1. Everyone In Grand Rapids Knows The Whitecaps Rule
The Western Michigan Whitecaps had a rougher start than usual to their 2014 season: The Fifth Third Ballpark nearly burned down. Undaunted, the team went on to have a pretty good season—their best in eight years. If they haven’t earned your respect already, just know that they’re the farm team for the Tigers, and if that hasn’t brought the point home, there’s little we can do for you.
2. There’s No Limit To How Many Yesterdogs You Can Eat
It might be famous for being featured in “American Pie,” but the Yesterdog hype goes way beyond Hollywood cameos. The hip vibe and the awesome service don’t even begin to hint at how satisfying the sausages are. You can put those delicious dogs away until you’re sick, even the ultradogs. And you’d still be asking for more.
3. Grand Rapids Hits The Heights Of Beer Divinity
Grand Rapids hasn’t been dubbed “Beer City, USA” the past few years just for the homebrewing craze that’s been sweeping the town. The number of breweries that regularly deliver tasty ales, thick stouts and perfectly acceptable fruit beers is almost inappropriate.The crown jewel? Definitely Founder’s.
4. You'll Never Have A Bad Seat At The Van Andel Arena
Everyone has a great memory of Van Andel, whether it was their favorite concert of all time or a super electric Griffins game, or maybe even the Hoops or Rampage when they were still playing. The seats are comfy, the staff make it clear that you’re number one in their book, and the acoustics are Grammy-worthy. It’s always a good bet for your weekend.
5. No One In Grand Rapids Wants To Kick Their HopCat Habit
HopCat is another great restaurant to meet your friends at. The exposed brick, friendly warehouse feel says bring a bunch of friends and make it a night you’ll all never remember.
6. Every Grand Rapids Local Has Sat On John Ball’s Lap
John Ball’s legacy keeps on giving, and a trip to the John Ball Zoo (or better yet, attend school there), is its own reward. The statue itself is a place where generations of Grand Rapids rugrats have perched for a photo.
7. The Downtown Market Is More Like A Daily Festival
Offering regular classes on food preparation and how to be a conscientious locavore, Downtown Market would be an amazing institution, but it just refuses to settle. It also hosts a farmer’s market that features nothing but organic, local foods for you to bring home and practice with.
8. World Class Art Fits Right In Here Thanks To ArtPrize
ArtPrize is the international art festival to beat the band. The sheer amount of money awarded to artists who enter is mind-boggling. The 19 days feel more like six months. More than 1,000 entries a year, in a stunning diversity of forms. You literally have to see it to understand why ArtPrize is such an extravaganza.
9. But Don't Miss Out On The Festival of the Arts
Make no mistake, ArtPrize is one awesome art fest. But it’s not the only one worth checking out. Festival of the Arts is an even fonder memory for some folks from Grand Rapids, because it’s purely a local celebration—local artists, local food, and local breweries dominate. It’s a great way to remind yourself why the city is amazing.
10. Thank God For The Dutch And Their Gift Of Banket
The pure Dutch background of Grand Rapids continues to influence the city, and those traditional roots mean that a lot of great eats out of Holland make their home here. Banket is one of the most delicious unsung pastries on the planet, and the Brewery Vivant has a healthy inspiration from northern Europe as well.
11. Grand Rapids Kids Know Their Field Trips Are Actually Awesome
Everyone in Grand Rapids goes to the same places as kids on field trips—or if their parents are particularly cool. But that doesn’t mean they stop being fun when you’re grown up. Go deep into one of Grand Rapids’ historically important industries, or learn about the indigenous Mound Builders who were here before settlers came through, but the Gerald Ford Museum is definitely required.
12. Calvin College Is A Life-Changing Experience
Ask any Calvin alum about their time in Grand Rapids and they’ll see stars. Aside from the glowing reviews the college consistently receives, the college has had more Goldwater scholars than any other liberal arts school since 2008. If you’re interested in having a fine education in a city that feels like it was made for college students, Calvin is your best bet.
13. To Impress Someone From Grand Rapids, Just Take Them To Electric Cheetah
It probably doesn’t need to be said but there are plenty of spots in Grand Rapids that aren’t exactly first date material—Yesterdog’s is delicious, but do you really want to try and impress someone with it? Enter Electric Cheetah.
Try all the local, organic, extremely tasty courses you can (and they don’t skimp on portions, of course). It’s a great time.
