5 Days of Romantic Adventure in Grand Rapids

Fall in love all over again in Grand Rapids.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Getting to Know Grand Rapids

Check into the Ambassador Hotel, a chic boutique hotel downtown.
Visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum, featuring over 5,000 art pieces.
Stroll through the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, boasting 158-acres of botanical gardens and art.
Satisfy your taste buds with dinner at The Green Well, featuring locally-sourced farm-to-table cuisine.
Enjoy a nightcap at The Meanwhile, a quirky bar with a retro vibe.

Day 2

Breweries and Brunch

Fuel up for the day with brunch at Anna’s House, serving up classic dishes with a twist.
Take a beer tour with Grand Rapids Beer Tours, visiting some of the city’s top breweries such as Founders and Harmony Brewing Company.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at Furniture City Creamery, known for their inventive ice cream flavors.
End the day with dinner at Butcher’s Union, a modern steakhouse with unique cocktails.

Day 3

Outdoor Adventures

Spend the day exploring the Great Lakes State by visiting Michigan's Adventure, an amusement and water park.
For a more low-key outdoor experience, head to Millennium Park for hiking, biking and beaching.
After working up an appetite, try dinner at One Bourbon, featuring an extensive whiskey selection and southern-inspired menu.

Day 4

Art & Cocktails

Start the day with breakfast at Wolfgang’s, an eclectic diner with a funky vibe.
Visit the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts and experience ever-changing art exhibitions.
Try speakeasy-style cocktails at Sidebar, a cozy bar hidden behind a bookshelf.
End the day with a romantic dinner at Reserve Wine & Food, known for their intimate ambiance and wine pairing recommendations.

Day 5

The Best of Grand Rapids

Start the day with breakfast at The Electric Cheetah, a funky neighborhood eatery.
Shop local at the Downtown Market and grab brunch, coffee, and artisanal goods.
End the trip with dinner at San Chez Bistro, serving up Spanish-inspired small plates perfect for sharing.

Length of stay

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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.