Reimagining Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Grand Rapids As The New Sunnydale

What does one do during  "limbo week" between Christmas and New Year's Day?

For me, I decided to binge 2000s shows that I had never seen before. Within my 2000s show binge-watch, I was brought into the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

While I know you may be genuinely concerned, at least I am watching it now!

With my Buffy binge, it made me wonder: imagine if Grand Rapids was the setting for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Let's take a nostalgic trip to an alternate reality of Grand Rapids - Buffy the Vampire Slayer style.

In this alternate reality, the quiet streets of Grand Rapids would hide the supernatural underworld, making it the perfect backdrop for a high school slayer like Buffy Summers.

Buffy’s battles against vampires, demons, and other dark forces would unfold throughout the city’s iconic landmarks. For example, the Grand River, winding through downtown, could be a prime spot for vampire ambushes or a few sinister rituals, while Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park might hide a hidden portal to another dimension.

Buffy’s high school years would take place in one of Grand Rapids' public schools, like East Grand Rapids High School or East Kentwood High School. As they did in the show, the students would juggle typical teen drama with the added complexity of fighting off nightly threats.

Buffy and her friends—Willow, Xander, and Giles—would have their hangouts at local diners or coffee shops like Scorpion Hearts Club, Madcap, or Lantern. If you need a pick-me-up late at night, you can also visit The Bitter End Coffeehouse.

With its blend of modern city life and historic charm, Grand Rapids would offer the perfect setting for the mix of horror, humor, and heart that made Buffy the Vampire Slayer legendary.