Are you in East Lansing for the summer, but unsure of how to spend the summer when everyone else is back at home? Let me assure you, as an East Lansing native, there is plenty to do!

There is nothing quite like being in East Lansing in the fall with people walking around outside, excited to be back and happy to see everyone. However, during the summer, East Lansing doesn't seem to have the same glow. However, I am here to tell you, do not fret! There arethings to do around here during the summer. 

Naturally, any college student wants to spend time in the sun, getting that warm glow that comes along with summer. Where is there to go that around here besides the U-Club? Lake Lansing. That's right, there is an actual lake about 20 minutes from campus. Lake Lansing, centered in the heart of Haslett, my small home town, is a typical hangout for anyone in the area. So grab a car, Frisbee and some friends and find your way to the lake and spend the day in the sun. While it may not be a full beach, there is some sand, as well as equipment for volleyball, a dock to fish from and paddleboat rentals. With just a short five minute walk, you'll find the town's favorite ice cream store, Cone Zone, as well as Blue Gill Grill, which has great pizza. Friday nights also have live music from local musicians! So come get some food, sun and have fun with friends. Don't bring your dogs – that's a no-no. 

If you're looking for somewhere to go shopping, do yourself a favor and save the Meridan Mall for another day. Take the trip to Eastwood Towne Center, where you can find NCG Eastwood Cinemas, delicious restaurants, including Bravo!, Mitchell's Fish Market, as well as a PF Chang's. Dinner and a movie is always a fun way to pass the time, especially with some great movies coming out this summer such as Maleficent and Edge Of Tomorrow.

 If you want to travel towards Lansing, head over to the ball park and watch the Lugnuts play baseball or eat at some of the higher quality restaurants. There are even a few fantastic places to go listen to music, such as The Loft. You could try The Soup Spoon, a lovely Irish place with fantastic service and, for dessert, stop at the chocolate shop next door. If you don't want to go all the way downtown, Mac's Bar is just as good as The Loft. If you want to see some of the local talent, head over to Peppermint Creek or the Riverwalk Theater and catch a show! Starting at the end of May, through the first week of June, Godspell will be playing at the Riverwalk.

If even that is too far, you could head over to the MSU Children's Gardens and hang out with the flowers. The MSU Horticulture Gardens host the American Garden Awards through Sept. 20. Not into flowers? Head over to Potter Park Zoo and see some of the animals. It may be small, but it is fun to go hang with the otters and watch them play! Closer to the MSU campus, is the Wharton Center and it has shows going on during the summer, such as The Book of Mormon! Go dress up and have fun!

Along with summer comes farmers' markets, fireworks and cookouts. On July 4, there are fireworks, provided by Meridian Township. So head over to the mall with some friends and watch the fireworks after great food. In the same area (across the street from the mall) on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. there is a great little farmers' market. Head over and grab some fresh veggies to make cooking a little more fun. A little farther down Grand River, past Okemos, is a little town known as Williamston. It has some great little shops, a few cute restaurants and even the Sun Theater, a small, old time theater that plays one show at a time. It's a fun experience, one to make a day out of. While you're out there, head over to Spag's bar and grab some pizza.

If you're craving art and missed the EL Art Festival, a few weeks ago, head over to one of the museums in the area. The Eli Broad Art Museum is super close on campus. Right by Shaw Hall is the Planetarium, if you feel like seeing stars for a while. In Lansing, there is the Impression 5 center, which may be childish, but it's loads of fun. Who doesn't want to go back to childhood every once in awhile? There are also a few nature centers in the area, such as Fenner Nature Center.

If that isn't enough fun, then I highly suggest signing up for a class, getting a job or picking up a good book. Go out and enjoy summer. All I know is that I can't wait to be back in EL for the fall.