Having Fun Around Michigan

Given the seriousness of my previous posts, I wanted to switch this one up to highlight some fun activities and things to do around Michigan. It is an unfortunate fact that there is an erosion of "third spaces" in our era. To have fun or to have a great memorable experience, you often have to shell out some coin as your entry to participate. Which sucks, because not everyone is in a position to spend money on entertainment. But there are a few activities I'll note here that are free or near free, among the paid ones. Most places are located in or around the Grand Rapids (GR) area, unless otherwise noted. If there's a spot you think I should add, send me a message, I'm always excited to discover more.

If you're looking to stroll around some shops, a couple of thrift stores I recommend checking out are Second Vibess and OTONO in downtown Grand Rapids. Why? Because I've managed to snag some nice stuff at reasonable prices at these places. Have you ever walked into a thrift shop and the thing is priced like the owner doesn't want to let go of it? Yeah. I wouldn't say there's none of that nonsense here, just a lot less.

For some men's apparel, Premier is a cool-looking place, offering streetwear, sneakers, hats, and a sweet skateboard rack. If you want your shopping proceeds to go towards something good (mental health services at Pine Rest), I recommend Rustic Market. I donate my stuff pretty much exclusively to them and have picked up some great home decor items.

For a scenic shopping experience, taking a stroll down Woodward Ave in Detroit is a must for all the architecture surrounding the area and just to experience the energy of the city. Detroit also boasts several high-end hotels like Shinola and the Detroit Foundation if that's your vibe. For coffee and food, my recommendations include Tous Les Jours, White Wolf Japanese Patisserie, and Momo Cha. For some cheap yet quality grab-and-go sushi, Noble Fish sits next door to White Wolf and doubles as a small Japanese grocery store. For dim sum, visit Midtown Shangri-La.

Grand Rapids has just one notable spot for dim sum. Wei Wei Palace can be hit or miss, but if you get it while fresh, I honestly believe Wei Wei Palace has some of the best hakao (shrimp dumpling), chicken feet, and chive cake I've ever eaten. Stopping in around 10-11 AM is the sweet spot. While I'm sad Wei Wei Palace isn't what it was when I was a kid growing up, as our families used to gather there often, it's one of the last remnants of authentic and obtainable dim sum in the area.

I still remember this place when it was twice as big and had windows to the outside world. They have since shortened their space roughly in half likely to lighten their rent. It's dark, it's dingy, it's not the vibe, but my encounters with the people that work there have always been kind. I hope the kids take over, but if they don't, I'll be enjoying it while it lasts. I still patronize their business in other ways by getting takeout on their roast pork or duck and pairing it with some steamed lotus leaf buns, char siu and chili oil that you can pick up in the Kim Nhung Superstore within the same plaza. If you don't want to dine-in, their dim sum is available for take-out, just have a general idea of what you want to order or ask if you can look at the dim sum cart.

The Kim Nhung Superstore pales in comparison to the H Mart in Troy and 168 Asian Mart in Madison Heights, but it's the best we got in GR. It's my one-stop shop for my Asian cooking needs. Where else am I going to find a reasonably priced and huge fresh bundle of mint, Thai basil, and perilla under one roof? Nowhere I tell you that. If you're looking for tasty fresh baked goods, the lady at China City is really nice and recognizes me every time. While I don't think their food is the greatest, the bakery makes it worth a stop. The coconut bun, custard bun, and hotdog bun are some of my favorites.

What's Kentwood without its darling, Horrocks Market? This place will help cure the deepest of winter blues. A much-needed respite from the stress of life and a sanctuary from our harsh winters as Horrocks supports a warm, brightly lit, and at times balmy indoor greenhouse year-round. With free music events every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, I'm so happy, proud, and honored that we have a place like this near our home.

There are so many good things I love about Horrocks. They have delicious free coffee in the mornings 'til 5 PM (please don't ruin it for others by getting free coffee and not buying anything from here ugh), an awesome deli with dozens of warm soups to choose from, fresh sushi, fresh-baked bread (they bake in-house La Francaise Bakery's Parisian Baguette and it's SO tasty), fresh pizza, gelato, a huge assortment of candy (including some retro ones), an extensive collection of craft beers, imported wines, a bar serving alcohol while you shop, fresh quality produce, and a unique and wide array of indoor and outdoor plants (hello rare Thai Constellation Monstera...). They also offer home decor, clothing, hugely discounted books (I've gotten such GOOD stuff from here), baby stuff and to top it off, a fresh floral section where you can design your arrangements. What makes a place like Horrocks great is it sets you up to discover and explore new stuff. I tried Arktos Mead here last year and while I haven't drunk it since, I fondly remember the taste and experience, of sipping it during one of the free concerts during the summer. It was a good time.

In the warmer months, the beer garden out back is opened up, again with free music events and a rotating food truck. Even in the mornings, it's nice to come to Horrocks just to chill and relax for a moment in the greenhouse. Horrocks boasts two locations, the other much larger store is in Lansing. But I gotta be honest, the Kentwood location is superior in terms of vibes and organization. If nothing else, Horrocks would be one of my top recommendations to visit. An absolute gem in this town.

