Travel Special: Downtown Grand Rapids Comes Alive

By Kiel Christianson, Senior Writer

Grand Rapids, MI - Over the last few years, Grand Rapids has quietly developed into a serious golf center. No fewer than seven top-notch courses now dot the countryside within twenty minutes of downtown Grand Rapids.

Why, between Boulder Creek GC (616-363-1330), Grand Rapids GC (616-949-2820), The Meadows GC (616-895-1000), Pilgrim's Run GC (888-533-7742), Quail Ridge GC (616-676-2000), The GC at Thornapple Pointe (616-554-4747), and Thousand Oaks GC (616-447-7750), a foursome could plan a golf vacation here and save the long drive (and pots of cash) associated with a similar vacation "up North."

The best part about golf in Grand Rapids, aside from the quality of the golf of course, is the fact that you don't need to schlep your stuff a thousand miles into the middle of nowhere. In fact, those golfers coming from urban playgrounds like Chicago or Detroit might enjoy some form of entertainment in the evenings other than swatting mosquitoes.

Downtown Grand Rapids is experiencing a renaissance in its downtown river district, providing residents and visitors alike with a wide choice of entertainment and food (and no bugs).

At the epicenter of the renovated Grand Rapids entertainment district is The B.O.B. (pronounced "The Bob"), which stands for Big Old Building.

Something for everyone can be found on the B.O.B.'s five floors: Stogie's (cigar bar), Sharky's (billiards and games), Bobarino's (Italian and Mediterranean specialties), Sweet Wallace's (barbeque), Gill's Fish House (um, seafood, duh!), Judson's Steak House (guess), Dr. Grins Comedy Club, and Bob's House of Brews.

Whew! After just one walk around The B.O.B., you'll need a rest stop for libation at the namesake brewpub. The B.O.B. beers are brewed on-site and represent a respectable cross section of varieties. Here's my take on each of their current offerings:

B.O.B. Lite: If all lite beer were this rich, the world would be a far better (and slimmer) place. Vanderbob's Wheat: Not as wheaty as one might expect, but a nice change of pace. B.O.B.'s Saaz Pilz: Nice and happy, but a little heavy for a pilsner.

Festive Amber: Excellent balance of hops and malt with a crisp finish. My favorite. Smoky Scotch Ale: Begins almost sweet and finishes malty (6.9% alc., too!). Broom Master Porter: Definitely medium-bodied. Won't grow hair on your chest like some porters, but nice and smooth.

God, I love doing research! Hiccup.

Aside from The B.O.B., You'll find several unique eateries and nightspots within close proximity, including Opus 894 (Japanese, 458-6787), Bistro Bella Vita (Mediterranean and martinis, 222-4600), J. Gardella's (pub fare and scotch, 459-8824), One Trick Pony (eclectic fare, 235-7669), and, according to the buzz on the street (or in my head after all that beer, I can't really tell which at this point) the best of the best, San Chez Bistro (774-TAPA).

San Chez is a tapas bistro, which means you order big plates of Spanish appetizers, sides, and lighter dishes and share them (full entrees available as well). Vivan las tapas!

So you've got excellent golf during the day, booze, food and fun at night. But where do you sleep (assuming you want to, that is)? At the top of the list is the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (800-253-3590, $109/single).

But if you don't want to blow your retirement fund on your golf outing (or if you simply can't stand everyone at the Amway trying to get you to sign up to sell their crappy personal hygiene products), try the Days Inn Downtown (616-235-7611, $69/single). Other alternatives also exist, all within a short walk from the nightlife, including sports and concerts at the Van Andel Arena.

To find out more about downtown Grand Rapids, check out www.theriverdistrict.com and www.thebob.com. Serious golf, serious fun, serious beer, serious buzz. What more could you ask for?

March 9, 2000