Classic car fans visiting the Lansing area this summer will not want to miss the 30th annual Car Capital Auto Show. This popular, annual event sees up to 225 gorgeous vintage, classic, custom, and modern cars vying for awards, plus food trucks, door prizes, music, and more! July 29th, 2023 at the R.E. Olds Museum in downtown Lansing, MI.
Just about everyone can appreciate the graceful lines and sparkling chrome of a gorgeous classic car. There’s something universally appealing about a well-designed, beautifully appointed, and lovingly maintained vehicle. It doesn’t even have to be an antique or classic – but it doesn’t hurt.
We here at The English Inn absolutely appreciate history, careful design, and striving for aesthetic excellence. Our historic grounds are a reflection of these very concerns. More to the point, we’re also very much connected to the Oldsmobile story. The opulent estate that The English Inn calls home was built by Irving Reuter in 1927, while he was General Manager and President of the Oldsmobile Corporation.
Further, the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is just 30 minutes from the door of our Lansing area inn, pub, and restaurant. Drive to the city, spend the day taking in the sights and sounds of the show, museum, and other Lansing attractions, then it’s just a short hop back to the comforts of The English Inn. Unwind with a drink in the pub, dinner in our restaurant, or a stroll on our manicured grounds.
Lovers of art and architecture will enjoy a visit to the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University. The museum, also known as the MSU Broad, exhibits significant art from around the globe, in a stunning building designed by internationally known architect Zaha Hadid.
There’s nothing quite like a visit to an art museum. That’s because, when you’re viewing art, you’re communing with the artist, in a way. Getting a glimpse inside their head to see what and how they think. Fine art is not just beautiful or fascinating but inspirational, informative, thought provoking, or moving. One often comes away from a good art museum feeling refreshed, thoughtful, and motivated.
If you agree than you will not want to miss an opportunity to visit the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. The museum opened its doors on the MSU campus, in East Lansing, in 2012. It is named in honor of two longtime supporters of the university and the arts.
The 46,000-square-foot museum was built to replace the much smaller Kresge Art Museum. Many come just to take in the building’s multifaceted exterior of pleated stainless steel and glass. More beauty awaits inside, however.
Step back into the past with a visit to the 19th century via Meridian Historical Village in Okemos, MI. This popular and unique attraction is home to a 7 historic buildings, a variety of special events, and is only a half hour from The English Inn.
Many guests of The English Inn Restaurant & Pub visit or stay with us, in part because of our elegant and warm, old world feel. While the modern world has numerous wonders and conveniences we’ve come to rely on, sometimes it’s nice to slow down and simplify a bit.
English Inn is located on the historic Medovue Estate in Eaton Rapids, MI. Our manicured grounds and lush, 1920’s mansion offer peace and refined relaxation with modern conveniences in an old world setting.
Those who enjoy this calmer, slower world will also likely enjoy a visit to Meridian Historical Village in Okemos, MI.
Spring is just around the corner and with it comes baseball season. In the Lansing area, that means the Lansing Lugnuts, whose home games at Jackson Field are less than a half hour from The English Inn Restaurant & Pub!
There’s nothing quite like attending a baseball game. The sun on the stands, the cheering and jeering fans, a hot dog and a drink, and all the action on the field. Does it get any better?
The Lansing Lugnuts are a Minor League Baseball team of the High-A Central and the Oakland Athletics’ Class A Midwest League affiliate. The team has won two Midwest League championships and hosted four Midwest League All-Star Games. The Lugnuts have produced 156 Major League players over the years, with more than 20 former Lugnuts currently active in the Majors. The Lugnuts regularly draw 300,000 fans a season and hold the MiLB attendance record for a club’s inaugural season.
Better yet, the convenient location of our Lansing area bed and breakfast makes catching one of the Lugnuts’ home games a snap. The English Inn is just a half hour from the capital city in Eaton Rapids, MI. This means you can have all the noise and adventure you want but still have somewhere quiet and serene to retire to. The perfect combination!
Looking to get some time in on the links during your Eaton Rapids getaway? Great idea! You’ll be happy to know that the highly-rated Bonnie View Golf Course is just minutes up the road from The English Inn.
There are many different ways to enjoy the great outdoors but for some of us, the best way is with a set of clubs. There’s nothing quite like a good game of golf for clearing your mind, stretching those muscles, and getting out into the fresh air. Any real opportunity to practice your swing on manicured greens in a serene setting should not be missed.
Luckily, for golf-loving guests of The English Inn, such opportunities are within easy reach. Not only are there a variety of courses to choose from in the local area, one of the most popular is our next door neighbor.
Bonnie View Golf Course
Bonnie View Golf Course is located at 194 S Michigan Road in Eaton Rapids, MI. This is literally just 3 minutes up the road from our Lansing-area bed and breakfast, The English Inn. If a person felt so motivated, they could even walk there in about ten minutes, it’s that close by.
Bonnie View Golf Course offers a challenging but fun, 9-hole public golf course, designed by Jerry MacCay. The course measures 3191 yards from the longest tees and features 3 sets of tees for different skill levels.
History buffs and those looking for a fun way to spend a few hours will be happy to learn that the Michigan History Museum is scheduled to reopen August 6th, 2021!
The Michigan History Museum, like so many attractions, has been closed to the public, due to coronavirus, since spring of 2020. News of its reopening is joyful, indeed, and a real sign that things are slowly getting back to normal.
