517 Mag

2 weeks ago | 517mag.com | Christine MacIntyre

Every spring, downtown East Lansing undergoes a stunning transformation, bursting into a kaleidoscope of art, music and culture as the East Lansing Art Festival — set for May 17-18 this year — takes over the streets. Celebrating 62 years in 2025, the annual event ranks among the country’s top 200 fine art festivals, attracting more than 45,000 visitors and providing a significant economic boost to local businesses.

2 weeks ago | 517mag.com | Jason Schmitt

There’s no denying that pains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt throughout the U.S. hospitality and tourism industry. Though the numbers might suggest growth has been steady and there is the potential to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2025 in areas such as wellness, leisure and luxury travel, technology integration, and events and meetings, there are still some areas struggling to catch up.

2 weeks ago | 517mag.com | Christopher Nagy

The word “habit” often carries the weight of negative connotation; however, a Holt-based nonprofit is helping youth throughout the region to nurture the habits of character, trust, hope, potential and influence. “It takes 21 days to form a habit, so we’re coaching students to build healthy habits and values before the age of 21,” said Benjamin Schartow, executive director of Building Twentyone. “Here’s what I know as a parent of teenagers myself: Parenting is hard. It’s hard work. It’s emotional.

1 month ago | 517mag.com | Christopher Nagy

More than warmth, beyond mere refreshment, Elyse Ribbons is hoping to engage local residents in the full and encompassing celebration of tea. The art. The culture. The ceremony. And, perhaps most importantly, the connection that can be gained. “I offer a tea experience,” Ribbons said. “I will sell tea to go because in Old Town there are going to be a lot of people walking around and shopping. But I really want people to come in and sit down for this. It’s not about the caffeine kick.

1 month ago | 517mag.com | Jason Schmitt

Everyone’s heard of the expression “Paying it forward.”But Adam Cyrocki is a big proponent of “Bringing it forward.”Cyrocki, the owner of Kibby Cobb Deli in Jackson, is proud of his Polish roots. Though the deli is well known for its New York-style bagels, baked fresh daily, as well as a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, spreads and desserts, Cyrocki has managed to add a bit of his heritage onto the menu. And his patrons are all on board.