Edgemont Park - Lansing, MI

Edgemont Park and its neighboring areas were home to Native American tribes who lived here for many years before European settlers arrived. In 1835, two brothers from Lansing, N.Y. came to Michigan and divided the land into plots, with the intent to sell it to investors back home. While there were some buyers, it did not catch on until 1847, when Lansing was chosen to be the state capital of Michigan. This choice led to the development of the neighborhood in the decades that followed.

To get a glimpse into this history of this neighborhood, visit the Michigan Historical Museum on West Kalamazoo Street in Lansing. Art lovers should go to Absolute Gallery on East Grand River Avenue or to Lansing Art Gallery on South Washington Square. Annual festivals like the Common Ground Festival and Michigan Rock n Brew happen in downtown Lansing during summer.

The cultural diversity of Edgemont Park is reflected in its cuisine, so you can get authentic food from different parts of the world to satisfy your taste buds. To get a sample of Mediterranean fare, head to Zaytoon Mediterranean on Elmwood Road. This place offers not just food, but a whole new way to experience Mediterranean culture and cuisine. Its interiors have a warm and welcoming touch that is matched by friendly waiters who help you through the menu. If you have food restrictions, talk to the chief chef Sam and he will accommodate your needs. While you are here, taste their popular shawarma – a one-box dish that comes with chicken shawarma, rice, hummus and house salad. Hashwi and Kibbie are other good choices here.

For authentic Italian food, visit DeLuca's Restaurant on Willow Road. This Italian pizzeria is staffed by three generations of family members who serve some of the best Italian fare in the area. While pizzas are their specialty, they also serve other Italian dishes such as pasta, ravioli and lasagna. Warm interiors and friendly staff add to the pleasure of dining here.

Head to one of the best Japanese restaurants in Lansing to try their signature and sushi rolls. Sushi Moto, located on Elmwood Road, serves many Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi and noodles. One must-try dish is Omakase, which literally translates to “I leave it up to you.” When you order this dish, the chef picks the best seasonal ingredients available in the restaurant to showcase his culinary skill and talent.

For a good nightlife experience, drive to downtown Lansing for the excellent bars and dance clubs. Stober's on East Michigan Avenue offers a good nightclub experience for the locals. This legendary bar has shuffleboard and a jukebox to entertain you and your friends with good music. Also, the bar serves stiff drinks and unique cocktails concocted by the skilled bartenders. They have more than 10 beer taps, including craft beer.

Spiral on Center Street is a straight and LGBT nightclub with a huge dance floor and foot-tapping music. Spiral has been voted as the Best Dancing Club in Lansing for three years in a row due to its talented DJs who play the best combined music around. Interesting events happen here from time to time, from costume parties to hoilday celebrations, so make sure you check their schedule

Edgemont Park has good public transport buses that take locals to downtown Lansing. Route number 3 flies once every half hour and costs $1.25 one-way. Many residents prefer to drive to work for convenience, especially during the harsh winter months. There is plenty of free parking to be found in Edgemont Park, which also makes driving the preferred option. People walk or bike along Edgemont Park's safe streets when the weather is good.

Frances Park on Moore River Drive overlooks the Grand River and has athletic fields that help you to get some exercise. Its woodland trails are ideal for a run or to take your dog for a walk. A picturesque rose garden also adds to the charm of this park. Riverside Park and Grand River Parks also overlook the river and have good trails for public use.

Edgemont Park is affordable to most people, as it sits 14.5 percent lower than the average national cost of living. This affordability can be seen in all its amenities: a one-bedroom apartment rents for just $559 a month while a pint of beer costs an average of $4 at the local pub. Gas prices also sit at 9.3 percent lower than the average national gas price.

Lansing Mall on West Saginaw Highway is the closest shopping mall, and it has a good selection of stores that sell apparel, bath and beauty products, sporting goods, toys and more. For jewelry and craft lovers, Polka Dots Bead-a-Full Boutique has a variety of handmade jewelry and beads. You can even make your own jewelry here, and the owner lends a hand too Kositchek's on Washington Square sells stylish men's clothing. This store is well-known for its large array of ties.

For your grocery needs, head to Meijer on West Saginaw Highway or Handy's Food Market on West Willow Street. Lansing City Market and Allen Street Farmer's Market sell fresh produce during summer.