HyperLocal News for Lansing, Michigan

Battle Creek Bombers: Affordable baseball in a fine parkNothing says summer like a day at ball park, enjoying the game, munching a hotdog, downing an icy beer. But, with Major League Baseball prices as they are, who can afford that? You can with the Battle Creek Bombers at C.O. Brown Stadium.

Farmers Alley Theatre: Out-sized acting in a small spaceThe Farmers Alley Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo delivers a powerful punch in its small space. The non-profit professional ensemble may be the new kid on the theatrical block, but they deliver thought-provoking dramas, quirky comedies, children’s theater and even evenings of cabaret music.

The Purple Rose Theatre Company: An American beauty of a playhouseWhat if you could magically recreate intimate, cutting-edge theaters like New York’s late, lamented Circle Repertory in the Midwest? Then you would have the Purple Rose Theatre Company, a gem of a theater in Chelsea, Mich. The theater is just 15 minutes from Ann Arbor and an hour from either Detroit or Battle Creek.

The Civic Theatre: Wowing audiences with great shows, pricesThe award-winning Civic Theatre provides a full season of 14 plays. Whether you like comedies, musicals or dramas, contemporary productions or classics, you’ll find something to love. And you would be crazy not to go, what with prices as low as $5 for some performances — less than a movie ticket!

Kalamazoo Valley Museum mixes science with funWhether you’re a toddler or a teen or totally grown up, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum in downtown Kalamazoo has something for you: a mix of hands-on science and fun!

FireKeepers Casino: Scorching gaming and moreFireKeepers Casino, one of Michigan’s newest gambling casinos, delivers red-hot gaming, dining and nightlife in southwest Michigan.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts: Offering a lot for a tiny price -- free!Visitors to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts can peruse its permanent collections, ranging from a 1,200-year-old cast-gold pendant from pre-Columbian Costa Rica to up-to-date post-modern canvases, for absolutely free.

Air Zoo: High-flying fun in a down-to-earth settingThe Air Zoo, located near Kalamazoo, combines the educational experience of a museum with the hands-on excitement of an amusement park. You’ll feel as if you’re actually in the air or even outer space!

Historic Chenery Auditorium: Delivering big acts in a plush settingHistoric Howard Chenery Auditorium has seen some big-name stars on its stage since it began as a high school auditorium in 1924. The 1,900-seat auditorium continues to deliver great entertainment to the greater Kalamazoo area more than 200 days a year.

Heritage Guitars continue a Kalamazoo traditionFine guitars have been crafted at 225 Parsons St. in Kalamazoo for more than a century. That tradition continues with the largely hand-made Heritage Guitars.

O’Duffy’s Tavern: authentic Irish drink and atmosphereO’Duffy’s Tavern, Kalamazoo’s only real Irish pub, is just the place to enjoy some quality beers, laugh and share with friends and co-workers and perhaps have a light bite. Located in the Vine neighborhood, the pub is conveniently located.

Purple Rose’s 2010–11 season: Four home-grown world premiere playsIn celebration of its 20th season, the Purple Rose Theatre Company’s 2010–11 season will have a whopping four world premiere plays — all by Michigan playwrights!

Third season at Farmers Alley Theatre really singsFarmers Alley Theatre returns for its third season with a powerful Pulitzer Prize winner, a quirky comedy by an internationally known Michigan talent, some delightful musicals — including a brand-new one — and an evening of cabaret entertainment. It’s the eclectic season you’ve come to expect from Farmers Alley Theatre.

Madcap Puppets bring Wild West to Southfield LibraryHey, buckaroos! Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and come to Madcap Puppets’ free performance on July 14 at the Southfield Library: the zany puppet performance, Target Dinner Theater: Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show.

Madcap Puppets bring Wild West to Battle CreekHey, buckaroos! Don’t miss Madcap Puppets’ free performances on June 23 at the Miller Stone Building, which will feature Annie Oakley’s Wild West Show, a zany puppet performance, complete with stunts and tall tales.

Civic Theatre’s new season includes world premiereThe world premiere of Sleepy Hollow, A Musical Tale is the highlight of the Civic Theatre’s new season, which kicks off Sept. 24. When other community theaters are cutting back their season, the 2010–2011 season includes a whopping 14 productions! You won’t want to miss the new season.

Civic Theatre summer programs delight budding thespiansIf your daughter or son loves to perform, why settle for the run-of-the-mill summer camp? The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre offers summer camps that explore all aspects of the theater, from acting to script writing to composing to scenery to lighting and sound and more!

KIA summer programs combine art and funThe Kalamazoo Institute for Arts’ summer programs provide art camps, summer classes and visiting artist workshops that teach kids about art in a fun atmosphere.

Cosmo’s Cucina: Great food, morning or nightWhether breakfast or dinner, Cosmo’s Cucina delivers creatively prepared food in a historic building on the corner of Vine and Locust.

Oakwood Bistro: Paris’ Left Bank right in KalamazooDon’t let the suburban surroundings fool you. The Oakwood Bistro is a little slice of Paris’ Left Bank in Kalamazoo. Whether it’s sophisticated fare like pistachio-encrusted calamari and Black Cherry-Ginger Pork Loin or home cooking like pot roast and mac and cheese, the Oakwood Bistro has what you crave.

Uptown Bar-BQ: the best BBQ ribs in townLocated on Livernois Avenue in Detroit, Uptown BBQ has been a staple for many families for more than two decades. The smell of slow-cooked ribs and chicken can often be smelled emanating from the grills at Uptown a mile away, drawing in customers just by the sheer, delicious aroma. With all of that fresh barbecue smell, it seems that all patrons have to do is follow their noses to Uptown.

Mexican Town Restaurant: Authentic Mexican in DetroitThere is always a fiesta happening at Detroit's Mexican Town Restaurant. There is just something about the vibrant, colorful interior and huge, fruity margaritas that just seems to make everything a little bit loco.

Polish Village Cafe: Old world flavor and friendly serviceThe Polish Village Cafe, located in the city of Hamtramck, is a long-time Detroit institution that prides itself on authentic Polish food, friendly service and the kind of atmosphere where "everyone knows your name."

Hockeytown Cafe: Face Off for Great FoodThere's no denying it: The Hockeytown Cafe in Detroit is the place to be when it comes to food and fun. The decor of Hockeytown Cafe is playful and impressive; Motorcycle collections, sports artifacts, and lots of big screens take center stage

El Wood Bar and Grill: Legendary Local EatsJust feet from Comerica Park and Ford Field, this popular restaurant is a hot spot before and after Detroit sporting events. Frequenters flock to El Wood for reasonably-priced eats that are simple, delicious and fresh-- along with the company of good friends and refreshing, icy-cold brew.

The Whitney: historical fine dining in DetroitSelf-described as Detroit's most iconic mansion, The Whitney Restaurant is more than just a fine dining establishment-- it's a history lesson that simply can't be taught with a book. The luxurious decor is decidedly decadent, reminiscent of an era when quality was never sacrificed for quantity

They Put The Zing in Zingerman's!One of the world's most famous deli's thrives far from New York City. Ann Arbor's Zingerman's put the deli in delicious.