Next door to Horrocks sits Asian Delight, a grocery store for when you require any last-minute items. Asian Delight has a small selection of Asian goods, including dried noodles, some fresh noodles (ramen, udon, soba), a large selection of sauces (including Shaoxing cooking wine) and drinks (Pocari Sweat, Ramune, etc.), a frozen food section including sushi-grade fish, pre-sliced meat (great for making hotpot at home), and a small selection of fresh vegetables mostly oriented towards Japanese cuisine. Otherwise, the place is not as well-outfitted as Kim Nhung for me since I cook a lot of Vietnamese cuisine.

Nearby in the same strip mall is Theon Boba Tea. The place also offers dumplings which I've yet to try, but heard great things about. If you're looking for a true greenhouse experience with a great selection of plants, Countryside, Motman's and Romence Gardens are my top. Countryside in Allendale is massive to the extent you'll likely spend hours walking down the aisles.

For additional tasty drink options, Max's South Seas Hideaway, a stunningly tiki-themed spot offers an array of tropically-inspired flavors. I mean, if you're a fan of Spongebob, this place is a MUST. You're gonna feel like you're living in Bikini Bottom except it's not gimmicky (okay maybe a little), but for what it is, the place is well-designed. The Scorpion Bowl is perfect for a date night or to celebrate an occasion with versions serving 2 or 4. It's a drink that gets set on fire, sprinkled with cinnamon, and creates a bit of a spectacle. I also highly recommend the Puka Punch if you want something solo. Portion and strength of this drink are sublime. For those wanting a mocktail, Max's Zero Proof options DO NOT DISAPPOINT and are just as beautifully crafted and decorated as the other drinks. My favorites are Island Passion and Ginger Zing. If you'd prefer to crawl away in a dark den, but enjoy some drinks with excellent bartenders, Sidebar, next door to Big O's Pizza in downtown Grand Rapids is highly reputed.

The service is great and attentive, and the space is incredibly intimate and dark, but as someone with a sweet tooth, the drinks are not to my palate and that's OK. If you like high-end crafty drinks that don't lean sweet, this is the place. One critique I have is, I wish they didn't burn incense the last time I was there. I like to fully be able to smell and taste the thing I'm eating or drinking and not have external scented factors interfere, be it someone passing by with over-sprayed cologne or perfume (mildly annoying), scented candles on the dining table (a huge no-no) or in this case, incense sticks. But when I say the bartender is attentive, I ordered some coffee or chocolate-flavored drink that was dark and he wanted to ensure I was aware of it since I was wearing a white outfit. Mindful!

Another place that offers decent drinks, while far from the best (I also find them a bit weak), but the vibes are there and the focus is less on drinks and more on the activities, is House Rules Lounge. It's a place to gather, and reserve a table to play board or card games. I usually link up here to play MTG. Reservations are recommended well in advance as spots can fill up quickly. Last but not least, Speciation Cellars is another decent spot.

Tucked away off an alleyway, Speciation is a bit of a gem. I don't recommend going here unless you're trying to wind down or look up if there's an event also happening simultaneously, as the place can be kinda quiet otherwise. When we were there last, 3 bands were playing back to back, some traveling in from out of state to offer a free show. Secret Satan and Necromoon, you guys were awesome!

Speciation Cellars doesn't normally offer food, but you're more than welcome to bring your own. One of the first times we were there during the warmer months, they happened to have a food vendor on the lot, but this is rare. Additionally, if you're looking for some fancy places with fancy drinks, there's IDC (no food is offered), MDRD, Real Seafood Company, and Margaux. Be aware that to enter IDC, you need to know the password. But it's easy enough to obtain, sign up for their email, get the newsletter for that month's code, or find someone who'll let you in. Ngl, it's a bit gimmicky, but offers a nice view of the city at night if you go out onto the balcony which is available year-round.

For the coffee, boba, and tea lovers I have several recommendations. Schuil has amazing fragrant and aromatic coffee with great seasonal options, and if you remain in the Kentwood area, Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits is a nice spot to grab lunch or dinner, they've also recently expanded their space with a pickleball court. For boba, Kung Fu Tea and Feng Cha are both fantastic. While I know they're chains, the product is still great and they're more reliable and consistent than local options.

Head over to downtown GR and you can find Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. I learned about this one late last year during the Code for Good event. Their Thai tea was tasty. If you're looking for a more intimate morning space, Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge offers a basement area where you can quietly read or work off a laptop while enjoying your sip. If you're still in downtown GR, also check out Vault of Midnight. Offering a wide breadth of comics, zines, small press stuff, books, board games, puzzles, blind box figures, t-shirts, and more. For a local bookstore with an awesome curation of new releases, I recommend Books & Mortar and Schuler's Books.

