Hello Ann Arbor!
It’s my distinct pleasure to introduce myself as a new contributor to the Ann Arbor Observer, and your soon-to-be resident advice columnist. I’m local writer and small business owner, Bree Stilwell, and What She Said will be your opportunity to ask me, along with occasional local experts, your burning questions about life in our town and community.
Need recommendations on a unique night out with visiting friends or family, but have option fatigue from browsing all the event listings? Dream about selling your rhubarb jam at the Farmers Market but need to know if it’s even worth your time? New in town and wondering why everyone’s so suspiciously friendly? (And P.S.: what’s this “Ope!” everyone keeps throwing at me?)
Part fact-finding guide, part personal advice, What She Said is your opportunity to get a unique and individualized take from a local on just about anything Ann Arbor-ish.
Some bits and bobs about me: Born in East Lansing and raised in Ypsilanti, I’ve lived in and around Ann Arbor for most of my life. After spending fifteen of my post-college years in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Northern California, I finally relented and returned to the city that at some point calls us all back… if we ever left.
During that time and since, I’ve studied poetry in Prague, worn every possible hat in the Napa Valley wine industry, rehabbed a brewery loft in Detroit’s Eastern Market, and was the project manager for the restoration of The Dixboro Project. I’m a creative entrepreneurship mentor by day, and the author of Caravan by night—a Substack newsletter about culture, art-making, and the evolving human experience. I live with my husband, son, stepsons, and too many pets on the northwest side, and can be found at just about any AADL event, nursing my oat flat while working remotely at York, or enjoying all four glorious seasons on the B2B Trail.
Stay tuned for next week’s inaugural column, right here in a2view, where I’ll answer this reader’s question:
“On October 8, my husband and I are celebrating our third wedding anniversary. We love biking, hiking, kayaking — pretty much anything outdoors — followed by a good meal and a cold beer. Got any advice for an unforgettable Ann Arbor date night?”
Need advice about something Ann Arbor-ish? Email [email protected].