“See” listings
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Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
The Ford Museum will have honored Grand Rapids’ most famous politician for 30 years this September. Multimedia collections start with the Watergate scandal that brought Ford to office, the end of the Vietnam War that he helped bring about and other pivotal moments in the 38th President's terms. Both President and Mrs. Ford are buried on the museum’s riverbank lawn. (09/2011)
303 Pearl St NW
616-254-0400
fordlibrarymuseum.gov -
Robinette’s Apple Haus
It’s apple-picking time in Michigan and this orchard is the place to celebrate the season. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors while you pick your own varieties, sip freshly pressed cider, take a hayride or get lost in Robinette’s annual fall corn maze. (09/2011)
3142 4-Mile Rd NE
800-400-8100
robinettes.com -
Picnic Pops
Grab a blanket and a picnic dinner—and maybe a bottle of wine from Martha’s Vineyard—and head to Grand Rapids’ favorite ski resort for one of these outdoor summer concerts, which take place Thursday and Friday evenings. Music ranges from classical to Michael Jackson hits, all played by the versatile Grand Rapids Symphony. July 14 to Aug 5. (08/2011)
At Cannonsburg Ski Area 6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg
616-454-9451
grsymphony.org -
Holland State Park
Golden sand dunes and pristine beaches stretch as far as the eye can see at this Lake Michigan park. But don't just sit around and soak up the sun: You can climb the dunes, play in the surf and shoot photographs of Big Red lighthouse. (08/2011)
2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland
616-399-9390
michigan.gov/holland -
Fifth Third River Bank Run
The nation’s largest 25K road race draws more than 20,000 runners to Grand Rapids each spring. It begins and ends downtown and includes wheel/ handcycle races, a 10K and 5K walk and run. May 14. (05/2011)
Monroe Ave NW and Lyon St NW
616-771-1590
53riverbankrun.com -
Butterflies Are Blooming
Each spring the gardens brighten this five-story glass conservatory with thousands of exotic butterflies. More than 40 species arrive from the world’s tropical regions, alighting on the conservatory’s flowering plants—and on the heads and shoulders of unsuspecting visitors. Through April 30. (04/2011)
1000 East Beltline Ave NE
616-957-1580
meijergardens.org -
Grand Rapids Public Museum
This museum displays artifacts from West Michigan’s natural and cultural history, ranging from the Ottawa and Potawatomi tribes who first occupied the region to the Dutch furniture makers who established Grand Rapids’ reputation for craftsmanship. Don’t miss a spin on the 1928 Spillman carousel. (04/2011)
272 Pearl St NW
616-929-1700
grmuseum.org -
Celtic Celebration with Leahy
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an evening or matinee performance of lively Irish and Scottish roots music. The Grand Rapids Symphony accompanies Leahy, an eightperson band of siblings known for their energetic fiddling, singing and dancing. March 18 and 20. (03/2011)
At DeVos Performance Hall 303 Monroe Ave NW
616-742-6600
grsymphony.org -
CANNONSBURG SKI AREA
West Michiganders celebrate winter at Cannonsburg, carving up the snow on skis and boards. This little northeastern Grand Rapids mountain is divided into 12 downhill runs, a snowboard terrain park with jumps ranging from 35 feet to 50 feet and a popular tubing hill. Lift tickets are only $35 ($28 midweek), and discounts are always on offer. (01/2011)
6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Cannonsburg
616-874-6711
cannonsburg.com -
THE NUTCRACKER
Grand Rapids Ballet Company—Michigan’s only professional ballet company—performs the quintessential holiday show, while the Grand Rapids Symphony provides live accompaniment. Dec. 3-5, 10-12. (12/2010)
303 Monroe Ave NW
616-454-4771
grballet.com -
ROSA PARKS CIRCLE ICE RINK
A favorite downtown gathering spot, Rosa Parks Circle hosts outdoor concerts, dance lessons and even Zumba classes in warmer months. But in November, the Maya Lindesigned park becomes an outdoor skating rink open daily. Admission is $1; skate rentals are free. (11/2010)
Monroe Ave and Pearl St
616-456-3696
ci.grand-rapids.mi.us -
GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY
The Grand Rapids Symphony is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a mix of music throughout October, from Mussorgsky to The Lord of the Rings soundtrack to 1960s and ’70s pop. (10/2010)
300 Ottawa Ave NW, Ste 1000
616-454-9451
grsymphony.org
