Blog post written by Hunter Amo
As finals and new registration deadlines start to loom on the horizon, so does the promise of warmer weather. And with warmer weather comes shorter sleeves, outdoor activities, and a need to get out of the house. But what is there to do?
Luckily for you, I have prepared a list of places to visit—some of which you have perhaps heard of, and some that are completely new—during this spring and summer season that are guaranteed to add a splash of lighthearted and quirky energy your way. Bring along friends, partners, and family, or simply treat yourself to some alone time away from the stress of homework. So, here’s the question: are you ready to get whimsy?
Local cafés & bakeries
In the heart of Dearborn, you can find an array of homey cafés and bakeries, but I’ve picked two of my favorites to get you started on your caffeinated, quaint spring season. Gateaux Patisserie is a local bakery offering an array of delicious pastries, macarons, and cakes. With an elegantly decorated interior and friendly staff members, customers can easily grab a dessert to eat and relax within its cozy walls. A notable dessert on the menu is their crème brûlée, which melts in your mouth with a creamy, sugary note that is sure to evoke magical feelings. Another winner is the Flower Boutique and Rose Café, a flower shop and café combined into one. With a fun, pink-themed interior, this store is not only good for spring photo ops but also for treating yourself. Excellent vibes, yummy coffee, and fresh flowers will make any rainy spring day feel like a tantalizing taste of summer.
The Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC)
Located on our campus, students hardly need to leave campus before taking a break at the EIC. With two miles of hiking trails and beautiful views, students can take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the scenic atmosphere. Tap into your inner Disney Princess when interacting with the hundreds of species of birds, insects, and mammals living in the EIC’s 120 acres of land. The EIC also hosts events depending on the time of year, such as birdhouse building and mushroom hunting; this spring, consider joining the CAPS Wellness Educators on “Nature Walks for Mental Health.” You can keep up to date with the EIC via their website and UM-Dearborn’s Wolverine Weekly newsletter.
Stamelos Gallery Center
You don’t have to travel very far to view contemporary pieces of artwork in a classy setting. The first floor of the Mardigan Library boasts a gallery center with rotating exhibitions of paintings, drawings, featured artists, and more. Currently, the Stamelos Gallery is hosting an all-glass exhibition, and their next one will be focused on mixed media artwork. To up the whimsicality, play dress-up with your favorite people and pretend to be true art critics while browsing through the library’s collection. Mumbling, arched eyebrows, and excessive note-taking are encouraged.
The UM-Dearborn Observatory
Opening in the spring and running until autumn, the UM-Dearborn Observatory offers free use of its telescopes with the help of staff members—in other words, you can literally wish on a star of your choosing. Whether you are driven by love, fantasy, or the desire to learn more about the moon, galaxies, and nebulae, the observatory offers a collaborative space for both the dreamers and realists to coexist.
Find a cute picnic spot on campus
One of the best parts about being a university student is finding the perfect spots to study, talk to your friends, and eat a snack. Now that the weather is warming up and the grass is getting perkier by the day, it’s time to find the hit spots for a picnic on campus. Consider lounging around by the EIC, the Chancellor’s Pond, or anywhere with a good view of the fluffy clouds. Up the quaint and dreamy vibe by bringing your favorite romance book to stuff your nose in.
I gave you five options to up your whimsical antics, relish in the new spring season, and use your senses to be grounded in the present—but I can’t name them all. Explore UM-Dearborn’s campus and community to find what place speaks best to your perfect version of a whimsical season, and, as always, let your heart and imagination guide you.
