Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Grand Rapids

Arrive today in Grand Rapids, MI for a three-night stay. Dinner is on your own this evening.

Day 2 – Heritage Hill Tour – Meyer May House – Grand Rapids Downtown Market – Grand Rapids Art Museum – Paint & Wine Party

This morning you meet your local guide for a tour of the Heritage Hill area of Grand Rapids.  This nationally recognized historic district features 1,300 homes built from the 1840s to the 1920s, reflecting more than 60 architectural styles. Many of the most elaborate structures were commissioned by lumber barons who prospered from 1860-1910, when Michigan was the nation’s leading lumber-producing state.

Also included this morning is a tour of the Meyer May House designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The house was built in 1908-09 and is considered one of the finest examples of Wright’s Prairie School era.  The Meyer May House has been meticulously restored and maintained by Steelcase, an international office furniture company based in Grand Rapids.

Next, enjoy a break for lunch on own and some shopping at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. There are over twenty diverse restaurants and artisan food vendors under one spacious roof. After your meal, you can shop the Market for food staples and gifts, and visit the rooftop greenhouse.

The afternoon features a visit to the Grand Rapids Art Museum, which is fronted by one of the city’s most significant public artworks – Ecliptic by Maya Lin, famed for her design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. The Museum is home to a permanent collection of more than 6,000 works of art dating from pre-history to the 20^th century. It also hosts rotating shows ranging from the nation’s finest touring exhibitions to showcases for significant Michigan artists. The Museum building itself is a work of art, named one of the world’s six best new buildings of 2007 by Newsweek magazine.

Dinner is included this evening at Leo’s, voted the best seafood restaurant in Grand Rapids. This downtown eatery sources fresh-quality ingredients to craft exquisite seafood dishes, classic non-seafood cuisine and decadent desserts.

Following dinner, indulge your inner Picasso with a paint-and-wine class at downtown’s Brush Studio. The Studio Bar offers a variety of beverages – including wine, beer, soda and bottled water – to help fuel creativity. (B,D)

Day 3 – St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden – Frederik Meijer Gardens w/lunch – Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery – Riverboat Cruise – The Local Epicurean Dinner & Cooking Class

Start the day with a visit to the St. Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden. Picturesque wooded trails, lined with hand-carved benches, pass along beautifully crafted bronze sculptures inspired by the life of the much-loved saint. It’s a quiet, meditative start to the day.

Next stop is Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a 158-acre oasis in the city featuring breathtaking botanic gardens and more than 200 works of art by world-renowned sculptors. A tram takes visitors on nature trails through meadows and woods as guides provide information on sited sculptures – such as the magnificent 24-foot-tall American Horse inspired by the work of Leonardo da Vinci. Interior spaces include Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, arid and Victorian gardens, art galleries and a gift shop.

Also included here today is lunch James & Shirley Balk Café located at the Gardens. The globally inspired menu emphasizes local products and changes with the seasons to offer always-fresh, always-delectable sandwiches, salads and small bites. The beverage list includes a selection of Michigan craft beers.

Then visit nearby Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery. This family-owned and operated fruit farm offers a market, cider mill, winery and bakery with delicious homemade baked goods. Its century-old gift barn is stocked with fine collectibles as well.  While here, enjoy a tour and tasting at the Winery. Robinette’s has more than 20 Michigan-made wines and ciders available to sample.

The afternoon features a sightseeing cruise on the Grand Lady Riverboat. This two-tier boat is constructed in the style of the paddlewheel steamboats that served communities along the Grand River during the 1800s. Your narrated cruise will point out historic landings and town sites, and bar service is available.

End the day with dinner and a cooking class at The Local Epicurean.  Learn to make Pasta in the ancient Roman style then enjoy a fantastic three-course meal. (Cooking Class can accommodate up to 48 people) (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Depart for Home

After breakfast, depart for home. (B)

Tour Map