Weekend getaway: Grand Rapids

The bright interior of the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art (definitely stealing this idea next time I paint)

Although Paul and I have been living in Ann Arbor for a few years, we really haven't ventured out of the area that much. In fact, most of our vacations have consisted of plane flights back and forth to Los Angeles. Since we both had a free weekend we took a few hour drive to the west side of the state to check out Grand Rapids. Everyone had told us it was the perfect young place to visit and the promise of museums, art galleries, and a local brewery (Paul's choice) were enough to get us on the road. Although it's on a smaller scale than the cities we are used to, being in an urban setting again felt great. Grand Rapids has great restaurants, coffee shops, and a comprehensive collection of art...dare I say a mini San Francisco with a dash of a small Art Institute of Chicago? The welcoming demeanor throughout the city allowed us to become friends with a waiter, which lead us into an animated hour long conversation with a few new friends and the bartenders of a small speakeasy.

Beautiful and intricate models by Edward Lott from the Urbanity exhibition

Couldn't resist these straws and bags from 6.25 Paper Studio (Definitely reminded me of Rock Paper Scissors)

Our favorite coffee shop, Madcap. Their interior is beautiful and the baristas are so talented

A light and airy lounge inside the Grand Rapids Art Museum

In addition to the places pictured, we truly enjoyed Republic for dinner and the hand crafted drinks at The Viceroy. If you are visiting, stay at the City Flats Hotel. Their open air bar and restaurant is a relaxing place to grab a bite and people watch.

If you love the little paper goods I pictured above, make sure to enter the stationery giveaway that Rock Paper Scissors is hosting on my blog. She hand selected a great group of gorgeous cards for the winner.