Now onto the activities. If you like cuddling with animals and feel like you need a bit of calm and peace in your life, there's no better place to pet, walk with, and feed goats than Dreamgoats in Belding. Check out their site to watch out for baby goat season. These adorable babies will just fall asleep in your arms. A great summer or fall activity that's a good ice-breaker if you're meeting up with someone new. If you're into museums, check out the GRAM, offering free museum hours and days now and again, just check their site before you go to find out when.

If you want to splurge a bit, I highly recommend the annual Lantern Festivals at John Ball Zoo. We've been surprised there before just going at the right time, catching the acrobatics show mid-hike through the mesmerizing installations at no extra cost. Of course, the lanterns are best viewed at sunset into the night and after you've eaten (you will pay an arm and a leg for food and drink inside the venue). Just remember if you're going in the summer months, bring your mosquito spray!

For parks, Michigan is home to a great many beautiful parks. Just remember to keep it beautiful, and do your part. I'm looking at you, litterer and I'm-above-picking-up-my-dog's-poop-person. 😒 Aside from living next door to Creekside Park, it offers access to the M6 trail, a couple of playgrounds, baseball fields, and a few mowed paths into more wooded areas, great if your dog is reactive like mine and they need to do their walk without seeing other dogs. Thank you to the groundskeeper who maintains this for real.

For other beautiful parks, Prairie Wolf in Caledonia offers some very nicely paved paths, a wide open field that's gorgeous in the summer and looks like it came out of an 18th-century landscape painting, apple trees, and some informative signage throughout marking specific flora. Johnson Park in Walker is also one of those parks that seems a bit more off the beaten path - on a fair weather day, it'd be awesome to eat lunch here or hike the trails in the fall with the changing leaves. In the warmer months, the park beside Reeds Lake is great for laying out your picnic blanket to just relax and read a book. While you're in the area, check out Gaslight Village for shopping and restaurants. Every Michigander has probably heard of Sleeping Bear Dunes, but if you're in Ottawa, definitely stop by Rosy Mound if you want to experience baby sand dunes. There's a nicely paved trail mostly covered by trees so even in the heat of summer, it stays relatively cool.

Starting around mid-May, visit North Riverside Park for Food Truck Fridays. I've been wanting an event like this since we moved back from Phoenix. Food Truck Fridays offers a variety of food trucks and sometimes free music and concerts within the park. Don't forget to bring your camper chair or you'll be sitting on the grass. If you can swing it, a lightweight portable table is also recommended if you're traveling with a group of 2-4 people as there isn't much available seating or picnic tables around. If you love burgers, don't miss the ones from the Dune Buggy or creep on their FB page to see where they're at!

Last on my list of parks for dog lovers, is Grand Ravines Dog Park. Probably the best dog park I've ever been to in my entire life. Great for socializing your pup. Recommend you go on warmer fair-weather days for more activity. The reason I love this park even though it's pretty far out of the way for me is there are separate fenced areas for big dogs and small dogs. The park is well-maintained and also offers paved paths and restrooms. For every visit that I've been there, the dogs have always been well-behaved. Dog owners tend to be a lot more responsible, respectful, and attentive here as well which makes a HUGE difference compared to other dog parks.

If you're looking to travel around the state a bit, I'm no expert nor the most well-traveled individual, but there are a few places that stood out to me. Check out Boyne Falls for the resort and SkyBridge. The resort is nicely maintained, we didn't stay there, but the outside was very nice and if you dine here, don't even bother with any other place than Forty Acres Tavern because their Guinness French Onion soup was one of the best I've ever had and their Skillet S’mores Brownie served in a cast iron skillet was one of the best desserts I've had after a meal.

If you're in Traverse City, then visiting The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a must. It's this cool below-ground, but still naturally well-lit place that used to be part of a state-run asylum. The energy is far from grim though, offering a wide array of shops and boutiques with very interesting stuff. I'll have to pay a visit when The Haberdashery is open next time because I'm still thinking about those beaded animal figures I saw in the window! Sanctuary Goods had a beautiful selection of jewelry, and Moonstruck Gardens had an array of gifts at all price points, including a few original art stickers that I use as bookmarks.

You can find Bavarian-style architecture over in Frankenmuth. While there, you're gonna need to check out Zehnder's Marketplace, offering food, bakery, and shops. A great place to go if you're looking for a single-day trip-type activity.

Michigan is home to several great beaches, no doubt about that. The usual suspects for our family growing up were going out to Holland State Park and Grand Haven State Park (while you're here, check out Aldea Coffee), and sometimes Tunnel Park when the other two were too crowded. But one of my favorite lesser-known beaches is the one by Little Sable Point Lighthouse. Discovered this one after camping at Silver Lake as they're only 10 minutes apart. Skip swimming in the small lake and go to the real big boi lake instead. The first time we went, the water was so warm, clear, and refreshing! You're definitely on your own if you swim here, but I haven't forgotten it and will check back every time we're in the area.

Now go forth and explore something new.