Road Trip Adventure to Grand Rapids, Michigan
Journey to Grand Rapids
We kicked off our road trip on a Friday, leaving Chicago and driving three hours in a comfy rental car to Grand Rapids. The drive was smooth, filled with excitement and anticipation. We arrived at the Amway Grand Plaza, our home for the next few days. We had a suite and a connected room with a double bed—perfect for our family. You can see a full recap video reel on Instagram HERE.
Exploring Downtown Market
Our first stop was the Downtown Market. The market was buzzing with energy, and we grabbed some delicious food to fuel up for the day. The variety of fresh, local produce and tasty treats set the tone for our culinary adventures in Grand Rapids.
Creating Custom Scents at Fox Naturals
After settling into our rooms and freshening up, my husband and I headed to Fox Naturals. We had a blast making our own custom perfume and cologne. It was a unique and personal experience that added a special touch to our trip.
Evening at GR Noir
The evening was spent at GR Noir, where we enjoyed live jazz music. The atmosphere was perfect, and the food was even better. We indulged in pizza, chicken and waffles, and champagne. It was a delightful end to our first day.
Brunch at Social Misfits
The next morning, we headed to Social Misfits for brunch. The menu was a hit with our family. We enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate, chicken and waffles, mac n cheese, and a Monte Cristo. The food was hearty and delicious, giving us the energy we needed for the day’s adventures.
Fun at John Ball Zoo
Our next stop was the John Ball Zoo. My son loved riding the camels, and we all enjoyed seeing the animals and the animated dinosaurs. The zoo was a hit with everyone, and we spent several hours exploring all it had to offer.
Fresh Produce at Robinette’s
After the zoo, we visited Robinette’s to pick fresh peaches and apples. The farm was beautiful, and the fruit was incredibly fresh. It was a wonderful experience to be able to pick our own produce and enjoy the farm atmosphere.
Thrilling Ziplining at Tree Runner Adventure Park
We then headed to the Tree Runner Adventure Park for some ziplining and climbing. The park was filled with thrilling obstacles, and we had a fantastic time challenging ourselves and enjoying the great outdoors.
Delicious Brunch at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen
The next day, we started with brunch at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen. We savored mac n cheese, hot tea, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits. The food was comforting and flavorful, making it a memorable meal.
Exploring Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Our next adventure took us to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. We took lots of photos and had fun splashing around in the Children’s Garden. The sculptures and gardens were stunning, offering a perfect blend of art and nature.
Evening at Rosa Parks Circle
In the evening, we walked to Rosa Parks Circle for Jazz in the Park. The live music was fantastic, and the atmosphere was lively and relaxed. It was a great way to wind down and enjoy the local culture.
Dinner at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck
We ended our day with dinner at The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck inside our hotel. The food was exceptional, and it was convenient to have such a high-quality dining option right where we were staying.
Departure and Quick Bite at Starbucks
On our last day, we checked out of the hotel and grabbed a quick bite from the Starbucks located inside. It was a convenient stop before hitting the road back to Chicago.
We had an amazing time exploring Grand Rapids, filled with fun, food, and family bonding. If you’re planning a trip and want all the details, check out my full 4-day itinerary available HERE. It’s packed with tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit!
