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A Day out on Route 18

Friday, August 27, 2021

Categories: Blog

Route 18 Map Legend
 


It’s go time! The new Route 18 is officially in business. 

Looking for an excuse to get out of the house and enjoy the rest of your summer? How about a day out on the town with a chance to win some awesome prizes along the way?

Well, that’s exactly what we’ve got - head out along the Route 18 - September 1-14, 2021 in search of hidden caches that contain color-coded “CATAcache.” These tickets may be traded in for gift cards to some of your favorite Lansing and East Lansing local restaurants.  

Ready? Let’s Go!

Stop 1: Fleetwood Diner (Stop #2868)

Begin your day by boarding the eastbound Route 18 in South Lansing. Take this to Cedar where you’ll walk 5 minutes south to the Fleetwood Diner. Enjoy the old charm of a classic American diner with some of the best Hippie Hash you’ll ever eat! 

Stop 2: Fenner Nature Center (Stop #3363)

Once you’ve fueled up for the day, it’s time for your adventure to really begin! Get back on board the eastbound Route 18, and at the corner of Mount Hope and Aurelius are 134 acres of pure Michigan at its finest, ready to explore. At the Fenner Nature Center you can brave all four miles of walking trails to take in the sights, or maybe go into the visitor center for a more contained view of nature. Either way, you’re experiencing the best of what Fenner has to offer. 

Now that you’ve burned a few hours, it's time to think about lunch! Hop on the next Route 18 and continue east to enjoy the views of the MSU golf course and south campus as you head into the heart of MSU.

Stop 3: Campbell’s Market Basket / MSU Campus (Stop  #1657)

With baked breads and sweets, farm fresh local and organic vegetables, and lovingly crafted deli sandwiches, Campbell’s Market Basket allows you to assemble the perfect meal to take al fresco. Located along Grand River on the north side of campus, they sell everything you need for the outdoor picnic.  But where to go with it? The benches at the base of Beaumont Tower make for the perfect location to enjoy the scenery, watch the students scurry to class, and relax in the shade. 

Stop 4: Broad Museum 

Rested and revitalized, we’re ready to start again - and MSU Campus is ready to be explored. Stroll through the charming and stately northern side of campus to see lecture halls that date back 100 years as you head over to Benefactors Plaza to take in the fresh air and beautiful landscaping, but don’t stop there! Just across Circle Drive is the MSU Broad Museum - don’t worry, you’ll know it when you see it since there’s no other building like it on campus. Head inside to see what exhibits are on display to enjoy. Admission is always free. 

Stop 5: Lansing River Trail (Stop #6098)

Head across Grand River to catch the westbound Route 18 this time. Next Stop? The Lansing River Trail.

The route takes you back on Mount Hope but you’re not going to Fenner this time, get off at Lindburgh. Backtracking a short way along Mount Hope across Sycamore Creek, you find yourself at the Lansing River Trail. Stretching most of the city, you could find yourself walking for hours if you followed it along its entire route. Walk along Sycamore Creek until you reach Scott Woods Park, or if you’re feeling tired from the day maybe just walk for a little while and turn back. Whatever the case it’s another great scenic spot in Lansing to watch the sun set and reminisce on your day’s adventure.
 

We hope you have a blast exploring our beautiful city along Route 18! Remember to look for a hidden cache at each stop; tickets found have no cash value but may be redeemed at the service window at the CTC for gift card prizes.

Happy Hunting!

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The Intern Experience at CATA

Monday, January 18, 2021

Categories: Blog, Employees

While meeting the mobility needs of our community is a main focus at CATA, we also aim to provide meaningful work experience to emerging young professionals. The CATA Marketing Department currently employs two interns who are gaining valuable work experience right here in our office, or remotely for the time being. 

Kate Vernier’s ExperienceKate Vernier

My name is Kate Vernier, and I’m a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Advertising Management. I’ve been an intern within CATA’s Marketing Department for almost one year. Throughout this internship, I’ve learned so many skills and gained professional experience that will benefit me in my future career. 

Both interns work on various projects and tasks, ranging from social media to working hands-on with community members. My favorite project so far has been helping to promote CATA’s Grab & Go Express. This free service allowed riders to travel through Downtown Lansing and Old Town, with stops within walking distance of over 50 businesses. Through this project, I was able to speak with many local business owners, witnessing firsthand how passionate they are about their work and the community. Experiences like this have helped build transferable skills that I’ll use in my future career. 

