Northeast Grand Rapids - Grand Rapids, MI Area Guide

Two thousand years ago, the Hopewell Indians lived in the abundant Grand River Valley, and their burial mounds can still be seen in Grand Rapids. Their descendants, the Chippewa, Ottawa and Pottowattomi tribes, called the People of the Three Fires exchanged furs with French and British traders in the 1700s. Eventually, Dutch, German and Southern and Eastern-European immigrants came into the area, developing what's now known as Grand Rapids. Dutch heritage can be seen at several area historic sites and in the local popularity of miniature garden windmills.

Northeast Grand Rapids developed slowly and in patches, meaning that today buildings from the 1800s can be found near housing from the 1900s. A few 2000-era developments are filling in the remaining open parcels, and many of Northeast's older commercial districts have been stylishly revitalized as the neighborhood has gained popularity, particularly with young people.

The Northeast neighborhood's reputation for attracting hip residents hasn't been lost on the chefs and brewers who've made this area a must-visit for foodies, craft beer enthusiasts, and novelty-seekers.

Graydon's Crossing recreates a contemporary British pub scene in a historic Northeast building. The beer menu highlights Michigan breweries along with a robust selection of imported British and Belgian beers. Expect traditional British Isles cuisine here with a global twist. Shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips make an appearance alongside maitake mushroom vindaloo and Bali-spiced pork, reflecting the diverse tastes of the modern U.K.

Grand Rapids meat eaters know the long-time favorite Michigan chain Brann's Steakhouse for its famous "sizzling sirloin" steak. Kitchen 67, started by the grandson of founder Johnny Brann, steals the most popular things from the family menu and adds a modern bistro twist in his Northeast eatery. Kitchen 67 braises all its burger and most of its other meat in Michigan-brewed Founder's ale. Full gluten-free and vegetarian menus make everyone feel welcome at this lively gathering place.

Gravity Taphouse serves full-flavored crafts beers and creative bar cuisine fused with a touch of traditional Southern flavor. Deviled eggs with sriracha, white truffle tater tots, sweet potato s'mores and lobster n' dumplings aren't on anyone else's menu in this northern town, and the servers can help choose the right brew for perfect pairing with these unique flavors.

The Rapid, Grand Rapids' bus service, provides several lines through the Northeast neighborhoods at $3 for a day pass or $40 a month. All buses come equipped with bike racks, making it easy for suburban bike commuters to get into downtown from park-and-ride stops in the neighborhood. Good bike routes cross the neighborhood and two-wheeled commuting has become very popular in this area. Many cyclists favor Plainfield Avenue Northeast, which angles across the neighborhood to make a direct route to downtown. Cabs, Uber and other ride services can be called in here. Off-street parking is widely available and free in most parts of the neighborhood.

Several small city parks throughout Northeast keep residents active and connected to nature. Huff Park encompasses a pretty little wetlands area, and interpretive trails on boardwalks get you up close and personal with dragonflies, turtles and waterfowl. Comstock Riverside Park, the largest park in Grand Rapids, features hiking and biking trails alongside the Grand River along with access points for boats, docks and a picturesque bridge for fishing. A disc golf course and ball fields round out the amenities here. Every June, the park hosts the annual Homecoming of the Three Fires traditional powwow, a celebration of Grand Rapids' first residents that includes dancing, music and food. This free event opens to the general public.

Ten minutes east of the neighborhood, the Frederik Meijer Gardens pairs the beauty of nature with the limitless creativity of the human imagination. This 158-acre complex includes artfully cultivated botanical gardens, a permanent sculpture garden and indoor and outdoor gallery spaces that host exhibitions of regional and world-renowned artists. The tropical garden housed in a stunning contemporary conservatory displays birds and plants from the equator. An intricate Japanese garden designed by the internationally renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu inspires healing and contemplation.

Shaggy Pines Dog Park, a 20-acre private paradise for canines, features posh amenities such as a sand mountain for digging and climbing, a pond for swimming complete with deck chairs and music for human attendants, and dog wash tubs and drying areas. A one-mile jogging trail keeps humans happy as does the coffee bar, which also stocks treats for dogs. About 15 minutes southeast of Grand Rapids Charter Township, the park costs $15 for a day pass. Annual or monthly memberships bring the price down for regular users.

A wide variety of housing styles and sizes in Northeast Grand Rapids makes it possible to choose a vintage home or new construction, and prices vary accordingly. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of about $587. Gas prices run about 10 percent less than the national average. The trendy brewpubs in Northeast charge between $4 and $7 a pint, but in other bars, you'll pay about a buck less.

The Northeast neighborhood has become popular with young couples, and as a result, several home goods retailers court this style-driven market with uniquely modern furnishings.

A Stone's Throw specializes in contemporary design, selling rugs, artwork, furniture, and accessories. A special neighborhood stop, Sweetland Candies, opened in 1919 and the same family continues to make candies here, using the recipes brought over from Greece in the early 1900s. Nuts, truffles, and classic dipped chocolate candies make even adult visitors feel exactly like a kid in a candy store.

Another long-time family business, Kingma's Market and Butcher Shoppe, opened in 1917 and continues to sell fresh produce, meats and baked goods from its Northeast market. Kingma's has a huge wine selection, including more than 150 Michigan wines. It also features more than 350 craft beers and the area's largest cheese deli. The place feels more like a farmers market than a grocery store, with produce stacked appealingly on tables and in baskets. Children look forward to picking out their pumpkins here each fall.

Local grocery mainstays Meijer and Save-a-Lot have Northeast locations. About a mile south, the Fulton Street Farmer's Market serves the area in the summer months.