Outdoor Social Zone Returns to Downtown East Lansing

Downtown East Lansing is always a busy and bustling place, especially during the school year when all the students are in town. There are so many restaurants, bars and shops to gather and visit with friends and family. This summer, we will see another opportunity to hang out and spend time together.

Albert EL Fresco

Downtown East Lansing will see the return of Albert EL Fresco,

a pedestrian zone located along Albert Avenue, between Abbot Road and MAC Avenue. The space includes outdoor seating and tables, rocking chairs, hammocks, decorative lighting, shade equipment, games and more. Several events and programs are also hosted in the space

I have to say the name is awesome; Albert EL Fresco…al fresco, that is to say an outdoor alfresco dining area, but EL for East Lansing. I like a good pun.

The fun and lively outdoor space would make a great family night out. It offers games like Cornhole, Giant Jenga, Connect 4, etc. Plus, there are multiple ways to dine while you’re there.

Al fresco dining in East Lansing

If you wish to bring your own food and drink, you are more than welcome to take advantage of the outdoor space, such as the tables or the fun games of cornhole. However, you cannot bring your own alcohol.

If you want to enjoy an adult drink, you will need to buy one from one of the bars or restaurants and enjoy it in their specific outdoor dining area. Keep this in mind, as not all bars and restaurants in the area have their own outdoor dining area.

If instead of bringing your own food you decide to dine in downtown East Lansing, there are plenty of places to choose from. Do you want tacos? Strike, Barrio. Fancy a bar meal and a cold beer? Try places like Jolly Pumpkin Brewery or HopCat (which has dozens of beers on tap).

Downtown East Lansing Events

In addition to meals, drinks and fun games on the lawns, a variety of events are also scheduled throughout the summer. It is possible to take free yoga classes, enjoy live music and much more. You can check out their full calendar of events HERE.

If you like to eat outdoors, there are some amazing places in downtown East Lansing that you can visit. Take a look at the photos below and see what made the list of best patios in the Lansing area.

16 Lansing-area restaurants with the best outdoor dining

As the weather warms up, we are ready to sit and sip on the patio. With that in mind, we scouted out Lansing-area bars and restaurants with the best patios for al fresco dining. Check out the list below and discover all the options for sitting outside.

Want to enjoy something similar, but in Lansing? Find out which restaurants are participating in Lansing’s three different social neighborhoods.

Bars and Restaurants Participating in Lansing Social Neighborhoods

Have you ever heard of a “social district”? It is an area that allows you to enjoy alcohol while being outdoors. And by wide open spaces, I mean a few blocks from downtown. Lansing has officially decided to make the once temporary social quarters a permanent feature. Now you can enjoy your favorite beer, wine or cocktails in select public areas in Lansing. You can find Lansing’s social neighborhoods in Downtown, REO Town, and Old Town. Check the list below to see which bars and restaurants are participating.

These 22 Lansing Restaurants Serve the Best Breakfast Around

It is said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Now, I don’t know who “they” are exactly, but I agree. In fact, I would go so far as to say that breakfast is the better meal of the day…that’s why so many places serve breakfast at any time of the day. When it comes to awesome places to grab breakfast, the Lansing area has no shortage. Browse the gallery below and think about the types of breakfast plans you want to prepare for this weekend.

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