Story Ideas

Check out our exciting new story ideas for 2008. From our must-see attractions to one-of-a-kind experiences, there’s sure to be something here to get your creative juices flowing. We welcome the opportunity to help you delve further into the very special attributes of Grand Rapids and Michigan’s West Coast. Contact us for assistance with brainstorming story ideas. And we’d be happy to host you while you’re here – just ask about our personalized tours and complimentary accommodations for travel writers.

Kate Wiltzer - Marketing Project Manager
Email media@visitgrandrapids.org or (800) 678-9859, ext. 3558

• Grand Rapids "Family Owned"
  

  Business Growth and Innovation Creates an Exciting Cultural Center

  Grand Rapids is a place where family-owned businesses play a critical role in helping the community prosper by “giving back”. In fact, West Michigan ranks as the second most generous place in the nation for charitable giving. A few other facts make Grand Rapids unique when it comes to business growth and cultural development: Read more...

• Furniture City to Sculpture City
  

  A Unique Appreciation of Art and Design

  The appreciation of art and design in Grand Rapids is strong. Many of the city’s businesses, residents and arts institutions hold public and private art collections that are impressive by any art collector’s standards. An article in the Boston Globe reported, “Grand Rapids loves its art so much that even its municipal garbage trucks sport a painting of the Alexander Calder sculpture which stands in the center of the city”.  Read on to discover why….A Rich Art and Design History that has existed for over 100 Years Read more...

• Sports Along Michigan's West Coast
  

  You’ll love it as you – “Run It, Fish It, Bike It, Hike It, Kayak It, Sail It, Boat It, Skate It, and Ski It”

  Outdoor recreation abounds in Grand Rapids.  From the largest 25K road race in the nation, to being named one of the top 50 places to Live and Play in the U.S. in the waterfront category by National Geographic’s Adventure Magazine, Grand Rapids is a sportsman and outdoor adventurer’s dream. Read more...

• Local First
  

  “Local First” is a prevalent theme in the Grand Rapids Community where restaurants, markets, and food related businesses are making sure their footprint is “green”, supporting the local economy by offering the fresh seasonal products of our agricultural area. Add to this the many original art galleries, museums and the world renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and you have the ingredients for a captivating “local first” story where the unique character of Grand Rapids shines. Read more...

• West Michigan, a Culinary Capital
  

  Culinary tourism is alive and well along Michigan’s West Coast, especially in Grand Rapids where the only 5 Diamond restaurant in Michigan resides and hundreds of fine food eateries and upscale dining establishments reflect the city’s abundance of fresh, organic produce and local farm-to-table cuisine.  What are its secrets?  Read more...

• IT’S EASY BEING GREEN IN GRAND RAPIDS
  

  Everyday could be considered Earth Day in Michigan’s West Coast as Grand Rapids and its neighboring communities continue to lead the way in the development and promotion of  “green” projects.  Read more...

• GRAND RAPIDS HISTORY: MADE BY DESIGN
  

  Grand Rapids' rich history, rooted in the lumbering and furniture industry, is evident and celebrated today, as classic architecture, a landmark hotel and heritage homes complement a thriving downtown. Read more...

• CHOCOLATE, GELATO, BLUEBERRIES & BEER
  

  From microbrews to a super food, even an Oprah’s favorite, the farmers, chefs and brew masters of Michigan’s West Coast make up a deliciously impressive local foods industry. Read more...