Things To Do

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Rad American Women A - Z Walking Tour (or another walking tour on GR Walks app)

We've done most of this tour and think it's a great way to explore the city while learning about some awesome women in history! Local artists painted electrical boxes with images of women dipicted in the book Rad American Women A - Z, and you can learn more about them by following a guided tour on GR Walks. Begin by parking downtown. Street parking is free on weekends and after 5 p.m. on weekdays. This address points you to a nearby parking garage in the heart of downtown! You'll find the start of the walking tour ("A" for Angela Davis) at the intersection of Pearl St. & Monroe St. Nearby, there are lots of murals, restaurants, museums to check out if you so wish!

Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Grand Rapids Public Museum

Blandford Nature Center

Riverside Park

Holland State Park

There are a variety of beaches to explore on the Lake Michigan shoreline. August is also the perfect time to take a swim.

Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Another great beach.

Schuil Coffee Company

A coffee shop closeby our hotel blocks.

The Sparrows Coffee & Tea & Newsstand

A favorite coffee spot.

Lyon Street Cafe

Another great coffee shop. Right next to a bakery, cute grocery store (Martha's Vinyard) and delicious pizza place (Martha's Pizza).

Sheshco Mediterranean Grill

This is one of our favorite restaurants.

Thai Bistro

We love Thai food and this is our favorite place in Grand Rapids.

Pinkie's Ice Cream and Desserts

Our favorite ice cream in the city -- close to lots of shops in Grand Rapids' historical Eastown.

Gaia House Cafe

A delicious, vegetarian cafe.

Buffalo Traders Lounge

This is one of our favorite bars -- it has a variety of delicious cocktails and laid-back, mid-century vibes.

New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker

A spot with lots of great alcohol, pizza and other food options.

Brewery Vivant

A spot with some really delicious, locally brewed beers. They also offer food.

Max’s South Seas Hideaway

A "tiki" bar with some great, tropical drink options.

Grand Rapids Downtown Market

A cool location filled with a variety of food and drink options.

Nestology Shop & Studio

A really awesome shop full of local, handmade items from some wonderful makers. Near a number of other shops and restaurants in the Cherry Hill area.

La Grande Vitesse

The "Calder" -- a symbol of Grand Rapids sculpted by Alexandre Calder.