If you’re looking for a quick getaway from Chicago, consider the cool city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This lively, diverse city is perfect for travelers looking for a cool city to visit with plenty of things to see, delicious food, and fun things to do making it the perfect destination for a solo adventure. And the best part? It’s only a 2.5-hour drive from Chicago. Grand Rapids is a city just waiting to be explored.
Here’s my guide on things to eat, drink, and enjoy in Grand Rapids.
What to Eat, Drink, and Things to Do in Grand Rapids, Michigan
What to Eat
Grand Rapids has an excellent selection of fresh food options from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Forty Acres Soul Kitchen: This Black-owned restaurant is the only Cognac bar in Michigan located in a trendy neighborhood. Try the Ms. Jackson cocktail along with the Soul Rolls, and Fried Catfish platter with Mac n’ Cheese and Collard Greens.
BLACK Napkin: For one of the best smash burgers and fries you’ll ever try, visit Black Napkin. This small spot is perfect for takeout, offering flavorful options like Le College Dropout burger, kimchi fries, and sparkling blueberry lemonade.
MDRD: Located on the top floor of the Amway Hotel, MDRD offers modern Spanish cuisine with expansive views. Their menu is equally drool-worthy with dishes that are great for sharing like Claramente, Patatas Bravas, and Salmon Con Trufa.
Downtown Market: This indoor marketplace is perfect for a meal or finding fresh goods. With various vendors and eateries, you can enjoy ready-to-eat dining options, restaurant experiences, and retail products.
Where to Drink
From coffee shops to cocktail bars, Grand Rapids has no shortage of unique places to find a great drink in the city.
Bitter End Coffeehouse: For a caffeine fix at any hour, visit Bitter End Coffeehouse, a 24-hour coffee house in Grand Rapids. This spot offers a great selection of teas and hand-crafted espresso beverages, perfect for early risers and night owls alike.
GRNoir Wine & Jazz Bar: This Black-owned gem in Grand Rapids is perfect for solo visits or groups. It offers live music and an extensive wine list, including black-owned wines. Try a wine flight like Black Magic, which includes GRNoir house wines and samples from black-owned companies.
Drip Drop Cocktail Room: Enjoy a cocktail with a twist at Drip Drop Cocktail Room. It’s a cool and quaint bar nestled in the busy Bridge Street Entertainment District.
Things to Do
When visiting Grand Rapids, the first thing you must do is get the Culture Pass GR. It’s the best way to maximize your experience in the city while saving time and money on various attractions. In addition to the great attractions in Grand Rapids, you’ll also find excellent shopping districts.
John Ball Zoo: A hub of animal conservation and wildlife, the John Ball Zoo is home to the dazzling Grand Rapids Lantern Festival. This festival features handcrafted Asian lanterns that illuminate the zoo. Visit between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. for the best experience.
Grand Rapids Public Museum(GRPM): Explore artifacts and cultural treasures at one of Michigan’s largest historical collections. This interactive museum features incredible exhibitions including “Mandela: The Official Exhibition,” offering a personal exploration of Nelson Mandela’s life, and “Fashion + Nature,” a GRPM original that examines the relationship between fashion and nature through innovative modules, garments, and inspiring calls-to-action.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: This museum offers 158 acres of horticultural beauty and over 200 stunning sculptures. Arrive early to capture photos in spaces like the Japanese Garden and the Sculpture Park.
The Blue Bridge: Take a picture of The Blue Bridge, a blue and bold pedestrian bridge that spans across the Grand River.
Fulton Street Farmers Market: This is a great solo activity to enjoy. Open every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from May through October, the Fulton Street Farmers Market is a great place to connect with local farmers, creators, and artists.
Warehouse One Antiques & Collectibles: Discover unique antiques and vintage pieces in this massive, two-story warehouse. You can easily spend a full day exploring the treasures inside.
Uptown and Cherry Street in the East Hills Neighborhood: Explore local shopping in the walkable neighborhoods of Uptown and Cherry Street. You’ll find numerous women-owned businesses and unique shops offering sustainable and purpose-driven products, including several clothes thrift shops.
Final Thoughts on a Solo Trip to Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is such a cool city and for all the right reasons. Solo travelers especially will find the accessibility, diversity, and liveliness of this college town appealing. Engaging with the locals and discovering hidden gems, is easy and makes the experience in Grand Rapids that much more fun.
When traveling alone, feeling safe, comfortable, and welcome is essential. Such cities are rare gems and this is one of them. Be sure to add Grand Rapids to your list of cool cities to explore in the Midwest, I know it’s earned a permanent spot onmine!
Grand Rapids FAQ
Do you have any hotel recommendations for Grand Rapids?
Stay in a central, downtown hotel like the Amway Grand Plaza. It’s a one-stop lodging experience and includes amenities inclusive of a pool, spa, pickball court, multiple restaurants, and an attached parking garage. You’ll be within walking distance of popular attractions, making it ideal for any weekend adventure in Grand Rapids.
How do you get around Grand Rapids?
The city is quite pedestrian-friendly, especially for accessing downtown attractions and popular restaurants. The most convenient ways to get around are by driving, using rideshare services, or taking advantage of readily available public transportation.
Great guide! But how do I spend a day in Grand Rapids, MI?
Start with breakfast or coffee at Bitter End, visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, explore the shops on Cherry Street, have dinner at MDRD, a trip to the John Ball Zoo, and a nightcap at Drip Drop Cocktail Room.
Have you ever been to Grand Rapids? Share your experience in the comments below!
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