LOCAL

Baseball, beer, banh mi and bands: Your 2019 summer bucket list for Lansing

Judy Putnam Haley Hansen Graham Couch Carol Thompson Rachel Greco
Lansing State Journal

If you find yourself bored this summer in the Lansing area and lacking ideas for alleviating that boredom, let us be your guide.

This community is full of interesting things to do, places to see and things to experience.

Here’s a dose of inspiration — our Lansing summer bucket list for 2019:

1. See Cassius Winston and Co. at the Moneyball Pro-Am

Michigan State's Cassius Winston, right, Aaron Henry, left, and the rest of MSU's basketball team is expected back at the Moneyball Summer Pro-Am this year, running late June through early August at Aim High in Dimondale.

Nowhere else can you watch Michigan State’s basketball team play up close for free. The Moneyball Pro-Am summer basketball league runs Tuesday and Thursday nights from June 27 through Aug. 1 at Aim High in Dimondale. It’s become a staple of the Greater Lansing sports scene, a must-see event on some nights. Beyond the Spartans — who are split up two to a team — the league is filled with college players and pros, many with local ties. And it will give you a first peek MSU’s incoming freshman class.

  • Aim High, 7977 Centerline Dr., Dimondale

2. Kayak or canoe the Grand River

A man floats in his kayak by the Lansing Center Sunday, July 15, 2018.

Wind your way through downtown Lansing, paddle in hand, the Grand River beneath you. If you don’t have your own seaworthy vessel, no worries, you can rent kayaks and canoes at Rivertown Adventures, located next to the river trail between the Lansing Center and City Market, beginning at $10 per hour. It’s an easy trek for beginners, and great route for both exercise and leisure. There are a number of cool events planned this summer, including Oars & Ales and, for ladies only, Paddle & Wine, as well as the ever-popular Light up the River night on July 4. Register for any of these at Rivertownadventures.com.

  • Rivertown Adventures, 325 City Market Dr., Lansing

3. Explore mid-Michigan’s small towns

A portion of Chris Garcia's mural on the side of Kean's Store can be seen from Jefferson Street on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in downtown Mason.

Downtown Lansing doesn't have it all. Venture out into the some of mid-Michigan's small towns. In downtown Mason you can purchase jelly beans, Swedish Fish and a host of chocolate treats by the pound from an old-fashioned counter at Kean’s Store Co., shop for books and grab a cup of coffee at Bestseller’s Bookstore & Coffee Co. and try some craft beer at Bad Brewing Company, where Good Bites food truck operates out of the parking lot. That’s all within one block. The Grand River is the backdrop for downtown shops in Eaton Rapids and Portland, and both towns offer places to enjoy the water. For some evening fun check out Windwalker Underground Gallery in downtown Charlotte, where Friday night open mic nights showcase local musicians. The venue holds art, storyteller and comedy events too.

4. Get lost in Horrocks Farm Market

Fresh flowers sit potted inside the floral section of Horrocks Farm Market in Delta Township Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Grab a cart and enjoy a little bit of everything at the 70,000-square-foot Delta Township grocery store. Once a small farm stand operation, today this local gem resembles an open-air market (without the open air). Wander through the green houses and pick up some fresh flowers, sample craft beer and wine or enjoy it on the outdoor patio, taste popcorn popped, candy created and coffee roasted on site, alongside fresh soup, sushi or pizza. Don’t forget to try some Iorio’s Gelato before you leave.

5. Check out classic movies at Sun Theatre, Eaton Theatre

 If you’re planning to go see one of this summer’s biggest films, like “Toy Story 4,” or “The Lion King,” consider watching it at one of the region's unique historical theaters. Grand Ledge’s Sun Theatre, Williamston’s Sun Theatre and Charlotte’s Eaton Theatre are truly nostalgic spots. Tickets cost no more than $5, and snacks aren't pricey either. If you’re going to see a flick at The Eaton Theatre, get there early and enjoy a game of Ms. Pac-Man or Donkey Kong in its retro arcade and virtual reality game area.

6. Belly up to a Lansing brewery

Interior of Ellison Brewery + Spirits in East Lansing.

This is one bucket list item you might want to repeat a few times. Mid-Michigan is home to some excellent and unique breweries, all with their own niche. Try pairing trips with another activity – work through a flight of beer, cider and mead at the charming Dimes Brewhouse in Dimondale after a hike at Burchfield County Park; cool off with a Bloody Mary at the industrial Ellison Brewery + Spirits in Okemos after a day at Lake Lansing; or catch a soccer game at Ozone’s Brewhouse in Old Town after putting your way through Little Hawk.

7. Spend an afternoon in Old Town

A mural created by Dine (Navajo) and Chicana artist Nanibah Chacon in Lansing's Old Town neighborhood. ​ ​

Where else can you get salmon blackberry mint margarita, a Michigan-made birthday gift and a new goldfish in a single outing? Old Town is one of the best places in Lansing to while away an afternoon. Need a new summer outfit? Browse Metro Retro, Polka Dots or Retail Therapy. Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? Check out the Old Town General Store, Bad Annie's Old Town Sweary Goods or Vintage Marketplace. Hungry? Get some grub at Punk Taco, Meat BBQ or Taqueria El Chaparrito. Tired of all the shopping and eating? Take a stroll on the Lansing River Trail. 

