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I need GR tour guide help
I'm at a total loss. I feel like I know this city inside and out...but I'm stuck.
My in-laws are coming to town for the weekend, starting on Thursday. They're from Denver. They've only been to Grand Rapids a handful of times.
We need something to do for Thursday afternoon and all of Friday. Saturday, no matter the weather, we're doing the Tulip Time parade in the afternoon and Whitecaps game in the evening. Yes, the weather's going to be crappy and I'm mad about it, but it looks like it's going to be crappy allllllll weekend, which is making this harder.
Any suggestions? They love nature, the outdoors, animals, Calvin College, walking, Starbucks...
We've taken them to the Meijer Gardens just about every time they've been in town. They've also seen Grand Haven and Holland (but not Tulip Time before this year). I feel like I want to show them more of Grand Rapids, show them why we enjoy the city so much...I just don't know how to go about doing that, exactly. Especially with the weather.
Re: I need GR tour guide help
I'm a dork and have been thinking of both you and Kasa since you posted this afternoon, trying to think of some ideas to make up for the whitecaps game. I checked out River City Improve but of course they don't have a show.
Do they like wine? You could go to Fen Valley - or even Cascade Winery. They have a pasta dinner on Fridya nights.
GRAM - Otner piece and photography exhibit
Ford Museum - America and Cold War
GR Public Musuem
Saugutuck - shopping - will be chilly, but at least you will be in and out of stores
Usually, I'm pretty good with coming up with events but can't think of much. Sorry!
I'm sure you've checked GR Now already, but just in case:
http://events.grnow.com/events/index.php?year=2010&month=5&day=6v
I'd swing by Blanford if it's not pouring for a small hike on Thursday.
If you and XN have bikes and want to borrow 2 more for a trail ride, let me know, you can borrow mine and Jim's.
The Joyful Noise (on Friday's GR Now listing) sounds really interesting.
Want us to put together a scavengar hunt for all 4 of you?
Maybe for some down time, y'all could meet at the main GR library. There's coffee to be had there, and it's beautiful.
Picnic at Reeds Lake?
It looks like it'll be cloudy on Friday but not rainy, so I'd get the outdoor stuff done on Th.
What does the Ford museum have in their special exibit now?
I forgot to mention that I always have a hard time when entertaining visitors when it's bad weather too.
Good luck, and I hope you have a great time.
How about the Nature Center at Calvin?
What about coming to visit me at work on Friday?
The town I work in has some cute shops and places to eat. If the weather holds out, you could walk the trails at my work.
Hehe, it's OK. I'm obviously having the same problem.
Amy, you recommend Blandford? Believe it or not, we've never been. Is it better for walking/hiking, or biking? That might be something to consider. Otherwise, I was thinking maybe a walk around Reeds Lake on Thursday.
I forgot that the GRAM has the ArtPrize winning piece...AND the Friday night specials!...that might be nice to show them.
This might be out of the way for you, but I have to talk up my town.
Hoffmaster is fantastic. There are some really nice hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, most of which include some spectacular dune views. There is also a nature center and a beach there. I think it is a must see in West MI.
You could have a meal at Mia and Grace after--excellent local cuisine.
Annnnnnd we still haven't been there. But we're going. Next time we go out to dinner, we're going.
I'm not sure if you clicked their link, but they are now open for dinner until 8 p.m. Wed-Sat! L and I have not yet made it for dinner.
Yup! I double checked their hours to make sure they were actually open for dinner. :-) I'm excited to try it...their menu looks awesome.
Chymes, my inlaws actually really enjoyed the Ford Museum last time they visited. It might be something for you to consider if you're looking for an indoor activity.
***Totally postjacking here!***
I still don't know what to do with my inlaws. They don't like nature or outdoor activities. They don't like cultural activities. Really, they don't like much of anything, except visiting Wal-Mart. Maybe we could tour the local Wal-Marts. **headdesk**
LOL
ETA: What about taking them to a movie? I know it's totally lame, but if they would like it, it beats Wal Mart tours and would kill a few hours.
Can you take them to see a movie? Or at least tour the local Meijer stores, so they can see what they're missing?
There are a lot of great ideas here, ladies; thanks. I wish it was going to be nicer so we could do all of the outdoor ones!
The Henry Ford museum (I assume the one in Dearborn?) is an intriguing idea. I've never been. Of course, that would take us away from GR...and it's quite a drive... hmm.
YES!
You could take them to the movies perhaps...that's not cultural and it's indoors!
lmao - that is awesome. DO IT!