Walking Paths & Food Trucks: The Perfect Lunchtime Pair
| 3 min read
Taking a walk at lunch can be great for your health, happiness and productivity at work (not to mention a good way to squeeze some outdoor time into your busy day!). But if you do head out for a mid-day break, you can’t just stroll the entire time—you also need to find some healthy food to eat for lunch. Luckily, Michigan is home to plenty of walking and biking trails that have food trucks nearby. Try any of these options and you’ll get some steps in, grab a quick bite, and return to work feeling full and fit.
Ann Arbor
Where to walk: The University of Michigan’s campus offers ivy-covered buildings and miles of walking paths to take you to nearly any part of town. While roaming around Ann Arbor, you are also never too far from the Nichols Arboretum, which is a must-see for students and visitors alike.
Where to eat: The food trucks located at Mark’s Carts at Washington Street between First and Ashley will give you a taste of ethnic dishes like dumplings. You can find even more options at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Where to walk: The University of Michigan’s campus offers ivy-covered buildings and miles of walking paths to take you to nearly any part of town. While roaming around Ann Arbor, you are also never too far from the Nichols Arboretum, which is a must-see for students and visitors alike.
Where to eat: The food trucks located at Mark’s Carts at Washington Street between First and Ashley will give you a taste of ethnic dishes like dumplings. You can find even more options at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Detroit
Where to walk: The Detroit Riverfront is currently a three-and-a-half mile path that spans from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park. The hustle and bustle of the east riverfront is home to parks, plazas, pavilions, pathways and open greenways. If you are looking for a longer trek, you can loop from Eastern Market to Campus Martius by the way of Dequindre Cut and the Detroit Riverfront.
Where to eat: Whether you are craving tacos, BBQ or a sandwich, there is a food truck that will satisfy your taste buds (one favorite: El Guapo for vegetarian-friendly Mexican food). Many food trucks are located at Campus Martius during lunch hours, which is a 20-minute walk from the Riverfront.
Where to walk: The Detroit Riverfront is currently a three-and-a-half mile path that spans from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park. The hustle and bustle of the east riverfront is home to parks, plazas, pavilions, pathways and open greenways. If you are looking for a longer trek, you can loop from Eastern Market to Campus Martius by the way of Dequindre Cut and the Detroit Riverfront.
Where to eat: Whether you are craving tacos, BBQ or a sandwich, there is a food truck that will satisfy your taste buds (one favorite: El Guapo for vegetarian-friendly Mexican food). Many food trucks are located at Campus Martius during lunch hours, which is a 20-minute walk from the Riverfront.
Grand Rapids
Where to walk: There are lots of great trails throughout this vibrant city. Or pick a park to explore, like the 6.5-acre Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
Where to eat: A Moveable Feast is often parked at Rosa Parks Circle, which is located near Ah-Nab-Awen Park. While not as popular yet here as they are in other cities, more and more food trucks are making their debut at festivals and events throughout the year.
Where to walk: There are lots of great trails throughout this vibrant city. Or pick a park to explore, like the 6.5-acre Ah-Nab-Awen Park.
Where to eat: A Moveable Feast is often parked at Rosa Parks Circle, which is located near Ah-Nab-Awen Park. While not as popular yet here as they are in other cities, more and more food trucks are making their debut at festivals and events throughout the year.
Lansing
Where to walk: Totaling more than 20 miles, the Lansing River Trail is the perfect mid-afternoon treat. Lining the Grand River, the trail travels through Lansing and over the Red Cedar River through Michigan State University.
Where to eat: Food trucks are staples at festivals and farmers markets throughout the summer, and at the Farmers Market at the Capitol on July 30, August 27 and September 24. Catch Good Truckin’ Food on select days at the Capitol or The Purple Carrot at the Hannah Center on Fridays for farm-fresh eats.
Where to walk: Totaling more than 20 miles, the Lansing River Trail is the perfect mid-afternoon treat. Lining the Grand River, the trail travels through Lansing and over the Red Cedar River through Michigan State University.
Where to eat: Food trucks are staples at festivals and farmers markets throughout the summer, and at the Farmers Market at the Capitol on July 30, August 27 and September 24. Catch Good Truckin’ Food on select days at the Capitol or The Purple Carrot at the Hannah Center on Fridays for farm-fresh eats.
Traverse City
Where to walk: Traverse City is one of the most walkable regions in Michigan. The TART Trail connects you to downtown Traverse City, as well as the Boardman Lake Trail, Three Mile Trail and the Leelanau Trail.
Where to eat: A foodies heaven, food trucks are scattered throughout the town and at The Little Fleet, a neighborhood food hub that hosts eight trucks.
Where to walk: Traverse City is one of the most walkable regions in Michigan. The TART Trail connects you to downtown Traverse City, as well as the Boardman Lake Trail, Three Mile Trail and the Leelanau Trail.
Where to eat: A foodies heaven, food trucks are scattered throughout the town and at The Little Fleet, a neighborhood food hub that hosts eight trucks.
Hungry for more dining options around Michigan? Check out these posts:
Photo credit: Star5112
