Guide

A handful of West Michigan communities are considered some of the state’s "best" for families.

“Who doesn’t love a vacation?” exclaimed Eric Sattler as he described his reasoning behind co-opening Grand Rapids’ newest travel agency—the Expedia CruiseShipCenter.

Local favorites, hidden gems and must-see destinations in each of the city’s neighborhoods.

With only about half a year of warmer outdoor weather, we Grand Rapidians have to take advantage of every nice day and soak up the sunny rays. What better way to enjoy Pure Michigan summer than kayaking down the Grand River or peddling along your favorite bike trail?

Chances are your summer calendar is filling up fast. But just in case, we wanted to give you a list of fun activities you can enjoy this summer in and around Grand Rapids. Enjoy our suggestions and share some of your own in the comments.

High atop a sand dune at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, looking out over Lake Michigan and the park’s campground beach, a memorial bench beckons campers, hikers and beachgoers to sit and take it all in.

It’s summer, which means finding ways to get the kids out of the house before they drive you crazy (is it September yet?!) A productive way to keep them busy and engaged during their summer vacation is camp.

Spring has finally arrived! To commemorate the start of the season, turn off your electronics and head outside to the great outdoors. Parks are a free and fun option for anyone wanting to take advantage of the beautiful, warm weather.

A unique way to spend your vacation (or a weekend) is as a tourist in your own town. Treat it like a real vacation: unplug from email and try visiting places you’ve never been. And, for the ultimate vacation, check-in to a hotel in town. Plus, you’ll be able to try out a cozy spot to put up the in-laws when they come to town.

If you have friends coming for a visit or colleagues from out of state in town for the week, there’s a visitor’s guide available to help them see all that Grand Rapids has to offer.

While February 14 could be considered Cupid’s Super Bowl, Grand Rapids has plenty of options for the romantically inclined all year. Planning your next date night? Looking to cozy up with your partner? We’ve narrowed down the choices to these seven romantic spots in town.

Cedar Springs Brewing Company is bringing 30 guests on a guided tour of Bavaria for eight days. The tour will take guests around a variety of popular beer and tourist attractions in the region.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Pack your bags and head to Camp Newaygo for a Girlfriends Get-A-Way.

While GR|Mag certainly recommends heading north this fall to enjoy the season change in its most brilliant reds, oranges and yellows, if you can’t get away, there are a few local roads that make for a colorful drive.

The weather is great for bike riding, but with hundreds of miles of trails to enjoy in West Michigan, which ones are best for summer rides?

Recently launched walking tours centered on downtown history give residents and visitors an excuse to take a stroll through Grand Rapids this summer.