Places in Grand Rapids that Give Back

Among the great nightlife, variety of restaurants, fantastic museums, and friendly people in Grand Rapids, you’ll find businesses large and small committed to giving back to the community. With a

Shopping Experience at the Woodland Mall

Since I can remember, Woodland Mall has been a shopping destination for anyone living in the greater Grand Rapids area, as well as those visiting. With some notable additions and updates to

Exhibitions to See with the Whole Family During the Holidays

The holiday season is the perfect time to round up the family and plan some fun activities around town. Grand Rapids has a variety of interesting activities that family members of all ages will enjoy.

Breweries that Built Beer City: Brewery Vivant

When Kris and Jason Spaulding opened the doors to Brewery Vivant in 2010, the French and Belgian inspired beers opened eyes to styles of beer rarely seen in Grand Rapids, and even West Michigan as a

The Sweet Escape: Your Visit to Blandford Nature Center

Blandford Nature Center is located just a half-mile north of Grand Rapids’ thriving West Side Neighborhood, but it’s just far enough to make you feel like you’ve entered a totally different place, a

10 Dive Bars To Check Out In Grand Rapids

The term “dive bar” has evolved in meaning over the years. What once meant an uncertain destination for many now points to an off the radar, unpretentious spot that serves great drinks and is full of

Studio Park in Downtown Grand Rapids Has Something for Everyone to Enjoy

It can be hard to please everyone when planning an outing. Some people want to go out to eat, while others might want to see a movie, or maybe even go shopping. After 10 years of planning and

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. As a Grand Rapids native, one of the most commonly asked questions that I

An Insider’s Look at Experiencing an Art Class in Grand Rapids

Art is an integral part of Grand Rapids’ history. Today, our thriving art scene includes intimate galleries like LaFontsee Galleries, as well as bigger venues like the Grand Rapids Art Museum. We’re

“Nacho” Average Nachos: The Local’s Guide to the Best Nachos in Grand Rapids

We all have days when we want to dine on a dish that provides a little extra sense of comfort. For some that might be ordering pizza, a cheeseburger, or mac n’ cheese, while for others, sweet treats

More Cool-Weather Patios to Keep You Cozy This Season

Even though the temperature is dropping, there’s no need to run indoors. There are a number of restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries near Grand Rapids that have the perfect outdoor patio spaces to

Local's Guide to Fall Fashion in Grand Rapids

Whether you’ve visited Grand Rapids before or if this your first time here, it can be hard to figure out what to put into your suitcase as you get ready to travel. As someone who is local to Grand

Scenic Fall Drive: Covered Bridges Near GR

Fall in West Michigan is one of the best times of the year to roll down the windows and take a drive. If you have a free day and want to hit the road, consider a fall drive to these covered bridges

Locally Owned & Operated LGBTQ+ Businesses to Check Out

Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned and operated LGBTQ+ businesses, and there are more than you might think. The city is becoming a destination to live and work for people of all ages and

Iconic Public Art Spots in Downtown Grand Rapids

The Vamonde app and website, contains content to help users experience the cities they visit like a local. Each city’s stories, written by local experts and influencers, include “must-see” spots and

Grand Rapids Establishments Taking the Gin & Tonic to the Next Level

Several bars and distilleries in Grand Rapids have elevated the standard gin and tonic (G&T) by using local or house-made spirits and adding a variety of botanicals and other spices to create a unique

Grand Rapids Is Bursting With Art This Fall

Locals know that fall is a beautiful time of year in West Michigan, with the trees flaunting their brilliant colors as we experience cooler temperatures. The season is also a popular time for locals

Sample Exclusive Wines & More With This GR-Area Wine Tour

A new tour around Grand Rapids might be a perfect activity if you love wine and are looking for a fun way to spend time with friends or family. Raise a Glass Wine Tours is a new venture that

Locals’ Guide to Fall Hikes in the GR Area

Fall is arguably the best time of year for hiking in Grand Rapids. The weather is crisp and cool, and you get to take in the beautiful pops of color from the changing leaves. From paved trails to dirt

9 Fun Activities for Rainy Days in Grand Rapids

PROJECT 1 by ARTPRIZE® + Museums & Experiences

This fall, from September 7 – October 27, Grand Rapids welcomes a brand-new multi-site public art exhibition, Project 1: Crossed Lines , which comes from the minds behind the now biennial art

Your Kid-Free Fall Weekend Itinerary for Your GR Getaway

Fall is a beautiful time to visit West Michigan. The air is crisp, the skies are blue, and the trees are decked with brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. It’s also the time of year that outdoor art

Your Itinerary for a Fall Kid-Friendly Weekend in GR

One of the many wonderful things about Grand Rapids is that when summer gives way to fall, you can truly feel and see it. As the seasons change, so do the events and activities the city has to offer.

Visit the John Ball Zoo's Red Pandas & More

For more than 125 years, John Ball Zoo has given Grand Rapids locals and visitors of all ages the experience to learn more about animals from around the world. The zoo is home to nearly 2,000 animals

Guide to PROJECT 1 September Events & Happenings

ArtPrize® changed the landscape of the art scene in Grand Rapids when it became the world’s largest open, independently organized international art competition in 2008. Each fall, artists and art