Good video but its mostly places to go if you have a fat budget because tickets to alot of these places aren't cheap. Must see places I'd add that are free or cheap are #1 The Blue bridge. Beautiful blue bridge that crosses the Grand River that lights up different colors at night. #2 Heritage Hill about 6 walkable city blocks of beautiful turn of the century mansions and historical buildings to see during the day with some built by world famous designer Frank Loyd Wright. #3 6th street bridge/park. Another historical bridge crossing the Grand with a colorful riverside park and skate park with Restaurants, Breweries, and modern whiskey bars like the Speak EZ and City built brewery within walking distance.. #4 Night life. All over the city really, but Ionia street, Bridge street, and Monroe street are your 3 biggest hubs for night life with tons of food and drink options. #5 Cheap local eats. A) The "Wet" burrito. It was a tex mex invention claimed to be created and made "famous" in Grand Rapids by the Beltline bar. Try the famous wet burrito, but only the famous wet burrito. Its really the only quality dish on the menu in my opinion.🤣😎 Its a GR Icon for sure though and a good value for the price. B) Yesterdogg. Parodied in the movie "American pie" the writers and creators grew up in East Grand Rapids. In the movie the town is called "East Great Falls," and there's a scene of them eating doggs at a place called yesterday doggs(yester doggs.) Just a boiled dogg but the chilli sauce is amazing and the place is full of old antiques and advertisement posters everywhere. Also pictures from all around the world with people wearing their yesterdogg T shirts and famous celebrities visiting. A bit away from down town in a area known as east town. Beware its Cash only. The "ultra" dogg is a must that I recommend. Yum!😋 C) everyone else. Ive left off alot of great quality restaurants scattered all over GR. I just picked the ones with the most history and 100% Grand Rapids only that won't break the bank. Google reviews will help if you want a fine dining option like Leo's or Chop house. #6 seasonal events. City transforms during Winter with art exhibits at the parks, and a ice skating rink at Rosa park circle located in the center of down town. They call it Winterfest. Spring and Summer are full of events and cultural festivals like Art Prize every few years, The River bank run at the beginning of Summer and the Hispanic Festival at the end of Summer into Fall where we then have our Polish celebration called Polaski days. all free with cheap authentic food.♥️😋 And to finish my list #7 Look Out park for a beautiful GR Sunset. Small park specifically built to get a beautiful elevated view of the Sunset over Northern Grand Rapids. These are my must for travelers who wants an authentic Grand Rapids experience without breaking your wallet.😎♥️
Shouldn't overlook the Wet Burrito! I grew up in GR in the 1950s - 1970s. Several restaurants in GR offer the wet burrito these days. I heard another origin story about the wet burrito, way back in the day. I'm still surprised that the Beltline Bar is given credit for it. When the wet burrito was becoming common, I understood it was first created on the near west side of GR in a small, Mexican restaurant, not the Beltline Bar. I've read versions of that same story after lots of digging around. I think there is a plausible alternative origin story.
@gogreen7794 there is. Little Mexico Cafe on the West side of GR claimed they were the first as well. Went to the court sytem and everything..🤣🤦🏽 ultimately, Little Mexico conceded and didn't want to spend the resources fighting in the courts anymore, so Beltline won the rights to the claim and has advertised it that way ever since. Another restaurant that claimed to be the first was Julian's bar on division as well, but they didn't even bother with putting their name in the court hearings. Locals overall seem to believe thar Little Mexico invented it, Julian's bar was the best, and Beltline bar sold the most. But courts say it's all Beltline. Doesn't matter now though. Julian's and Little Mexico are no longer in business.😪
@orlandoescribano580 Yep, this native of GR believes the wet burrito was initially created by someone at Little Mexico. I have strong doubts that the Beltline Bar was the first. I never heard that origin story until years later, probably during/after the court case. Thanks for providing the details of the "rest of the story."
Also, make a short trip south, to the Burton Heights area, to view the remnants of the Floyd Bloss Burton Capri Theater. Floyd Bloss was a local small businessman who invested much of his time, and personal finances in battles to protect first amendment rights and freedoms for everyone, at a time when repressive forces were tirelessly working to silence any expressions they took offence to. Floyd Bloss was a true American hero!
Interesting, thank you so much for sharing this information! We'll check Floyd Bloss Burton Capri Theater. What other city/location would you like us to cover?
So what do you "exciting?" If you are looking for a black diamond ski run, no, you won't find it in or near GR. If you want to jump big, roiling waves in a huge, beautiful lake or run down a very tall, steep sand dune(at least in the summer), you only have to travel 30-40 miles to the west. But I have a feeling you deliberately find very little that suits your sense of "excitement" unless it's reckless or stupid.
