Get Your Jollies Here

Despite my die-hard fanaticism for all things Spartan and my unending love for Michigan State, I am secretly in love with the city of Ann Arbor. There’s something about the downtown area that just gets me every single time I visit. Some of my most cherished memories over the past few years have been against the backdrop of Main Street — long walks that facilitate long talks, lingering meals in an open-air back patio and concerts at The Ark that rank as the finest I’ve ever seen.

One of the real gems, in my view, is The Jolly Pumpkin, located at 311 S. Main Street in downtown A2. A brewpub that boasts a phenomenal menu of wood-fired pizzas and truffled french fries (yes, you heard me), among other things, the Pumpkin is a great place to just belly up to the bar and try out some of their impressive beer. Mmm, beer.

I only began liking beer a few years ago – I was a late bloomer, what I can I say? Needless to say, I’ve made up for lost time. They’ve got a great list of house-brewed beer to choose from, whether you like it light or dark or somewhere in between. What’s more, their staff is super friendly and engaging. You feel like you’re a regular the first time you walk through the door. That speaks volumes about their customer philosophy and overall vibe. And I like it. Your bartender might mistakenly call you by the wrong name, but frankly, you’re so happy to be in such a fun place, in such a fun city that you just go with it and respond, “Yeah, that’s me. I’m Lynn.”

Get thee to the Jolly Pumpkin. Oh, and they have outposts in Traverse City and Dexter too…so go. Now. Stop reading this and go. Really.

Oh, and tell them Lynn says hi.