8. Hit the best spots for antiques

If you’re looking for vintage furniture, stained glass, jewelry, dishes or any other antiques head to the Antiques Market of Williamston first. The large mall on North Williamston Road features a large variety, and you can visit Red Cedar Antiques, with over 40 rooms filled with items, on Grand River Avenue before leaving town. Mason’s Antique District in home to 10 shops, or head over to the Mega Mall near DeWitt, where more than 200 vendors do business on site.

People shop at the Mega Mall Flea Market in Lansing Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017.
  • Antiques Market of Williamston, 2991 N. Williamston Rd. in Williamston, (517)-655-1350.
  • Red Cedar Antiques, 1435 E. Grand River Ave. in Williamston, www.redcedarantiques.com.
  • Mason Antiques District, 208 Mason St. in Mason, www.masonantiques.net .
  • The Mega Mall, 15487 Old U.S. 27 in Lansing, www.themegamall.net .

9. Visit the MSU Bug House 

Rachel MacInnis, 21, of Rowlette, Texas examines a Madagascar hissing cockroach Saturday, December 27, 2014, during the MSU Bug House's open house at MSU.

Time to graduate from run-of-the-mill summer pests like mosquitoes, ticks and flies. Take a trip to the Michigan State University Bug House, where you can see (or, if you dare, hold) creepy crawlies like tarantulas and tropical cockroaches and watch a working honeybee hive. Free open houses are scheduled June 23, July 20 and Aug. 17, and paid tours can be made by appointment at canr.msu.edu/bughouse.

  • MSU Bug House, Room 147, Natural Science Building, 288 Farm Lane , East Lansing, (517)-355-4662.

10. Go outside 

Holt resident Tylene Walker helps her daughter Jade, 8, with a lure at Burchfield County Park in Holt on Saturday, June 11, 2016, during Youth Sports Day.

Don’t forget to get some outdoor time — or, better, lots of outdoor time — before summer ends. There are plenty of spots a short drive from downtown Lansing where you will find quiet trails and tons of wildflowers, river views and wildlife. Burchfield County Park, Fenner Nature Center, Woldumar Nature Center and Lake Lansing Park North absolutely can’t be missed.

  • Burchfield County Park: 881 Grovenburg Road, Holt
  • Fenner Nature Center: 2020 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing
  • Woldumar Nature Center: 5739 Old Lansing Road, Lansing
  • Lake Lansing Park North, 6260 E. Lake Dr., Haslett

11. Read a book at Shigematsu Memorial Garden

The Shigematsu Memorial Garden on Lansing Community College campus in downtown Lansing.

There is arguably no better place to sit with a book than the Shigematsu Memorial Garden at Lansing Community College, especially if you’re looking for a quiet spot in downtown Lansing. The small, tucked-away garden features a koi pond in the shape of Japan's Lake Biwa, a walking path and plenty of shade. To get there from downtown, walk north on North Capitol Avenue past LCC’s Dart Auditorium and walk up the winding sidewalk to the right. If you reach the Herrmann House, you've gone too far.

  • Shigematsu Memorial Garden, 598 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing

12. Phones and pho or media noche at the Marathon

In a rush? Stop by one of Lansing’s multi-purpose eateries, where you can knock out an errand and grab a bite at the same stop. Gas up your car at the Marathon station that also houses José’s Cuban Sandwich & Deli, or peruse Sunshine Cellular phones before a bowl of pho from Capital City BBQ.

  • José’s Cuban Sandwich & Deli/Marathon gas station, 401 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing
  • Capital City BBQ and Sunshine Cellular, 1026 W. Saginaw St., Lansing

13. Shop fresh at farmers markets 

The Farmers Market at the Capitol will be held July 25, Aug. 22 and Sept. 19. In this file photo, a woman shops for flowers sold at the market.

Summer farmer markets are bountiful in the Capitol region. There are 17 in the tri-county area where you can often buy directly from people who grew the food. Allen Farmers Market on Wednesday, East Lansing’s market on Sunday and Meridian Township’s on Wednesday and Saturday are among the biggest. The Michigan Farmers Market Association’s website can steer you there, mifma.org.

Join downtown Lansing workers for Farmers Market at the Capitol on July 25, Aug. 22 and Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Capitol lawn transforms into a busy, colorful cornucopia of farmers’ produce and Michigan-made foods. You can grab lunch at nearby food trucks and shop for fresh peaches, just-harvested corn, bread and other food to take home.

14. Take your family to the Capitol 

Summer is a great time for families to tour the Michigan State Capitol. It’s immersed in history and full of visual surprises, such as the nine acres of decorative painting that transform plain pine and cast iron into what look like sumptuous walnut and marble surfaces. That’s right. It’s fake. And ask any Michigan school kid about the thrill of lying on the glass floor under the rotunda and looking up at the stars at the top.