The museum is located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center building in downtown Lansing. This is just a quick drive from our Lansing area hotel, The English Inn, Restaurant & Pub.
The Michigan History Museum offers four levels and more than 25 permanent and changing exhibits. The topics fully explore the state’s rich history, from pre-contact up through to the late 20th century. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes at the museum, if not longer.
Museum exhibits include interactive computers, audio-visual presentations, and a variety of hands-on elements. One of the biggest surprises are the live, three-story tall trees growing INSIDE the museum on the second level. The nearby, two-story high, relief map of Michigan is also a big hit.
Looking to get back in the saddle or just wanting to check horseback riding off your bucket list? Great idea. Sundance Riding Stables offers horseback riding for riders of all skill levels and is less than 20 minutes from The English Inn.
There’s nothing quite like a leisurely trail ride through the country on the back of a gentle, well trained horse. The fresh open air, unspoiled scenery, and the big, beautiful animal beneath you combine for an experience that is equal parts thrilling, calming, and unlike anything else.
Sundance Riding Stables offers guided trail rides and riding lessons in the Lansing area for riders of all skill levels, advanced to beginner.
Guided Trail Rides
Sundance Riding Stables guided trial rides take you through the beautiful meadows and woods of their 200 acre spread. Trail rides last an hour, giving you plenty of time to soak up the views and experience. Watch for wildlife while you’re on the trail, you may see deer, wild turkeys, and more!
Prospective trail riders will be asked about their past riding experience to help choose the appropriate mount. Don’t worry if your answer is none. Sundance trains riders and their stable of horses includes many gentle animals perfect for the beginning rider. Guided trail rides are walk and trot only, making for a safe and easy ride.
Have a little one under 8 who wants to ride? They can’t be on a full size horse but Sundance will rent you a pony for parent led pony rides around the facility. Fun for everyone!
Le Chat Gourmet Culinary Arts is a highly regarded, hands-on cooking school for adults and kids located in Eaton Rapids, MI just five minutes from The English Inn.
When it comes to truly good food, they say the real joy is in the making and the sharing. Most of us appreciate a well crafted gourmet meal but how many of us can create one?
There’s no reason for the time-honored culinary arts to remain a mystery to you if you don’t want them to. Le Chat Gourmet, a celebrated local cooking school located conveniently close to our Michigan bed and breakfast, is here to help.
A Lansing Area Cooking School
Le Chat Gourmet Culinary Arts has been offering hands-on cooking and baking classes, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, since 2003. Classes at the school are designed for all experience levels and cover a wide range of dishes and styles. Students actively participate in the entire cooking process, from food prep to plating, and dine on the results.
Chef Denene Vincent, founder and operator, is a gourmet chef with over 25 years of international cooking experience. Chef Vincent holds master gardener and art degrees and hosted the popular Great Lakes Kitchen television show. She is a true farm to table chef, emphasizing locally grown, seasonal ingredients in her classes and dishes.
Step back in time to the 19th century with a visit to the 1855 Turner-Dodge House, aka Dodge Mansion, a beautifully restored historic house museum in Lansing, MI.
The Turner-Dodge House has stood in Old Town Lansing for more than 160 years. It was one of the first large homes to be built in Lansing and was home to several generations of an important pioneer family.
The house gets its Turner-Dodge name from the first families to live here. Marion and James Turner built the house in 1858 after moving to Lansing from Mason. James operated a mercantile store and Marion was a school teacher. Later, James would also speculate in real estate and build a foundry.
Abby Turner, Marion and James’ daughter, married Frank Dodge in 1888. The couple bought the house after they married, enlarging and redesigning it to accommodate the expanding family. A renovation that completely changed the house’s appearance.
The Turners and Dodges were more than just wealthy white landowners. They were true pioneers who helped to develop Michigan’s capitol city. They were also progressive, supporting higher education for women, the abolition of slavery, and liquor control.
The family lived in the house until 1958, when it was sold to the Great Lakes Bible College. The city of Lansing purchased the mansion in 1974 and, after substantial renovation, opened it as a historic house museum.
Fans of antiques will be happy to know that a number of popular shops can be found nearby in Mason, MI. In fact, it would be easy to plan an entire day around Mason antiques shopping.
For antiques fans, there’s nothing quite as fun as perusing a variety of shops for unknown treasures. With most shopping, you go in with a list or idea of what it is you’re after. When it comes to antique shopping, however, most of the joy comes from discovery and surprise. You never know what you’ll find!
That’s why towns like Mason, with its concentration of antiques shops, are so appealing.
While most towns have at least one antiques shop or flea market to poke through, a collection of such shops is a good sign. Clusters of antiques shops can mean competitive prices and a wider selection. Two things shoppers of any stripe can appreciate!
This describes the Mason antiques scene well. Large shops supporting numerous independent vendors and displaying a wide range of fine antiques. Further, the town has been known for its antiques since the 70’s, so you know you’ll be looking at some serious vendors.
Classic car fans visiting the Lansing area this summer will not want to miss the 30th annual Car Capital Auto Show. This popular, annual event sees up to 225 gorgeous vintage, classic, custom, and modern cars vying for awards, plus food trucks, door prizes, music, and more! July 29th, 2023 at the R.E. Olds Museum in downtown Lansing, MI.
