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In addition to recognitions for our robust economy, Grand Rapids has been racking up travel and tourism honors – such as 1 of 7 Places to Go Worldwide (Jetsetter), 1 of America’s Super Cool Cities (Expedia) and America’s Top Travel Destination (Lonely Planet). Our Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was ranked the World’s #1 Sculpture Park in 2021. USA Today named us the Craft Beverage Capital of the U.S. and America’s Best Beer City/Scene. We’re 1 of the Top 14 Walkable Cities in the U.S. (Trips to Discover), the Safest, Most Affordable City in America (Realtor Magazine) and Michigan’s Best Food City (Thrillist).
Our wide range of tourism options, walkability, safety, ease of access and affordable hotel rooms earned us a spot on Travmar’s Top 25 Convention Cities for 2020 – and one of the Top 3 in the Midwest!
Fun for Your Attendees
Budget-Friendly Ideas for Date Night
When I first moved to West Michigan for college, I never imagined that I’d fall in love with…
World of Winter Family Itinerary
Grand Rapids is the city I’ve called home my whole life. And while I’ve traveled…
A Visit to Midtown: Tips for a Night of Live Music
While there have been many things I’ve missed as a result of the pandemic, one of the things…
Dive Bars to Check Out in Grand Rapids
The term “dive bar” has evolved in meaning over the years. What once meant an…
Fall Beers Worth Visiting Grand Rapids For
Happy fall, everyone! I’m Ben Darcie, and I’m a 14-year veteran of the Grand Rapids…
Locally Crafted Hard Seltzer in Grand Rapids
Hard seltzer continues to attract new fans across the nation and is one of the hottest new trends in…
One Last Fling: 10 Ideas for Memorable Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties in Grand Rapids
Congratulations to the soon-to-be-married couple! So many of my friends (and now my friends…
Two-Day, Kid-Friendly GR Itinerary
The Grand Rapids area has been my home for nearly 15 years now – and I’m always…
A Local's Guide to GR-Area Playgrounds
The Makowski family loves flights. Not of the airplane variety, however. I’m talking about…
Your Guide to the 2022 Grand Rapids Pride Festival
‘Together Again’ If you have never been to the Grand Rapids Pride Festival…
Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQ+ Businesses to Check Out
Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQ+ businesses. The city is becoming a…
8 Fun Facts About the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Spillman Carousel
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) welcomes more than 250,000 visitors every year for a unique…
Irish Pubs of Grand Rapids
Some years ago, I discovered the smooth, delicious spirit that is Irish Whiskey. Since then…
Resolutions to Keep During Your Next Trip to Grand Rapids
New Year Resolutions are a great way to take a fresh look at what you want to accomplish. For me…
Navigating Family Fun Time at Van Andel Arena
A live event at Van Andel Arena is a guaranteed good time for ticket holders of any age. After…
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…
Tips for Mountain Biking in West Michigan
Surrounding Grand Rapids’ bustling city center is an abundance of biking trails that wind…
Black Calder Brewing: Michigan's First Black-Owned Brewery
Amidst the chaos of 2020, Black Calder Brewing Company found itself in a supremely unusual position…
Explore These 6 Totally Pawesome Dog-Friendly Trails in Kent County
During a time when there has been an increased emphasis on enjoying the great outdoors, Kent County…
You Can Take Your Kids on a Field Trip to the John Ball Zoo
School in 2020 is looking quite different from previous years, and thankfully, Grand Rapids area…
Veen Observatory: A Hidden Gem in The Grand Rapids Area
In Grand Rapids, you don't have to travel far to escape the lights of the city for dark, starry…
Grand RAPPids: Apps to Help Make Your Visit Awesome
“Where should I eat?” “What’s fun to do in Grand Rapids?…
Free Spring Family Fun around Grand Rapids
Now that it’s spring, there is so much to explore in greater Grand Rapids. Art, nature, and…
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