An Afternoon in Grand Rapids
Today I was fortunate enough to have a “work afternoon” with Kelly from the Lily Pad Cottage. Have you visited her blog? If not, you should go right now. Not only is her design and taste impeccable, but she is also seriously such a nice person. She is gracious and generous (much like that famous designer on HGTV from Texas) and has been helping me/fielding all of my annoying questions since the idea popped into my head that I wanted start a blog. Oh, and did I mention she is super fun? I had such a great time shopping and eating (and talking) our way around Grand Rapids today. If you are in town for a few hours or just passing through or looking for a little break from all of the holiday gatherings, here are some stops to put on your list.
We met at Reinspired Treasures in Alger Heights. Again, if you haven’t been, it’s worth checking out. From vintage to new home items to repurposed, well, treasures, they seem to have a little bit of everything. I have to do at least 10 laps before I feel like I have seen everything there is to see. This is the store that feeds my wooden sign addiction.
After shopping for a bit, we headed across the street to The Old Goat. I had been hearing about this restaurant for awhile and was excited to check it out. The food was delicious and was brought out on a cute wooden cutting board. There are soups, sandwiches, salads, and even entrees if you are particularly hungry from your shopping. And I sort of feel like I could have stared at the ceiling for a few more minutes if I hadn’t been too busy chatting.
We then headed to Eastown for a quick coffee and to pick up some donuts for the kids’ after school snacks. We met at That Early Bird, another great setting, very calming colors and not too quiet, not too loud. I love the pretty designs in the coffee, but, believe me, even if this coffee was super ugly, it still is one of the best cups I’ve had.
D’Arts Donut Shop was the last stop of the afternoon to pick up a couple 1/2 dozens to take to our respective homes. Again, the setting is unique and trendy, and the donuts will not disappoint. I went with the Christmas sprinkles, Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows, and Peppermint Mocha. And have no pictures to show for them. Because they went that fast.
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20 Comments
Rose Zainea-Wieten
All places we have been and love!
Mackinaw Road
Love it, Rose! You always know all of the good restaurants and shops!
Terri Steffes
It’s so fun to meet up with real bloggers. So glad you had that opportunity!
Mackinaw Road
I completely agree!
Mommy Scene
This looks like a fun afternoon! Your coffee is beautiful and I’m sure was delicious!
Mackinaw Road
It was so much fun and the coffee was superb!
Kimberly K Croisant
Sounds like a really fun day you had. I love vintage decor and have a dedicated room with it all in there!!!! More the merrier for sure!
Mackinaw Road
I do too! Great idea to have a room dedicated too it. I really have to pace myself 🙂
Denise B
Loved reading this post!
Mackinaw Road
Thank you!
Alicia Owen
Sounds like a relaxing and pleasant afternoon!
Mackinaw Road
It really was!
Sarh S
I right on the other side of Lake Michigan, I may have to do a fun little road trip over! The donut shop looks fun!
Mackinaw Road
You should! There is a ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon that I’ve been wanting to try, too 🙂
Jeannee Taylor
Sounds like a fabulous time in a fabulous city! So Jealous! I’ll have to visit there myself sometime!
Mackinaw Road
I love GR! Small town feel with big city amenities 🙂
Rebecca M
Yummmmm! I want to experience that beautiful lunch on that wooden plate! Sounds like you had a fantastic afternoon together! Michigan is a beautiful state and we’re lucky to live here!
Mackinaw Road
Hi Rebecca! Yes, I completely agree- we are so, so fortunate! (I just have to remind myself of that on these blustery days 😉
Stacey
There is so much to see and do in GR! I’ve heard of the Old Goat too and now have it on my list of places to try out, thank you!!
Mackinaw Road
It is so delicious! We should do a lunch there 🙂