Dynamic Variation:

Grand Rapids Restaurants That Focus on Accessibility

Several years ago, Experience Grand Rapids asked four local residents with disabilities to share their perspective on the accessibility of area restaurants, hotels, transportation options and trails. We recently asked them to revisit these articles and share any new insights and recommendations they…

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College Student's Guide to Hosting Friends and Family

Grand Rapids is a college town, but not in the usual sense. Instead of being home to one main college, 13 colleges and universities have a presence here. Having students from different universities add to GR's energetic and creative vibe... and it can make hosting friends and family from out of town…

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Weekend Itinerary for Shopping Local

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…

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Check Out These Black-Owned Restaurants in Grand Rapids

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…

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Enjoying the Downtown Refreshment Area with Your Dog

I love nothing more than taking my dog out on a date. My partner, Eric, and I love to grab dinner or a drink on a patio that welcomes our best man, Walter. He’s the best boy and deserves a night out too. We have checked out many dog-friendly places around town, but most recently went in search of a…

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Restaurants with Vegan Brunch Options in Grand Rapids

When it comes to one of the best meals of the week (brunch, of course), Grand Rapids’ vegan food scene is the (non-dairy) cream of the crop. Whether you’re looking for a diner-style spot, a super healthy bowl, or a greasy plate, Grand Rapids has it all. This list only scratches the surface of the…

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A Local's List of Great Fall Places to Eat & Drink

In classic Michigan fashion, fall has arrived in full force, and quickly. Beers turn darker, cocktails turn toward hard spice, and we arrive at the penultimate season for hard cider. A good friend of mine, Pat Evans, wrote an awesome article on fall beverages a few years ago, which still holds…

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Your Fall Kid-Friendly Weekend Itinerary

As the hot humid air gives way to crisp cool mornings, Grand Rapids is ready for its glorious transition to all things fall… and so am I. Not only do the colors of the trees change, but so do the types of events and activities the Grand Rapids area has to offer. If you’ve been wondering what there…

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10 Must-Try Spots Featuring Nonalcoholic Beverages

Being in Beer City, USA, it’s understandable that local breweries, bars, and restaurants focus on craft beer and cocktail options. However, there are quite a few establishments in Grand Rapids that also cater to patrons who might want to enjoy a night out without such a heavy focus on alcohol. The…

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Grand Rapids Restaurants with Surprising Vegan Options

It's possible that no one in Grand Rapids knows more about vegan dining than Kolene Allen. She’s a leading voice in the Grand Rapids vegan community and an all-around vegan guru. Allen is continually updating her 4,800+ Facebook fans on Vegan Grand Rapids about new finds (like Justin’s peanut butter…

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