by DANIELLE DEVOTA

Being the second-largest city in Michigan, it’s no wonder Grand Rapids has a lot to offer visitors. But the thing I love most about Grand Rapids is that there’s always something new to see or do.

That’s why I decided to round out the year with a visit to Grand Rapids in December, during the holiday season. It’s the perfect opportunity to do some gift shopping at the local boutiques and specialty shops, including Courage & Soar, a shop that features the works of local artists and crafters. Grand Rapids has so much to offer to get into the holiday spirit.

A new holiday tradition I had to take part in was the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt. This market is only a few years old but has the feel of having been around for a long time. It’s located in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market food hall and features more than 60 outdoor vendors, lots of great food, and plenty of family fun to boot. The market is set up to be like a traditional European market, complete with a beer garden featuring a commemorative beer stein and its own special beer made just for the market by a local brewery.

After savoring my sample of the holiday market featured beer, I was inspired to go on to explore the Beer City Ale Trail. Grand Rapids has been considered Beer City USA since earning the title more than 10 years ago—and rightly so! I made sure to stop at some of the more well-known breweries, including Founders Brewing Co. and Perrin Brewing Co. Since many of these breweries also boast excellent menus, good food wasn’t hard to come by either. Founders, in particular, just revamped its menu last year. The Founders KBS burger with bacon jam was epic. Later in my trail tour, I tried some yuca fries from City Built Brewing Co., which features Puerto Rican pub fare. My only regret was not having more time or more room in my stomach to try all the amazing food the stop offered.

That night, I rounded out my visit with another must-see while in Grand Rapids: the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. I snagged a ticket to “Enlighten,” a special seasonal experience, which only takes place from the end of November through the beginning of January. The gardens are transformed into an illuminated experience, choreographed to music with interactive elements. Visitors are encouraged to dress up to glow as well, and be a part of the living art experience!

PHOTOS BRYAN ESLER