Spring Arbor offers a small town flavor, but due to its proximity to Jackson, it retains the convenience of urban living. The community has grown considerably in the past few years, fueled in part by steady expansion efforts at Spring Arbor University. Recent additions have included new dorms, library, and clock tower and work on a global learning center is currently underway. The 7,000-foot Ganton Art Gallery has hosted everything from professional artists and student exhibitions to juried shows in its 4,000-square foot main gallery.
The village is also home to several retirement communities, giving the area an interesting generational mix that helps support the local economy, which includes restaurants, several new housing developments, a local post office and a supermarket. On the eastern edge of town is Village Crossing, a new shopping center which features a number of shops that offer services ranging from investments to dance instruction and from coffee to a take-out pizza.
One of the quiet treasures in this quaint town is the Ye Olde Carriage Shop. Jackson County enjoys a long history with the automotive industry and visitors can see most of the cars that were produced in Jackson from 1902 to 1954 at this special museum. This private museum collection includes automobile and transportation memorabilia including gas pumps and signs. An extra attraction is the Coca-Cola room, which features hundreds of Coke items and complete apothecary fountain. Private tours are arranged by appointment only.