A 4-Day Farm-to-Table Adventure in Grand Rapids

Discover the charm and adventure of Grand Rapids, Michigan!

22 April 2023

Grand Rapids is a vibrant and culturally diverse city located in western Michigan, United States. As a tourist, you can enjoy exploring the city's many museums and galleries, including the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. You can also experience Grand Rapids' outdoor recreation opportunities by visiting the John Ball Zoo, Grand River Park, or the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

A Warm Grand Rapids Welcome

  • Welcome to Grand Rapids, the cultural hub of Michigan! Check into Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown, located in the heart of the city. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Madcap Coffee next door.
  • -Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, featuring outdoor and indoor gardens, a butterfly exhibit, and a contemporary art collection.
  • -Grab lunch at Harmony Brewing Company, known for their wood-fired pizzas and craft beer.
  • -Afternoon stroll at the Grand River, Michigan’s longest and drink in the fresh air
  • -Admire the contemporary art exhibits at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
  • -End the day at the SpeakEZ Lounge, a laid-back jazz bar with craft cocktails.
Day 2

A Sweet Tooth Adventure

  • Get your sugar fix today and sample the city’s best dessert spots!
  • -Start the day at the famous Grand Cakes for their signature cakes, cookies and sourdough doughnuts
  • -Check out the Downtown Market where you can find sweet treats from over 20 artisan food vendors.
  • -Lunch at Grand Rapids’ oldest pizzeria, Vitale's, known for their Detroit-style pizza.
  • -Stroll through the Eastown neighborhood and visit Wealthy Street Bakery for their artisan bread and croissants.
  • -Visit Furniture City Creamery, a must-visit for ice cream lovers. Flavors rotate, but expect some unique options like apple cider sorbet or whisky almond.
Day 3

A Nature Escapade

  • Immerse yourself in Grand Rapids’ natural beauty and enjoy the outdoors.
  • -Start the day at John Ball Zoo where you can find nearly 2,000 animals, including chimpanzees, lions and tigers.
  • -Embark on a scenic drive to the North Country Trail to explore more than 400 miles of hiking trails surrounding Grand Rapids.
  • -Pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon at Millennium Park, featuring sand beaches, swimming areas, and a splash pad.
  • -Visit the famous Fish Ladder Park to watch salmon migrating upstream, a rare sight.
  • -End the day at Brewery Vivant, a Belgian-inspired brewery housed in an old chapel. Try their farmhouse ale and sample their charcuterie.
Day 4

Farm to Table Delights

  • Explore Grand Rapids’ farm-to-table dining scene, which sources food from local farms.
  • -Have breakfast at Spoonlickers, a local favorite for frozen yogurt and oatmeal.
  • -Check out the Fulton Street Farmers Market for fresh produce and handmade goods.
  • -Lunch at Grove, a farm-forward restaurant with an ever-changing menu.
  • -Visit Robinette’s Orchard, a family-owned orchard and cider mill. Tour the orchard or enjoy a cider tasting.
  • -Dinner at The Sovengard, a Scandinavian-inspired restaurant with seasonal dishes highlighting local ingredients. Don’t miss their foraged mushrooms dish.
  • -Wind down your trip at New Holland Brewing, where you can enjoy a pint of their signature Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged Stout.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Grand Rapids by plane is to fly into Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located just 13 miles southeast of the city center. Several major airlines including Delta, American, and United offer nonstop flights to Grand Rapids from several major cities across the United States.

Car

Driving is also a popular way to get to Grand Rapids, as the city is located at the junction of several major highways including I-96, I-196, and US-131. If driving from the east or west, take I-96 to I-196 and follow the signs to downtown Grand Rapids. If driving from the north or south, take US-131 and exit at Pearl St. or Market Ave.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Grand Rapids. However, Amtrak offers service to nearby cities such as Chicago and Detroit. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Grand Rapids.

Boat

While there is no direct boat service to Grand Rapids, the city is located on the Grand River and is accessible by boat for those traveling through the Great Lakes. Boaters can dock at the Grand Rapids Public Museum or the Grand Rapids Yacht Club.

Bus

Taking a bus is a convenient way to get to Grand Rapids, with Greyhound and Megabus offering daily service to the city. Both companies have stops at the Greyhound Station located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

Destination

Grand Rapids

Welcome to the city where beer flows like water and residents know how to pronounce Michigan correctly. Grand Rapids, where art, culture, and breweries all coexist in perfect harmony.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Grand Rapids in 3 Days: Sights, Bites, and Hops

Grand Rapids is a budget-friendly destination with several free attractions, such as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Visitors can also opt for affordable accommodations in the city's downtown area or nearby neighborhoods. A visit to the city's breweries, including Founders Brewing Co. and Brewery Vivant, is a must for beer enthusiasts.

A Romantic Weekend in Grand Rapids

Explore the charm of Michigan with a romantic trip to Grand Rapids. Stroll through the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, indulge in the local craft beer scene, and catch a sunset on the shores of Lake Michigan. With plenty of cozy hotels and restaurants, Grand Rapids is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

5 Days of Romantic Adventure in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a city in western Michigan renowned for its stunning parks, gardens, and riverfront. It's the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic getaway, as it offers a range of outdoor activities including river walks, romantic dinners, and intimate brewery tours. From its lively entertainment scene to its picturesque landscapes, Grand Rapids is sure to make your romantic trip unforgettable.

Four Fun-Filled Days: Grand Rapids Family Adventure

Grand Rapids, located in the state of Michigan, offers a fantastic family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for all ages. The city is home to the renowned John Ball Zoo, where kids can meet adorable animals from around the world. Families can also explore the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, enjoying both educational exhibits and beautiful riverside views. Additionally, Grand Rapids boasts numerous parks, family-friendly restaurants, and a vibrant downtown area to ensure an unforgettable trip for the whole family.