Hello Happy Humans,
I just finished my undergrad at Grand Valley State University, which I will be sharing a post all about that very soon. Since I have completed my degree, I have moved out of GR and on to new things. Grand Rapids has been my home for almost 5 years now, so I have to dedicate a post to beautiful city.
I will share some of my favorite spots in the city in this post.
Cafes:
Madcap Coffee Fulton
This cafe recently became one of my favorites, I love the aesthetic of the space. It’s great to do work or meet for coffee, the atmosphere is great. Their coffee is also very high quality and one of the only that I will drink black. It’s so flavorful! Definitely suggest this cafe to everyone.
Sparrow’s Coffee + Tea
This cafe has been one of my all time favorites over the years. It’s the perfect space to work on homework and study. They also have a quaint patio space that I love. This cafe is unique because they sell newspapers, magazines and poetry books. It really makes for a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Sparrow’s also holds a special place in my heart because it is where I had my first date with my boyfriend, David.
Lantern Coffee Bar
The Lantern is my secret spot. It’s so cozy and they have the best lattes, which are HUGE. You definitely get your money’s worth here. The barista’s are always kind and welcoming. This is a hidden gem, usually unnoticeable from the street. This is also a special cafe to me because I’ve visited it since my freshmen year of college and met one of my best friends here weekly.
Food + Treats:
Le Bon Macaron
Le Bon is another one of my favorite spots in GR. It not only reminds me of my time in France but it also is so lovely. Their macarons are amazing and I love their lattes too! It’s a nice place to meet friends and splurge a little on some French treats.
Donkey Taqueria
This is a Mexican style restaurant in East Town that I absolutely love. They have super yummy tacos and other Mexican food options. It’s also super cute and close to many other East Town establishments. Definitely a must-go for Grand Rapids!
Brown Butter Crepes:
Another little French treat, right in GR! Brown Butter has a super cute and quaint restaurant space that offers French inspired crepes and cafe items. This is a great place to grab a treat and enjoy a cup of coffee with your gal pals. It’s also very picturesque!
Wolfgang’s
Wolfgang’s is my favorite breakfast spot ever! I loved visiting on rainy/snowy mornings with friends and my boyfriend, just sipping coffee and watching out the window. Their scrambles are the best but they have many other brekkie options too. It’s not super expensive either and it’s also located in East Town.
Bars:
Rumor’s Nightclub
Rumor’s is another one of my secret spots but I love it for the music and drinks. If you’re on a budget, visit Rumor’s on a Thursday night. You’ll get cheap cover, inexpensive drinks and lots of dancing. In my opinion, they have the best dance floor and music in GR. I love going out dancing and this is the perfect place. Ahhh, I’ll definitely miss this spot!
Holiday Bar
Holiday bar is a “hole-in-the-wall” type bar on the West Side of GR. It’s unknown by many but packed with fun. They have a huge wrap around bar, dance floor and booth space. I kicked off 2018 here with a group of my friends. It’s great if you are looking to try something new and off the beaten path in the GR nightlife scene. Check it out!
Founders Brewing
Can’t forget the best beer spot…Founders! Founders has a great atmosphere for socializing and even doing homework. Yes, I have done homework while drinking some beer! They have some casual dining options and great beer, obviously!
Activities:
Downtown Market
The Downtown Market is a bloggers dream – perfect for pictures, food and coffee! The Market has a beautiful green space to work in, a huge terrace and lots of vendors. This was one of my favorite places to go on the weekends and just stroll around and work on stuff in the green space and terrace.
Fulton Street Market
If you’re looking for a Saturday morning activity, I highly suggest the Fulton Street Market. I love visiting this to grab fresh produce and mingle with local farmers and vendors. I also enjoy grabbing a coffee from my favorite cafe (Madcap) and scoping out new plant babies at the market. Another one of my favorite things to do in GR!
Millennium Park
Millennium Park became my favorite park in GR after I moved downtown. It is massive and it offers so many trails and greenery. I love all the different trails. This is also the park I completed my first 10k in, so it’s another special place to me. It is a great place to go and exercise or just clear your mind.
Until next time, Grand Rapids! You’ve been an amazing home and I will return very soon. Thankful to have started my adult life in such a vibrant city and I will always care GR in my heart.
If you’re from GR, please share your favorite spots in the comments! If you’re new to GR, feel free to reach out and ask me questions.
Thank you so much for reading this little post, I hope you enjoy it! I loved creating it. I am thinking about creating more travel/lifestyle posts along with my usual. Stay tuned for that.
See you soon, GR.
xo, Lyss