Where City Life Meets the River: A Day in the Life Along the GR& Riverfront
Discover the best of downtown living in Grand Rapids—walkable streets, local cafes, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Enjoy city convenience, outdoor dining, and urban charm in the heart of West Michigan.
When you live where the city meets the river, you unlock a world of possibilities, convenience, and opportunity. Along the revitalized Grand Rapids Riverfront, transformation isn’t just something to see, it’s something to experience. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, the riverfront invites you to slow down, explore, and connect.
Field & Fire in Monroe North along the GR& Riverfront. Photo credit: Experience Grand Rapids.
7:00 a.m. - Coffee with a View
The day starts with a peaceful walk along the riverwalk, coffee in hand from local favorites like Madcap, Morning Ritual, or Field & Fire, all just a short stroll from the water. The breeze off the river, the hum of early morning cyclists, and the gentle flow of water create a serene backdrop for a reflective start to your day. Whether you're walking solo, with a pet, or pushing a stroller, this is where Grand Rapids quietly comes to life.
9:00 a.m. - The Ease of Downtown Living
For those who call downtown home, whether it’s at places like The Rowe, 601 Bond, Studio Park, or if you’re eyeing new developments, like the 111 Lyon apartments, the morning commute can be measured in minutes, not miles. Many residents simply walk or bike to work, while others have easy access to US-196, US-131, or main roads connecting to nearby neighborhoods.
“My commute is one of the best parts of living downtown,” said Kelli Jo Peltier, Director of Capital Campaign at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. “Living at Plaza Towers and working at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, I literally work in my backyard! I pass a lot of the same faces, and it really makes downtown feel like a neighborhood.”
Downtown Grand Rapids continues to grow more connected with every new project. From updated walkways and bike lanes to modern housing and revitalized streetscapes, the city is making it easier than ever to live, work, and thrive in the heart of it all..
“Living at Plaza Towers and working at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, I literally work in my backyard! I pass a lot of the same faces, and it really makes downtown feel like a neighborhood.”
Rosa Parks Circle in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. Photo credit: Experience Grand Rapids
12:00 p.m. - Lunch Along the River
By midday, the Grand Riverfront buzzes with activity, especially in the spring, summer, and fall. Popular lunch spots line the riverfront or sit just a short walk away. You could easily grab lunch to-go from Westside staples like Nonla Burger, Condado Tacos, or New Holland Brewing, then walk to a scenic picnic spot to enjoy your meal. Depending on the day, you might find food trucks parked at Rosa Parks Circle, serving everything from global street food to local favorites, often with live music adding to the midday energy.
3:00 p.m. - An Afternoon of Discovery
Afternoons are made for exploring the city’s neighborhoods, each with its own rhythm and character. On the Westside, places like Harrison Park and John Ball Park are experiencing renewed energy, as expanded trails and bike lanes make it easier than ever to reach the river. Head south to Roosevelt Park or the Black Hills neighborhood, and you’ll find longtime residents and new families enjoying shaded parks and fresh connections to the riverfront through improved pedestrian routes.
In Eastown, just a short ride from the water, artists and students spill out of coffee shops before heading downtown for evening events. And over in Heritage Hill, residents enjoy the balance of historic charm and proximity to the modern amenities blossoming along the Grand River.
Wherever you call home - north, south, east, or west - the river is no longer a boundary. It is a shared space that connects neighborhoods to nature, recreation, and to each other.
View of Sixth Street Bridge in Downtown Grand Rapids.
6:00 p.m. - Dinner and a Show or a Match
Evenings are when the riverfront truly shines. Dinner might mean a sunset patio meal at Linear, or the buzz of restaurants along Bridge Street.
“Our favorite spot is Bistro Bella Vita,” said Kara Peltier, Senior Analyst at Acrisure and downtown resident. “The bar, outdoor, indoor seating, happy hour, great food and wine – it never disappoints. It is so convenient to enjoy all the things that downtown has to offer, and we love going to community festivals, Broadway Grand Rapids, the Civic Theatre, the Grand Rapids Symphony, and events at Van Andel Arena, because everything is walkable and from where we live and we can access many venues from the skywalk.”
In the near future, you’ll be able to catch a show at Acrisure Amphitheater or cheer on a soccer match at Amway Stadium. But there’s no need to wait, downtown already offers a wide variety of entertainment options. From Van Andel Arena to GLC Live at 20 Monroe, The Intersection, DeVos Performance Hall, and more, there is always something happening. Whether it’s a big-name concert or a local showcase, the sounds of music, sports, and togetherness can be found echoing throughout downtown as the sun sets over the Grand River.
“Our favorite spot is Bistro Bella Vita. The bar, outdoor, indoor seating, happy hour, great food and wine – it never disappoints. ”
Where the River Connects Us All
This is the rhythm of life along the GR& Riverfront - a place where the city’s energy meets the calm of the water, and where every path leads to something new. Whether you’re a young professional living at Studio Park Lofts, a family planting roots in Roosevelt Park, or a retiree rediscovering downtown charm, the heart of Grand Rapids offers a lifestyle that’s walkable, welcoming, and full of life. The river is more than scenery, it’s the thread that ties together home, work, and play.
