So you’re a poor college student. You can’t afford weekly concerts or fancy dinners or nights out at the bars and clubs downtown. You’re not out of luck in Grand Rapids. This city is home to several cheap and even some free forms of entertainment, keeping your budget in check and your social life flourishing. From sporting events to nature and art, I’ve got you covered. SPORTS-GRIFFINS & GRAND RAPIDS DRIVE With the Grand Rapids Griffins opening their season in early October and the Grand Rapids Drive (NBA Pistons Affiliate) kicking off their season in just 3 days on November 11, these two Grand Rapids based sports team are a great place to spend an evening! Both teams play on a variety of nights but offer great ticket prices. For hockey fans (or people in need of a fun evening activity), Griffins’ tickets lowest price is $16 for a single game. BUT if you attend a Wednesday game and the home team wins, you get a free ticket to come back the following Wednesday! The Griffins also offer $2 beer and $2 hot dogs for every Friday game, a great deal for all wanting an inexpensive night out! Similarly, the Grand Rapids Drive is a great option for a well-priced night, this time at a basketball game. Tickets for General Admission are as low as $5 for most games, with Wednesday games lowered to $2. In fact, Wednesday’s this season are $2 Wednesdays for the basketball team, with $2 tickets, $2 beer, and $2 large popcorn. Looks like you’re going to need that mid-week homework break. The Griffins play at Van Andel Arena and the Drive play at the Deltaplex Arena. Check their websites or Facebook pages for season schedules. HIKING TRAILS There are too many hiking trails in the West Michigan area to list them all, but whether you catch them in the glory of the bright colored leaves or snow-covered bliss, hiking is one of Michigan’s best free activities. Though elevation isn’t a huge challenge in the Mitten, there are many stunning sights. Lose yourself in the woods at the Cascade Peace Park Trail in Ada or soak in the beauty of Lake Michigan at Rosy Mound State Park or Saugatuck Dunes State Park. They’re free, easy to access, and they’ll get you out of the house on the beautiful cool days! FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS AND SCULPTURE PARK
Calling all nature and art enthusiasts: check out Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on the East Beltline. From the Sculpture Park’s 30 acres of works of art connected by paths, water, and meadows, to the Japanese garden offering peace and beauty, to the many seasonal exhibits (i.e. Butterfly Exhibit and Holiday Exhibition, and Summer Concert Series), The Frederik Meijer Gardens are worth the visit. With student tickets priced at only $11 (with student ID), this inexpensive and beautiful Grand Rapids attraction makes for a great place to spend a day on your own, or a spectacular date or outing with friends.
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As I write about things like boutiques and beer, I find it important that the cultural wonders of Grand Rapids not get lost. Grand Rapids is truly a city that offers everything from tremendous art to actual replicas of an oval office and cabinet room. Here are my top picks for Grand Rapids Museums: THE GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM (GRAM) The Grand Rapids Art Museum, known as the GRAM to most Grand Rapids natives, houses art of all types, desiring to create a culture of creativity and thoughtful dialogue within the West Michigan area. The GRAM is a huge cultural spot in Grand Rapids, featuring many famous exhibitions. On October 23, 2016 the GRAM will welcome the Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion exhibit, which will run until January 15, 2017. This exhibition will focus on the artful construction of the Dutch designer’s clothing and shoe designs. According to Experience GR, pieces for this exclusive collection include designs made specifically for Lady Gaga, Bjork, and Taylor Swift. Whether it’s an exclusive exhibition or the general art at the museum, it is a “Can’t Miss” spot in Grand Rapids. The clean lines and white interior will have you reminiscent of larger art museums around the world, and you’ll leave feeling enriched. While admission is usually charged, every Tuesday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Thursday nights from 5:00pm to 9:00pm are free. GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a champion of curiosity and exploration. From a replica of Grand Rapids streets in the 1890’s to an exhibit detailing the stories, work, religions and cultural traditions of the 45+ ethnic groups that call Grand Rapids home, the Grand Rapids Public Museum doesn’t fail to impress. The three floors of exhibits are interesting to both children and adults—this is not a place you’ll leave feeling like you didn’t learn anything. Whether it’s the Highlights of Furniture City or the Grand Fish of the Grand River, you’ll leave this place wowed (and if all else fails it has a carousel looking over the Grand River). GERALD R. FORD PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM
Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president of the United States, served as president from 1974 to 1977. Grand Rapids served as hometown for President Ford and we have a museum dedicated in his honor. This place is heaven-on-earth for history buffs. Highlights include exact replicas of Ford’s Cabinet Room and Oval Office (down to the vases and pipe stands), as well as several interactive areas showing short videos of Ford’s life and presidency. There are also several exhibits chronicling the younger life of “Jerry Ford” and his work in the Navy and Congress. The museum just re-opened after adding several more exhibits including Ford’s return home to Grand Rapids for his burial after his death. While those who don’t have an interest in history may not find this museum as fascinating as the rest, I still think it’s a great place to see at least once. Fall is here in West Michigan, and as the air cools down and the leaves change color it's a great time to take advantage of some of the things our beautiful city has to offer.
1. ArtPrize: ArtPrize 8 is in full swing in Grand Rapids from September 21 to October 9. Artists from around the world submit works that are showcased around Grand Rapids. The art is spread through downtown in a variety of places, including the B.O.B., DeVos Place, the Amway Hotel, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and Rosa Parks Circle. Make it a date night and take advantage of the food trucks parked outside the Grand Rapids Art Museum for a cup of coffee or an easy meal, or make it a family scavenger hunt to see who can see the top twenty first. ArtPrize is a great way to support Grand Rapids and see influences from around the globe! 2. Apple Orchards: I probably can't count the number of apple orchards in the Greater Grand Rapids Area. There are numerous small family-run orchards where you can get some fresh apple cider and pick your own Honeycrisps, and some major orchards offering hayrides for kids, apple picking, pre-picked apples, cafe areas, and even donuts. If you want to make sure you get some donuts along with your fresh cider, try Sietsema Orchards in Ada, Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery in Grand Rapids, or Post Family Farm in Hudsonville. While you may have to deal with some lines--especially if you try a Saturday or Sunday afternoon--you will not be disappointed. An orchard visit can be the perfect date, outing with friends, or a great way to get the kids out of the house for an afternoon (they can even expend some energy running up and down the rows of trees). 3. Get your scare on: Arguably (I say this as someone who absolutely hates to be scared), going to a haunted forest or corn maze is a quintessential autumn activity for Midwesterners. I'm told there's just something so wonderful about being completely scared out of your mind for an hour. While my mind can't comprehend wanting to be chased through a forest by a clown holding a chainsaw, getting your scare on makes the list of the can't miss West Michigan fall activities because I think I'm in the minority on this one. Some options for a good scare session:
Whether your goal is to soak up unique art, gorge yourself on freshly picked apples and hot donuts, or spend a night in complete terror, autumn in Grand Rapids has it all. So lace up those boots, pull on that sweater, and get outside and enjoy! |