Remember when we would look forward to that coffee date with a friend to catch up on all life’s adventures? Remember when we would look forward to Friday night dates with our friends or a special someone? Normal life seems like another lifetime.
I miss feeling the energy of my favorite local coffee shops. People working away, friend’s greeting each other, first date awkwardness, and the background music swirling around the conversations. I miss girl’s night watching Starfarm and dancing the night away. It almost feels like that normal life is never coming back. It makes me too sad to think about.
So instead I’m going to do a little local tour of all my favorite places! So when we do get back maybe you will have some new places to check out!
Coffee shops are my favorite!
- Blue Owl– the vibes at all three locations are amazing! I just visited the Old Town location right before the shutdown and it quickly became my favorite. I love the decor there. I love how they use essential oils to flavor their coffees. Their nitro cold brew is amazing! They also have open mic nights which is so fun!
- Strange Matter– once again I love both locations. The honey cinnamon latte is my favorite. I can’t wait to get my fav latte and one of their yummy donuts.
- Foster’s– the spiced latte is by far my favorite! So good! I love sitting at the couch and looking out the window to the busy streets of East Lansing.
Next up is restaurants! I love food! There is nothing like good food with good conversations!
- Zoobie’s/Cosmos – Great food, great beer and drinks! I love their Trust Us pizza. It never disappoints. The outdoor patio is great for summertime!
- People’s Kitchen– Great brunch place. Super cool vibe and great food! I only made it a couple times before quarantine.
- Ruckus Ramen– It’s in The Avenue which is a hole in the wall bar, but the ramen is so good!!! Oh man just thinking about it is making me hungry.
- The Soup Spoon– it never disappoints. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is always amazing! I absolutely love the Pumpkin Bisque which is a fall menu item.
- Sindhu– The chicken Madras and garlic Naan bread is to die for. The portions are huge. My favorite Indian food place.
- Beggar’s Banquet– Great brunch spot. Cheap Mimosas.
- Lansing Brewery Company– The buffalo cauliflower wings are seriously my favorite. I crave them daily. I love the vibe in there too.
- Punk Taco– Great taco place with unique tacos. They have a couple locations and I love the vibe.
- The Creole– They have some amazing Burger’s. Drinks are yummy and they have plenty of seating.
- Meat– Yummy BBQ. Totally has a guy vibe. Food is always so good!
- The Golden Harvest– Amazing breakfast place. You may have to wait outside for awhile, and it takes a long time to get your food but it’s totally worth it!!!! It’s an experience.
- Cask & Co.– Great variety of food, drinks and fun vibe.
- Saddleback BBQ– The best chicken tacos and the scoop of cornmeal is heaven!
- Bluegill Grill– Great food, drinks and rooftop seating.
My favorite bars:
- The Exchange– It caters to an older crowd, it’s usually chill and they always have a live band.
- The Grid– It’s an arcade bar which is fun! Super cool drinks and has a fun old school Nintendo vibe.
- The Nuthouse– It’s a great place for outdoor music in the summer. The drinks and food are good.
- MP Social– I have only been once, but it has a lounge feel. It’s in a high end apartment building so it definitely has a professional vibe to it.
- American Fifth Spirits– Great drinks. Great place for drinks and conversation.
- Crunchy’s– This is a college bar. They have trivia night and Karaoke. Super fun!
Things to do:
- Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum– A fun museum to check out every so often. It has had some pretty cool exhibits. It’s free which is awesome!
- Lansing Lugnuts– Check out a baseball game.
- Spare Time– Bowling, arcade and escape room. Great time!
- Impression 5– Amazing kids museum.
- High Caliber– Indoor go-karts, ax throwing, and arcade.
- Lake Lansing– Great place to take your kids swimming. They have a playground and pavilions to have picnics.
I can’t wait for this to be over with so we can all go support our favorite businesses. I hope this has taught us to be more present when we are with our friends and family. Life is so short and we never know when it will be our time to pass or we have to go into another quarantine. So let’s savor every moment, eat good food, drink good coffee, and laugh with our loved ones. I hope to see you all soon! I miss everyone so much!
“As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise you will miss most of your life.” ~ Buddha
Xoxo,
April
The Badass Butterfly 