Comfort Close to Home
Grand Rapids is just a short, three hour drive from Oakland County with art, nightlife and adventure waiting for anyone looking for a long weekend getaway.
For a pleasurable experience, make the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel a home base for a two or three night tour of the grand city. The hotel is centrally located. Grand Rapids works well as a walking town – make sure to explore some of it while on foot.
Indoor Climbing Adventure
Part of a vacation is trying new things. To reach new levels of your travel comfort zone, try the Higher Ground Rock Climbing Centre during your stay. Indoor climbing is a fun and challenging way to exercise. The gym’s highest point is 23 feet and adventure-seekers will find many different levels of difficulty. It is an exciting way to experience the sport of climbing in a safe and structured environment. Indoor climbers never have to worry about rain, snow, wind or falling rocks while you learn the ropes – literally. One of the important parts of climbing is learning how to tie the ropes, use your harness, and assist other climbers. Climbing builds confidence and offers a great workout.
Any trip to Grand Rapids should include the 125 acre outdoor art-garden of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. With four distinct seasons in Michigan, the strategically placed sculptures amongst the plant and tree life provides hours of strolling fun. Take your camera and be creative. Head inside to check out the indoor Carnivorous Plant House and the Seasonal Display Greenhouse during your visit.
Eat and Drink
There are many places to grab a quick lunch or a fine dinner; and just as many venues for an evening beverage. Coffee houses and pubs are scattered around this college town, many with live entertainment.
A couple suggestions are The B.O.B. for four floors of dining, drinking and socializing and Bar Divani for something more quiet and romantic.
Experience Grand Rapids (800) 678-9859www.ExperienceGR.com
Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com