River Point - Lansing, MI

The city of Lansing actually began as a scam. In 1835, two brothers sold plots of land to people in their hometown of New York under the guise that the city was already well-established. When the settlers moved, the found only a wooded land directly in a floodplain.

In 1848, Michigan legislature decided to move the state capitol away from Detroit – and the nearby British-controlled Canadian border – to the more-easily defended township of Lansing. By the end of the latter half of the century, the city had become an industrial powerhouse, due in large part to the automotive industry and the creation of the Olds Motor Vehicle Company.

Today, the city and the River Point neighborhood house a variety of museums. Visit the Lansing Art Gallery, Michigan Women's Hall of Fame or the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. Annual events include Common Ground Music Festival and Great Lakes Folk Fest.

While a few diners do serve residents, the best bet for food options is to head a few miles north just over the river to the Washington Square section of town. Here, hungry patrons can choose among several internationally themed restaurants, steakhouses and sports bars.

The popular Tavern and Tap serves up American food and local craft beers with a true northern feel. Start with some samplings from the Yankee Tapas section of the menu. The soft pretzels bites come with several dipping sauces, and the boneless buffalo chicken wings provide a great game-day snack. For the main course, order the Yankee pot roast for a generous helping of tender meat and creamy potatoes. This comfort food reminds customers of food just the way mom used to make it.

For a more upscale dining experience, head a few more blocks north to the Troppo Supper Club, which sits across the street from the state capitol building. Diners may catch local politicians and lobbyists making deals over glasses of bourbon and plates of mac and cheese. The dining room features dark wood paneling and Italian marble for an upscale feel, but the restaurant still retains a fairly causal atmosphere, and the menu mostly features plates of American comfort food with an Italian twist. The strawberry and chicken salad provides a great option for a light and fresh meal, but for something more substantial, don't miss out on the pappardelle primavera with wild mushrooms, sweet peas and bell peppers.

The Nuthouse Sports Grill provides the absolute best place to grab a beer, snack on some finger food and cheer on the local team. This large establishment features outdoor seating during the warmer months and sits directly across the street from the Lugnuts minor league baseball stadium. Fans flock to the bar before and after games and during the off-season to catch up with neighbors and watch other teams on the many big-screen TVs.

Entertainment options abound in this sprawling city. Visit The Exchange to listen to smooth jazz music throughout the week and sip on specialty cocktails. From watching a baseball game to catching a performance or lecture at MSU, residents can find an event that matches any interest.

For drivers, bikers, passengers and pedestrians, getting around the River Point neighborhood couldn't be easier. Drivers can easily hop on I-496 to head to all parts east or west. The main thoroughfare of South Cedar Street also borders the eastern edge of the neighborhood and takes drivers north to downtown Lansing in a matter of minutes.

Passengers can take advantage of the extensive public transportation system. Bus stops sit at practically every corner, so riders don't have to walk far in bad weather to catch a ride. Taxis and Uber also service the area, making it easy to call for a ride.

Pedestrians can use the trail system that follows the rivers throughout the city to safely travel from one neighborhood to another and enjoy beautiful natural settings.

River Point residents enjoy easy access to the Lansing River Trail, which runs along both Grand River and Red Cedar River. Pedestrians can use the trail to walk the dog, go for a jog or bike along the riverfront. The trail extends for 13 miles throughout the entire city, spanning many recreational areas along the way that provide a place to rest or enjoy a picnic. At nearby Elm Park, visitors can enjoy open spaces and use the baseball field to practice batting or play catch.

The trail hosts many events throughout the year, including the annual Michigan Remembers 9-11 event to commemorate the attacks on the World Trade Center towers.

The cost of living in the River Point neighborhood runs below that of other areas in the city, although Lansing as a whole provides an affordable place to live. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs just $600 per month. Drivers pay about 15 percent below national average for a gallon of gas, and passengers pay $1.25 for a one-way bus ride. Take advantage of game-day drink specials and pay $2 for a bottle or domestic beer.

The area's main shopping district sits just east of the capitol building in the Washington Square section of town. River Point residents only have to travel a few miles north to enjoy a variety of unique shops and boutiques.

At the Cigar Connoisseur, customers can purchase fine tobacco, smoking accessories and rare cigars. The employees are happy to answer questions and help shoppers pick out the right cigar for that special occasion.

Summit Comics & Games carries all the big names in comic book publishing, as well as smaller independent publishers that may be harder to find. They carry a large selection of role-playing games, graphic novels and collectibles and are more than happy to put in special orders.

Visit Kositchek's for a selection of fine men's clothing. This shop has been in business since 1865 and specializes in tailored suits and shirts. While they do carry women's clothing, the shop has earned a reputation as the premier destination for professional men looking to make a great impression. From colorful ties to classic suits, every item is constructed using only the highest quality material and made to fit each individual.

This area also has easy access to several Quality Dairy Store locations, which offer a variety of grocery essentials. Kroger and Meijer also service the area and provide a wider range of produce and household good options. Starting in July, locals can also visit the Lansing City Market to shop fresh produce and artisan wares from local farms.