Grand Rapids is where our love began.

We’re so excited to share the day surrounded by everyone we love in the city that brought us together. Here are some of our favorite things to do and see in Grand Rapids.

Beer City, USA
Grand Rapids was voted “Beer City, USA” in 2012 and 2013. There are so many craft breweries, there’s no way to visit them all in one weekend. If you’re keen on good beer, stop by one of our favorite breweries:

• Founder’s Brewing Company — Located just south of our reception hall and newly remodeled with a great outdoor space, Founder’s beers have consistently received praise by beer connoisseurs. Ratebeer.com listed Founder’s as the third best brewery in the world in its 2013 poll, and Founder’s Breakfast stouts have been ranked in the top 10 according to BeerAdvocate.com (with a database of over 100,000 beers, that’s in the top .01%). Great beer, but not the greatest food. Go there for a great afternoon brew.
• Brewery Vivant — Located in East Town, this brewery looks like an old church inside and out (everyone’s got their own story as to why, but it’s the most unique brewery we’ve ever experienced!). All their beers are Belgian and French style, and they’ll be sure to serve it to you in the right type of glass. Beyond the beer, their menu is local and sustainable, and delicious, at that.
• Hopcat — In the heart of downtown, you’ll find the most diversity in brews at this gastropub. They offer their own beers in addition to a rotating menu of local favorites. If you want a taste of all the beers this city has to offer without having to drive all over town, this is the place to stop by. With beer-complimenting food like “crack fries” and bar cheese, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself.

Want more info about why Grand Rapids was voted Beer City, USA? Check out this blog.

Museums
Grand Rapids started out as a furniture-producing city, but has grown into the art hub of Michigan. It’s Heritage Hill represents historically protected architecture from the late 1800’s and is one of the largest protected historic districts in the United States. You’ll even get a taste of Grand Rapids just by coming to the reception, since it’s held at the Public Museum!

• Grand Rapids Art Museum — Featuring local and nationally-acclaimed artists, you’ll be able to walk to this museum from any of the hotels we’ve suggested staying at. Find out they’re current exhibitions by clicking here.
• Meyer May House — Frank Lloyd Wright designed this Prarie-style home in 1909, and it has been protected and preserved by the local furniture giant, Steelcase. They give free tours on Sundays from 1-5pm.
• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum — The Ford Museum opened to the public in September 1981. It is part of the Presidential libraries system of the National Archives and Records Administration, a Federal agency. Unlike other Presidential libraries, the museum component is geographically separate from the library/archives. The Ford Museum is in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Library is in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is open daily from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

John Ball Park Zoo
A boutique Zoo that gets you up close to animals and offers many interactive experiences. Touchable stingrays, feedable parakeets, walk thru wallabies, camel rides, and public animal trainings. Indoor and outdoor exhibits. Large primate collection. Only aquarium in the state and a new tiger exhibit in 2014.