Find fresh flowers, vintage items and locally made goods, from jewelry to food products, at Tallulah’s Folly

I was looking for a cup of joe to fuel the ride back to the 313 from a quick trip to Lansing and figured there’d be no shortage of java joints in the Capital City’s Old Town.

The revitalized neighborhood covers several blocks straddling the Grand River. It was where Lansing’s first residents settled in 1842.

Where the first dam and sawmill were built.

Once called North Lansing, it grew into a blue collar area with its own business district about two miles north of the Capitol building. Over the decades it suffered abandonment and neglect.

Through concerted effort in recent years the Victorian and vintage buildings, mostly along Turner Street and Grand River and Washington Avenues, have been enjoying new life as cafes, galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

A busy calendar of festivals and events includes a monthly gallery walk, annual blues and jazz festivals, Oktoberfest, outdoor theater performances and more.

With little time to linger I resisted the urge to pop into every shop and decided to investigate Tallulah’s Folly, at the rear of a courtyard set back from Turner Street, past a bubbling fountain and found object yard art for sale.

Fresh flowers and a vintage paint sign at Tallulah’s Folly

The sweet aroma of fresh-cut blooms filled the former industrial building-turned flower and antiques store, with works by local artists, a coffee bar and Michigan-made foods for sale.

Owner David Gregware named the three-year-old business for his dog Tallulah and what he calls his folly, a place of whimsy.

Every corner is crammed—artfully, of course—with a changing inventory of cool stuff: handmade jewelry, knitted baby hats and toys, cute dog collars and collectibles.

I was so busy soaking in the Tallulah’s Folly vibe that I forgot about my original quest for a cuppa. Next time.

Tallulah’s Folly
1220 Turner St., Lansing, Michigan
(800) 541-9558 or (517) 485-4166
Area A on the map

Visitor Info Clicks:
Lansing
Pure Michigan

All aboard: Adorable hand-knitted critters and a vintage wooden toy train