Neighborhood Blog: East Grand Rapids

East Grand Rapids is home to many events and attractions. This neighborhood has become a hub for those who enjoy a walkable community. With abundant parks, playgrounds, and nature areas, those who love the outdoors are sure to feel at home. This neighborhood also holds Gaslight village, a bustling business district that holds a variety of local establishments. Throughout the year, a variety of concerts and art fairs make East Grand Rapids the place to be. There are so many reasons to visit this popular city, here are just a few.

Restaurants

Rose’s, located off the shores of Reeds lake, gives its guests dinner and show with a beautiful view. Founded by John “Bub” Rose, opened this restaurant along with a marina after Ramona park, a well-remembered feature of East Grand Rapids, was demolished. With only one building left untouched, John Rose made it his own. After John Rose’s retirement, he sold the

business to the Gilmore Family where it now stays with. This restaurant offers a tasty fusion of Mediterranean, Italian, and American cuisines. Take your dinner out onto the patio that is open all four seasons and enjoy calm and breathtaking views of Waterfront Park, the Grand Rapids Yacht Club, and Rose’s own private marina. A menu classic is the notable Rose’s burger, an 8oz certified Angus beef prime, served deluxe, with a dill pickle spear and a side of housemade root chips or pasta salad. Follow it up with Rose’s caramel corn for dessert for the perfect ending to your meal in this fine-dining restaurant.

If you’re in the mood for seafood, try Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen. Located in Gaslight Village, this restaurant focuses on southern-inspired coastal fare. Lowcountry originates from the coastal regions of South Carolina and Georgia and areas like New Orleans that produce southern food. Owners Brienne

Postema, Mike Wagner, and Tom Pugh traveled to Charleston, South Carolina to research this cuisine themselves. Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen brings attention to these incredible flavors using fresh traditional ingredients, heritage grains, top-notch meats, and seafood with a Michigander twist. The restaurant offers a full-service bar with beer, wine, spirits, craft cocktails, communal punches, and ice cream drinks. An entree that pays tribute to the Lowcountry fare is the shrimp perloo with low country jambalaya with wild gulf shrimp, South Carolina beans and rice, andouille sausage, celery, and tomato. If that's not enough, check their website for the daily specials offered dine-in only like Oyster Monday with $1 shucked raw oysters and $5 oyster shooters. At this time Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen is not accepting reservations.

Olive’s Restaurant & Bar is a creative, comfortable alternative to Grand Rapids’ food scene. This neighborhood restaurant and bar promise a great environment and even better food. This restaurant is also located in Gaslight Village and offers a unique experience with exquisite ingredients, a well-stocked bar, and an

creative menu. Olive’s began as a 57-seat tapas restaurant but eventually transitioned into a full menu full-service restaurant. With a recent expansion, this establishment now has private dining rooms and a charming deck that is open three out of the four seasons. If you’re around near lunch, try the pulled pork sandwich with cider-braised pork shoulder, cabbage & collard slaw, house bbq sauce & pickles, on a brioche bun. Chef Erin Jeffers, otherwise known as EJ, has brought his love of clean, simple, and robust flavors to life in his kitchen.

Attractions

The Gaslight Village Shopping Center is located in the center of East Grand Rapids. The area hosts a variety of shops, restaurants, and service providers to meet all your daily needs. Despite the small size of Gaslight Village, this destination can

keep you occupied throughout your day. Gaslight village sits along the shores of nearby Reeds Lake. Shop at one of Gaslight’s boutiques like Rosa’s closet and thrift a unique find. Pamper yourself at one of the many spas or hair salons. If all that has worked up an appetite, visit Carolina Lowcountry for true southern cooking. In the mood for something sweet? You have to try Jersey Junction, a local favorite that offers ice cream, candy, and other sweets. This charming district is a one-stop shop.

Kick back and watch boats at the small, quaint, and clean John Collins park. After a long day in Gaslight Village, take a stroll to this nearby peaceful space. The park is on Reed lake with

manicured green lawns, a beachfront, and a boat launch. During the summer this space plays films for local moviegoers. If a picnic is not on your to-do list, have dinner at the neighboring restaurant. Adjacent to John Collins park is one of Grand Rapids' top restaurants' Roses. This park is a great place to spend a sunny summer day or a shady fall afternoon.

Circle theater brings community theater to West Michigan and allows performers of all ages to refine their craft and offers chances of employment for directors, musicians, designers, technicians, and other theater-based trades. Circle Theater also

has over 300 loyal volunteers that have become a critical part of the organization. The productions are a part of a summer concert series that runs until early fall. The theater strives to provide a creative and captivating theater experience that is acknowledged for its artistic integrity and reputation. Tickets for shows can be purchased at . Become a member to receive a 20% discount on tickets.

Education

East Grand Rapids High School is one of the most competitive high schools in the Grand Rapids area. East Grand Rapids High School is an IB world school. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a high school program that doubles

as a highly respected and recognized college prep curriculum. East Grand Rapids High School was officially accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School, Diploma Programme in 2016. Throughout recent years the high school staff and faculty have collectively strived to implement the IB Diploma Programme, launching the courses during the 2016-2017 academic year. Its academic accomplishments are not all that this school has to offer, ranking in the . The High school's motto “A Tradition of Excellence” shows the dedication and expectations of the students and their surrounding community.