Grand Rapids MI restaurants sourced their meats and fruits from local farms long before the phrase “farm-to-fork” became popular. And today, the city continues to push boundaries in food, art and recreation.
From a brewery built inside of an old funeral chapel to its status as America’s Beer City USA, Grand Rapids has something for everyone.
1. From Farm to Fork
The menu here consists of a wide array of artisan dishes made from local ingredients. This restaurant also offers fresh seafood.
This family-friendly establishment offers a wide variety of meals, from breakfast sandwiches and lunch combos to entree salads. There are also a variety of vegetarian choices, including soup beans and salads with local vegetables.
This restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious food in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. This is a great place to dine if you’re in the mood for authentic Ethiopian food. Injera is a traditional Ethiopian flatbread made from fermented teff. Enjoy a wide variety of meats including goat and lamb. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
2. Art & Culture
Grand Rapids has a rich cultural scene that offers many opportunities to explore local customs and history. The city is also a major center for food processing and has an extensive agribusiness industry.
A visit to an art gallery is a great way to stay mentally active and to connect with others. It can break down language barriers and spark imagination.
The GRAM is a museum of international renown that offers free workshops to families, and gallery talks for anyone interested in learning about the artwork on display. The museum’s employees earn on average $41,881 a year, and their job satisfaction is rated at 2.5 years.
3. The Grand Rapids Rapids
Grand Rapids is a city that continues to inspire people of all backgrounds and interests. The people of Grand Rapids reflect all aspects of the human experience: who they are and where they come from, their appearance, religion, etc. Their vibrant colors and brushstrokes make for a community that celebrates diversity and emphasizes collaboration.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is one of the largest museums in Michigan, with collections spanning thousands of years from around the world. The museum’s stunning contemporary home, which is the only LEED Gold-certified building in the state, also houses the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium and Cook Carousel Pavilion.
The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is one of the nation’s oldest community theatres for good reason – top-notch local talent puts on a show that will entertain. GRCT also brings in touring productions, including Broadway hits.
4. Downtown’s Coolest City
Grand Rapids has a variety of attractions that will delight visitors. Visit one of America’s oldest art galleries or Grand Rapids Civic Theatre to see the latest exhibitions.
John Ball Zoo offers a variety of activities for kids and adults, including animal and STEM classes as well as behind-the scenes tours. Other popular local attractions include one of the best burger bars in the region at Bagger Dave’s, where menu items follow a political theme (think Obama’s Birth Certificate and Straight Ticket pizza).
Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a gourmet chef’s paradise, offering plenty of choices for a quick bite, full meal or tasty treat. Here, shoppers can browse fresh produce and rare artisan mixes of spice, as well as cold-pressed olive oils and personal care products.
5. The Grand River
Grand River runs through downtown creating a visual and physical boundary between east and west sides of the city. The Grand River is also the source of Grand Rapids’ awe inspiring rapids, which earned the city its nickname “Furniture City.”
In the 1920s however, the diversion of water for industry had stripped the river so much that it was often slow and almost dry. In a river beautification effort, five low dams were added during that time.
The river offers a lot of outdoor activities, and there are many kid-friendly attractions in the city. These include a classic urban Zoo and a children’s museum. Minor-league baseball and ice hockey teams offer Olympics-style family fun, and golfers find challenging play on hundreds of miles of courses.
