One day in Grand Rapids (Detroit, East Grand Rapids: home, neighborhood, theater)

[sike0000]

My wife and I are planning a one night trip sometime near the middle of October to somewhere in MI just to get away. We live in the Detroit area, so we are trying to keep it to a 2 hour drive.

She mentioned Grand Rapids, but I have never been there, so I am not sure what we would do. And considering we would probably get there early afternoon on a Saturday, and leave to come home on Sunday, we won't have a whole lot of time.

She is into antiques, and shopping in general, so if anyone has any suggestions please throw them out there!

[suydam]

Come next week and experience ArtPrize: ArtPrize - An open art contest based in Grand Rapids Michigan, the world's largest Art Prize.

[KMB323]

Stay at the Amway for a traditional atmosphere, I prefer the JW Marriott.

The food is great at the B.O.B.. see if there's anything going on at the civic theater. There are lots of antique shops downtown and in old town.

[Wayland Woman]

The Ford Presidential Museum is open Sundays and shouldn't be missed. As for antiques, there really aren't that many good places left in area. We've also got a first class regular museum within easy walking distance of the Ford Museum. If you have the time, Meijer Gardens if great, too, any time of the year.

[suydam]

Antique shops I've visited and enjoyed:

Argos Books (antique books) in Eastown neighborhood
Patina Antiques on Lake Dr. in the Eastown neighborhood
Eastown Antiques on Lake Dr. in the Eastown neighborhood
Phil's Stuff on Wealthy between Eastern and Union I think.
The Blue Door on Fulton near Diamond (there are a few other shops within 100 yards of Blue Door as well).
The Heirloom House at 505 Lakeside Drive SE in East Grand Rapids
Century Antiques on GR's west side