In Grand Rapids SAVOR SUMMER
your local *everything* guide to savor summer
SUMMER GUIDE
WHAT SHOULD I DO THIS SUMMER
The sun is shining, the SPF is applied, and the flowers are blooming in your garden Summer is HERE and you don’t want to miss it. But where should you start? What should you do?
You’re in the right place This Grand Rapids Summer Guide is designed to help you plan your summer so that you make time for the things that matter most to you (and leave the rest for next summer!)
So grab your iced coffee, kick off your flip flops, and get ready to map out your summer in Grand Rapids and a few other areas.
HIGHLIGHTS
5
RemingtonPark&DogPark
2310 Reeds Lake Blvd SE
The dog park has separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs-plus a trail that leads to adjacent Hodenpyl Woods
6
Jazz Nights CityFlatsHotel
Every first and third Friday in the CitySen Lounge Enjoy delicious food and drinks from 7pm-10pm.
83 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids
18
SidewalkSocial-WednesdayonWealthy
Live music, business discounts, street performers 4pm-8pm
Every third Wednesday in Gas Light Village
21
LadiesOuting
Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Spend the day with your lady friends enjoying an array of delectable food items. Everything from butchers, bakers, ice cream makers, spices and so much more Maybe even get to carry out instead of making dinner
JULY HIGHLIGHTS
Where to Watch the Fireworks 5
Grand Rapids wouldn't be the same if it didn’t have it’s annual fireworks celebration. Throw on your red, white, and blue, and come to Ah-Nab-Awen Park. Starts at 6pm. There will be live music and fireworks at 10:30
4-6
GrandRapidsFoodieFest-CalderPlaza
Head downtown and bring your favorite lawn chair for the annual Fourth of July Parade. Buckets for candy not required but recommended if your little one’s want to bring home some loot.
Close to Grand Rapids Bring your friends and enjoy the band every Wednesday outside under the stars overlooking the beautiful lake Look for us while you’re there! Please say hello
Or go to Ada Indoor Country Club Have fun and play realistic fake golf on a rainy day 306 Pettit’s Ave Ada
AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS
4
PicnicinaPark
Warren Townsend Park 8280 Six Mile Rd Cannonsburg. Picnic areas and shelters among wooded hills along the Bear Creek Valley. John Collin’s Park at Reeds Lake in the heart of Gas Light Village. Bring some delicious food and your pup.
12
FrederickMeijerGarden
Take the grandkids to David and Carol Van Andel Children’s Gallery See the hedge maze pathway, Secret Garden, Caretakers Cottage planting beds, Frog fountain light table. Tip-Remember closed for cleaning. 12:30-1:15pm
23
ReturntotheRiverand24th
555 Monroe Skate Park Annual music and art festival Live music, stunning live art, artisan market, food trucks and a host of activity
Book a private class at Sweet Details. Or book a class at The Local Epicurean Or perhaps a class at Thought Design in Rockford You certainly may see me at any of these
GRAND RAPIDS SUMMER FAVORITES
BEACH DAY
South Haven North Beach Play at the beach and walk around town to shop and eat Van Buren Start Park- Dog friendly
BEER GARDEN
Archival Brewing- Belmont Fun place and good food and doggies allowed out in the Biergarten and the deck. Get a burger for the pup to enjoy. Live music Thursday and Friday nights. Also don’t miss a 60 minute Yoga session starting July 19.
FARMER’S MARKET
Fulton Street Market We love the fresh veggies, fruit and flowers Holland Farmers Market is wonderful too
THE ZOO
John Ball Zoo and Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek Take your grandkids(we do) to see the animals, learn and explore. Please say hello if you see us. Sneak peak~ adult fun. September 6 Corks & Kegs at Binder Park Zoo.
