Fall-ing in love with Grand Rapids

For no particular reason, other than the seasons are changing and fall is around the corner, I’m writing about some of the things I’ve come to love about Grand Rapids.

First, there is the adorable neighborhood we are situated in, called Heritage Hill. On my drive to work on more days than not, I’ve become acquainted with a wild turkey that calls an area off Wealthy Street home. First time I saw him, I was completely surprised. The second and third, I realized that he was no stranger to the area. It’s so quirky but something unique to this neighborhood and area.

Second, I’ve started to embrace walking more in this town than in any other place I’ve lived before. It’s not uncommon for me to take a walk during a lunch break to go to a few of my favorite places. That’s another thing, I’ve been here long enough now that I’m starting to find places I can call my favorites. For a mid-morning or mid-afternoon coffee break, I’ve discovered an adorable place called That Early Bird. It’s on Lake Street, about a ten-minute walk from The Rapidian’s office on Wealthy Street. Inside, the place is always bustling with energy and conversation. The coffee shop features a wide selection of drinks, pastries and breakfast and lunch items. My favorite combination so far is a vanilla iced coffee with cream and a chocolate chip scone. I know I say this a lot, but the chocolate chip scones here are absolutely amazing, maybe some of the best I’ve ever had.

The view from inside That Early Bird on Lake Street.

I’m also discovering how great downtown Grand Rapids is. I had the opportunity to meet Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, the first female mayor of Grand Rapids. Her office is located right downtown, across from Calder Plaza. Calder Plaza is home to “La Grand Vitesse,” a statue that symbolizes Grand Rapids.

“La Grand Vitesse” in downtown Grand Rapids.

Today, during my lunch break at another great spot called Marie Catrib’s, I discovered an adorable new bookstore nearby called Bricks and Mortar. It just opened this week. I was so pleased to walk in and see so many titles I recognized. “The Nest,” “The Girl on The Train,” and “Go Set a Watchman,” were just a few of the books on the display that I’ve read. I only had my lunch break to explore so I said hello to one of the bookstore owners and promised I’d be back soon. Thankfully, they are hosting an open house on October 1 (I’ll be in town that weekend) and will have lots of free events coming up, I was told. There is nothing like finding a beautiful bookstore to explore, and then discovering it’s within walking distance of where I live and work.

Inside Books and Mortar on Friday, September 9, 2016.

September has been a great month for me to get out and explore Grand Rapids. I’ve discovered new restaurants, coffee shops and delis and met some longtime residents who have helped shed light on this community. I’m having a great time getting to know this place and see all that it has to offer.