The Local Scene
Just finished studying for the big exam and need to take a breather from the books? There's plenty to do in and around Spring Arbor; take a look at some of the opportunities for fun available to SAU students.
Eat | Shopping | Things to do
Eat
Sacred Grounds -- Sacred Grounds is located in White Library right on campus and proudly brews Starbucks products. Visit early and often for the best drinks and baked goods around. 517.750.6749
Marcella's - Marcella's: A Taste of Heritage coffee shop is located at 7851 Spring Arbor Rd. in the Spring Arbor shopping plaza along M-60 on the outskirts of Spring Arbor Township. Those familiar with that location would most likely associate it with another very popular coffee shop, Evelyn Bay Coffee Company, which closed its doors in fall 2008. Thankfully, Marcella's quickly moved into that space and the locals have found it to be very similar to what Evelyn Bay was, but with a few additions, a couple subtractions and a bit of their own flavor thrown in. Check out their excellent sandwiches and wraps, delicious coffee, scrumptious ice cream and generally relaxing atmosphere. Stay tuned: Marcella's hopes to soon host some open mic nights, poetry readings, and guest musicians.
Starbucks -- I-94 and M-50 (1801 North West Ave., Jackson, 49202); 517.782.3408
Jackson Coffee Company -- Voted the best coffee in Jackson, this vintage-style coffee house in downtown Jackson delivers charm and sophistication. Every Friday night, Jackson Coffee Co. hosts live entertainment on its second floor. 201 S. Mechanic St., Jackson, 49201; 517.990.6770; www.jacksoncoffeeco.com
Panera Bread -- 1285 Boardman Road, Jackson, 49202; 517.783.0800, fax 517.783.1800
Lone Star Steakhouse -- 3510 O'Neill Road, Jackson, 49202; 517.768.0884
Marino's, Marco's or Amy's Pizza -- College lesson #1: Pizza is a college staple. Take your pick, there are three pizza restaurants in Spring Arbor.
- Marino's Pizza - 102 Teft Rd; 517.750.3805
- Marco's Pizza - 7851 Spring Arbor Rd.; 517.750.2020
- Amy's Pizza - 340 E Main St.; 517.750.4420
Bella Notte Ristorante -- Got a big date? Want to celebrate after passing your organic chemistry mid-term? Bella Notte Ristorante, a hip, downtown eatery, is sure to impress. The atmosphere is elegant and upscale, the servers are classy and the food is delicious. 137 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, MI 49201; 517.782.5727; www.bellanotteristorante.com
Daryl's Downtown -- Some Michiganians have been known to drive an hour to get to this casually elegant, laid-back-yet-still-chic downtown restaurant. But then again, where else would they find escargot, spinach pizza, baked brie and a variety of specialty and vegetarian pastas all on one menu? At Daryl's you might get full, but you'll always want more. 151 W. Michigan Ave., Jackson, 49201; 517.782.1895; www.darylsdowntown.com
Steak 'n Shake and Denny's -- The life of a college student doesn't always run on a typical schedule, which means there will be times when you're starving and most restaurants are closed. That's where Steak 'n' Shake and Denny's 24-hour dining experiences come in. There you will find food you need to carry you through a long night of studying or to provide a place to hang out at the end of a long day.
- Steak 'n Shake - 2655 Airport Road, Jackson, 49202; 517.841.9390
- Denny's - 2560 Airport Road, Jackson, 49202; 517.782.0025
Frosty Boy and The Parlour -- A sundae can make your day, a double scoop can brighten your mood -- and let's not even get started on sprinkles. Just head just down the road to Frosty Boy and see how good a little ice cream can make you feel. Or take a trip to The Parlour, which has made a name for itself with their 21-scoop mountain of ice cream, aptly named the "Dare to be Great."
- Frosty Boy - 309 W. Main St., Spring Arbor; 517.750.1114
- The Parlour - 1401 Daniel Rd, Jackson, 49202; 517.783.1581
China City -- This classic Chinese eatery offers up all your old favorites, from noodles to wontons to soup, and you get a ton of food for a low price. 1690 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, 49203; 517.789.8899
Los Tres Amigos -- At Los Tres Amigos, the crisp chips, savory salsa, gooey guacamole, tasty tacos, cheesy chimichangas, fantastic fajitas -- okay, you get the picture -- will make you feel south of the border in no time. 1111 North West Avenue Jackson, 49202; 517.784.8400
Cracker Barrel -- 2494 Airport Rd. Jackson, 49202; 517.783.5300
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Shopping
Westwood Mall -- This is the place to go when you need essentials like new towels, running shoes, electronics or jeans, or other vital college gear. At Westwood, you'll find more than 70 stores including Gap, Elder-Beerman, American Eagle Outfitters, Radio Shack, Foot Locker and Waldenbooks. 1850 W. Michigan Ave. Jackson, 49202; 517.787.1170; www.shopwestwoodmall.com
Jackson Crossing Mall -- When convenience is a must for purchasing a must-have, Jackson Crossing is your one-stop shop. You’ll find Kohl’s, Sears, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, TJ Maxx, Best Buy and other top departments stores and shops. There are a wide variety of other shopping and entertainment opportunities in the area, so while there, also take time for dinner and a movie with friends. 1092 Jackson Crossing Jackson, 49204; 517.783.4890; www.jacksoncrossing.com
Meridian Mall -- Meridian Mall has an incredible selection of stores that are sure to have what you most want. Pop in to Marshall Field’s, Old Navy, The Body Shop, Younkers, Ann Taylor, Gap, Abercrombie, Eddie Bauer or The Disney Store to name a few. 1982 W. Grand River Ave. Okemos, 48805; 517.349.2031; www.meridianmall.com
Briarwood Mall -- This is the place to keep up with the latest trends, whether it's finding a new look or redecorating your dorm room. Briarwood Mall has Coldwater Creek, Pottery Barn, Banana Republic, Chico’s, Williams-Sonoma and more than 130 other stores. 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor, 48108; 734.769.9610; www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1231
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store and Goodwill -- Who doesn't love rooting through the miles and miles of racks at vintage and thrift stores and coming out with the perfect bag or skirt or jacket or belt for a few measly bucks? Budgeting and college life are part and parcel, but that doesn't mean you can't get your shop on, too.
