Cotty Hatch

Grand Rapids, Michigan Realtor

Grand Rapids Area Guide

Once known as the furniture capital of the world, Grand Rapids has long since diversified its economy. While still the leader in furniture manufacturing, auto parts, industrial machinery and home appliances are just a few among the many industries that have helped Grand Rapids continue to grow. Tourism is now an emerging industry as well and Grand Rapids has become a popular vacation and convention destination.

History

Officially founded by Louis Campau in 1831, trading posts and settlers had been around the Grand Rapids area for many years, trading with the Ottawa and their neighbors. Establishing trading posts and trading metals and textile from Europe for fur, Louis built his cabin, then a trading post and a blacksmith shop, and became the first to make Grand Rapids official.

Today a Grand Rapids that has grown non-stop, governed by people who care about the city and have made it a great place to live with lots of options when it comes to work and play.

Attractions & Activities

Grand Rapids Festival of Arts
The first weekend in June is reserved for the annual Festival of Arts in downtown Grand Rapids. Enjoy the great sense of community while celebration with arts, entertainment food and fun with the whole family. To learn more, visit: http://www.festivalgr.org/

Fulton Street Farmers Market
A Grand Rapids icon since 1922, the Market offers not just fruits and vegetables but also arts and crafts. Locally grown food and beautiful hand made crafts make for a great day. For more information, see the link:http://www.fultonstreetmarket.org/

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
Attend a White House State Dinner and even step inside the Oval Office to see the original Watergate burglar tools at this fascinating museum. For more information, please see: http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/

Grand Rapids Art Museum
This museum’s collections span from the Renaissance to the Modern, encompassing European and American painting and sculpture. To learn more visit:
http://www.artmuseumgr.org/


Parks and Recreation

Hillcrest Park
An off leash dog park, the one acre space is great to take your best friends and let ‘em roam! For more information, please visit: Hillcrest Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Amazing artistry waits on exhibit at the Park, so bring your camera and enjoy the scenery! To learn more, visit: http://www.meijergardens.org/

Opera Grand Rapids
Now entering its 41st season, the opera will produce three main stage productions and is one of only 138 opera companies in Canada and the United States. For more information, visit: http://www.operagr.com/


Events Calendar

West Michigan Chalk Art Festival
It will bring explosions of color when artists are invited to demonstrate their creativity and imagination. Whether the artist be adult or child, they’ll come and create their own unique work of art using chalk. To learn more, visit: www.wmcaf.com

Muskegon Summer Celebration
An 11 day music explosion is a great excuse for the entire family and a great time waiting to happen. Bring the family and enjoy the music of some of the greatest entertainers representing a great cross section of musical genres. For more information visit: www.summercelebration.com

155th Berlin Fair
The longest running continuous fair in the state of Michigan is back with carnival rides, numerous exhibition livestock and a grand stage. Don’t miss it! To learn more, visit: www.berlinfair.org

To learn more about Grand Rapids, visit: http://www.visitgrandrapids.org/visit.php