One day "must see" in Grand Rapids?? (Monroe: hotels, theater)

[adele115]

The spouse and I will be spending one day / one night in GR. Haven't been there is ions, already have hotel booked at JW Marriott which gets great reviews. Now the question: What are some "must see" things for us to get the true GR experience? We love art, architecture, furniture design, brewpubs, good wine, great dining, etc. Please don't recommend Saugatuck we don't care about that - we want to see the best of what GR has to offer!

Thanks in advance!

[intelfan11315]

Originally Posted by adele115

The spouse and I will be spending one day / one night in GR. Haven't been there is ions, already have hotel booked at JW Marriott which gets great reviews. Now the question: What are some "must see" things for us to get the true GR experience? We love art, architecture, furniture design, brewpubs, good wine, great dining, etc. Please don't recommend Saugatuck we don't care about that - we want to see the best of what GR has to offer!

Thanks in advance!

During the afternoon if it is sunny, check out Grand Haven. Get yourself a pronto pup. Check find a restaurant you like downtown or on the channel. I love grabbing a tuna sandwich at snug harbor.

Later in the day, head downtown and check out either museum (Gerald R Ford or the one across the street) and there is also an art museum downtown.

For dinner, there are many restaurants. If you want to go more expensive, you can go to San Chez A Tapaz Bistro. I like eating at Bull's Head.

Later in the night after you're hungry again, you need to try Yesterdog. It's a staple of Grand Rapids and the best chili dogs you'll ever eat.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by adele115

The spouse and I will be spending one day / one night in GR. Haven't been there is ions, already have hotel booked at JW Marriott which gets great reviews. Now the question: What are some "must see" things for us to get the true GR experience? We love art, architecture, furniture design, brewpubs, good wine, great dining, etc. Please don't recommend Saugatuck we don't care about that - we want to see the best of what GR has to offer!

Thanks in advance!

Check out the GRAM which is hosting the Michigan Modern exhibit through late August, and the galleries at Kendall College and UICA if they are having shows. Hopcat and/or Founders for sure for brews. Stella's for their burgers. Reserve for their wine and cheese.

Or since you're staying at the JW, take the skywalk over to the Amway Grand and take the elevators up to the lounge at Cygnus for a great view of the river. The old Pantlind Hotel section of the Amway Grand is pretty cool as well, designed in the early 1900's when opulent hotels were all the rage. Don't feel like you're intruding since you aren't staying there, the place is huge and covers almost an entire block.

From the patio at the JW you can also see the blue bridge, an old railroad bridge turned pedestrian bridge which was repainted recently and had LED lights added that change colors at night (I think on weekends?). Or you can just walk down and go out on the bridge when you stumble back from Founders.

[adele115]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Haame]

Be sure to stop by Founders. A great, nationally known brewery.

For restaurants I would have to recommend Bistro Bela Vita, six.one.six (inside the JW), or hopcat (for a brewpub feel).

Check out Monroe Center for some shopping and coffee.

Definitely the GRAM if you are into art.

Avoid the BOB despite all the hype you may hear.

[mjlo]

I'd head to the East Hills and check out Brewery Vivant, maybe Grove or Greenwell, also the Fulton St. Farmers market, then head over to Meijer Gardens as well.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Haame

Be sure to stop by Founders. A great, nationally known brewery.

For restaurants I would have to recommend Bistro Bela Vita, six.one.six (inside the JW), or hopcat (for a brewpub feel).

Check out Monroe Center for some shopping and coffee.

Definitely the GRAM if you are into art.

Avoid the BOB despite all the hype you may hear.

Ha! Hear hear.

[adele115]

Originally Posted by Haame

Be sure to stop by Founders. A great, nationally known brewery.

For restaurants I would have to recommend Bistro Bela Vita, six.one.six (inside the JW), or hopcat (for a brewpub feel).

Check out Monroe Center for some shopping and coffee.

Definitely the GRAM if you are into art.

Avoid the BOB despite all the hype you may hear.

Thanks= will def visit Founders, never heard of the BOB so will strike that from any list!

[DTWflyer]

If it is a nice day to be outside, I would hit up the Meijer Gardens on your way in or out of town. Fancinating place, and interesting sculptures. I'd probably recommend about 2 hours to walk around the full site.

Then go hit up a brew pub.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by DTWflyer

If it is a nice day to be outside, I would hit up the Meijer Gardens on your way in or out of town. Fancinating place, and interesting sculptures. I'd probably recommend about 2 hours to walk around the full site.

Then go hit up a brew pub.

I would second that. Tuesday evenings (if you happen to come during the week) I think they still do free concerts in the amphitheater too (with paid admission to the gardens).

Yes, yes they do:

http://www.meijergardens.org/calenda...ng-music-club/