Playford Music -- Busted a guitar string? Blown an amp? Finally decided to take up the keyboard? No matter what beat you march to, you should march to Playford Music to get what you need to keep the beat alive. With their premium equipment and expert salespeople, you'll be playing standing-room only open-mic nights in no time. 1718 W. Morrell St. Jackson,49203; 517.788.7441; www.playfordmusic.com
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Things to do
Movie Theaters
Goodrich Jackson 10 Theatre -- Head straight to Jackson 10 for a technologically superb movie experience. This megaplex has it all - stadium seating, game room, café, party rooms for rent and kiosk ticket printing. 1501 N. Wisner Jackson, 49202; 517.784.2727; www.gqti.com/Theaters.aspx?TheaterID=1455
GKC Plaza Cinemas -- Another good option for movie lovers, GKC’s seven screens show the latest flicks coupled with the latest technology including a digital theatre system, digital light processing system and stadium seating design. 1700 N. Wisner St. Jackson, 49202; 517.784.7731
IMAX -- You just can’t talk about the big screen without mentioning the biggest of all screens - IMAX. Razor-sharp images are projected onto a screen the height of a basketball court, while dozens of digital speakers bathe you in surround sound; it's the ultimate sensory experience. Celebration Cinema, 200 E. Edgewood Blvd. Lansing, 48911; 517.393.SHOW; www.celebrationcinema.com/?pid=30003
"Dorm Room Cinema" -- You don't always have to go big -- sometimes the small screen in the comfort of your home is the perfect way to enjoy the cinema. There are a many movie rental stores in and around the Spring Arbor area. Among the choices are:
- Blockbuster -- 966 N. West Avenue, Jackson, 49202; 517.782.3710
- Hollywood Video -- 1190 N. West Avenue, Jackson, 49202; 517.789.3001, or 3140 E. Michigan Ave., Jackson, 49202; 517.789.3000
- Family Video -- 1111 W. Ganson St., Jackson, 49202; 517.784.3197
Recreation
Optimist Ice Arena and Jackson All-Skate -- Whether you prefer skates with wheels or with blades, these two facilities offer great opportunities to have some fun, relieve some stress and burn calories. Rentals are cheap and groups are welcome. When you're up to your ears in homework, take a couple twirls around the rink and feel like a kid again.
Airport Lanes -- Even if you've never picked up a bowling ball in your life, you can still have a great time with your friends by rolling a few frames. 3501 Wildwood Ave., Jackson, 517.783.2711
Sparks Foundation County Park -- This 465-acre state park features amenities like an outdoor basketball court, four lighted tennis courts, horseshoe pitching pits, pier fishing, picnic shelter, flower gardens, cross country ski trails, an 18-hole and nine-hole golf courses, a mini-golf course, paved pedestrian walkways, batting cages, paddle boat rentals and an ice cream stand. (If you're visiting between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you simple can't miss The Cascades, by far the most remarkable and well-known attraction in the area: 16 man-made waterfalls illuminated at night complete with musical accompaniment.) Take I-94 to Exit #138; follow the signs Jackson, 49201; 517.788.4000; www.jacksonmich.com/cascades2.html
Ella Sharp Park and Museum -- This charming park and historic art museum is the perfect way to have some off-the-beaten-path fun. If you need to calm the senses, you can stroll through the flower gardens, nature trails and arboretum. If you're craving some culture, poke through the exhibits of local and national art, including one of the state's most thorough displays of Jackson's history. The park is equipped with baseball, softball and soccer fields, basketball and volleyball courts and a challenging multi-leveled mini-golf course. 3225 Fourth St., Jackson, 49203; 517.787.2320; www.ellasharppark.com/Park.aspx (park), www.ellasharp.org (museum)
Gallagher Park -- Located down Second Street in Spring Arbor only a couple minutes from the University, the 10-acre Gallagher Park is the perfect place for some pick-up baseball, softball or soccer games, whether it's between classes, after a hard day's work or on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Be sure to schedule your game during park hours: dawn to dusk.
Swains Lake County Park -- There will be times you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of college life... and this is definitely the place to escape. This beautiful 26-acre county park, just a few miles down the road, offers swimming, picnics, hiking, biking, fishing and nature trails. Located off M-60, south on Main Street/Pulaski Road in Concord. http://jackson.mi.us/Parks/SwainsLakePark.asp
Whiffletree Golf Club and The Grande -- Did you know that Jackson County is home to more golf courses than any other county in Michigan? Which means whether you're a duffer or an expert, there's always some place to hit the links. Options range from the relatively easy-access, low-cost courses such as Whiffletree to the championship-level courses like The Grande. Find the one that matches your ability and budget.
- Whiffletree - 15730 Homer Road Concord, 49237; 517.524.6655
- The Grande - 1293 Floyd Avenue Jackson, 49201; 517.768.9494
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