Summer sendoff: Things to do in Greater Lansing before summer ends

Summer is quickly coming to a close. Some may be excited about the start of school; others are stressing about filling their time with last-minute summer experiences. No matter where you fall on that spectrum, here is some advice to make the most of the final days of summer in Greater Lansing.

Summer staples: baseball and beach days

The Lansing Lugnuts are our local minor league baseball team; attending games and showing support are a popular pastime for residents. Their final home series of the season takes place September 6-11 — promotional events each night include a LAFCU fireworks show, fan appreciation celebration and more. Visit the Lansing Lugnuts website for more information.

Michiganders know one of the best ways to spend a hot summer day is relaxing by a body of water. A cool beverage in hand and nice breeze on the beach is a perfect remedy for a humid, late-summer day. Hawk Island County Park has activities for every age; the Lake Lansing beaches (north and south) are excellent picnic spots. Whether you make your beach excursion local, or drive to one of our beautiful Great Lakes, there is nothing like a day by the water.

Gather for the tastes, sounds of summer

Greater Lansing residents should take advantage of the final days of fresh summer produce from myriad farmers markets nearby. The Farmers Market at the Capitol takes place right on the front lawn and offers plenty of produce and homemade goods, as well as food trucks featuring barbecue, paella, tasty donuts, ice cream and more — the final market of the season is on September 29. Many other farmers markets also begin wrapping up this month, check out the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information.

Another great way to spend summer evenings is with live performances outside. There are still plenty of opportunities around Greater Lansing. For example: September 11, Michigan State's Beal Gardens will host a string quartet in "Strings Sing," the final installment in MSU's Music and the Garden series; BluesFest Michigan will be in Old Town September 15-17. Visit the Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau for more.

Enjoy the scenery

No matter how you spend the end of your summer, don't forget to take in the scenery. Sunsets here are often spectacular; you might get a good view from anywhere near the water. Other great sunset spots include the hills at Ranney Park and Granger Meadows, and many spots throughout MSU’s campus — especially while strolling through one of several scenic gardens. Even the tops of parking garages downtown can offer a nice panoramic of the sky, and might be closer to home.

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BONUS: Looking ahead to fall

A day on the water is great, but you may choose to spend your end-of-summer free time Halloween shopping or decorating your yard for the fall. Shelves have been packed with the spookiest costumes and yard decorations since at least July, so if you aren't stocked up already now may be the time to do so. While you're shopping, maybe check for Christmas decorations as well ... those are probably stocked this time of year, too.

Did we miss anything?

What are your favorite ways to spend the summer in Greater Lansing? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].

Jack Moreland is a news assistant at the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at [email protected] or 517.267.0479. Follow him on Twitter @JMoreland02.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: End of summer suggestions include Lugnuts, concerts, sunsets and more