Insider Profile: Heather DeWitt

After getting a taste of the contemporary, urban atmosphere in Grand Rapids, Heather Dewitt chose to stay after graduating in 2010 from nearby Grand Valley State University. First experiencing the city as a college student living in the Heritage Hill area her senior year, Dewitt relocated to downtown. Knowing there was more to experience in the city, the creativity and community offered by Grand Rapids ultimately lured her to the Center City district.

Dewitt currently works at Wondergem Consulting, a public relations firm in downtown Grand Rapids, near the Van Andel Arena. "I went into PR because I really like the prospect of communication but I wanted to do something more specific. It's a good fit for my personality," says Dewitt.

When she's off the clock, Dewitt readily takes advantage of the variety of restaurants, events and, most importantly, happy hour specials offered by the quirky establishments in her city. Rosa Parks Circle, an area near the art museum in Grand Rapids (the GRAM) offers plenty of free events for GR residents. "Tuesdays they have swing dancing, every Wednesday there's a different blues band and on Fridays they have GRAM on the Green, a summer music series," she says.

To start a day in Grand Rapids right, Dewitt says she enjoys the breakfast at Cherie Inn, located in Eastown. Dewitt indulges in the Eggs Benedict and likes that "the atmosphere is cute, warm and inviting and they have unique twists in traditional breakfast items."

The "awesome lunch specials" are one of Dewitt's favorite perks of living and working downtown. One particularly tech-savvy option, San Chez Bistro, a tapas eatery, offers a Foursquare Special that allows patrons a free tapas if they "check-in," as well as Tweet-Ahead seating. "I like that they bring the social media aspect into it," Dewitt says.

 Later in the day, Dewitt recommends checking out The Hopcat, a craft brewery with "a huge beer selection and the best fries ever, Crack Fries; it's something they put in the seasoning," she suspects. Stella's Lounge, another nearby watering hole, "has a great burger and on Thursdays, they''e only three bucks!"

However, during the summer months, Dewitt is all about patio seating, indulging in her favorite pastime -- people-watching. "Rockwell's/Republic has a really nice patio as well as specials on signature martinis, sangria and sushi" she says. Woods Lounge is another noteworthy al fresco hotspot with "an outdoor fireplace and a drink called a 'Woods-tini,' a martini with delicious infused berries," says Dewitt.

Dewitt loves the potential and hope that is in Grand Rapids and is excited to stick around the city and continue to watch it grow and expand. Specifically, she hopes to see progress made to GR's public transit system, which Dewitt says is already embarking on a master plan to develop over the next few years.