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Things To Do

Some of these places are places Jess and Nathan went on dates when Nathan was visiting Jess, the others are just places Jess enjoys in the area. Some recommendations are weather-dependent.

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park

8313 Pratt Lake Avenue Southeast, Alto, MI 49302

This was one of Nathan and Jess's first dates together in Michigan, after they had been dating Long Distance for almost six months. They would recommend this to anyone with time to spare, especially those with children, but it really is fun for the whole family.

Grand Ravines North County Park

9920 42nd Avenue, MI 49428

When Nathan and Jess came home for a friend's wedding (Happy almost anniversary, Sydney and Luke!), Jess was working on a project for an editing class. They went for a walk here to get some footage and exercise at the same time!

Rosa Parks Circle

135 Monroe Center Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Jess took Nathan here for Ice skating after coming home for a Brander Family Christmas. The GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum) is located just around the corner for our friends with Art interests!

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 East Beltline Avenue Northeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

When Nathan came to visit Jess for their birthdays in 2024, Jess took Nathan here for a fun-filled day of walking and admiring sculptures around the park! The Japanese garden was their favorite part!

Plato's Closet Grandville, MI

3845 Rivertown Parkway, Grandville, MI 49418

Plato's, Uptown Cheapskate, and Goodwill in Grandville are Jess's favorite thrift stores in West Michigan, primarily due to their proximity to each other and her home. There is also a Planet Fitness nearby that Nathan and Jess went to on a whim when Nathan was visiting a couple times.

Sperry's Moviehouse

84 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423

Nathan and Jess both agree that this might be the best movie theater in the world. They would recommend going here for a movie even if you aren't super excited about it, just for the experience.

Painted Turtle Hard Cider Tasting Room

3550 Alden Nash Avenue Northeast, Lowell, MI 49331

This is a cute, vibey tasting room with limited (but delicious) sandwich selections and some of Jess's favorite ciders! It's small but adorable.

HopCat Holland

80 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423

Brewpub in downtown Holland

New Holland Brewing - Holland Brewpub

66 East 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423

Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant

216 Van Raalte Avenue, Holland, MI 49423

Fine dining in Downtown Holland (Jess's place of employment April 2025 - October 2025)

Upper Macatawa Natural Area, East Entrance

70 17-21, Zeeland, MI 49464

Pseudo shady walking trails

Millennium Park

1415 Maynard Avenue Southwest, Walker, MI 49534

Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids

350 84th Street Southwest, Byron Center, MI 49315

Nathan and Jess did some shopping here a couple times, it's probably the nicest mall in West Michigan

Grand Rapids Public Museum

272 Pearl Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

John Ball Zoo

1300 Fulton Street West, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Grand Haven State Park

1001 South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven, MI 49417

Even in the winter, the boardwalk on the pier is a sight to behold.