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Oriental Mart in East Lansing 

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Deadtime Stories in Reo Town

Such a unique shop full of interesting books. I loved the way the shop was decorated for Christmas, yet it still felt like Halloween! 

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Vintage Junkies in Reo Town 

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The Record Lounge in Reo Town 

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Sleepwalker in Reo Town

This microbrewery pizzeria looked like a great place to study. That was my first thought when I walked into the building! There seems to be great food, friendly service, and a comforting atmosphere. 

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Good Truckin’ Diner in Reo Town 

Looks like this diner is a great place for brunch. After looking through their online menu, I found many vegetarian options, so I have to check it out some time! Their hours are Mon-Sun 7 AM-3 PM. 

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Street art in Reo Town 

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Working on it! Check back another time or keep updated by following me on Instagram @tinatypes :) 

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What is Silver Bells? Celebrating the event as a Lansingite

If you are from Michigan, there is a chance that you have heard of Silver Bells in the City. I am a long-time Lansing resident but have only attended the event twice. I might not be the most knowledgeable about Silver Bells, but I can tell you what it felt like from my own experience. 

The 37th annual Silver Bells in the City was held in Downtown Lansing on November 19, 2021. I decided to capture the night through my lens. With the holiday season creeping upon us, it’s important that we try to support our local businesses. Throughout the event, you will see local vendors with tents outside; additionally, Lansing has many shops and restaurants to visit in the downtown district.  

So what happens at Silver Bells? Besides the opportunity to shop and dine, the main attraction of this event is the electric light parade and marching bands. Tons of participants, mostly local companies, line up and start from Washington Ave. and turn around at Ottawa St, ending their parade at the intersection of Hillsdale St. and Capitol Ave. There were ten marching bands present during this year’s celebration. Other attractions may involve entertainment from a celebrity artist and a fireworks performance at the end of the night. 

After the parade, a countdown to light the Christmas tree happens in front of the capital. This year, the tree was 63-feet-tall; it was harvested in the Upper Peninsula. Pictured below is the crowd gathering for the electric light show and marching bands. Many people show up early for parking and places to sit. 

I was hoping to see fireworks at the end of the Christmas tree lighting. That is what usually happens at the end of the event, but this year, there was a drone show. It was new to me and I preferred the fireworks, but still thought it was a trendy twist to the night’s end.  

Some other parts of the night that I found interesting was the ice rink near the Michigan capitol. Unfortunately, it was not slippery enough to skate on, but it was a thoughtful add-on to the holiday festivities. I highly encourage everyone to go to Silver Bells in the City at least once. According to WLNS, there was a turnout of at least 45,000 people attending. It is a great way to get involved with the local community, network or just enjoy the holidays.

View more photos of the event here. 

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Photos from Downtown Lansing’s 37th annual Silver Bells in the City event. Click here to view my blog post about it!

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Inside The Michigan State Capitol @ Downtown Lansing

Not many people know that the Lansing capitol is open for self-guided tours. I have explored the government building by myself many times, and so can you. Click here to view the capital hours. 

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Middle Village Micro Market

There’s something new in Downtown Lansing, and it’s not just one, but four pop-up shops! Middle Village Micro Market opened on October 15; it is officially a part of the Downtown Lansing shopping district. So let’s pop in and see what’s inside!

An article from Lansing State Journal (Aguiar, 2021) mentioned how the market “acts as an incubator for the six businesses featured there, with an emphasis on those owned by women and people of color” (para 2). When I visited, there were four pop-up shops: A Novel Concept, Sweet Encounter Bakery, MI Alchemy, and Capital Hippie. 

I was immediately drawn to the sweets and was pleased with my cupcakes. I remember Sweet Encounter Bakery from my time as a marketing intern with Lansing Mosaic. There was an interview with Sweet Encounter Bakery, and it was a part of the content we released online. Even so, I never got a chance to try their food until I came across the pop-up shop at Middle Village Micro Market. I highly recommend trying the food from this bakery; their menu is very allergy-friendly. 

Aside from the sweets, you will see carefully crafted soaps, Downtown Lansing apparel, tie dye accessories, and books on shelves, both old and new. Come by to check it out for yourself!

Reference: Aguiar, A. (2021). Sneak peek: Look inside Middle Village, new pop-up market in downtown Lansing. Lansing State Journal. https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/2021/10/12/middle-village-downtown-lansing-market-holiday-shopping/6094750001/

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Restaurants in Downtown Lansing 

ANQI Sushi Express Sahara Delight Empire Szechuan  Juice Nation 

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Window decorations for the holidays in Downtown Lansing 

Shops featured:

Preuss Pets General Old Town Store  Bad Annie’s 

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Summit Comics & Games in Downtown Lansing 

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Meeting the League of Enchantment

Downtown Spirit Week was held in Downtown Lansing for the holidays from November 15-19. 

On November 17, I visited Summit Comics & Games to attend the “Dress Like Your Favorite Super Hero” event. While doing so, I was able to take a photo of the League of Enchantment, a non-profit organization that is also a partner with Make-A-Wish Michigan. Not only did I love their costumes, but I admired the work the League does.

According to the League of Enchantment website, the organization is a group of cosplayers whose general focus is to visit kids in hospitals to brighten their days. During the hospital visits, toys and comic books are given to the children while the League comes dressed as their favorite superhero. You can support their work by donating to this link.  

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The Peanut Shop in Downtown Lansing

Fun fact: This shop has been open since 1937!