saturday Morning: Strolling on State Street & M-Den Shopping Saturday morning was spent walking down State Street, soaking up the quintessential college town vibes. I couldn’t resist stopping at M-Den to pick out the perfect game-day outfit. Since the game was a “stripe out” and I was in the yellow section, I made sure to grab a bright maize-colored shirt. Afterward, we bumped into some tailgate parties near the frats, which set the tone for the high-energy day ahead.
Tailgates and the Big Game We hit up a few tailgates before the game, including an alumni event that was buzzing with excitement. The atmosphere was electric with over 100,000 fans packed into the stadium. Sitting with friends who were USC parents made it even more fun—the friendly rivalry added some extra spice to the already intense game. UMich came through with a nail-biting victory, moving up from the 17th to the 11th spot in the rankings. It was one of the closest, most exciting games I’ve seen!
Post-Game Celebrations at Old Charlie’s After the game, we walked over to Old Charlie’s to indulge in some fried food and beers. It was the perfect way to wind down after such a high-energy day. Between the win and great company, the night couldn’t have ended better.
Sunday Lunch at Zingerman’s On Sunday, some of us headed to Zingerman’s for lunch. It’s a must whenever I’m in town—the sandwiches never disappoint, and it’s always fun introducing people to this Ann Arbor staple.
Staying at Homewood Suites by Hilton At the recommendation of Points Mom, I booked the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Ann Arbor using Amex points. What a great points deal, just 50k per night instead of paying $800ish per night. The hotel was comfortable, and I was close to everything we wanted to do. I was so happy with the experience that I went ahead and booked a room for my senior’s graduation in May.
This trip was everything I hoped it would be: great friends, great food, and a thrilling football game. Ann Arbor continues to impress, and I can’t wait to be back for graduation!