Travel Championship: Ann Arbor vs. Louisville

University of Michigan and the University of Louisville battle it for the NCAA title. But does Ann Arbor, MI, or Louisville, KY, win the title as the best travel destination? You make the call!

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Crisler Center, Ann Arbor

The Crisler Center is where all of University of Michigan’s men’s and women’s basketball teams play their home games. Built in 1967, the arena seats 12,721 spectators and is named for Herbert O. "Fritz" Crisler, the head football coach at Michigan from 1938 to 1947.

KFC YUM! Center, Louisville

The KFC YUM! Center, located on the Ohio River Waterfront, is where the University of Louisville’s men’s and women’s basketball teams play their home games. The $238 million multipurpose arena seats 22,500 fans. After paying more than $13 million, Louisville-based YUM! Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell) received the naming rights for the arena.

The Rock, Ann Arbor

Located at George Washington Park on Washtenaw Avenue and Hill Street, the Rock was brought to the park in 1932 to commemorate US President George Washington’s 200th birthday. More than 30,000 years old, the Rock features daily graffiti from various visitors and groups to mark special celebrations, including a potential NCAA championship victory!

Churchill Downs, Louisville

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Louisville is Churchill Downs, a hot destination for horseracing fans. The 2-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival culminates with “The Race for the Roses,” where lucky owner(s), a jockey and a 3-year-old thoroughbred will leave the track and arena as winners.

Ann Arbor Skyline

As Michigan’s 6th largest city, Ann Arbor’s simple skyline includes the Tower Plaza and the Burton Memorial Tower -- it’s this city landscape that draws the most attention from visitors. We recommend taking a stroll through the local parks or through the beautifully tree-lined areas along Huron River, a 130-mile-long river that runs through the city.

Louisville Skyline

Downtown Louisville is the largest central business district in Kentucky. The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, Louisville Glassworks, Louisville Slugger Field, Waterfront Park, Riverfront Plaza, KFC Yum! Center and Early Times Distillery are a few attractions travelers can visit in this neighborhood.

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ale, Ann Arbor

Beer is a hot commodity in Ann Arbor. Locals and tourists can choose from a few local brews, including the Arbor Brewing Company, Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, Blue Tractor and the nationally acclaimed Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. Breweries in the nearby town of Ypsilanti also contribute to Ann Arbor's brew scene.

Hot Brown, Louisville

Hot brown is an open-faced sandwich of turkey and bacon, covered in Mornay sauce and baked or broiled until the bread is crisp and the sauce begins to brown. A hotel chef, Fred Schmidt, introduced this alternative to ham and egg late-night suppers at Louisville’s Brown Hotel in 1926.

Zingerman's Deli, Ann Arbor

Pull up a chair and enjoy a meal at Zingerman’s Deli, a popular eatery in Ann Arbor and throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. Foodies -- who don’t mind standing in long lines for overstuffed, sometimes pricey but delicious sandwiches -- are in for a treat. Their corn beef sandwich, pastrami sandwich and mac and cheese are popular items on the menu. And don’t forget to try one of their desserts like the Hunka Burnin’ Love Chocolate Cake.

Lynn's Paradise Cafe, Louisville

Welcome to Lynn’s Paradise Café. This restaurant serves American food with a Southern twist. The walnut-crusted chicken, fried-green tomato BLT, World Famous Bloody Mary and mint julep are several items on the menu worth trying if you stop in for a bite to eat.

The Ride, Ann Arbor

More than 6 million people ride the public buses in Ann Arbor each year, according to the Ann Arbor Transit Authority. AATA has gone green with 27 hybrid electrical buses. The city has plans to increase the number of hybrid buses as the older buses are decommissioned. Travel green yourself as you make your way around Ann Arbor.

Transit Authority of River City, Louisville

Green travel is starting to become the norm in Louisville. The Transit Authority of River City operates more than 240 public buses, including hybrid and all-electric buses, in Derby City and southern Indiana. TARC’s 17,700-square-foot maintenance and training building received Gold LEED Certification for its commitment to being eco-friendly.

The Brown Jug, Ann Arbor

Don’t have tickets to a Wolverines game? Join students and other locals at The Brown Jug restaurant, located on South University Avenue and Church Street. Part of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan’s history since 1936, The Brown Jug is the oldest college football trophy in the US. Every year, the Minnesota Gophers and Michigan Wolverines battle it out on the field to gain or maintain possession of the coveted award.

Bungalow Joe's Bar and Grill, Louisville

Flat iron steak, Triple Crown chicken and bourbon-glazed salmon are just a few tasty items on the menu at Bungalow Joe’s Bar and Grill. Touted as the “premier family sports bar” in Louisville, this bar is the perfect spot to grab a beer and watch the Cardinals play.

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Travel Championship: Ann Arbor vs. Louisville

Related To:

Shop This Look

Crisler Center, Ann Arbor

KFC YUM! Center, Louisville

The Rock, Ann Arbor

Churchill Downs, Louisville

Ann Arbor Skyline

Louisville Skyline

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ale, Ann Arbor

Hot Brown, Louisville

Zingerman's Deli, Ann Arbor

Lynn's Paradise Cafe, Louisville

The Ride, Ann Arbor

Transit Authority of River City, Louisville

The Brown Jug, Ann Arbor

Bungalow Joe's Bar and Grill, Louisville