Five Uniquely Grand Rapids Things To Do This Summer

Summer is officially here (as if this weekend wasn't one of the summeriest weekends ever), and here's some things that are unique to Grand Rapids to try, if you haven't already.

1. Find a cool treat in your neighborhood. From Spoonlickers in Eastown to Frosty Boy in Creston, Grand Rapids is chock full of places to get a cool snack.Chances are there's a local ice cream or frozen yogurt shop within walking distance from your house, so get on your bike or walk down to it and enjoy some frozen treats, but do not, I repeat DO NOT ride there in your car. That's cheating.

2. Visit the Fulton Street Farmer's Market. I love this place. I stop two or three times a summer to stock up on fresh (and inexpensive!) produce like giant blueberries or beets the size of softballs. But that's not all they have, you can also get baked goods, ginger beer, popcorn and a myiad of other temptations every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8am until 3pm at 1147 E. Fulton. Plus, there's music and food trucks! What more do you want for a summer morning distraction?

3. Walk along the River. Never has the Grand River been as accessible as it is now, and it gets more so every year. From the River Walk downtown, to parks like Millenium, Riverside, and Johnson, you're never more than a few miles away from a Park with access to either the Grand, Thornapple or Rogue Rivers. Some parks offer concerts and other events to take part in as well. Cool off the way your ancestors did, by river walking!

4. Visit Meijer Gardens for something other than a concert. Sure, we've all gone to see our favorite bands play at the Meijer Gardens Ampitheater, but have you ever gone out there to just stroll among the statues? Meijer Gardens Sculpture Gardens offers over 50 sculptures by name artists like Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin, not to mention summer benefits like the Woodland Shade Garden and the brand new Japanese Garden. It's a beautiful way to escape on a summer day. Do yourself a favor and skip work and do it on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Call it a mental health day. You'll be glad you did.

5. Ride your bike on the White Pine Trail. Get the old two wheeler out and use pedal power to take a spin on the scenic White Pine Trail State Park. Starting along US 131 just north of Riverside Park, the trail offers scenic views of the Rogue River Valley from Comstock Park to Rockford for the day tripper, and rolls north to Cadillac, for those looking for a little more challenging ride. Or better yet, do a little duathlon by riding up to Rockford, and renting a kayak, paddling down the Rogue, and riding home afterwards.