I lived in GR for 26 years, not a very hip city, but you should check out the Meijer Gardens. You should also head to Lake Michigan, it is well worth the trip.
For shopping I would do River Town Mall in Grandville or ride twenty minutes beyond Grandville and you are in beautiful Holland where there are very nice designer shops. Visit Craig's Cruisers for some family fun. Our new downtown YMCA has a family pool with water slides and more. See the fish ladder on the Grand River in downtown GR. See the Gerald R. Ford museum and visit our former President's grave site. Visit the Van Andel Museum and take a ride on an old fashioned carousel. Make a stop at Yesterdog for a really good hot dog. Finish with a fabulous ice cream cone from Cold Stone Creamery next to Celebration! Cinema north. And I agree with the previous person...by all means, visit the Meijer Gardens! Extensive sculpture and a wonderful children's play area. In the summer they have fantastic concerts on the lawn. If you visit during the summer, take in a White Caps baseball game. Firesidechick00 - I've got you beat by 34 years and I happen to think Grand Rapids is very hip. It's all what you make it.
Hi - great trip planned! I work at Cascade Christian Church and would love to meet you when you are there. The worship descriptions are not correct --- it's traditional at 8a and 11a in our chapel, contemporary at 915 in our sanctuary, and Christian Rock at 11 in our sanctuary. Please contact me with any questions!
I lived in GR for 26 years, not a very hip city, but you should check out the Meijer Gardens. You should also head to Lake Michigan, it is well worth the trip.