Bev Boerman...
...Doesn't Sell Swampland
John Ball Park Zoo: located at 1300 West Fulton. Everyone in the family will enjoy viewing not only the wide variety of animals and beautiful exhibits but also the breath taking rose gardens and goldfish pond that accompanies the zoo. John Ball servers the community with pride as it also offers Zoo Summer School for kids and Zoo Days which once a week during the summer brings Safety officers, fun craft/educational ideas, musical learning and entertainment to the Zoo's outdoor arena for everyone to enjoy. Call (616) 336-4300 for more information on admission prices/discounts and hours. John Ball Zoo.Blandford Nature Center: located at 1715 Hillburn NW. Is a very popular attraction that offers nature lovers and history buffs a well-deserved treat. Blandford surprises its visitors with: several long, picturesque trails lined with Michigan's finest trees, an educational Nature Center, and several Historic buildings dating back to the mid-1800's such as the Blacksmith shop and Schoolhouse that are opened for public view during their Fall Harvest Festival. Blandford takes you away from the busy city and back in time for a truly relaxing visit. Call (616) 453-6192 for times open and special events happening at the Blandford Nature Center. www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/wildlife/viewingguide/slp/82Blandford/index.htm
Community Circle Theatre: Located at 1607 Robinson Road SE at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center. From May through September, they perform five main stage and several children's shows throughout the year. Call (616) 456-6656 for show times and ticket prices. http://www.circletheatre.org
Coopersville & Marne Railway Co: This old-fashioned passenger train takes you on a relaxing journey or maybe an encounter with some wild cowboys! From spring to fall there are a variety of different theme trips to take. There is also Group Charters available. Call (616) 837-7000 for admission prices and departure times. http://www.coopersvilleandmarne.org/index.html
Grand Rapids Fish Ladder: Located at the Sixth Street Bridge. In the fall on the Grand River you will see a spectacular display of nature, as the salmon fight to return upstream for the spawning season. Children of all ages will get a kick out of these flying fish! The most active months are mid-September to mid-October.http://www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/wildlife/viewingguide/slp/83Grnd/index.htm
Le Montueux Vineyard & Winery: located just North of Grand Rapids at 2365 8 Mile Rd. This beautiful countryside escape would be the perfect spot to visit during the months of May through December. They offer complimentary wine tasting and a variety of wine making supplies. Call (616) 784-4554 for details.
AJ's Family Fun Park: Located adjacent to the Fifth Third Park. This family fun park features race cars, miniature golf, batting cages and an arcade. Kids love to visit anytime and its easy access on/off the local Highways. Prices vary call (616) 785-0077 for more information. http://www.ajsfamilyfun.com
Star Theater: Located at 3000 Alpine NW, Walker. 616-785-9200. www.amctheatres.com
Fifth/Third Park: located at 4500 Westriver Dr. is the home of the 1998 Class A division champions - West Michigan White Caps! The White Caps are a favorite of the locals. You'll find lots of good old-fashioned fun and a few new surprises to the game of baseball. The park is also used for other outside special events, including a fantastic outdoor light display at Christmas time. For ticket information and a game schedule call (616) 784-4131.http://www.mwlguide.com/cities/grandrapids/park.html
Fredrick Meijer Gardens: located at 3411 Bradford. This 70-acre exquisite site offers a spectacular view of more than 300 exotic plants from five different continents and a 14-foot waterfall all housed inside the beautiful 15,000 sq.ft. glass Lena Meijer Conservatory. The sights and sounds of their outdoor gardens will also captivate everyone as it offers a beautiful perennial garden, a nature trail featuring native trees and over 70 different bronze sculptures by world-renowned artists. In addition to having special seasonal events (Christmas Trees from Around the World every Nov & Dec; Butterfly Exhibits every April; and many other events), the Gardens offer horticultural, environmental and artistic classes for both adults and children. Call (616) 957-1580 for admissions prices, special events and/or class information. www.meijergardens.orgRobinette's Apple Haus & Gift Barn: located at 3142 Four Mile Rd. This family owned and operated apple farm offers a real treat if you want to not only taste their deliciously sweet cider and but also see how it's made! Along with your cider enjoy some of the best donuts in town! The Apple Haus donuts are in high demand and you can enjoy them in their own lunchroom. After a bite to eat, you can tour the farm by Horse-drawn Hayride or visit their 1800's gift barn featuring fine collectibles and dried floral gifts. For hour information for the Apple Haus call (616) 361-5567 or for the Gift Barn call (616) 361-7180.www.robinettes.com
IMAX Theatre at Celebration! Village: Knapp St. and East Beltline 616-530-7469. The IMAX large format film presentations the most intense cinematic experience in West Michigan. 6 Story High Screen. State of the Art Sound. 3-D capablilty. Cutting Edge Realism. www.celebrationcinema.com/
Celebration! Cinema: Knapp St. & East Beltline 616-530-7469. Seventeen-screen theatre featuring state-of-the-art projection and digital sound. The ultimate in stadium theatre seating. Anchor of Celebration! Village retail/restaurant complex. Admission charged.www.celebrationcinema.com/ Also located at Kalamazoo & M-6 on the Southeast side of town.
