Chelsea (Michigan)

Chelsea is a city of 4,944 people (according to the 2010 census) in Washtenaw County.

Understand
Chelsea's big claim to fame is local-boy-turned-famous-actor/writer/director Jeff Daniels, a proud Michigander who still lives in town between engagements, and who tends to showcase Michigan in his films (Escanaba in da Moonlight is set in the Upper Peninsula (UP), and Super Sucker in the fictional town of Johnson City). Daniels is also a strong supporter of local arts, and founded the Purple Rose Theatre Company as a way to feature Midwestern actors, directors, designers and playwrights. The other big name in town is the Chelsea Milling Company, home of Jiffy Mix, one of the first instant baking mixes and still a popular brand nationwide.

If you're not thrilled by movie actors or fluffy biscuits, then you can always stroll around the charming downtown area, with its quaint homes, fun shopping, and locally-famous restaurant The Common Grill, which has published two cookbooks that you'll be able to find in local bookstores.

Get in
Chelsea is in southeastern Michigan, between Ann Arbor and Jackson.

Get around

 * Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE), +1 734 475-9494. Door-to-door rides within Chelsea, Dexter, and the north side of Ann Arbor (connecting with the #9 AATA bus). $3-4.

Events
Chelsea offers residents and visitors many local events and activities to choose from on any given day. These events are listed on the Things To Do In Chelsea website. The major annual events include:


 * Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights, Main Street, +1 734 475-1145, . Held for 11 weeks from late June through late August, on Thursday nights from 6:30PM-8:30PM. Local musicians, street performers, food vendors, downtown shops open late.
 * Chelsea SummerFest, Main Street, +1 734 475-1145, . Held during two days in late July. Artisans and craftspeople, live entertainment, children's activities, merchant booths, special guest appearances, specialty foods, classic cars and more.
 * Hometown Holiday, Main Street, +1 734 475-1145, . Held the first weekend in December. Tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, storytelling, live nativity scene, live entertainment and sing-a-longs, concerts, luminaries, light parade, crafts workshops and more.
 * Hometown Holiday, Main Street, +1 734 475-1145, . Held the first weekend in December. Tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, storytelling, live nativity scene, live entertainment and sing-a-longs, concerts, luminaries, light parade, crafts workshops and more.

Buy

 * Kern Road Farm and Kitchen, 13877 E Old US-12, +1 734 433-0738. Pre-Civil War farm selling jams, jellies, herbs, herbal jams, flavored vinegar, fruit vinaigrettes, chutneys and syrups.
 * Kern Road Farm and Kitchen, 13877 E Old US-12, +1 734 433-0738. Pre-Civil War farm selling jams, jellies, herbs, herbal jams, flavored vinegar, fruit vinaigrettes, chutneys and syrups.
 * Kern Road Farm and Kitchen, 13877 E Old US-12, +1 734 433-0738. Pre-Civil War farm selling jams, jellies, herbs, herbal jams, flavored vinegar, fruit vinaigrettes, chutneys and syrups.
 * Kern Road Farm and Kitchen, 13877 E Old US-12, +1 734 433-0738. Pre-Civil War farm selling jams, jellies, herbs, herbal jams, flavored vinegar, fruit vinaigrettes, chutneys and syrups.
 * Kern Road Farm and Kitchen, 13877 E Old US-12, +1 734 433-0738. Pre-Civil War farm selling jams, jellies, herbs, herbal jams, flavored vinegar, fruit vinaigrettes, chutneys and syrups.

Eat and drink

 * The Common Grill, 112 S Main Street, +1 734 475-0470. Tu-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 11AM-9PM. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, and main couses. Specialties include their delicious homemade rolls, seafood chowder, grilled Black Angus sirloin steak, oven-roasted chicken breast, and grilled ahi tuna salad niçoise. $10-30.
 * Mike's Deli, 114 W Middle Street, +1 734 475-5980. M-Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 11AM-3PM. Deli sandwiches on Zingerman's bread, sides and salads. $2.95 - $8.45.
 * Scooples Cafe, 114 N Main Street, +1 734 433-0655. Open seasonally; call for hours. Old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
 * Cleary's Pub, 113 S Main Street, +1 734 475-1922. M-Sa 11AM-11PM, Su 3:30PM-9PM. 12 draft beers, appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, pasta, chicken, meat, seafood and Southwestern main courses. Live music Friday and Saturday nights. $6 - $19.
 * Seitz's Tavern, 110 W Middle Street, +1 734 475-7475. M-Sa 7AM-1AM. Old-fashioned tavern.

Coffee, tea and chocolate

 * Café Touba, 6065 Sibley Road, +1 734 433-0697. Moroccan gypsy-style café serving fruit smoothies, fresh juices, energy power drinks, coffee, herbal tea and special healing drinks.
 * Gourmet Chocolate Café , 312 N Main Street, +1 734 475-1071. Gourmet-quality chocolate, coffee, pastries and baked goods.
 * Pierce's Pastries Plus, 103 W Middle Street, +1 734 475-6081. M-Sa 5:30AM-2PM, Su 7AM-1PM. Gourmet coffees, pastries, pies, soups and sandwiches.

Go next

 * Ann Arbor is about 20 minutes east on I-94.
 * The other towns and villages of Washtenaw County are a short drive away.