Mad Dog’s All-Time Favorite Places in Lansing

I have lived in Lansing, Michigan my entire life. Well, I did share Lansing with Mt. Pleasant, Michigan when I attended CMU for five years, but other than that this is where I've been.

I am now 62 years old and have seen many changes in this great city of Lansing. I’ve seen mayors come and go. I’ve seen businesses come and go. I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly in Lansing. I'm getting nostalgic now, so I'd like to share some of my favorite places with all of you.

First and foremost, I have always loved Potter Park. I grew up there until 4^th grade living right across the street from Potter Park. We lived on Sunnyside, where my dad had our home built. It was so cool that you could hear the lions roar in the summertime. It is still a great destination to go to after all these years.

I also would recommend going to the Rose Garden in Francis Park. It is just absolutely beautiful. You need to go see this when it’s not winter of course.

When I was a little boy, I loved going to Knapp’s Department store with my mom, Corky, too. That place was absolutely perfect. I loved their downstairs cafeteria. Their food was excellent.

I also loved going to the Gladmer Theatre. It was old-fashioned and majestic.

I remember learning how to skate when they would ice over the ball field at Sycamore Park for many years. The city stopped doing this many years ago. Why? That I can’t answer. Probably money. But they spend money on useless things these days, so I think they should try and bring it back.

Another thing I would do is go fishing in the various ponds and the areas around Mid-Michigan.

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I also loved the old City Market. It was just so cool and retro. Their hamburgers were the best too. If you were lucky enough to go there, that will always be in your memory.

As I got older and reached drinking age, I loved the Boom Boom Room in Frandor. That place was like going to Gilligan’s Island.

I loved my family's business which thrived for almost 90 years. That was DeMarco’s Bar and Party Store. I worked there with my dad, uncles and cousins for many years. People and relatives that know me already know that. Sure, it was tough love at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

There are so many new spots to go in this day and age, but sometimes the olden days will always be king. Please tell us your favorite places today and years back. We want to hear!