A Texas-based travel publication highlights Grand Rapids' remarkable transformation from dying downtown to urban chic. That transformation paved the way for world-class hotels that woo travelers to the nightlife and art venues unique to West Michigan.
According to excerpts from the story:
Grand Rapids, Michigan may not be the first place that comes to mind for an adventurous vacation or a spot for an exciting culinary weekend, but it is! Surprisingly, the City of Grand Rapids and southeastern Michigan is vibrant, exciting and diverse.
After an international exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876, Grand Rapids became recognized worldwide as a leader in the production of fine furniture and today is considered a world leader in the production of office furniture. Grand Rapids led the nation in 1945 when it became the first city in the United States to add fluoride to its drinking water. Grand Rapids lays claims to the first scheduled air service, and the first publicly-funded art installation.
There is no question that Michigan's economy today is suffering, due largely to the loss of market share among the Big 3 U.S. automotive companies and the ripple effects of that downturn. But the leaders of Grand Rapids have taken a proactive role in creating a diverse and vibrant economy.
Read the complete story here.
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