What's going on in Grand Rapids?

May 1, 2007 9:43 PM

I have to spend three days in Grand Rapids, Michigan for work, and I have never been there before. I will have my evenings off, and I will be completely alone... what should I do? Is there any sort of interesting shopping district? Are any of the museums worthwhile (and open in the evening)? I am going to have quite a lot of time on my hands, and I don't want to spend it in my hotel. If anyone can recommend something interesting and in the city for me to do, all by myself, I would really appreciate it.
posted by waywardgirl to travel & transportation (12 comments total)

If you enjoy a good drink and good conversation, and maybe a game of chess, Founder's Brewery is a great place. The beer is EXCELLENT. If you like stouts, the Kentucky Breakfast Stout is outstanding. Great staff, great beer, great juke box, and live music on the weekends. One of the best brewpubs I've been to.
posted by ikareru at 10:31 PM on May 1, 2007

Here's Calvin College's Hot Spots. Assuming it hasn't changed too much since I went out there for my sister's graduation, you might enjoy East Town.
posted by Guy Smiley at 11:03 PM on May 1, 2007

Heh, I was going to recommend Founder's, too.

There might be a good movie or art thing at the UICA.

Eat at San Chez.
posted by ruby.aftermath at 11:25 PM on May 1, 2007

Ooh! And Wealthy Street Bakery for good bread and sandwiches.
posted by ruby.aftermath at 11:31 PM on May 1, 2007

http://www.meijergardens.org/
posted by stirfry at 12:24 AM on May 2, 2007

The Black Rose
100 Ionia Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Van Andel Museum is small, but OK.

The BOB has Dr. Grins.

Grand Rapids Public Library is nice, and is very near several impressive churches, as well as the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

I agree that Easttown is super cool with interesting houses, interesting shops, and Aquinas College, which has a beautiful campus.

If you want shopping that's regular mall type shopping, you want Rivertown Crossings in Grandville or Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids.

If you feel like baseball, try the Whitecaps.
posted by santojulieta at 2:14 AM on May 2, 2007

Oh, and if you have a car and mapquest, there are loads of pretty spots to check out right now. Try Grand Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Spring Lake, etc. Look for cities on the coast. Grand Rapids is perfectly located.

Holland has Tulip Time starting Friday which means parades with Dutch dancers and bands and carnival food. And they have a nice downtown.
posted by santojulieta at 2:17 AM on May 2, 2007

Do you like any of these bands?
posted by grateful at 6:59 AM on May 2, 2007

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I think Eastown sounds like the kind of place for me! I will also definitely check out the library, I hadn't even thought of that.
posted by waywardgirl at 7:21 AM on May 2, 2007

Meijer Garden is worth a vist. Too bad you missed the butterfly exhibit though. There is also the Ford presidential museum. If you have a car and time I would definitely hit one of the beaches, although not for swimming this time of year. Grand Haven is the closest, Saugatuck is kind of a funky town, and Muskegon State Park has the best trails. The Amway Grand is the best hotel in town (yes, it is that Amway) and their 1913 room is quite a good restaurant, although it is overpriced.
posted by caddis at 7:29 AM on May 2, 2007

It certainly says something about the people on Metafilter that someone would suggest the 1913 room for a personal dinner. Maybe if you're personally really, really, really wealthy. Really. A lot.

Easttown is fun although most of the shops close pretty early. Yesterdog is a really fun/unique place, though; if you don't do the hotdog thing, the Pita House is also quite yummy and nearby. Billy's is a pretty good bar for music and such.

Along Division Ave. there are an increasing number of things like record stores and coffeehouses -- I gotta refer someone to Skelletones because their owners gave me a ride all the way back to Allendale once when I was carless and missed the last bus.
posted by dagnyscott at 9:24 AM on May 2, 2007

Do you belong to any groups or organizations that might have a branch in Grand Rapids? If so, you can hook up with people who have the same interests as you. Do you belong to a health club? Many have guest privileges at clubs in other cities. Or just treat these few evenings as relaxing time.
posted by Joleta at 11:18 AM on May 2, 2007