The Insider Experience
Look Good, Stay Warm with These Small Businesses
If there is one thing 2020 has brought, it is change. This winter season is no exception. For one thing, I’ve noticed I’ve been spending more time outside, including dining out. Yes that’s right –
Holiday Lights in Grand Rapids: Downtown & Around Town
Grand Rapids was named America’s Jolliest City for the way we celebrate the holidays. Generous and friendly residents coupled with fun holiday events, safe streets and Christmas tree farms make this
Fun and Educational Winter Break Activities for All Ages
Holiday school breaks are the perfect time to spend with family and friends while exploring Grand Rapids. If you want to get your family out of the house, there are loads of fun and educational
Support These Local Shops for Warm & Stylish Winter Wear
While no one can predict exactly what this winter will look like, I think that we’re all going to need an extra dose of cold weather clothing. As we embrace being outside to dine, enjoy entertainment,
Beer City Eats: Interview With Host Adrian Butler
Beer City Eats is an eight-part video series launched in 2019 that follows Grand Rapids native, Adrian “AB” Butler as he samples his way through the nuances of Grand Rapids’ breweries and learns that
Visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in the Winter
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is an iconic tourist destination in Grand Rapids. When springtime hits, people flutter to Meijer Gardens to see the largest temporary butterfly exhibit in the
Grand Rapids Distilleries Offering Takeout Spirits & Mixers
While sheltering at home you can still enjoy some of the area's finest crafted cocktails. Local distilleries are making thirsty Grand Rapidians happy by providing alcohol to go services. In addition
How To Shop Local In Grand Rapids
Retail shops are now open at no more than 30% capacity throughout Michigan, and while many of us are itching to visit our favorite boutiques, there may also be some lingering questions about how to
Winter Spaces for Outdoor Dining
Grand Rapidians are as hardy as they are hungry – so local restaurants and breweries knew we’d show up to drink and eat outdoors in the dead of winter, even if we had to wear a coat and hat. Join us
Gift Shops at Local Attractions
The gift shops in Grand Rapids’ local attractions offer one-of-a-kind items perfect for unique gift giving all year round. If you’re on a tight schedule and don’t have time to tour local attractions
Grand Rapids Breweries Offering Beer Takeout
Are you craving the taste of your favorite local beer? Do you want to support the local brewing community through the COVID-19 crisis so it can emerge strong and ready for brighter days? Many Beer
FAQ on How to Experience Grand Rapids Attractions During COVID
Even if you've visited Grand Rapids in the past, COVID has changed the way people can experience the attractions in the Grand Rapids area. We know there are a lot of questions related to planning your
Explore These 6 Totally Pawesome Dog-Friendly Trails in Kent County
During a time when there has been an increased emphasis on enjoying the great outdoors, Kent County offers a variety of parks and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. In fact, the Kent
“Nacho” Average Nachos: The Local’s Guide to the Best Nachos in Grand Rapids
We all have days when we want to dine on a dish that provides a little extra sense of comfort. For some that might be ordering pizza, a cheeseburger, or mac n’ cheese, while for others, sweet treats
West Michigan Winter Sports: Try Something New
One of the distinct benefits of living in West Michigan is that we can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. It’s one of the reasons visitors like coming here. No matter the weather, there’s plenty to
You Can Take Your Kids on a Field Trip to the John Ball Zoo
School in 2020 is looking quite different from previous years, and thankfully, Grand Rapids area attractions have acknowledged this change as well. Just because your children spend the day attending
Fall Beers Worth Visiting Grand Rapids For
Happy fall, everyone! I’m Ben Darcie, and I’m a 12-year veteran of the Grand Rapids beer scene, including being a beer writer for 10 years and working in the beer industry itself for eight years. In
Spooktacular Halloween Fun in Grand Rapids for Everyone
Everything is a little different these days due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean Halloween fun is canceled. With restrictions and safety protocols in place, Halloween events are still
Play the Grand Rapids Game of Life: After Dark GR
The Game of Life was hands down my favorite board game to play growing up, I even bought myself the newest version to add to my stash of games during quarantine. Now imagine the joy when my good
Revisiting ArtPrize With These 5 Works of Art
When ArtPrize launched in 2009, I was skeptical. I’d never heard of anything like it (because there isn’t anything quite like it) and couldn’t conceive of the entire concept. Nonetheless, I picked up
7 Activities Your Family Will Love This Fall in Grand Rapids
The end of summer is made easier with the arrival of fall and all the new fun it brings in West Michigan. Take advantage of these activities and get outside with friends and family at one or all of
Grand Rapids Ghost Restaurants
Ghost restaurants are popping up throughout Grand Rapids. While some might be afraid of the idea of ghosts, few diners will be scared of the delicious food these restaurants are bringing to the Grand
The Great Burger Round-Up: Grand Rapids’ Must-Try Burger Spots
If you think Grand Rapids beer is good, then just wait until you've tried the burgers! We asked our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter followers where to find the best burgers in town. Then I had the
Celebrate Art & Craft Beer During The Inaugural AlePrize
Fall is typically when downtown Grand Rapids transforms into an arts epicenter during ArtPrize. People flock to West Michigan from all over the world to compete in or simply experience the
Your Guide to the New Craft Pass GR
Grand Rapids is welcoming its first-ever Craft Pass GR, a new digital pass dedicated to the area’s rich craft beverage scene and status as the craft beverage capital of the US.
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