63 Days to Football and Reasons #82 & #81 to Love Ann Arbor

there are just 63 Days Left Till Kick-off, but we're running a little behind on the Countdown. So with 63 Days Left, we'll double up the countdown until we get caught up! So, here's #82 and #81 in our continuing Series of 100 Days to Football and 100 Reasons to Love Ann Arbor.

#82 - The Ark

One of the best places to listen to live music in the county. The Ark is one of those places that is uniquely, Ann Arbor. Tucked away on Main Street in Ann Arbor, The Ark's current location is it's third and arguably best incarnation. The Ark has been hosting live music and providing a welcome atmosphere for students and graduates since the 1960's. Founded initially by a host of local churches, The Ark grew beyond its initial walls and is now an independent 501(c)(3) which puts on 250 shows a year. If you're a music lover and their Mission Statement doesn't give you goosebumps, check your pulse:

The Ark is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enrichment of the human spirit through the presentation, preservation and encouragement of folk, roots and ethnic music and related arts. The Ark provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all people to listen to, learn about, perform and share music.

An incredible place that is #82 in our Countdown and Reason #82 to Love Ann Arbor.

#81 - The Pumas

You know the story. yada yada... freshmen... yada yada... leaves a virgin... yada yada... pumas run away. Or is it the other one about having to run from the block "M" in the Diag to the Pumas or you're cursed if you step on the "M"? There are so many variations on a theme. Regardless of all that, the Pumas are just friggin' cool. Originally donated in 1940, the original Pumas were cement structures that were beginning to show the wear of time. So what did the University do? The had them cast in bronze and kept their tradition alive, whatever tradition you embrace might be. They're beautiful. They're legendary. They've got some weird, weird stories associated with them. That's why they're #81 in our Countdown and Reason #81 to Love Ann Arbor. [By the way, if you've got the rest of the various stories associated with the Pumas, by all means, please leave them in the comments! - Ed.]

If you've got suggestions on places you'd like to see, email me with a photo or a description and we'll get your favorite hangouts in the countdown as well.