A Day Trip Travel Guide to Grand Rapids

 For my birthday celebration, all I wanted to do was a day trip to Grand Rapids to spend the morning and afternoon with Rob. It was a bitter cold morning and afternoon, but a little day drinking warmed us up! If you’re looking for a fun early day trip to Grand Rapids for eating and exploring with your significant other, read on:

My Favorite Coffee Shops

Grand Rapids has no shortage of amazing coffee shops so when I visit Grand Rapids, I love to explore what’s brand new and try a new coffee shop or cafe. My last two trips brought me two Bradbury Cafe, located next/inside of Stoffer Home on Wealthy St. It’s a small and beautifully designed space, reflecting the sophisticated style of Stoffer Home. Plus, the coffee is delicious. I’ve gotten a cafe miel both times and delicious!

Can’t go wrong with Rowster, Madcap and Ferris–my classic go-to’s for coffee plus Outside Coffee Co.

Lunch + Drinks

On this trip, we stopped by the Grand Rapids Downtown Market for a quick drink at Apertivo. They have a small menu that looked appetizing too! I just love wandering this market too!

Next, we went to Latin American restaurant Luna. This place is one of my favorites and during non-COVID times, it’s bustling and the best place is to sit at the bar BUT during COVID, it’s quiet, sparse with tables and I felt very safe although I missed the original vibes that I know will return at some point. We ordered the margarita flight and I loved the spicy and the prickly pear margs the best plus the salsa flight is a must-order too. And the chorizo tacos!

I also recommend Donkey Tacqueria, the Winchester, the Sovengard, Stella’s (punk rock vibes and delicious burgers), Butcher’s Union and Terra (I’ve been here for brunch, lunch and late night dinners, can’t go wrong.)

Naturally, you should check out a few craft breweries. I’m not a big beer fan so I generally don’t hit up breweries, but here’s a full list of breweries to check out in Beer City.

Home Decor Shops

So I mentioned Stoffer Home which is a great mix of high and low–you can walk out ordering a $2,000 light or leave with a $12 decorative bowl. Lots of beautiful pieces to shop.

I also LOVE the Counting House. Great mix of home goods, books, pet items, clothing, baby gifts and more. I always leave here with something for my kitchen or to decorate my home.

Commune is another go-to. The California vibes shop has a wide range of dry pompas grasses, funky decor home goods, beautiful textiles and more. I’ve bought many coffee table books, candles and table decor pieces here and they add a bit of color and whimsy to my home.

I haven’t yet made it to MODRN GR, but it looks like a beautiful shop for furniture and decor.

And for fun gift items from books to apothecary to paper goods, definitely add Rebel to your list!