The Grand Rapids Art Museum: located at 155 North Division. Offers over 6,000 works of art in the form of paintings, photographs, drawings, sculpture and decorative arts from artist's such as Rembrandt, Picasso and many more! They also have special exhibits featuring local, national and internationally know artists. Call (616) 831-1000 for admission prices and hours opened.www.gramonline.orgGrand Rapids Symphony: located at 169 Louis Campau Promenade, Suite 1. Presents classical, casual classics, pops, family series, coffee classics and lollipops concerts(for children) during its regular season Sept. thru May. In the summer the orchestra presents outdoor concerts called Picnic Pops at Cannonsburg Ski Area. Call 616-454-9451 www.grsymphony.org
Opera Grand Rapids: located 161 Ottawa NW Ave. Suite 20. Opera Grand Rapids presents four full productions per season from October through May, at DeVos Hall. Be entertained by the finest young national talent in principal roles and outstanding local artists as supporting cast. Call 616-451-2741www.operagr.com
Broadway Theatre Guild: located at 50 Monroe Ave. NW. The Guild presents Broadway touring productions at DeVos Hall. Admission varies with each show with prices from $25-$65. Call 616-235-6285. www.broadwaytheatreguild.org
Wealthy Theatre: located 1130 Wealthy St. SE. The Wealthy Theatre is a multi-cultural arts and education center inspiring respect and creativity among its neighbors and broader community. Call 616-451-8001www.grcmc.org/theatre/
Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at Van Andel Museum Center: 272 Pearl St. NW, (616)456-3663. Spectacular educational sky shows for all ages. Laser light shows set to popular music. State-of-the-art Digistar theater. Shows change several times a year. Admission charged. www.grmuseum.org
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA): located at 41 Sheldon Blvd. A multi-disciplinary contemporary arts center with thought-provoking programming in the visual arts, performance art, music, dance, film and literature. Artist's services are provided. Gallery admission free. UICA offers a variety of or regular exhibits and events, with film shows, art exhibits, musical and theatrical performances as well as readings and lectures. Call (616) 454-7000 for more information. www.uica.org
The Grand Rapids Ballet: This professional ballet company performs in the DeVos Hall and offers classical ballet with the accompaniment of a symphony orchestra. Recent performances include: The Nutcracker, and Cinderella. Call (616) 454-4771 for more information.www.grballet.org" 
The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre: located on 30 N.Division Ave. This is the second largest community theater in the US and it offers six main stage and two children's productions from September through June. It's a treat for the whole family to enjoy watching in the historic downtown theatre. Call (616) 222-4000 for ticket information. www.grct.org
Heritage Hill Historic District: located five blocks east of downtown this Nationally recognized historic district includes more than 60 different architectural styles, including that of Frank Lloyd Wright. Call the Heritage Hill Association at (616) 459-8950 for information regarding self-guided tours and the annual Tour of Homes. Heritage Hill Site
La Grande Vitesse: Calder Plaza, Ottawa Ave, between Michigan and Lyon NW. La Grande Vitesse means the"great swiftness" or the "grand rapids." Internationally known sculptor, Alexander Calder, designed this piece specifically for this site. It was installed in 1969. It is one of the most familiar landmarks known to the locals as "The Calder".
Meyer May House: located at 450 Madison Ave. SE. One of the most complete restorations of Frank Lloyd Wright in existence today. It was built in 1908 and can be found nestled in the beautiful Heritage Hill District. Steelcase Inc. has restored this prairie-style home for all to view. Call (616) 246-4821 for more information.
