Just two hours from West Bloomfield and full of fun things to see and do, Grand Rapids, Michigan is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Whether a couple’s trip or a mini-vacation with the family, there is plenty to explore.
If spring weather has you feeling like being outdoors, visit the John Ball Zoo (jbzoo.org). The zoo features over 2000 animals, a 300-foot zipline, a four-story ropes adventure course, funicular tram, and even camel rides! While taking in the fresh air, try a stop at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park (meijergardens.org). Stroll through more than 150 acres of botanical gardens, including a Japanese garden and the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. The sculpture park, set amongst the gardens, features more than 200 sculptures, including works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, and Marshall Fredericks, creator of The Spirit of Detroit.
If the sculpture gardens have you hungry for art, spend a leisurely afternoon at GRAM, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (artmuseumgr.org). Browse the galleries, which are refreshed regularly from the museum’s extensive collection, or take in a guided tour or workshop. For a museum experience that appeals to the entire family, try the Grand Rapids Public Museum (grpm.org). The museum, located downtown, features three stories of history presented in a fun, interactive manner. Take in a planetarium show, stroll the streets of 1890s Grand Rapids, and meet Finny, a 75-foot whale skeleton acquired in 1905.
Looking for shopping, food, and entertainment? Look no further than Studio Park (studioparkgr.com), a complex of restaurants, shops, cinema, live music venue and more located in the heart of Grand Rapids. The Listening Room (listeningroomgr.com), located at Studio Park, offers an elevated concert experience in an intimate space. The music moves outdoors for a summer concert series called the Listening Lawn. In addition to the shopping at Studio Park, the downtown area features dozens of antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, and gourmet grocers to visit.
Known for its craft beverage scene, lively attractions, and picturesque location on the Grand River, Grand Rapids is a great choice for a weekend away.
Make it a date!
Drink
GR Noir Wine and Jazz
Visit this Black-owned wine and jazz bar located in downtown Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids’ only Black male level 2 certified sommelier is ready to help with wine selections. Live music every Wednesday through Saturday evening.
35 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI
616.719.1191
grnoir.com
Brewery Vivant
One of Grand Rapids’ many local breweries, Brewery Vivant is located in the beautifully restored chapel of a historic funeral home. The taproom features Belgian and other European-style beers brewed on the premises.
925 Cherry St, Grand Rapids, MI
616.719.1604
breweryvivant.com
Eat
MDRD
Perched on the 27th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza hotel, MDRD offers soaring views of the city paired with modern Spanish cuisine. The restaurant was recently named #2 Best New Restaurant in the USA by USA Today.
187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI
616.776.6425
amwaygrand.com/dining/mdrd
Blue Water
Overlooking Versluis Lake, enjoy wood-fired pizza, salads, and more surrounded by Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture and nature itself. Meals are prepared using produce from the restaurant’s lakeside garden.
5180 Northland Dr, Grand Rapids, MI
616.363.5900
thegilmorecollection.com/bluewater
Stay
City Flats Hotel
Conveniently located, this eco-friendly boutique hotel features locally made furniture, large windows, and a modern flair.
83 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
616.608.1720
cityflatshotel.com
The Finnley Hotel
Recently opened micro hotel featuring five distinctive guest rooms with vintage accessories, close to downtown attractions.
65 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
800.452.9022
thefinnley.com
