Grand Rapids has quite a few things that a larger city has, but with out a lot of the hassle that can come with a big city. There’s a pretty strong arts/creative community and a lot of beautiful areas within a short drive. We’re known for having a lot of good beer, if that’s your thing. There are also a lot of nice neighbors and patios to hang out on.

A prefect day would be getting brunch with friends at Gaia Cafe (Cuban Eggs – Paul Collins). Then, with Gaia cookie in hand, grabbing coffee at Madcap or Rowsters (both great coffee places) in route to someone’s pool or the shoreline. After the sun we’d get tacos at Taqueria San Jose (best tacos) and head to someone’s porch or patio. Probably go out to a few bars after that, but end up at The Meanwhile (great bar), or if everyone’s hungry Jonny B’s (hot dog place).

The spot where these photos were taken is pretty easy to get to, which is nice. A couple other favorite spots are Laketown Beach (just south of Holland) and Buchanan Beach (just south of Grand Haven), both are usually not crowded. All the beaches are nice though.

February

I think people are usually surprised at the downtown. It’s not a huge city, but can be a pretty fun.

I’d like to travel around South America for a bit. I’d also really love to document a season on some sort of shipping freighter.

I feel like that’s a list I’m always adding to. At the moment I’d say Taylor Curry, Eliot Rausch, and Brett Carlson.