By Lori in Lansing on 8/30/2010 10:46 AM

Although I’m sad that summer is coming to an end, I’m equally excited that it’s time to kickoff Spartan Football! It’s time to pull out your green and white apparel and head over to Spartan Stadium for some awesome tailgating and some super exciting games. Alums will catch up with old friends, parents will visit their kids and everyone will catch the Spartan Spirit! Here’s a little Tailgating 101 for you all: Read More »

By brendan on 8/26/2010 3:08 PM

Late August in downtown Lansing (specifically the campus of Lansing Community College) means one thing to me - time for the Caribbean Festival! And when I say it delivers, I mean it - on a lot of different levels. Attending this unique event delivers a real and palatable Caribbean feel. From the dancing to the music to the marketplace area full of drums and colorful clothing and jewelry to the great authentic food, it's like you found a secret way to go to the Caribbean without the need for a passport.The event is put on by the Lansing Community College Student Life and Leadership office and they do a fantastic job. The event is always well-attended and the weather has been spot on every year I've ever been (predictably sunny, hmmm, just like the Caribbean). My recommendation when you attend is to park on the street in the surrounding residential neighborhoods surrounding downtown and walk to the LCC campus. The closer you get, the more you'll feel the energy of the islands. Come ... Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 8/24/2010 7:42 AM

“Get your motor runnin’, Head out on the highway, Lookin’ for adventure, And whatever comes our way.” Steppenwolf’s Born to be Wild, 1968.

Remember when a road trip wasn’t cruising down an interstate at 70 mph and pulling off the highway to find a fast food drive-thru?

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By Lori in Lansing on 8/19/2010 8:29 AM

I do enjoy my wine moments. Yes, I do. And when I stop by Burgdorf’s Winery in Haslett, Deb and Dave Burgdorf are usually there to welcome me and allow me to have a little tasting before I decide on my purchase. If Dave helps me taste, I have a hula hoop moment when I swirl my wine and my hips in a synchronized movement. That’s what I was taught. It never gets old and I always laugh. Yes, at myself. Read More »

By brendan on 8/16/2010 1:46 PM

Golfers looking for the next big challenge or just an absolutely remarkable golf weekend in the Great Lakes State, set your DVR to the Golf Channel for the program Destination Golf on September 8th, 2010. Why? Because the word is out on the nationwide prominence of Michigan golf! The folks at the Golf Channel spent a full week filming in Michigan to feature America’s Summer Golf Capital for this popular program starring Lauren Thompson. Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 8/13/2010 11:19 AM

An alternative to your typical Sunday brunch.

Here’s something I ran across last Sunday when we were cruising Lansing around brunch time, but not quite sure what we wanted to eat. Burgers? Omelettes? Salads? Nothing sounded satisfactory. So we pulled into Leo’s Outpost on Pennsylvania Ave. knowing that their cheese bread is to die for but not sure what else would feed our Sunday longings. Lo and behold I have discovered the best alternative to the typical Sunday brunch: “Make your own Bloody Mary” and an assortment of appetizers.

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By brendan on 8/9/2010 2:30 PM

I'm one of those people that closely associates specific smells with times, places, seasons and memories from my past. A little dried leaves and apple and I'm right there in autumn. I smell a turkey cooking and I'd swear it's Thanksgiving Day. Odd but true, the smell of black coffee and saw dust always reminds me of my Dad. Well, no exception to this trend of smells making associations to times, places and people in my life is the smell of mint. It always makes me think of nearby St. John's, Michigan and the annual Mint Festival. St. Johns is just a bit north of Greater Lansing, and while a pretty sleepy, rural community it is known the world over as Mint City USA. Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 8/5/2010 2:52 PM

So my son is home from college and his dad who lives out of state shipped him a turntable and some old albums perhaps in hopes of keeping him happy and entertained throughout the summer. And he’s very happy. I come home from work to the sounds of old school Beach Boys and some really obscure stuff. He was the kid in middle school who came across an old electric typewriter and proceeded to write stories on that instead of his Gateway PC. So it’s easy to say that he likes retro stuff. And apparently a lot of other people do, too. Read More »

By brendan on 8/2/2010 2:33 PM

Shocker. I'm about to do another blog post telling you how great the Greater Lansing region is for those looking for a good time. Well, if you're tired of new opportunities for awesome summer fun, don't read the rest. The Greater Lansing community, and specifically in this case, Old Town Lansing, are total havens for cool and unique outdoor music concerts and festivals. As the summer months come and the temps go up, smart people travel to Greater Lansing with a few bucks in his or her pocket and a lawn chair in the trunk. On any given Saturday you can pretty much roll your window down, drive through the area and follow the sounds of great live music to yet another awesome time, simply soaking up some tunes and some rays. This weekend is for sure no exception as Old Town will feature the 16th Annual JazzFest August 6th (4 p.m. to 12 a.m.) and 7th (2 p.m. to 12 a.m.). Music will fill the air in Old Town and, as usual in this fantastic community, this wonderful event full of ... Read More »

By Lori in Lansing on 7/29/2010 7:28 AM

If you haven’t been there recently, or didn’t hear, Mackerel Sky has moved (not too far from their previous location) to 211 M.A.C. Ave. in East Lansing. This boutique/gallery is officially named Mackerel Sky Gallery of Contemporary Crafts and is owned by Tom and Linda Dufelmeier. If you look up the word “Gracious” in the dictionary, their pictures would appear. When we hosted a group of travel writers from around the country in the Lansing area, Tom and Linda acted as a conduit to introduce the writers to some local artists who in turn invited the writers into their studios. Tom and Linda even offered to host a dinner for all the writers and artists…at their home. Read More »