Van Andel Arena: located at 130 W. Fulton Street. Is home to the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team, the Grand Rapids Hoops basketball team and the Rampage Arena football team. The Arena hosts several Musical Artist, Feature Ice Shows, Gymnastic shows and Truck Shows. The Arena has seating for up to 12,000. Call (616) 742-6600 for ticket information and show times. http://www.vanandelarena.com/
Van Andel Museum Center a Public Museum of Grand Rapids: located at 272 Pearl NW. Offers a spectacular peek into our "Furniture City" of the past along with a host of other marveling Michigan artifacts and wildlife habitats. The pearl of the museum lies within the magical 1928 Carousel that makes the young and young at heart take an exhilarating trip back in time. This 3-story Museum also features the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium where imaginations soar in their Digistar theatre during their sky shows and laser light presentations. To find out more about our City's Museum and/or the Planetarium call (616) 456-3977 for information regarding admission prices/discounts, featured exhibits and hours opened. www.grmuseum.org
Rosa Parks Circle, located on Market St. at Monroe Ave., created by internationally known artist, Maya Lin. Water is featured in the frozen, liquid and vapor states. Concerts are held on summer evenings and in the winter iceskates are provided free of charge for community skating (November - March).http://www.grcity.com/index.pl?page_id=465 
Voigt House Victorian Museum: located at 115 College Ave, SE. This elegant mansion was built in 1895 and is located in the center of the Heritage Hill District. This beautiful Victorian house belonged to Carl G.A. Voigt family and still contains their private furnishings and personal possessions. It is currently owned by the Public Museum of Grand Rapids. For more information regarding group tours, weddings, and other special events call (616) 456-4600. www.artcom.com/Museums/vs/sz/49503-44.htm
Gerald R. Ford Museum: located at 303 Pearl NW. Is in honor of our own hometown Hero and country's 38th President. This museum offers a variety of exhibits from President Ford's life, to the 70's culture and to the Watergate Scandal that surrounded him during his administration. Many Bicentennial and Oval office items are also a treat to view. The Museum hosts a variety of educational speakers and artistic displays throughout the year. Call (616) 451-9263 for the latest itinerary, admission prices/discounts and hours.www.ford.utexas 
The Grand Rapids Children Museum: located at 11 Sheldon Ave. Come explore the Museum that offers a "hands on experience". Their interactive exhibits encourage kids to explore and create on their own. Children can do anything from designing a bridge, learning about light and shapes from bubbles to making a meal in their life size kitchen. Call (616) 235-4726 for information on hours and admission prices. www.grcm.org
Rivertown Crossings Mall: 3700 Rivertown Parkway SW, Grandville.."Nothing Like the Malls You Use to Know." 1.4 Million Square feet of fun. 120 stores, Food Court, Restaurants, and 20 screen theater. Anchor stores are Younkers, Sears, Marshall Fields, JC Penneys, Kohls and Gaylans. www.rivertowncrossings.comStudio 28, 1350 28th Street, Wyoming. 20 screen theater. Featuring stadium seating and state of the art projection and digital sound. Virtual-reality ride, retail store, and video arcade. 616-530-show (7416). www.bigscreenmovies.com
Craig's Cruisers, 5730 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, (616)530-2900. Ride the go-karts, bumper boats and kiddie rides. Play on two miniature golf courses and enjoy the large arcade. Drive indoor electric go-karts! Great for birthdays and groups. www.craigscruisers.com
Grand Lady River Boat: located at 4243 Indian Mounds Dr.SW. This 150-passenger sternwheeler provides a beautiful and narrated cruise. You'll learn about all the river landings and town sites of the 1800's. They offer dinner cruises, charters and special events. Call (6160 457-4837 for cruise times and ticket prices. www.river-boat.com
Amway Corporation: 7575 E. Fulton St. Ada. A redesigned Visitor Center recreates the history of one of the world's largest direct selling companies and explains the business it pioneered. Audio-visual presentations and interactive displays help bring the Amway story to life. Admission free. Alticor is the parent company for Amway Corporation, Quixtar, Access Business Group, and Pyxis Innovations.616-787-6701. www.alticor.com
Veen Observatory: 33008 Kissing Rock Rd., Lowell, (616)897-7065. Outdoor night observatory with powerful telescopes for viewing the moon, stars and planets. www.graaa.org
Top Hat Carriage: Office 8988 3 Mile Road NE, Ada 616-682-0096. West Michigan's largest, most professional horse and carriage service. Open all seasons for private and corporate events. Downtown guided or romantic tours offered Friday and Saturday evenings. Gift certificates available. www.michigan.org/travel/detail.asp
Fallsburg Historic Village: 13944 Covered Bridge Road, Lowell, MI 49331. "Preserving the pioneering spirit of Fallsburg" Placed on National Register of Historic Places in 1999. FHS Activities include covered bridge bike tour, fall Festival, Christmas in the Village, Quarterly Newsletter, Quarterly Member Programs,and Operation of the Museum. Open Sundays 2PM - 4PM, May 27 - October 21, Admission: Adults $1.00 Children 5 - 12 years old 25 cents. School classes and other groups are welcome at any time of year, during daylight hours, by appointment, for a modest fee. 616-897-7161. E-Mail:Fallasburg@aol.com
Ada Covered Bridge Old covered bridge located in Ada, Michigan on Thornapple River drive. Bridge is replicate of original which burned down. 
West Michigan Whitecaps: (Baseball) 4500 West River Dr. NE, Comstock Park (616)784-4131. Class "A" affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The Whitecaps play April through September at Fifth Third Ballpark. For ticket information, call (616)784-4131.www.whitecaps-baseball.com
Grand Rapids Griffins:(Hockey) 130 W. Fulton St. (616)774-4585. This IHL team offers the coolest game in town. The Griffins, the primary affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, play in the beautiful Van Andel Arena. Call (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737 for ticket information.http://griffinshockey.com/
Grand Rapids Rampage: (Football) 130 W. Fulton St. (616)559-1871. The ArenaBowl XV World Champions play at Van Andel Arena with action packed football May through August. Call (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737 for individual tickets or (616) 559-1871 for group tickets. www.rampagefootball.com
