MICHIGAN'S SNOWMOBILE CENTRAL
GRAND RAPIDS
by Linda Aksomitis
Michigan is one of the best snowmobile destinations--for lots of reasons! The key one, of
course is the snow. With an average of more than 70 inches of snow falling each winter,
there's plenty for great trails. The winter weather in Grand Rapids is easy to take too,
with the average winter daily temperature hovering around 30 degrees, and the nights only
dropping to 16 degrees.
Grand Rapids, long known as the best manufacturers of fine furniture, owes its
reputation to the same dense pine forests that make it a number one snowmobile
destination. With hundreds of miles of groomed trails through snow-packed forests, who
needs anything more?
Snowmobile Trip Planner to Grand Rapids
Visit the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau
at http://www.visitgrandrapids.org
or call toll-free 800-678-9859.
SLED STUFF
PLACES TO STAY
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT TOP CHOICES
- The B.O.B. (Judson's Steakhouse, Gill's Fish House, The Monkey Bar and Dr. Grins)
Don't miss this spot for a unique atmosphere and architecture, incredible food, and evening entertainment. Online at
http://www.thebob.com/ At 20 Monroe Avenue NW in
Grand Rapids entertainment district or call 616-356-2000. I rate this nightspot number one!
- Bar Divani is unbeatable for sampling around-the-world wines, beers, and liquers. Their
hors'doeuvres are excellent too. Online at
http://www.bardivani.com/ At 15 Ionia Avenue SW in the heart of Grand Rapids entertainment district
or call 616-774-9463. I give this an atmosphere rating of over the top!
- The Sierra Room is one of the best fine dining rooms in the state -- get online
reviews at
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2988207-sierra_room_the_grand_rapids-i It's
downtown in the heart of the entertainment district at 25 Ionia Avenue SW, or call
616-459-1764. The staff and service here are absolutley tops!
- Robinette's Apple Haus & Gift Barn is not only a great spot to eat, but also
a treasure trove of gifts to browse. Visit online at
http://www.robinettes.com/ or 3142 Four Mile Road NE in Grand Rapids. Call 800-400-8100.
This one is well worth a visit.
- San Chez, A Tapas Bistro offers a unique menu and delicious food. Visit online
at
http://www.sanchezbistro.com/ or 38 West Fulton Street, Grand Rapids. Call 616-774-8272
Don't miss this menu for some great new tastes.
AROUND THE CITY
Grand Rapids is not only a great destination for the snowmobiler, it's also a great
destination for the rest of the family to explore during the day or after the trails.
Come in out of the cold and visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park --
see the largest tropical conservatory in Michican, the desert section, or even the
carnivorous plant area! I give this one a must-see on your visit, no matter what time
of year it is. Visit online at
http://www.meijergardens.org/ with visitor information at
http://www.meijergardens.org/generalinfo.htm Don't miss the Lena Meijer Children's Garden, which has
recently been added.
Spend a few hours driving through the historical Heritage Hill District and see the
40-Block National Register of Historic Places district. It was one of the high points
of my trip. Visit online at:
http://www.heritagehillweb.org/
The Public Museum of Grand Rapids provides a
great perspective of the history of the area, with a variety of exhibits from Anishinabek to
Furniture City. Visit online at
http://www.grmuseum.org/ or 272 Pearl Street NW in Grand Rapids.
The kids will love the Grand Rapid's Children's Museum at 22 Sheldon AVenue NE.
Visit it online at
http://www.grcm.org/ or call 616-235-4726.
Snowmobile Grand Rapids!
Find a link that doesn't work? Want to suggest a link? Email
editors@snowridermag.com
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