This Is Your Sign to Plan a Trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
If you’re searching for a laid-back getaway perfect for couples or families, put Grand Rapids, Michigan, on your list. The Western Michigan town, a hub for furniture manufacturing, is bustling with cultural activities, innovative restaurants, and a thriving craft beer scene. We were pleasantly surprised by all the college town has to offer out-of-town guests.
Make Amway Grand your home base for a visit. The historic property (opened in 1916 as the Pantlind Hotel) is perfectly situated for a vacation to Grand Rapids. Overlooking the Grand River, which is undergoing extensive efforts to restore its rapids, the hotel is within walking distance of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the DeVos Place convention center.
Just a short drive from the hotel, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is not to be missed. You could easily fill a whole day at the gardens, with tram rides through the outdoor spaces, a leisurely walk through the Japanese garden, and time spent exploring the expansive greenhouse. Time your visit for March or April and you’ll find a breathtaking butterfly exhibit in the 15,000-square-foot glass house.
One of the most vibrant times to visit is in September during ArtPrize, when the entire city transforms into a gallery to showcase an international art competition. You’ll want to grab a map to navigate the citywide exhibit and join in the voting to help determine the winners of the $600,000 in prizes.
But there is plenty to do without even leaving the hotel. Celeste Salon & Spa at the Amway Grand offers full hair, nail, and makeup services, plus a selection of massages and skincare. The 60-minute therapeutic facial is an excellent choice, even for facial newbies. The aesthetician will walk you through the process complete with a cleanser, exfoliant, light peel, mask, eye care, and moisturizer customized to your skin type.
For additional luxurious options, step into the serene Seraphina Spa at the adjacent JW Marriott, where you’ll find an array of massage options, from deep tissue to aromatherapy to a special warm bamboo treatment. For a unique and invigorating experience, opt for the clay mask body wrap with green gemstone clay sourced from a remote mountainside on Vancouver Island. The spa is currently offering a special Thaw at the Spa treatment through April, complete with a 60-minute private treatment room experience with a Sun Home Saunas' Infrared Sauna Blanket, a 60-minute Cocoa Moisture Body wrap with express facial, and steam room access, plus a one-night stay at the JW Marriott.
While you could lounge around the spa all day, there are plenty of high-energy options too. If you’re wanting to stay active during your visit, book a time slot at the Amway Grand’s rooftop pickleball courts, make a splash in the pool, or check out the well-appointed fitness center, complete with Peloton bikes. Or head down to Woodrow Duckpins for on-site duckpin bowling lanes.
For a special dining experience, make a reservation at MDRD, a modern Spanish restaurant located on the Amway Grand’s 27th floor. Start your evening with an incredible cocktail and take in the views of Grand Rapids through MDRD’s soaring windows. Opt for tapas to share or indulge in an elegant entrée, but save room for a delightfully over-the-top dessert. You can pleasantly bar-hop around the bustling hotel after dinner, with the mahogany-walled Lumber Baron Bar, Rendezvous, and IDC, a speakeasy hidden away off the lobby (yes, you’ll need a password to enter).
You’ll find an equally delectable dining experience next door at the JW Marriott. On a nice evening, start with cocktails outside at JDek, then move into Margaux for decadent French cuisine. Seafood lovers will relish in the selections, from oysters to crab legs to an eye-popping seafood tower, but there are plenty of offerings for those who prefer more carnivorous main dishes or vegetarian options. Regardless of what you choose, do not miss out on the unmatched truffle fries.
Round out your time in Grand Rapids with visits to the downtown market, local breweries, and diverse restaurants. You’ll be wanting to plan a return trip in no time!
You Might Also Like