Grand Rapids, MI
Paradise for the Foodie
My wife and I have lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for over 25 years. We raised our five children here and homeschooled them through high school. Originally from Central Illinois, we weren’t sure what to expect when we moved here for a job. Now, as the founder and owner of Destinations We Know, I can confidently say that we have experienced every inch of this city and much of West Michigan—and we absolutely love it. West Michigan is truly a wonderful place to call home. It has treated us well, and we feel incredibly blessed to live here. The people are friendly, and the city and surrounding areas offer so much to explore. We welcome you to visit Grand Rapids and experience the incredible food, art, theater, natural beauty, and culture it has to offer.
Speaking of beauty, Grand Rapids is a lovely city, but it’s just a stone’s throw away from the stunning Lake Michigan. Plus, we’re only a few hours from “up north,” with its many lakes, ski hills, hiking trails, and other outdoor activities. With quick access to beaches along Lake Michigan, gorgeous parks, and plenty of hiking trails, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy a full day of outdoor adventures. In Grand Rapids, we have destinations like Millennium Park, the downtown riverwalk, and Frederik Meijer Gardens, where you can enjoy sculptures, nature, and even outdoor concerts. It’s the perfect blend of city attractions and surrounding natural beauty. And with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport nearby, you can easily get to and from anywhere you want to go. I assure you, once you visit, you’ll find yourself planning your next trip back before you leave.
When it comes to food and entertainment, Grand Rapids truly has it all. We’ve got the Van Andel Arena for big-name concerts and events, the Grand Rapids Symphony (one of the best in the country), and an incredibly talented Youth Symphony that delivers three outstanding performances each year. If you’re into theater, the Civic Theatre and Grand Rapids Ballet are top-notch. Honestly, there’s no shortage of culture in this city.
But let’s talk about the food scene. As a foodie, I couldn’t be more thrilled with what the city has to offer. The variety and quality are outstanding. We have Mexican, Korean, Indian, sushi, Thai, steak and seafood, American cuisine, bars, and beyond. Speaking of bars, Grand Rapids is known as “Beer City,” with over 80 breweries along the “Ale Trail.” Having traveled to Napa and Sonoma a dozen times over the years, my wife and I were always more inclined toward wine than beer. But Grand Rapids has converted us. With exceptional breweries like Founders, Brewery Vivant, Railtown Brewery, The Mitten Brewery, and many more, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with the outstanding craft beer scene in our great city.
Whether you are and art love, enjoy beauty and nature or a foodie like me,, Grand Rapids has something for everyone. The city is welcoming and has has so many opportunities for fun and adventure in any season to make it the perfect destination for your next getaway. @destinationsweknow, invite you to explore all that Grand Rapids and West Michigan has to offer and if you need help with travel planning or itineraries please reach out to us directly to assist.
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Written by, Kurt Filla
Meet the team behind Destinations We Know!
From crafting vibrant content to uncovering hidden gems, this travel-loving crew combines creativity and strategy to bring you the best dining and travel recommendations. We’re passionate explorers dedicated to helping you discover unforgettable experiences!