When it comes to shopping in Grand Rapids, the variety of options can leave even the best shoppers wondering where to start. This is one of the most commonly asked questions that I receive from out of town guests: “Where do I need to shop and while I’m shopping, where can I eat?” With that in mind…
Read More
You might not know it, but running is a big deal in Grand Rapids. In fact, there are several very large running clubs, specialty running stores like Gazelle Sports and Striders, and many different race options to accommodate all the runners in the area. If you’re looking for a fun way to experience…
Read More
Some years ago, I discovered the smooth, delicious spirit that is Irish Whiskey. Since then, I’ve sipped a number of them. Fortunately for me, Grand Rapids has plenty of Irish Pubs where I can sample the wares. Occasionally my son, Chase, who spent part of his college years studying abroad in…
Read More
Grand Rapids area attractions like Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grand Rapids Art Museum acknowledged the changes to at-home learning and have created field trip experiences for individual families, as an alternative to a traditional whole-class field trip. To change up their usual virtual school…
Read More
In Grand Rapids, you don't have to travel far to escape the lights of the city for dark, starry country skies. About a 25-minute drive from Grand Rapids, in Lowell, amateur astronomers and curious members of the public can visit the James C. Veen Observatory to view stars, planets, and other…
Read More
Two Eagles Marcus is a Rockford-based Indigenous Native American artist from the Red Willow Tribe of Taos Pueblo in New Mexico. He also happens to be someone I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for many years. His work, “Infinity Mountains” is on display at Calder Plaza as part of the annual World of…
Read More
Ah, Belmont. This town just north of Grand Rapids doesn’t get a ton of attention. For those who stop, there is a honeypot of delicious food and drink waiting for you in this unique corner of Kent County. Even if you haven’t been up that way, I’m sure you’ve heard of The Score, one of the biggest…
Read More
Ranked as one of the “Gayest Cities in America,” Grand Rapids is a must-visit for LGBTQ+ travelers! Just 3-hours from Chicago, you’ll find tons of LGBTQ-owned businesses, queer coffee shops, art, music, delicious (vegetarian-friendly) food, and even the oldest gay bar in Michigan! Here are…
Read More
Celebrating Grand Rapids means celebrating the people, traditions, cultures, and of course, food! This story was first published in 2018 to commemorate Black History Month, and Experience Grand Rapids has updated it every year since. This year, I'm happy be the one to help to make current the list…
Read More
Surrounding Grand Rapids’ vibrant city center and woven through small pockets within its neighborhoods, there is an abundance of multi-use trails that wind through the vast realm of the area’s landscapes. West Michigan offers the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors to grab their bikes (in…
Read More
