In 2019, Jess’ younger brother Andre was drafted in the third round by the Detroit Tigers. We liked Michigan before, we loved Michigan after!
Andre started his major league career with the West Michigan Whitecaps and we were happy that it’s an easy driving distance from Cincinnati. Even if you aren’t a big baseball fan the Whitecaps games are so much fun! There’s great food, music, games and really just a party atmosphere. You can tell the players are really enjoying the game and it’s a fun, friendly atmosphere for kids too. They can run the bases at the end of the game and feel like they may be future major leaguers some day.
We love to visit Grand Rapids Downtown Market every time we visit. It is an amazing mix of foods, drinks and fun events. On one visit we got to take pictures in a big banana car and make some slime! We’ve loved breakfast and lunch there, taking the opportunity to visit Fish Lads for some yummy fresh seafood and perfect outdoor dining. I highly recommend the spinach quiche from Field and Fire Bakery and coffee from Squibb Coffee Bar. Yum! Their upper floor features a beautiful area for their on-going lecture series and they host some gorgeous wedding events there as well.
One of the most fun dinners we had as a family is Max’s South Seas Hideaway. It’s a tiki bar! Wood paneled walls, giant fish tanks, tiki drinks and pu pu platters. We were all in Heaven. The dining is definitely shareable and the theme takes you to the South Pacific. I can’t stress enough the importance of ordering the chocolate fondue dessert. We all fought over the mousse portion. So good.
Grand Rapids is a walkable city with its downtown offering fun and kitschy shops to stroll around. The last time we were there we visited a crystal shop and picked up some gems that caught our eye. When we left the shop, Andre got the call that he was headed up to AA, the Lake Erie (PA) Seawolves. It was so exciting!
So next post we shall dive into the wilds of Erie. Arrrr, mates. Until next time!
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