By Kendal Browne, Rockford Property Management Resident
I love living in Grand Rapids – it’s a city with so much to offer in terms of history, art and food. Even as a native of the area, I’m still discovering the city’s hidden gems. Living in a Rockford Property Management apartment has opened the doors to fully experiencing the community. My roommates and I currently reside at Fulton Place, located just west of the Grand River, within walking distance from the heart of Grand Rapids.
New to Grand Rapids and want to learn more about the history? Head down to the Grand Rapids Public Museum and view the exhibit that shows what the city looked like when it was founded and how it got to where it is today. While there, be sure to catch a show in the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, named after the NASA Apollo I astronaut who was born and raised in Grand Rapids.
Did you know a U.S. president called Grand Rapids home? Another great place to learn about the city’s history is the Gerald R. Ford Museum, which walks you through the life of our 38th president and serves as his final resting place. My roommates have taken a walk to both the Public Museum and Ford Museum multiple times for their ever-changing exhibits, and we always leave having learned something new!
Art is another huge part of what makes Grand Rapids great. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a local, world-class art museum that houses many different art collections. Art is presented in different mediums from different periods in time. GRAM is a huge supporter of the Grand Rapids community.
GR’s love for art doesn’t stop with museums – artists come from all over the world to participate in a local event called ArtPrize. ArtPrize is a month-long event in the city where art is displayed everywhere … and I mean everywhere. You can see artwork in stores, restaurants, sidewalks and even on top of the Blue Bridge. ArtPrize is a unique experience that I look forward to seeing every year. Be on the lookout for ArtPrize 2021, which runs Sept. 16 through Oct. 3.
Food. Who doesn’t love it? Grand Rapids is a foodie’s paradise. West Michigan is located in one of the best food-growing regions in the country, and local chefs take advantage. The city is home to a wide variety of fantastic local eateries. Some of my favorites include Grand Rapids Brewing Company, One Bourbon and Peppino’s Pizza. Thanks to the Rock Perks program, residents can try out these and many more great restaurants with exclusive discounts. In addition to great food, Grand Rapids is also Beer City USA. With more than 80 breweries to choose from, there is something for everyone. Take a beer tour – it’s a great way to see the city and have a great time.
I’m so excited to see the city bounce back after the events of the past year, and I look forward to getting out and experiencing Grand Rapids for everything that makes it so great!
