Neighborhood Guide: Comstock Park

Comstock Park is a part of Kent county with Alpine Township to the west and Plainfield Township to the east. The small community is a part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. The neighborhood is home to the West Michigan Whitecaps which are affiliated with the Detroit Tigers. This little town has a lot to offer.

Restaurants

Amore Trattoria Italiana offers authentic Italian cuisine from co-owners and spouses Maurizio and Jenna Arcidiacono. This romantic restaurant is perfect for a date night with its dark, moody atmosphere. The food is inspired by Maurizio’s time in Busto

Arsizio, Italy with fresh and local ingredients from farms just outside Grand Rapids. Specialty items like wine are hand selected from small vendors in Italy. This restaurant also offers a vegan and gluten-free menu so that no one misses out on the amazing meals. Try the Pappardelle dish with wide flat herb-infused pasta with wild boar and porcini mushroom sauce. If you would like to learn the cuisine of Italy, co-owner and chef Jenna hosts free Italian cooking classes at Amore Trattoria on the second Saturday of every month. Every class covers a new theme or recipe. Check the calendar for upcoming classes. Registration is not required.

Perrin Brewing Company has become a hub for beer tourists and a staple for beer enthusiasts and even families. Perrin strived to make a brewery that would attract craft beer lovers with innovative and creative brews. Perrin Brewing Company is located in a secluded industrial office area with abundant indoor

& outdoor seating leaving plenty of space for the brewpub and tasting room. Samples of the beers on tap are available for no more than $2. The brewery is in-house behind glass so that customers can see their beer being made as they drink it. However, beer is not all this pub has to offer. Perrin also offers your typical bar grub with a unique twist such as the elk sausage, 1/4 Pound jalapeno-cheddar stuffed smoked elk sausage, sweety drop pepper relish, caramelized onions, stone ground Dijon mustard, brioche brat bun served with house fries and a pickle. This spacious microbrewery has made its mark in Comstock Park.

Since its opening on October 14, 2009, Mad Dogz has made quite a reputation for itself. Its 8-to-a-pound all-beef hot dogz are loaded with crazy gluten-free toppings and are locally made. The delicious hot dogz have become a favorite quick snack for

the Comstock community and its surrounding neighborhoods. Reportedly having the best hot dog fare in town, the extensive variety of choices includes wacky combinations of flavors and vegetarian-friendly menu items. The "Goofy" hot dog lives up to its name topped with chili, peanut butter (crunchy or creamy), pickles, and corn chips. These custom hot dogz are made to order with the option of take-out or dine-in. Mad Dogz is available for catering events like private parties, fundraisers, and graduation parties. The great flavors and even better service keep customers coming back.

Things to do

The Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society aims to promote and preserve the hobby of model railroading, the history of railroads, and railroading in the Grand Rapids area. The Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society

provides a platform for communication about railroads in general. A longstanding goal of the Historical Society is to build an operating scale model railroad “layout” which would display the history of the area railroads in a 3D form. Those with an interest in model railroading or railroading on a big scale are encouraged to join. All regular, family, and student memberships are available with reasonably priced dues. Members are granted access to the society’s library filled with a great number of model and prototype railroad magazines, books, and artifacts to study from. Current members are happy to answer any questions you might have any Tuesday evening, from 7 pm until 9:30 pm, while you tour the layout.

AJ’s Family Fun has been bringing fun to West Michigan for over 30 years. The Fun Park features state-of-the-art batting cages, a miniature golf course, bumper boats, go-kart tracks with “kiddie karts” and sprint Karts for adults. The spacious

outdoor picnic area allows for family gatherings with a large tent area for groups. AJ’s also has an indoor arcade with tokens, tickets, and prizes. After working up an appetite, treat yourself to a wide variety of food and drinks at the Gator Cafe & Ice Cream Shoppe. AJ’s Family Fun is open from late March through mid-October. During the months of January, February, and March, the park offers exclusive part rental for indoor attractions. This fun and friendly environment is great for all ages.

West Michigan’s largest animated drive-through light show is back for another year of magic. Until December 31st from 5:30 pm until 9 pm from Sunday to Thursday and from 5:30 pm until 10 pm Friday and Saturday, drive by to celebrate the holiday.

This season marks the 25th anniversary of the drive-thru Christmas Lite Show. The show features approximately 2 miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights and animated displays, lighted tunnels, and much more. Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket window for as little as $30 with the price depending on the vehicle type. Tickets purchased can be used on any date until December 31st. The Chrismas Lite Show is located at