Grand Rapids is an incredibly beautiful city that I have been so thankful to call home for 20 years. Known for being Beer City, USA, the Medical Mile and ArtPrize, GRap has so much life and excitement as the second largest city in Michigan. As summer begins (and I actually have free time now), I am incredibly excited to check a few things off my Grand Rapids Summer Bucket List.
1. Go swing dancing.
Rosa Parks Circle in downtown GR has offered free swing dancing on Tuesday nights for years now. I remember going as a sophomore in high school, hoping my crush would be there (#throwback). I am really hoping to be able to go back this year with my friends again while I try to look cool dancing.
2. See a movie in the park.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks put together six film showings between June and August. Bring blankets, snacks and friends and watch a movie under the stars downtown. I've always wanted to do this, so hopefully I'll get a chance to this summer!
3. Go to a concert.
I've always loved music, and it's been amazing to have so many incredible singers and bands come to Grand Rapids; especially in the summer! Between the Meijer Gardens Concert Series, shows at Van Andel Arena and concerts put on by local radio stations, there's something for everyone in GR this summer.
4. Visit the Downtown Market (multiple times).
The Downtown Market has been a favorite place of mine for years now. With so many vendors and food options to choose from, there's always something new to try. My personal favorites? Bubble tea from Rák, mitten-shaped ice cream bars from Love's and any flavored pretzel from Brezel. They have great tea shops, flowers and tacos too.
5. Go to a Whitecaps baseball game.
It's been a few years since I've been to a Whitecaps game, but I'd love to go to one this summer again. This Minor League team plays at Fifth Third Ballpark fairly frequently over the summer and have tons of fun events on game days. Plus, tickets are pretty inexpensive, so that's a bonus.
Though this is just a small sampling of the fun I'm hoping to have in GR during the next four months, there are tons of ways to explore the city all summer long. Here's to incredible adventures in an incredible city.
