Unveiling Grand Rapids: Exploring The Heart Of Local Culture And Community

The quintessential businesses and restaurants of Grand Rapids!

Say what?

In other words, what would you think would be the true essential, most perfect embodiment of Grand Rapids? A unique business, retail, restaurant that oozes West Michigan and Grand Rapids.

Teacher asking her students a question — Wavebreakmedia/Getty Images

Reddit Grand Rapids had a discussion going about what people thought meant the most to Grand Rapidians.

Everyone, of course, has their favorites. A business they shop, frequent, the most. But something that you probably won't find other than Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

I'm thinking you have to begin with Meijer.

MEIJER STORE

Yes, Meijer has grown to be a dominant retail Superstore in the Mid West, but it all began here. Meijer literally created the first Superstore at 28th street and Kalamazoo. And who followed? Wal Mart, Target to name two.

GERALD FORD PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM

President Ford was a much loved Grand Rapidian . Certainly, the museum is quintessential Grand Rapids!

For local restaurants, how about the BELTLINE BAR and their famous Wet Burrito.

MR. BURGER

Breakfast, lunch and dinner always. Who can resist the Mr. Burger Deluxe?

FOUNDERS BREWERY

This now internationally distributed beer began here as a dream of two Michigan State grads. They struggled for a few years, but found their footing and financing and BOOM, took off.

YESTERDOG

Almost every U.S. city has their favorite hot dog place, but for sure, Yesterdog is quintessential Grand Rapids.

I'm going to throw in MAD CAP COFFEE

Mad Cap is THE quintessential coffee business in Grand Rapids having begun in Grand Rapids in 2008, but with a unique twist. Roasting their own coffee, and making each cup of coffee one at a time. They have grown to other Michigan locations as well.

These are just a few of my quintessential GR thoughts. There are so many others I could think of, but what do you think? What do you feel is totally unique to Grand Rapids?

52 of the Best Michigan Waterfront Dining Locations

You probably already have a favorite dining location with a view, most of us do. But what you will find here is a nice long list of waterfront dining locations in every part of Michigan. Be adventurous, take a drive and explore something new, you'll find locations within an hour or more away from you that you have yet to experience.

Gallery Credit: Google