Nickels Arcade — Local services in Ann Arbor

This Ann Arbor landmark borders the Michigan Diag, but harkens back to the early twentieth century with its wonderful glass skylight. Van Boven's Menswear, Arcadian Antiques, Maison Edwards Tobacconist, Caravan Gift Shop, and Arcade Barbers are longstanding residents. Tom E Nickels built the arcade in 1918 inspired by a similar retail innovation in Cleveland, Ohio. It's completion was delayed by American entry into World War I, but has been a fixture of University of Michigan Campus Life since. A specialty retail attraction...

Some of the shops have better customer service than others. However, it is a great area. If you have never visited, you should just for the piece of history represented. So get your hair cut, and go shopping. Have some fantastic bonbons, and look through nick-nacks. Stop at Mason Edward's, have a great cigar, or pick up a new tobacco pipe (no, really tobacco, not the wacky kind). They stock some great ones. The Shepard's blend has a great mellow taste and room note that won't overpower the whole house like some...

Wednesday evening l walked from my Huron River Apartment to State Street for ice cream.

Walking past the Nickels Arcade l heard cello music and walked thru the arcade to see a very proficient musician play his heartfelt double string cords. When he paused we chatted about the U of M original School of Music on Maynard St. where students practiced outside on the sidewalk.

Spontaneous music from the heart made my day. We shook hands, shared first names and both benefited from the...