With poll: Ann Arbor's Main Street makes greatest streets in the nation list

In its May edition, the magazine highlighted towns across the country with the “most vibrant, distinctive downtowns” — which are often complete with “grand architecture, eclectic small businesses and community-oriented features like a park or a theater.”

Ann Arbor’s downtown area is described as “full of activity,” thanks in part to the University of Michigan students who make up more than a third of the population.

“South Main Street — which has been a commercial hub since the city was laid out in 1824 — was designed with pedestrian needs in mind, and offers enough brewpubs, art galleries, and delis to feed mind, body, and soul. Look up to admire the arched windows on upper floors above local retail shops.”

The feature goes on to suggest a trip to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for kids who want to “geek out.”

Ann Arbor made a similar list in 2009, when it was recognized in the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America: Streets contest.

• Read the full story and see the other cities on the list .