Today is St. Patrick’s Day. That means just about every student is going to be out in East Lansing, trying to get a Guinness at an overcrowded Dublin Square Irish Pub or waiting in a seemingly endless line for Conrad’s.

So, here you are, trying to figure out where to go to celebrate the holiday, along with every other college student. But maybe that’s the problem. You’re trying to celebrate a holiday specifically geared toward college students in a college town. Of course it’s going to be packed. But, luckily, this isn’t your only option.

Just one town over, a short bus or cab ride away, is Lansing. Now, not only does Lansing have bar hopping potential, but it’s also the capital of Michigan. You and your friends can walk around in full view of the Capitol building — a much better view than all those students waiting in line in East Lansing.

But it’s not just the bars; Lansing is full of restaurants with full bars that minors can be in after 10 p.m. So if you have younger friends or friends that don’t drink, you can all still hang out. For those of us who do drink, there’s an automatic designated driver, especially with the parking in Lansing being more optimal than East Lansing.

The club scene in Lansing runs laps around the clubs in East Lansing. People love to dance, especially drunk people, but everywhere in East Lansing will be so full no one can move. I know I’ve had to fight my way to the bar a few times. So, mosey over to Lansing and find a dance floor of your choice. I know a wide span of music is covered in the range of nightclubs.

Not to mention, you meet the best — and the oddest — people at bars. Broaden your horizons and meet the wild bar-goers in the Lansing area; they’ll have some stories to share.

If you consider St. Patrick’s Day in the capital, you might just be surprised by your luck.