The Capitol rotunda is a sight to see in Lansing.

Free tours start on the hour Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the half hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. It’s closed on Sundays. Self-guided tours are allowed weekdays. Ask for a brochure at the front desk. For more information, call (517) 373-2353.

  • Michigan State Capitol, 100 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing

15. Watch the Spartan Marching Band practice

Michigan State's marching band performs during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

There’s no better way to ease out of summer mode and get excited for the fall than by catching the practice of the mighty Spartan Marching Band. The band’s practice field is at the corner of Shaw Lane and Chestnut Road, next to Munn Ice Area.

There are bleachers for spectators. Take an icy drink, sit back and watch and listen while the band members do all the hard work of getting us fired up for football season.

Practices start Monday, Aug. 19 and run from about 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. When classes begin Aug. 28, practices are from 4:30 to 6 p.m. daily.

16. Hang out in REO Town

It is common to see people waiting outside the Good Truckin’ Diner for a table in Lansing’s Reo Town. Even in the rain. Sunday, June 9, 2019.

If you haven’t visited the neighborhood south of Lansing's downtown in a few years, you’re in for a surprise. It’s become a go-to spot for casual food, drinks, vintage shopping and creative outlets. The fun starts at 7 a.m. when Good Truckin’ Diner and Blue Owl Coffee open and lasts into the evening with jazz and folk performances at the Robin Theater. 

Food tips: Steak night Wednesdays at the REO Town Pub, pulled pork at Saddleback BBQ and jerk chicken tacos at Good Truckin' Diner. 

17. Experience roller derby with the Lansing Derby Vixens, East Lansing Mitten Mavens

The Lansing Derby Vixens play their home bouts at the Summit in Dimondale.

If you’ve never been to a high-level roller derby bout, you’ll be surprised by the speed, skill and physicality of the athletes. Figuring out the rules takes a few minutes. In the Lansing area, you have two good options: The Lansing Derby Vixens and the East Lansing Mitten Mavens. The Vixens are Lansing’s sanctioned Women’s Flat Track Association team. Their bouts are at the Summit in Dimondale, including one this Saturday against Burning River out of Cleveland, and another Aug. 24. The East Lansing Roller Derby Mitten Mavens hold their bouts at the Court One Training Center in Haslett. They have home bouts June 22 and Aug. 3. Tickets for Lansing Vixens and East Lansing Mitten Mavens bouts are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. 

18. Play some real mini golf at Little Hawk

The putting course at Little Hawk in Bath Township.

This is real golf. Minus driving or chipping. The Little Hawk Putting Course at Hawk Hollow in Bath Township is 18 holes of real greens, some longer and more winding than anything you’ll find on a full-sized course. This cozy, challenging, picturesque mini golf experience takes about 90 minutes depending on your group size. (Kids and adults can play.)

19. Take in a Lugnuts game with your dog. Or a $1 beer. Or the other members of Gryffindor

What began as "Bark the Park" night at Lugnuts games a few years ago has continued with regular bring your dog to the park nights.

You can bring your dog to the ballpark five times this summer. On five home Thursdays, you can drink beer for as little as $1 at Cooley Law School Stadium. You can watch Fireworks 13 times between now and the end of the season, beginning after games this Friday and Saturday. There is a Harry Potter-themed night (Aug. 24), a Daniel Norris Oregon Trail bobblehead night (July 27) and a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Jersey Giveaway night (June 28), along with three Taco Tuesdays. And there’s baseball. 

20.  Get festive at Michigan Pride, Ingham County Fair and more 

Hip-hop fans dance to rapper Icewear Vezzo Friday, July 8, 2016 during the Common Ground Music Festival at Louis Adado Riverfront Park in downtown Lansing.

It’s a rare to have a summer weekend without a festival somewhere in the Lansing area — including four this weekend: Lansing’s Juneteenth Celebration and African American Parade; the Michigan Pride March, Lansing Beer Fest and Oldsmobile Homecoming. East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival is next weekend, June 21 and 22. Common Ground Music Festival returns downtown June 27 to 30, followed by the Eaton County Fair July 8 to 13, the Car Capital Auto Show July 28, the Ingham County Fair July 29 to Aug. 3, Lansing’s Jazz Fest Aug. 2 and 3, the St. Johns Mint Festival Aug. 9 to 11 and others.

• Lansing area festivals list: Lansing.org/events/festivals

21. Bike, run, scoot or stroll Lansing’s River Trail 

Lansing's River Trail stretches 20 miles, including through downtown.

The Lansing River Trail now covers 20 miles from Old Town to Waverly Road, downtown to Potter Park Zoo and MSU, Hawk Island and deep into south Lansing. It’s picturesque and paved, everywhere you’re not on a boardwalk. It’s one of the easiest escapes to relaxation or exercise you’ll find in our community. And increasingly worth exploring.