Matt’s guidebook
Sightseeing
One of the most popular festivals in Grand Rapids is Art Prize. The festival is an international art competition that brings in artwork from artists around the world. This year, Art Prize 2022 is from September 15th - October 2nd. Art is exhibited throughout the city of Grand Rapids in public parks and museums, in galleries and storefronts, in bars or on bridges.
ArtPrize Clubhouse - September/October Only
One of the most popular festivals in Grand Rapids is Art Prize. The festival is an international art competition that brings in artwork from artists around the world. This year, Art Prize 2022 is from September 15th - October 2nd. Art is exhibited throughout the city of Grand Rapids in public parks and museums, in galleries and storefronts, in bars or on bridges.
Iconic blue pedestrian walking bridge spanning across the mighty Grand River - They light it up at night! 20 min drive from house
8 locals recommend
The Blue Bridge
Blue FootbridgeIconic blue pedestrian walking bridge spanning across the mighty Grand River - They light it up at night! 20 min drive from house
John Ball Zoo
1300 Fulton St WGreat place to visit for the entire family! 25 min drive from house
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
11 Sheldon Ave NEHands on learning for kids age 2-10 years old
Check the GRG website for game times. The GR Griffins play at the historic Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids
6 locals recommend
Grand Rapids Griffins
130 Fulton St WCheck the GRG website for game times. The GR Griffins play at the historic Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids
Check out a West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball Game at the LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, MI. (25 min drive from house). Check website for game times.
10 locals recommend
West Michigan Whitecaps
4500 W River Dr NECheck out a West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball Game at the LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park, MI. (25 min drive from house). Check website for game times.
Our favorite place to hike is at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (50 min drive from house). Plenty of easy to moderate hiking trails for all ages - the best part is the trails overlook beautiful Lake Michigan. We actually got engaged here so it is a special place for both of us! There is also a direct beach trail if you don’t feel like climbing the dunes and just want to get some sunshine. Great place to explore and bring the whole family!
122 locals recommend
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
6575 138th AveOur favorite place to hike is at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (50 min drive from house). Plenty of easy to moderate hiking trails for all ages - the best part is the trails overlook beautiful Lake Michigan. We actually got engaged here so it is a special place for both of us! There is also a direct beach trail if you don’t feel like climbing the dunes and just want to get some sunshine. Great place to explore and bring the whole family!
Another great place to hike and get outside with the whole family!
44 locals recommend
Yankee Springs Recreation Area State Park
2104 Briggs Road SouthAnother great place to hike and get outside with the whole family!
There are so many family friendly events happening at Frederick Meijer Gardens! Check out their website for more information
200 locals recommend
Frederik Meijer Gardens
1000 E Beltline Ave NEThere are so many family friendly events happening at Frederick Meijer Gardens! Check out their website for more information
Check out the GR Civic Theatre website for more information of upcoming musical performances coming to Grand Rapids!
24 locals recommend
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts
30 Division Ave NCheck out the GR Civic Theatre website for more information of upcoming musical performances coming to Grand Rapids!
Pedal your way through downtown Grand Rapids on a brewery tour. Check out their website!
8 locals recommend
Great Lakes Pub Cruiser LLC
Pedal your way through downtown Grand Rapids on a brewery tour. Check out their website!
Food scene
Founders Brewing Co
235 Grandville Ave SWOne of the most famous and popular breweries in downtown GR
Vander Mill Grand Rapids
505 Ball Ave NEA favorite local cider mill and winery
Stella's Lounge
53 Commerce Ave SWVoted Best Burger in GR!
Best Breakfast Restaurant - Located in Eastown neighborhood of Grand Rapids - Go early, there’s usually a line!
45 locals recommend
Wolfgang's Restaurant
1530 Wealthy St SEBest Breakfast Restaurant - Located in Eastown neighborhood of Grand Rapids - Go early, there’s usually a line!
3 locations total between Holland and Zeeland. 30 min drive from house. Home of the Tommy Turtle Sundae! Popular presidential tour spot - their variety of sundaes are awesome! Also have mini golf for kids at the Holland location!
38 locals recommend
Captain Sundae
365 Douglas Ave3 locations total between Holland and Zeeland. 30 min drive from house. Home of the Tommy Turtle Sundae! Popular presidential tour spot - their variety of sundaes are awesome! Also have mini golf for kids at the Holland location!
MOO-ville West in Zeeland
6420 Byron RdOur favorite homemade ice cream spot!
Located in Wyoming, MI. Hands down, our favorite authentic Mexican restaurant! We love the chicken fajita burrito!
6 locals recommend
Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano
1742 28th St SWLocated in Wyoming, MI. Hands down, our favorite authentic Mexican restaurant! We love the chicken fajita burrito!
Wyoming, MI - Our favorite spot to get Taco’s! Right across the street from Lindo Mexico!
Taco's El Caporal (28th St)
1717 28th St SWWyoming, MI - Our favorite spot to get Taco’s! Right across the street from Lindo Mexico!
Grandville, MI - Breakfast/ Lunch Restaurant - Go early, there’s usually a line!
32 locals recommend
Anna's House
3874 Plainfield Ave NEGrandville, MI - Breakfast/ Lunch Restaurant - Go early, there’s usually a line!
Closet brewery/restaurant to the house. 7 min drive from house
10 locals recommend
Railtown Brewing Company
3595 68th St SECloset brewery/restaurant to the house. 7 min drive from house
Check out the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market in downtown Grand Rapids. The Main Season Market runs from 5/7/22-10/29/22 every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 am-2pm. Check out their website for more details!
56 locals recommend
Fulton Street Farmers Market
1145 Fulton St ECheck out the Fulton Street Farmer’s Market in downtown Grand Rapids. The Main Season Market runs from 5/7/22-10/29/22 every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 am-2pm. Check out their website for more details!
Market hall filled with artisan cuisine, local grocery items and unique foods! Basically, a Foodie’s Paradise! Open 7 days a week. They also deliver if you prefer to stay in.
98 locals recommend
Downtown Market Grand Rapids
435 Ionia Ave SWMarket hall filled with artisan cuisine, local grocery items and unique foods! Basically, a Foodie’s Paradise! Open 7 days a week. They also deliver if you prefer to stay in.
Another great way to celebrate fall is apple picking! This West Michigan orchard has been around for over 100 years and has a restaurant, cider mill, bakery, corn maze, hay rides, petting zoo and wine tasting. Make sure to get a picture by the famous red apple statue!
31 locals recommend
Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery
3142 4 Mile Rd NEAnother great way to celebrate fall is apple picking! This West Michigan orchard has been around for over 100 years and has a restaurant, cider mill, bakery, corn maze, hay rides, petting zoo and wine tasting. Make sure to get a picture by the famous red apple statue!
Located in Fennville, MI - Another great fall destination! U-pick apple orchard, 20 acre corn maze, cow train and hay rides, restaurant, and winery. Their apple cider donuts are fantastic!
41 locals recommend
Crane Orchards Upick and Corn Maze
6054 124th AveLocated in Fennville, MI - Another great fall destination! U-pick apple orchard, 20 acre corn maze, cow train and hay rides, restaurant, and winery. Their apple cider donuts are fantastic!
Holland, MI - Best homemade from scratch blueberry donuts we have ever eaten! Bakery, farm-store and offers U-Pick blueberries in the summer
16 locals recommend
Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market
15793 James StHolland, MI - Best homemade from scratch blueberry donuts we have ever eaten! Bakery, farm-store and offers U-Pick blueberries in the summer