Around GR: Best Picnic Spots (and Pairings) in Grand Rapids
By Courtney Sorrell
Grand Rapids is bustling with ample green space and plenty of tasty spots to eat. Basically, it’s a city that has everything you need for an unforgettable picnic. If you’re up for the task, follow this handy guide for a week’s worth of picnic pairings that will leave you feeling full of love for the city’s parks and, well, just full.
Monday Night
Where: Pleasant Park, Pleasant and Madison Ave., Southeast Side
On the first stop of the week, head into Martha’s Vineyard — a neighborhood store with a state-wide reputation as a purveyor of all things delicious — for a picnic tote filled with antipasti, cheeses and meats. Additional choices include prepared sandwiches, delectable desserts, wines, beers and so much more. Kids (and kids at heart) love the rainbow sprinkle-covered cheesecake bars, splurge-worthy tarts and filled cupcakes.
From filled cupcakes to cheesecake pops and beyond, there's plenty to love about Martha's Vineyard.
Next, go a mile and a half south to Pleasant Park in the Heritage Hill historic district to find the newest playground in the city and a great open space for picnicking. Later, walk in any direction to view the gorgeous detailing of some of the most intricate and storied houses in Grand Rapids.
One block north of the park is the Meyer May House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Restored by Steelcase and now open to the public, it’s now considered the best-preserved example of Wright’s “Prairie”-style homes.
Tuesday Night
Where: Lookout Park, Fairview and Newberry Street, Northeast Side
For picnic number two, grab takeout from Creston Brewery. Housed in a former furniture showroom, Creston offers stunning art deco accents, tasty beers and an envy-inspiring plant collection. The female founders placed an emphasis on showcasing local foods in the kitchen and knock it out of the park with their famous deviled eggs and Cuban sandwich. Local musical talent can be enjoyed at Creston every weekend, and the brewery also offers an open mic night on Tuesdays.
Head up to Lookout Park and enjoy the very best view a city park offers. While you stroll, watch the fitness enthusiasts take on the challenging Stairs on Division. At 143 very steep steps, this passage used to be an important connection for the neighborhood above to the manufacturing jobs along the river. Now, it’s a popular meeting spot for exercise buddies and those looking for sore legs. Relax and watch the sunset or join in the fun! Make sure to also keep this park in mind for watching the impressive fireworks display on Independence Day.
Wednesday Night
Where: Richmond Park, Richmond and Tamarack, Northwest Side
For some of the best pizza on the West Side, make sure to hit Mitten Brewing on Leonard Street. Located in the storied Engine No. 9 building, Mitten serves up woodfired pizzas in a baseball-themed great hall with an eye on philanthropy. The creative geniuses at Mitten invent new pizza specials every week, and sometimes, fan favorites make the menu. Unique offerings include the Westerdog, which features – you guessed it – hot dogs, ketchup, mustard and relish. If you’re feeling the vibe, head upstairs and check out the ghostly footprint on the bar.
At the time of its commission in 1930, the 830,000-gallon pool at Richmond Park was the largest in the state. Photo courtesy: Photo 006443, Parks Department Photograph Collection, City Archives and Records Center, Grand Rapids, Mich.
Take your picnic haul a mile northwest to one of the largest neighborhood parks in the city, Richmond Park. Situated on 57 acres, you can watch the geese on the pond, play on one of the playgrounds or join an Ultimate Frisbee league. For the best view, climb the hill and admire the cityscape to the east. Richmond also offers a large swimming pool and two-story water slide. At the time of its commission in 1930, the 830,000-gallon pool was the largest in the state and was built through the Scrip Labor Project.
Thursday Night
Where: Riverside Park, Monroe and Guild Street, Northeast Side
Another great spot to pick up picnic supplies is Kingma’s Market on Plainfield. A locally owned grocer that specializes in meat and beer, they’re perfectly on-brand in Beer City and offer libation sampling times every weekend. Ask the friendly deli counter workers to recommend one of their homemade jerkies (we’re particularly fond of the Cajun) or other goodies.
Bring your picnic blanket to Riverside Park to watch a veritable highway of unmotorized traffic flow by as you enjoy your food. Rollerbladers, runners, strollers, skateboarders, fishers and bikers take advantage of the paved waterfront trail. The easy-to-explore 180-acre park boasts boat launches, two disc golf courses and playgrounds.
Riverside also hosts countless runs, festivals, parties and competitions. Near the turn of the century, the Grand River was used by lumbermen to float their logs to market. In 1883, Riverside was the site of a record-breaking log jam that destroyed a bridge near Ann Street. Legend has it that the logjam was 7 miles long and 30 feet deep.
Friday Night
Where: Monroe Avenue NW and Interstate 196
On rain-free Friday nights from June to August, Movies on Monroe reigns supreme for entertainment. Hosted by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. – with chair rental provided by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks – this family-friendly soirée draws thousands of movie-lovers for each event. Pre-movie entertainment for little ones at 6:30 p.m. is themed to match the big screen offerings, and the double feature begins at 7:30 p.m. With proper identification, BYOB is welcomed inside the event. The DASH North bus runs right by the venue and stays open late specifically for the event. Check out the 2019 lineup!
The family-friendly Movies on Monroe runs from June to August and is the perfect spot to enjoy great food along with equally great entertainment. Photo courtesy: Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Across the street, City Built Brewing Company offers awesome Puerto Rican takeout. Don’t miss their signature tostones; smashed and fried green plantains; the inspired taco menu, including Thai chicken and spicy shrimp; and the 2018 Grandwich winner the jibarito, a monster of a sandwich with flank steak, plantains and garlic mayo.
Note: Photos on this page are courtesy of Creston Brewery, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and the Grand Rapids City Archives and Records Center. Header by Bonnie Kittle on Unsplash.
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