Ahhh, Grand Rapids. One of the biggest and most bustling cities in all of Michigan. U.S. News and World Report unveiled their 2016 list of Best Places to Live, and Grand Rapids ranked number 13 in the whole nation! I can bet that everyone you talk to who's from here will light up when you ask about it, listing off things to do, sights to see, and the best restaurants to eat at. I have pride in the city I was raised in, and I know that I'm not alone.
Here are some of the best-loved things about our city.
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1.) The scenic drives
Michigan is known for its beauty, and here in Grand Rapids, you get a taste of all that nature has to offer. The tinier places, especially Rockford, boast long, winding back roads that explode with beauty everywhere you turn. In the fall, especially, the bright colors make you feel like you're in another world...it's unexplainable.
2.) The entertainment venues
Van Andel Arena, The Intersection, The Delta Plex, Orbit Room, Grand Rapids Symphony, Civic Theatre - we've got it all. Whether you want to lose your mind at a rock concert, go to a hockey game, or have a night of purely classical music, G-Rap has got you covered. You can choose from a variety of places that cater to every entertainment need you could ever have.
3.) Artprize
Thousands upon thousands flock to downtown Grand Rapids for this revolutionary art show, one that's well-known around the country. Artists from all over the place showcase their best work in hopes of gaining wide recognition (and the substantial cash prize, totaling almost a quarter of a million dollars) at the end of the competition. The paintings, murals, decorations, and interactive projects make for an exciting adventure in the heart of downtown. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and find parking early - you're in for a long day!
4.) The pure Michigan commercials
C'mon, you know what I'm talking about. Tim Allen's soothing "family man" voice layered over absolutely gorgeous shots of Michigan landmarks make for unforgettable moments. They're cheesy, yes, but they just make you feel good. Every time they come on the radio or TV, I turn the volume up high and bask in the glow of pride for both my city and my state.
5.) The proximity to Lake Michigan
Grand Rapids is only about a 45-minute drive from the beautiful shores of the lake that we all basically grew up on. Walking to the end of the famous Grand Haven pier, ice cream shops, Pronto Pup hot dogs, breathtaking sunsets...it's just another summer night for us. You can bet that the "Lake Michigan Unsalted" sweatshirts and t-shirts are abound because we know that fresh water beats salt water any day.
6.) Downtown Rockford
Grab some breadsticks from Vitale's and take a stroll through the quaint streets of downtown Rockford. The old-timey candy shops, vintage clothing stores, tiny cafes...I guarantee you'll fall in love with all that it has to offer. Most of us have explored the pathways next to the dam, walked the trails down by the water, even had homecoming, prom, AND senior pictures taken there. It's all part of the experience.
7.) Frederick Meijer Gardens
This botanical gardens and sculpture park boasts a wide variety of entertainment, such as concerts, lectures, tours, creative classes, and much much more. Not to mention it's downright beautiful, with flowers, trees, and plants bursting to life all around you. Stop by the Butterfly Exhibition when it's in season, it's well worth the money.
8.) The restaurants
The Blue Water Grille, Twisted Rooster, The B.O.B., Bistro Bella Vita, Electric Cheetah, Stella's Lounge, Beltline Bar, Yesterdog − GR is filled to the brim with eccentric and delicious restaurants that truly do spoil us. In fact, Stella's Lounge is rumored to have the best burger in all of Michigan. How's that for gourmet eateries?
9.) The museums
Downtown is a hotspot for museums, with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, and the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts. And they're all within a few blocks of each other. They're accessible, simple to get to, and best of all, they're easy on the wallet. Another cool thing to add − the public museum has a real-life working carousel!
10.) The friendly atmosphere
GR is a hotspot for creativity and passion, so the people are warm, inviting, and willing to lend a helping hand. I almost always see people I know every time I make a stop at my local Meijer and/or Target (I'm sometimes guilty of both in the same two-hour time span), and the friendly faces make even a simple shopping trip well-worth it.
All of this talk has got me already excited to go home for Thanksgiving Break, and it's only the beginning of November! Grand Rapids is the place to be, and I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. The road always leads me back there, back to my home.