I’m also very active within MSU’s Fraternity and Sorority Community. I’ve been a member of Kappa Delta Sorority for almost four years, and have served on MSU’s Panhellenic Executive Board as Vice President of Community Relations and as Panhellenic President. 

Delaney PickettDelaney Pickett’s Experience

I am Delaney Pickett, a sophomore at Northern Michigan University studying Graphic Design. I have been interning at CATA for a few months now and have learned so much already. This internship has given me a chance to experience the marketing side of graphic design and work with some very talented people in this field.

One of my first projects was to create designs for information screens inside some of the CATA bus shelters. I also started designing graphics for CATA’s Instagram account. Social media was something I had never worked on before, but involved skills I was eager to develop. These assignments showed me how to analyze and project a company’s voice. Being a designer means being a communicator, and interning at CATA has strengthened my skills in both roles.

When I am not working on a project for CATA, I like to take advantage of the breathtaking views Marquette has to offer. Hiking and running on the trails of Northern Michigan often inspires my personal artwork.

Working at an Internship during COVID-19

As a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic, CATA has Kate, Delaney and many administrative employees working remotely. But the value of their internships hasn’t been lost at all for Kate and Delaney. They meet frequently with members of the Marketing Department and have been given all the resources needed to continue to be successful in their positions.

Whether it comes to senior-level executives or young, ambitious interns, CATA strives to foster a collaborative and engaging workplace for all.

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7 Things to Do in Lansing this Winter

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Categories: Blog, Community

Lansing Capitol building with snow

One of the best ways to fight the winter blues? Explore local activities with family and friends! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Greater Lansing in the colder months:

1. Get up close to the biggest Christmas tree and ornaments in Lansing

People come from all over the state to see the 58-foot tree displayed in front of the Michigan Capitol building. It’s become a clear icon to the city, standing tall and proud. And for the first year ever, the state Christmas tree comes right from Lansing, thanks to two generous donors.

The red holiday ornaments are another crowd favorite. These giant picturesque sculptures are in the roundabout at Michigan Avenue and Washington Square, within walking distance from the Capitol. 

Save on parking and take the bus to these gorgeous decorations! Check out our trip planner to find the best route for you.

2. Experience the Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo.

Holiday lights, music, animal encounters and goodie bags make this event a real treat. Catch the Wonderland of Lights from Thursday through Sunday until Dec. 27.

Click here for details.

3. Support local artists at the REO Town Marketplace Holiday Bazaar.

Still have a few people on your holiday shopping list? The REO Town Marketplace presents a chance to shop for Michigan artisan-made goods. This fun new way to shop local is open now until December 24.

Click here to learn more.

Kids on tubes at the bottom of the snow hill

4. Hit the snow-covered slopes at Hawk Island.

As Hawk Island is less than a mile from CATA headquarters, this is one of our favorite wintertime activities. Bring your family, grab a few friends or go it alone on one of Hawk Island’s tube runs, ranging from 500-600 feet long. Then warm up at the snack bar with a cup of hot chocolate and s’mores.

Click here for snow tubing hours and pricing.

5. Challenge your inner learner at Impression 5 Science Center.

Impression 5 is an awesome place for kids of all ages to explore, learn and have fun! It was one of the first hands-on science museums in the country when it opened in 1972. Forty-eight years later, it remains a spot for the entire family to enjoy.

For hours and pricing, please visit impression5.org.

6. Shop small at the East Lansing Small Business Crawl.

Support local small businesses and earn points to win prizes during this year’s football-themed East Lansing Small Business Crawl! Players receive points by saving their receipts and submitting them on the Lansing Regional Chamber website. The more points earned, the more chances to win the grand prize of $1,000. The event is running from December 7-12. 

Learn more about the event here.

7. Treat yourself every Tuesday in Old Town Lansing.

Treat Tuesdays in Old Town are the perfect way to add some fun to your week. Each Tuesday, a different Old Town business will feature a “treat” which could be a sale, a giveaway, or other perks that make shopping local even greater. Treat Tuesdays will be going into 2021, so there are plenty of chances to explore local businesses in Old Town. 

See the full schedule for Treat Tuesdays here.

Brick Wall that says Love Lansing

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