Whether you’re in town for a convention or visiting family, or you’re a local looking for fresh ideas, this directory is for you. You might be on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind gift, a place where you can get everything you need in one stop, or a go-to spot to replace an important item you forgot to pack. No matter what it is, we have you covered.
The Districts
In Greater Grand Rapids and beyond, there’s an abundance of quaint, walkable districts, each with their own personalities and offerings.
East Hills
Lake Dr. to Cherry St. between Diamond and Union
Set amid historic homes and buildings from a bygone era, this area is for those seeking something a little eclectic. In the Blackport Building lot, just north of Lake on Diamond, you’ll find Global Infusion, which is filled with boho fair-trade products, plus tea, spices, coffee, and chocolate, and Nestology, which features handmade jewelry and gifts. There’s also Rock Paper Scissors for women’s consignment clothing. Head down Cherry and you’ll discover more, including Gemini Handmade for handcrafted leather goods and wearable textiles and Books & Mortar, a small, progressive book shop. Pop into Covet for women’s casualwear or Metal Art Studio, a decades-old fixture in the neighborhood, known for its fine jewelry and custom designs. Have brunch at Cherie Inn, a beverage at Brewery Vivant, a Cali roll at Maru Sushi, or a cone at Furniture City Creamery.
Need to grab a bottle of wine or a specialty beer?
Hit up Cherry Hill Market at the corner of Cherry and Packard or Smitty’s!
Wealthy Corridor
Wealthy St. between Fuller and Union, SE
This area of Wealthy has enjoyed extensive expansion in the last several years, coming into its own as a hub for shopping. Leaning higher end and more boutique-y, standouts include trend-forward women’s apparel at Basic Bee, scents and more at Sable Candle Co., inspired chocolate creations at Mokaya, modern-classic clothes and accessories for women at Lee & Birch, and outdoor wear, gear, and art at Woosah Outfitters. You really need to walk this stretch to get the full picture. As you wander, stop in for French sweets and elixirs at Chartreuse Sisters, lunch at Donkey Taqueria, or a tall one at The Meanwhile.
Looking for a host or hostess gift?
Art of the Table at Wealthy and Union has gift baskets, rare culinary items, and more.
East Grand Rapids
Wealthy St. between Lakeside and Greenwood
If you drive east on Wealthy, you’ll end up in this humble community, with a historic shopping district and streets lined with gas streetlamps that lend to its name: Gaslight Village. There are shops, art studios, restaurants, and even a grocery store where you can get all your staples, plus a lovely lake with a walking trail and waterfront eatery, as well as Regatta Plaza with its towering Spinnaker sculpture and night-lit fountain. Learn more about this regional draw in our Experiences section in this issue.
Downtown
Monroe Center to Pearl St. to Division Ave.
If you’re staying downtown at one of the many accommodations, you’re within walking distance of a triangular shopping area bounded by three of the main thoroughfares. Get your kicks at Reynolds & Sons or Gazelle Sports, both specializing in footwear and activewear, or shop watches, briefcases, bags, and other travel essentials at Shinola. If you want to write a letter home, stop into Oh, Hello Co. for stationery and paper goods, or its sister store, Courage & Soar for men’s and women’s tees and sweatshirts, including Michigan merch. F David Barney Clothiers is a good option for fine menswear. Order a coffee to go at Biggby, Madcap, or Starbucks, or get a table at Parsley for Mediterranean fare, Cinco de Mayo for Mexican cuisine, or Tupelo Honey for a taste of the South. Brick & Porter is also a popular spot for classic pub food.
Want to bring home a souvenir?
Check out Periwinkle Fog or Plaza Essentials Gift Shop in The Amway Grand. There’s also the Gerald R. Ford Museum Store nearby at 303 Pearl St NW.
Rockford
Bridge St. and Courtland St. between Monroe and Squires Street Square
Rockford is known for its picturesque setting on the Rogue River and its specialty shops, especially in the women’s fashion realm. Some favorites are Paperdoll, Ila & Lucille, and Jade. For the tastebuds, there’s Rockford Cheese Shop, Old World Olive Co., and Sweetland Candies, and, for casual dining, we like The Toasted Pickle, The Corner Bar, and Rockford Brewing. If you’re craving coffee and a bagel sandwich, drive just outside of downtown to Herman’s Boy at 220 Northland Dr NE.
