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Women's Lifestyle Magazine

It’s a Date: Five Fabulous Ideas for a Date Night in Grand Rapids

Feb 18, 2019 10:00AM ● By WLMagazine

Are you and your special someone looking for something unique and fun to do on date night this month? From enjoying international cuisine to cheering on your favorite team to exploring the great outdoors, we've got you covered.

The Foodies

Grand Rapids has become the ideal place for a couple of foodies looking to try something new. From breathtaking views of the growing metropolis to sampling dishes from all over the world, there’s something for everyone in this town.

For those with an adventurous palette, ROAM by Sanchez features street food from all over the globe. From Moroccan carrots and Chebureki (empanadas from Croatia) to Singapore curry and Okonomiyaki (cabbage pancakes from Japan), there’s sure to be something to please anyone’s palate.

Just down the street, check out Cygnus 27 for fine dining and a beautiful view looking over the Grand River and downtown Grand Rapids.

And for those who want something a little more hands-on, take a cooking class at The Downtown Market or Amore Trattoria Italiana.

Artsy Lovers

For those artistic couples who want to really get a taste of the arts scene in our fair city, the first stop should definitely be the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). Located in the heart of downtown, the GRAM features a permanent and rotating collection ranging from screen prints to photography to sculpture to everything in between.

For a contemporary feel, head up the street to the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) and explore their multilevel, interactive gallery which often features powerful works that comment on current issues and considers social justice movements as they occur.

Then, check out Light Gallery GR on Division SE. This gallery and studio is brimming with affordable art by local creators and offers up a list of workshops from weaving to printmaking to calligraphy.

A Couple Sports Fans

Visit the Van Andel Arena where you and your sweetie can enjoy a chilly Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game throughout the winter season. There, you can also catch the Grand Rapids Drive basketball team and various traveling events, like WWE Raw and the Harlem Globetrotters.

To challenge your partner in a little one-on-one, head to the David D. Hunting YMCA located right off of US-131 downtown. There, you can sign up for a monthly membership for access to the facility’s swimming pool, basketball courts, an indoor track and racquetball and squash courts. Nothing like a little competition to keep the fire alive!

The Adventure Seekers

If you’re looking to infuse some adventure into your relationship, head north to Cannonsburg Ski Area where you can choose to go down the giant, snowy hill on a tube, snowboard or skis. While you’re out there, take a wintery hike on one of their four trail options.

Alternatively, explore the ground of Blandford Nature Center via snowshoes every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. throughout the winter months.

The Glamorous Pair

Need an excuse to wear your fanciest outfits and feel like celebrities? Suit up and have dinner at The New Hotel Mertens. This eatery specializes in French classic dishes and traditional cocktails replicated from the original New Hotel Mertens drink menu circa 1940s. Located at the original site of the hotel that first opened its doors in 1914, this is one dining experience that will transport you to another time and place.

After dinner, grab seats for a night out at the Grand Rapids Symphony, enjoy a play at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or take in performance at the Grand Rapids Ballet.