Neighborhood Guide: Downtown Grand Rapids

Here in America’s best beer city are never-ending chances for fun and excitement. With world-class attractions and outdoor recreation, Grand Rapids has brought in visitors from across the state of Michigan. The nationally recognized food and craft beverage options have landed the town on the list of Top 20 Foodie City in the United States. Alongside its remarkable dining scene, Grand Rapids offers unique displays of art and live music throughout its downtown area. Come discover the family fun in the heart of West Michigan!

Restaurants

Wolfgang Puck, the world's first celebrity chef, has mastered the art of fusing made-from-scratch comfort food with classic authentic global cuisine. The chef has made a name with his genuine love of his craft and it shows in his creation of gourmet pizzas, appetizers, salads, noodles, and other entrees in the

relaxed and welcoming restaurant. Italian and Thai cuisines are must-orders with a popular pick being the Pad Thai with scallops, shrimp, scallions, mint, and peanut sauce. Make the most out of your meal and pair it with a signature cocktail or grab a glass of wine at the bar that overlooks the serene Grand River. The restaurant is located on the main level of the Amway Grand Plaza, guests can take a short walk from their room and enjoy the amazing fare. Reservations are required at this establishment, be sure to call ahead at 616.776.3230 or reserve online at .

Located in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is Aperitivo, a local source of imported and domestic charcuterie, wine, beer, and cider. Employed with knowledgeable cheesemongers and charcuterie experts is the full-service cheese and charcuterie counter. The restaurant serves up arguably the best-grilled

cheese in town named the meltdown which is paired with a sweet or savory spread on a french baguette and served with crisps. Aperitivos also offers seating at its bar as well as its patio on warm summer days. The establishment also provides catering for customers who would like to create their own cheese and charcuterie in their own homes. For those who share Aoeritivo’s passion-cheese, charcuterie, beer & wine classes are hosted at designated days and times.

Hancock is offering authentic Nashville Hot Chicken and southern-inspired dishes right here in Grand Rapids. The restaurant has Friendly service, reasonable prices, and the best-fried chicken in the city. With a trendy and hip interior and fun music, this has become the spot to be at. The fried chicken sandwich comes in a range of spices ranging from not to hot,

hotter, and hottest. The menu even offers a vegan chicken sandwich that’s to die for with a seitan patty, veganaise, Daiya cheddar, iceberg lettuce, and bread and butter pickles all served on a potato bun. It doesn’t stop there, Hancock southern inspired sides and shareable meals are noteworthy like the jalapeno cheddar cornbread served with honey butter and the pimento mac & cheese topped with toasted breadcrumbs. The restaurant also holds a weekly special, every Wednesday Hancock offers a $12 half chicken. Happy Hour runs Monday through Thursday from 3 pm - 5 pm featuring $7 slushies and $1 off canned beer and seltzers. Come visit Hancock, where “Nashville heat meets Michigan neat”.

Things to do

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum celebrates childhood and the excitement of learning by offering hands-on exhibits that encourage learning and promotes creativity and self-directed exploration. The museum holds both permanent and changing

exhibits including activities where children play with slippery bubbles, study a beehive, learn the magic of mirrors, and much more. Admission is priced at $10 with discounts for seniors, school faculty members, active military family members, and EBT/WIC card holders. Children under 1 are admitted for free.

Located in the Grand Rapids Public Museum is the Roger B. Chaffe Planetarium which puts on spectacular and educational multi-media sky show and laser light shows in its Digistar theater. The immersive experience with surround sound makes for a rich and realistic experience. The planetarium is named

after the Grand Rapids-born astronaut Roger B. Chaffee who passed in the 1967 Apollo 1 spacecraft fire. The planetarium has recently installed a hearing loop system that provides an effective way of communicating information to visitors that are hard of hearing. This January the Concerts Under the Stars has returned to the Caffee Planetarium. The event features a talented lineup of local artists and highlights local West Michigan bands who will perform with original video art projected onto the planetarium’s 50-foot dome to enhance guests' experience.

The John Ball Zoo has become central to the city of Grand Rapids with over 2000 animals and more animal-touching exhibits than any other zoo in Michigan including tigers, petting corral, wallabies, camels, and budgies. Chimpanzees - lions - grizzly bears - otters - snow leopards and much more. The zoo

offers full concessions as well as a gift shop filled with memorabilia. Aside from the animal exhibits, John Ball Zoo also features a 300-foot zipline, a 4-story Ropes Adventure Course, and a Funicular (tram) that leads to a Bissell Treehouse that is used for events and rentals. The Zoo even offers onsite programs to help school-aged children spark their curiosity in wildlife conservation with lessons and exercises rooted in STEM. Tickets are priced at $12 for ages 3-12 and $14 for ages 13-61 with discounts for college students, military personnel and spouses, and seniors.