Keep the Fun Going After Intern Connect

Grand Rapids always has something new to eat, explore, and experience. If you’re headed downtown for Intern Connect on June 26, make a plan to continue the fun after the conference with one of the suggestions below. Whether it’s a new restaurant, park or place, here are restaurant options, along with several free or low-cost activities, to try out as you visit downtown Grand Rapids.

Parking and Transportation Options

Parking:

Intern Connect will be held at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. There are two parking ramps near to the venue of Intern Connect. The Fulton & Ottawa Parking Ramp is located at 32 Ottawa Avenue NW. This is across the street from the venue. You can also park at the Louis – Campau Parking Ramp, which is located at 43 Monroe Ave NW.  Cross Monroe and walk through the alley between AC Hotel and the backside of GLC Live.  Metered Parking is available along most streets for a rate between $1 and $2.25 per hour. You can pay at the closest pay station, which is located conveniently near each spot. Or you can pay on the app, MOTU. Keep in mind, you will have to download the app. Learn more about parking downtown Grand Rapids here.

Bus:

Grand Rapids offers two public transportation systems: The Rapid and the DASH.

If you would like to get to another area of downtown—or perhaps get to another parking ramp—the DASH is a great option. The DASH is free and runs a pre-determined route around the city. Check out here to view the map and begin planning your day in Grand Rapids.

The Rapid is the paid bus system in Grand Rapids. Compared to the DASH, The Rapid has further reach around the city. Check out here to find times of The Rapid and here for The Rapid routes. Visit here for more information for The Rapid.

Places to Eat

Downtown Grand Rapids boasts an incredible array of restaurants. Here are a few to check out.

Food Options:
  • Angel’s Thai Café
    • Fresh and nourishing, this restaurant serves authentic Thai food.
  • Barrio Tacos
    • Barrio Tacos offers unique tacos, bowls, drinks, and dips, including the special, “The Cheeseburger in Paradise Queso” and “Coca-Cola Marinated Steak.” It is steps away from GLC Live and has a large outdoor dining area.
  • Forty Pearl
    • Try a taste of Michigan at this tasting room with local wines, cheeses, and appetizers.
  • HopCat
    • Known for its eccentric décor and its addicting “Cosmic Fries,” HopCat’s large menu provides burgers, tacos, salads, mac n’ cheese, and more.
  • Parsley Mediterranean Grille
    • With bowls, salads, and wraps, Parsley provides healthy, high-quality, homemade Mediterranean style food, plus a full bar.
  • Poke Poke
    • Choose from a selection of Poke bowls—unrolled sushi—for food and boba tea to drink.
  • Social Misfits
    • The menu at Social Misfits matches the name: waffles, cocktails, and coffee.
  • Sweet Yo’s Frozen Yogurt
    • Savor dessert, located right along Rosa Park’s circle, at Sweet Yo’s Frozen Yogurt.
  • Uccello’s
    • As an Italian food and sports bar, Uccello’s offers both outdoor dining overlooking Rosa Parks Circle and space to watch your favorite sporting events.

Free or Low-Cost Weekday Evening Activities

Events:

Several restaurants and clubs host weekly events on weekdays. From active to chill, check the list below:

Free Activities:
  • Chill at Rosa Park Circle
    • Rosa Park Circle is a great resting point in downtown Grand Rapids. Grab a table and relax. I recommend bringing a deck of cards. This is also a great spot for people-watching.
  • Picnic at Ah-Nab-Awen Park
    • Ah-Nab-Awen Park offers 6.5 acres of green grass along the Grand River. Most of the park is shaded in the evening, so it makes for a great picnic spot.
  • Ride Spin Scooters around Downtown
    • Download the Spin Scooter app and locate a scooter. Scootering around Grand Rapids is an exhilarating way to explore every part of downtown Grand Rapids.
  • Take a walk on the Riverwalk
    • A riverwalk path runs on the east side of the Grand River and is a great spot for a run or walk.
  • Tuesday Night Swing Dancing
    • Dance the night away every Tuesday night with the Grand Rapids Swing Dancing Society. They usually teach a few dances each night, so any level of dancer is welcome to join.
  • Watch the sunset at Lookout Park
    • View the skyline of Grand Rapids at Lookout Park. It’s located in the Belknap neighborhood, across the highway from Medical Mile. The park is on a hill on the northeast side of the city, so it makes for a great sunset spot.

Downtown Grand Rapids is a haven for food lovers and adventurers alike. From authentic dishes to picnicking or catching the sunset at a local park, downtown Grand Rapids offers endless ways to savor its vibrant culture and charm.