Editor's Letter

By now, you’ve probably noticed this issue of Grand Rapids Magazine looks a bit different.

Somehow, we’re deep into summer 2022. How did that happen?

One of the best things about living in Grand Rapids is the city’s vibrant arts community. September is an exciting time because many of the community’s finest performing arts organizations kick off their seasons, from the ballet to the symphony to the theater.

Grand Rapids is full of tucked-away places and cool history, and this month, we uncover some great destinations that typically fly under the radar.

As I write this, Grand Rapids is not the bustling city I’ve come to know. Instead, COVID-19 has turned our city into a town where families are sequestered at home, and there still is much inequality within our city. 

I don’t know about you, but in the summertime I come alive.

For nearly five months, I’ve gorged myself eating out at restaurants across Grand Rapids, asking anyone and everyone their favorite joints and then stopping in to taste the fare.

There’s an old adage, a suggestion for would-be authors that goes like this: write what you know.

Last weekend, I went to the Indianapolis 500.

Pretty much every Michigan town worth its salt has a decent brewery pumping out great beer, and the amazing aspect of Michigan living for a beer lover is a trip to one of those towns often is less than an hour away.

There’s a really cool whiskey event in Grand Rapids this weekend.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned Cork & Fork at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

This week, we’re catching up with one of the staples of the Grand Rapids beer scene: Brewery Vivant.

This week, a pretty cool whiskey brand founder was in town.

Dry January might be over, but a Grand Rapids native’s nonalcoholic hemp-infused cocktails recently hit Grand Rapids shelves.

One of my favorite things about the world of food and beverage is terroir.

As an artist at heart, the annual Arts issue of Grand Rapids Magazine has always been my favorite. This edition, brimming with creativity and inspiration, showcases the vibrant culture of our hometown and is a true joy to put together.

A year or so ago, I was scrolling through my Instagram, as a millennial is apt to do, and I saw my childhood friend Collin O’Brien rocking out on drums.

It’s summertime, and sometimes there’s nothing better on a hot, humid evening than a scoop of ice cream.

The Kentucky Derby is here, and for some reason, that holds a special place in my heart.