Searching for a good pair of walking shoes?
Rockford Footwear Depot, located at 235 N Main St has top brands at outlet prices.
Holland
8th St. between College and Pine
This lakeshore community is celebrated for its Dutch roots and its annual tulip festival, but it also has a vibrant downtown shopping scene—and a big perk in winter: heated brick sidewalks! If you’re doing some last-minute holiday shopping, and dreading a trudge through the snow, Holland is your salvation. Home to a few bigger names, it mostly has a tourist-town vibe, with places like Cherry Republic, Glik’s Boutique, Nelis’ Dutch Village, Outpost of Holland, Harbor Wear, and Holland Clock Company. There are plenty of boutiques and gift shops, as well. Dining abounds, with Crane’s in the City, Waverly Stone Gastropub, Good Earth Café as a few standouts.
Thirsting for a craft beer?
A stop at New Holland Brewery is an absolute must.
The Malls
We like to shop small as much as anyone, but sometimes you just need a brand you know and trust, as well as the convenience of multiple stores in one place. And, if there’s a discount involved, all the better.
Woodland & The Shops at CenterPointe
3195 28th St SE, Kentwood
3665 28th St SE, Grand Rapids
Flanking opposite corners of East Beltline and 28th St. for decades, these two malls feature distinctly different offerings. Woodland has several top department stores, such as Macy’s, Von Maur, and JCPenney, as well as a new Lego store, a LUSH, a My State Designs Michigan decals and apparel store, and a whole host of your favorites—too many to mention here.
CenterPointe focuses more on the discount stores, most notably Nordstrom Rack, T.J.Maxx and HomeGoods, World Market, Old Navy, DSW, and Maurice’s.
There are restaurants galore in and around both shopping centers, so you won’t be wanting for variety.
Knocked your last golf ball in the pond or left your swim trunks at home?
Go to REI in the Woodland Mall complex or Dunham’s, Golf Galaxy, or Sierra at CenterPointe. There’s also Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus at short distance away at 1200 E Paris Ave SE specializing in outdoor everything, even disc golf supplies.
Breton Village
1830 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids
Once consisting of a grocery store and a handful of stores, this shopping center is now a destination for high-end brands. For a sampling, there’s Orvis sporting goods, Anthropologie fashion-forward womenswear, Leigh’s women’s luxury, and lululemon men’s and women’s active apparel. Boyne has all your skiing and snowboarding needs, while Ann Taylor LOFT, Talbots, and Madewell cater to those with classic clothing tastes. Condado Tacos is a lunch hot spot, as are Bobcat Bonnie’s and Café de Miro. If you want whole foods with a plant slant, choose CoreLife Eatery.
In need of a men’s dress shirt and tie?
Both Fitzgerald’s and Jos A Bank will get you fitted and send you off in style.
RiverTown Crossings
3700 Rivertown Pkwy, Grandville
Like Woodland, this mall has Macy’s and JCPenney as anchor stores, but it sets itself apart by having two stories, with elevators, a more expansive food court, and a working carousel. Its larger size also allows for greater selection. In addition to more available brands, unique shops include Build-a-Bear, Chico’s Off the Rack, Duluth Trading (located as a standalone in the mall complex), Eddie Bauer, and Aerie.
Forgot your makeup bag or want a new lipstick shade for a night out?
Go to Sephora or the M.A.C counter (or whatever brand is your fancy) at Macy’s.
Tanger Outlets
350 84th St SW, Byron Center
West Michigan’s calls for an outlet mall were finally answered in mid 2015 with the opening of this 350,000-square-foot center with 70-plus stores. Kate Spade, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Under Armour, Calvin Klein, Fossil, Columbia, Oakley, Vera Bradley, and White House Black Market are just a few of the top names boasting discounts up to 70% off retail. There are a handful of restaurants interspersed with the shops, rather than in a food court proper, and if you’re in need of a sugar fix, there are three—yes, three—candy and sweets shops!
Yearning for a new handbag that won’t break the bank?
Find the designer purse you’ve always dreamed of at Coach.
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