Lansing Journals

Exploring Lansing, Michigan

A January 2006 trip to Lansing by lwitkop

Quote: Featuring restaurants and attractions around Lansing.

Exploring Lansing, Michigan

Overview

Quote:

I'll be honest, Lansing isn't a destination city like Orlando or San Diego, but it's a great place to explore. Lansing has a great assortment of restaurants, including major chains and local institutions like Clara's and Bonnie's. There are also many options for entertainment, from the dueling piano bar aesthetic of Rum Runners to large movie theaters to small community theaters and art galleries. Lansing offers numerous shopping choices, including large malls like the Eastwood Towne Center open air mall and small shops in neighborhoods like Old Town. If you're looking for something educational, the Potter Park Zoo is a great small zoo, and the Impressions 5 Science Center make...Read More

I'll be honest, Lansing isn't a destination city like Orlando or San Diego, but it's a great place to explore.

Lansing has a great assortment of restaurants, including major chains and local institutions like Clara's and Bonnie's. There are also many options for entertainment, from the dueling piano bar aesthetic of Rum Runners to large movie theaters to small community theaters and art galleries. Lansing offers numerous shopping choices, including large malls like the Eastwood Towne Center open air mall and small shops in neighborhoods like Old Town.

If you're looking for something educational, the Potter Park Zoo is a great small zoo, and the Impressions 5 Science Center makes learning fun. Of course, don't forget a visit to the state Capitol Building for a look at government in action.

If you're a sports fan, you can choose from Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball or collegiate athletics from nearby Michigan State University.

Quick Tips:

You can visit the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau at http://www.lansing.org for information on everything you would need to plan a visit.

The only weather-related advice applies to all of Michigan--we have all four seasons here. Expect snow in the winter and heat and humidity in the summer. At the same time, Michigan's weather can change unexpectedly, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared. You never know when you might need that umbrella.

Best Way To Get Around:

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Clara's Lansing Station

Restaurant | "Clara's"

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Clara's is a Lansing institution. Located by the train tracks on Michigan Avenue, it actually was once a train station. Visitors even have the option of dining in an old railroad car. The first time I ate at Clara's, it was the first time I had ever seen a spiral-bound menu--their menu has that many pages! They offer a little bit of everything, from steaks and seafood to Italian favorites. The food is first-rate. I especially enjoy the fried mozzarella appetizer, the French dip sandwich, and their calzones. Servings are plentiful without going overboard and the food seemed to be made from quality ingredients. Service has always been prompt and pleasant, although if ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 29, 2006

Clara's Lansing Station
637 East Michigan Avenue
Lansing, Michigan 48912
(517) 372-7120

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Bonnie's Place

Restaurant

Quote:

Bonnie's Place offers the best burgers in the Lansing area. My personal favorite is the Pizza Burger, while my husband always orders the signature Bonnie Burger, featuring ham along with typical hamburger toppings. You can get a plain hamburger or cheeseburger, too, but this is a place to experiment with the page full of burger offerings. All burgers come with fries, although you can substitute onion rings for an additional cost. Bonnie's is a bar, which determines its overall atmosphere. It can be a little dark and smoky inside. However, even though the non-smoking area is close to the bar, I've never felt overwhelmed by the smoke.The service has always been prompt and friendly, and t...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 25, 2006

Bonnie's Place
415 E Saginaw St.
Lansing, Michigan 48906
(517) 372-1559

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Claddagh Irish Pub

Restaurant

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I recently tried this restaurant for the first time and highly recommend Claddagh Irish Pub. While my party stuck with standard burgers and sandwiches, there were several authentic Irish dishes, like bangers and mash, on the menu. The food was a bit on the expensive side for casual dining, but we thought it was worth it because everything tasted great and came in good-sized portions. What really made Claddagh stand out for me, though was the atmosphere. I felt like I had actually stepped into a neighborhood pub. Seating was more reminiscent of armchairs and couches than typical restaurant furniture, and dim lighting and a fire only added to the cozy feel. My friends and I don't drink,...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on May 12, 2007

Claddagh Irish Pub
2900 Towne Center Blvd.
Lansing, Michigan 48912
(517) 484-2523

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Lansing City of: Zoo Potter Park

Attraction | "Lansing, City of Zoo Potter Park"

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I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much from this zoo, but I was pleasantly surprised. Don't let the zoo's size or the fact that it's "just" a city zoo keep you from enjoying this great Lansing attraction.I was most surprised by the wide variety of animals the zoo had on display. There were bald eagles, camels, llamas, a bird and reptile house, rhinos, lemurs, owls, monkeys, tigers, and many more. You can access a zoo map and more information on the zoo's animals at this page.The kids should love the farmyard area, which also includes some petting zoo attractions. I believe my husband and I were the only...Read More