14. Nothing Is More Magical Than Skating In Rosa Parks Circle
Grand Rapids does Winter Wonderland better than anywhere, and the centerpiece of that is definitely Rosa Parks Circle. Right on Pearl Street, the ice rink is decked out in full white Christmas mode throughout the holidays. And the spot is still pretty spectacular even in the off season.
15. Meijer Gardens Looks Like A Jane Austen Novel
This is the most picturesque part of the city, bar none. Anyone who’s been there will agree. Rolling hills of green, beautiful flower arrangements, Renaissance-era bronze statues. And that’s just the tip of the aesthetic iceberg.
16. Grand Rapids Folks Are Never Stuck For Weekend Plans With All The Great Museums
The museums in Grand Rapids are awesome enough to warrant their own sub-article. The Public Museum has dinosaurs and pirates. The Children’s Museum lets you play with bubbles.
And the Grand Rapids Art Museum where all the fabulous ArtPrize winners are featured.
17. The Grand Rapids Scooter Club Is Where All The Cool Kids Hang Out
The Grand Rapids Scooter Club is the most fun you can have on two wheels. The Hell’s Angels of GR is always welcoming people interested in scootering, and the club has awesome planned routes and will gladly let you know what’s up when it comes to your newest favorite hobby.
18. The Mountain Man (Or Woman) In You Will Love The Rogue River
The Rogue River has been host to sportsmen and people who just want to relax on an innertube alike for decades—must be something in the water, right? Heyyy. The steelhead fishing is awesome, to be sure, but the treat of being out in nature unique to Western Michigan is enough of a draw.
19. The Grand Rapids Ballet Is Elegant And Stunning
Just think about this for a minute: The Grand Rapids Ballet Company is the only pro group in the state and the only internationally-recognized one at that. Whether you’re just catching The Nutcracker (because it’s Christmas and that’s basically required viewing), or any of the other fantastic shows, you’ll never be disappointed.
20. Grand Rapids Swing Dancers Are Legendary—Seriously
The Guinness Book of World Records recognized the Grand Rapids Original Swing Society for holding the Largest Swing Dance in the World in 2012, with a staggering 756 dancers twirling the night away. The group still gets together every week to shake it in the town square.
21. Grand Rapids Is Where “The Polar Express” Was Born
Unfortunately, Herpolsheimer’s is now a Nordstrom Rack, but just because the building was bulldozed doesn’t mean the memories are gone. In fact, the old Santa Train (which any Grand Rapids native of a certain age will remember) served as the inspiration for the famous Polar Express holiday story we know and love. The author, Chris Van Allsburg, grew up in the city.
22. Everyone Is Always Invited To The Hollyhock Parade
Grand Rapids has their own particular way of celebrating the country’s birthday. The Hollyhock Parade is the longest running, yet totally informal, 4th of July parade in the state and isn’t short of music, candy or fun. See the Hollymock Band play the kazoo better than you’ve ever heard, old-fashioned cars make their way through Ottawa Hill, and of course, spectacular fireworks.
23. Grand Rapids Is A LEEDer In Being Green
Grand Rapids is one of five model cities for sustainability, according to Earth Day Network. Bill Moyers called it one of 12 cities blazing the sustainability path. The UN has given the city a nod for its green efforts.
24. Everyone And Their Grandmas Run The Fifth Third River Bank Run
The Fifth Third River Bank Run (get it?) is the largest 25k road race in the country and definitely one of the most fun. You’ll compete with runners of all kinds and places—winners have come from as far as South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe to clinch the win. If 25 is just one too many k’s to tackle in one day, there are a few 10ks too.
25. The Public Art In Grand Rapids Will Put Yours To Shame
Alexander Calder isn’t the only artist in the history books to have a piece set up in the city. While the trademark La Grande Vitesse, the wavy red sculpture located in Civic Center, is an official mascot for the city, don’t forget that some Da Vincis also stand in Meijer Gardens too! Boom.
26. Stella’s Has The Best Burgers. Period.
“Look at the size of that thing!” is pretty much the only proper reaction when your friendly waiter at Stella’s arrives with your massive hamburger. The hamburgers are as huge as the fries are tasty, so there’s plenty of reason to shout out your love for Grand Rapids’ best burger joint, Marlon Brando-style. Get it? “STELLA!”
27. Grand Rapids Is Very Aptly Named
When you can live guilt-free knowing your city has the planet’s back, and spend every day knowing you’re going to witness art from the annals of history, it’s easy to be happy. When you can have tasty food that’s nationally recognized and wash it down with delicious beer, it gets even easier. That’s Grand Rapids for you.
What have you had to explain to out-of-towners about Grand Rapids? Tell us in the comments below!
