Things to Do in Wayne

The Polo Fields Golf Course & Country Club encompasses two locations—one in Ann Arbor and one in Ypsilanti—each with its own 18-hole course and refined clubhouse. Designed by renowned architect William Newcomb, the par 72 Ann Arbor course channels the blustery hillocks and grass-eating bagpipes of courses in the United Kingdom with a 6,828-yard layout featuring broad, links-inspired fairways and deviously slick greens. A community fixture for nearly a century, the Washtenaw course takes clubbers on a verdant voyage among native oaks and cedars, burbling streams, and tranquil ponds. Both sites house fully stocked pro shops, where guests can peruse the latest in on-course duds, clubs, hats, and remote-controlled golf balls from brands such as TaylorMade, Adidas, FootJoy, and Titleist.

Guests can bask in views of the splendid links while enjoying regionally inspired American fare and frothy drinks at the clubs’ two dining facilities, both of which feature settings for a variety of occasions. Swimmers can stroke through the outdoor lap pool at the Washtenaw location, and sunbathers can lounge by the colossal, resort-style pool in Ann Arbor. Within the Ann Arbor fitness center, hearts race on elliptical machines, muscles pump free weights, and calories melt during group fitness classes, before muscles soak in the warm, golf-ball-free waters of the hot tub.

Ann Arbor Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,828 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 73.3 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 141 from the farthest tees
• Four tee options
• Link to scorecard

Washtenaw Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,524 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 71.7 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 135 from the farthest tees
• Four tee options
• Link to scorecard

With the help of her husband, Chris, Crissi Ballas put her heart and soul into opening Wicks & Stones nearly a decade ago. Blossoming from a simple idea, the business grew into a gallery, jewelry and supply store, workshop, and candle emporium. Today, Wicks & Stones offers a wide variety of classes, from basic beading to stitching bracelets out of high-grade tennis balls. For gift-givers, the shop stocks 100% soy candles, a smattering of Swarovski crystals and other semi-precious stones, and displays packed with already-assembled jewelry.

The Earehart clan, boasting fourth- and fifth-generation equestrians and members of the United Professionals Horseman's Association in its ranks, shares their immeasurable equine knowledge with visitors during Liberty Stables' horse-riding and driving lessons. Liberty Stables' 40-acre facility––which includes an observation lobby, tack and feed rooms, and indoor wash racks––has served as a fruitful breeding ground for world and national horse-riding champions over the last 20 years. The seasoned equestrians also house four-legged companions available for sale, specializing in such breeds as american saddlebred, shetland, and ponies painted to look like zebras.

The four trainers and two instructors at Rushlow’s Arabians combine more than 150 years of experience in the equestrian industry, applying their expertise in the areas of breeding, training, and riding. Rather than focus solely on riding techniques in the saddle or trying to teach horses sign language, riders learn the full spectrum of horsemanship, including equine anatomy, proper stall etiquette, and tacking up a horse. Students of all abilities have their choice of instruction in Western, Hunt Seat, Saddle Seat, Driving, and Dressage atop designated lesson horses, most of which have retired from the show ring.