I don’t give my hometown(s) enough credit. West Michigan is a a place of contrasts. Beer, art, hipsters. Churches, dunes, and agriculture. Autumn here is particularly special. There is an immediacy and bittersweetness to the crisp, cool, sunshiny days. We Michiganders know that, Autumn is for the NOW. You must enjoy the present, because tomorrow may bring ice and snow. (And, that ice and snow will last for months.)

In Grand Rapids, we just wrapped up ArtPrize, our annual celebration of the creative/weird/awe-inspiring.

I think Jerry (President Ford, to you non-Grand Rapidians) would be proud of the scene.

Bambino checked it out with his Chicago posse.

This past Sunday, the sun and waves beckoned. I used to live in Grand Haven, and this beach town played an iconic part in every GR kids’ teen years. Il Cane needed a good walk, and we all happily obliged.

The trees are ablaze with color. Our markets are filled with local apples and end-of-season goodness. Our streets and parks are art galleries. There’s tailgating, corn mazes, and really good local brews. You can’t beat Michigan’s West Coast this time of year.

Bambino Recommends:

GR–

Donkey— Modern tacos. Artisanal margaritas. No high chairs, but an awesome patio.

Brewery Vivant— Belgian-style beer in an old chapel = Trappist chic. Good food too.

Founders— Apparently, beer nerds consider this GR’s beer mecca. We like their music scene, delicious sandwiches, and great patio too.

Downtown Market— My favorite place to grocery shop, other than the farmers’ markets.

Meijer Gardens— Cool for all ages. Gardens, sculpture park, and concert venue.

Grand Haven–

Pronto Pup— Summer = meat on a stick.

Grand Haven State Park– Long expanses of sand and surf, plus a beautiful, accessible boardwalk.