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHTS
John Collins Park at Reeds Lake Friday night Bring some treats and buy an adult beverage from a participating Gaslight Village establishment
Grand Rapids SUMMER SPOTS
ICE CREAM
Jersey Junction- EGR Gas Light Village
Custard By The Dam- Rockford
Scooper’s Ice Cream Shoppe- Ada
WEEKEND HANGS
Close by- our favs~ Explore & enjoy
Saugatuck, South Haven, Holland, Ludington, Pentwater, Charlevoix
Jaqua Vacation Rentals- Book one of our lakeshore rentals
DINING AL FRESCO
Noco Provisions
Licari’s Pizza
Gin Gin’s
The Score
Rockford Brewing Company
Lucy’s (for breakfast)
Jdeck at Margaux
Olive’s
FARMERS’ MARKETS, PARKS & SHOPS
FARMERS’ MARKET
Fulton Street Market- Wed 8-2pm, Sat 10-1pm Yoga at 10am
Rockford Farmers’ Market- Sat 81pm Ada Farmers Market-Tuesday9-1pm
Local Shops
In and outside of Grand Rapids Stoffer Home The Found Cottage
Joyfully Said-Indiana Providence Interiors- Nashville (my cousin’s store)
Kent County Parks
Luton Park- 9 miles interconnected trails
Millennium Park and Beach
Crahen Valley Park
Frederick Meijer Garden
Grand Rapids SUMMER BUCKET LIST
BringapicniclunchtoReedsLakebeachfront
South Haven North Beach & Van Buren State Park
Take a sourdough bread class at The Spruced Studio
Eat Al Fresco at Gin Gin’s or The Score
Get an iced coffee drink from The Bradbury Cafe
Get fresh veggies and flowers from Fulton Street Market for dinner
Watch a movie under the stars at John Collin’s Park at Reed’s Lake
Go to Frederick Meijer Gardens Tuesday evening music
Go for cycling, walking or running on White Pine Trail
Plan a date with a lady friend at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Go to the Corvette show(again) at The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners
Print off this checklist and hang it on the fridge so you can check them off all summer!
@PamelaEnglishRealtor Jaqua Realtors 202 44 St. SW Grand Rapids, MI th
SUMMER MARKET Snapshot
WHAT’S SELLING
Homes in Grand Rapids that are selling have been priced competitively The sellers have worked hard to present their home in it’s best condition And they are working with an agent who knows what buyers want AND advocates for the best interest of their seller at the same time.
WHAT’S SITTING
The two most common qualities of homes that do not sell in Grand Rapids are that they are either overpriced or in poor condition (or both!). I’ve also noticed sellers that are poorly marketed (bad listing descriptions, cell phone photos, etc) tend to sit longer (which is why I’m so thorough with my marketing!).
HAPPY BUYER CHARACTERISTICS
Happy buyers in Grand Rapids have signed an agreement with their preferred agent. They have a pre-approval from their local lender and they feel good about their budget. They are realistic of what to expect in their price range and they are ready to buy as soon as the right house pops up on the market
FRUSTRATED BUYER CHARACTERISTICS
Frustrated buyers in Grand Rapids are looking outside their price range. They’re spending more time scrolling Zillow than making a plan with their agent. And they haven’t prepared to list their current home for when the right house comes along.
NEXT STEPS Want more?
Did this guide leave you wanting more? I got you! Learn about other resources I have for you and the best way to work with me (even if you’re not buying or selling just yet!)
LOCAL GUIDE
Want to know more about life in Grand Rapis? Click for my free Local Guide!
SCHEDULE MINI CONSULT
Want to talk to me about moving (even if it’s not right now?) Call me to schedule a mini client consult.
HOME BUYER GUIDE
Serious about buying soon? Grab my free Home Buyer Guide, click on my link. Ready to sell but not sure where to begin? Click on link for guide & call me.
HOME SELLER GUIDE
this summer WHEREYOU’LL
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME THIS SUMMER
You will probably find us at the lake fishing on our boat, swimming with Lil Larry, reading, running, making healthy venison burgers and enjoying a fire.