The month of romance is officially upon us. Whether date night is a regular occurrence or once in a while occasion, these fourteen date night ideas are focused on Grand Rapids. 

1. explore the museums

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If you enjoy history and art- Grand Rapids has a variety of museums to fit every interest. Museums closest to our hotel include Grand Rapids Public Museum and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. Located in the heart of Grand Rapids are the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) and Grand Rapids Art Museum. Other options on the outskirts of downtown Grand Rapids include Blandford Nature Center and Frederik Meijer Gardens.

2. try a food crawl

Grand Rapids has a plethora of restaurants, breweries, bakeries and more. Rather than buying a complete meal at one location, why not try four in one night? Complete a 'food crawl' by enjoying a drink, appetizer, entree and dessert in four different locations. For a full list of restaurants in Grand Rapids, visit Experience Grand Rapids - 'Restaurants'.

3. get a caffeine buzz

Looking to make your date night continue past dinner? Head over to one of Grand Rapids' unique coffee shops - many of which are open late into the night. A few Grand Rapids favorites include Mayan Buzz Cafe, Kava Kasa, the bitter end coffeehouse and Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge. If you are looking for both wine and coffee, try the Squibb Coffee and Wine Bar.

4. brave the outdoors

Get outside and experience the chill of Michigan winter through skiing, ice skating and exploring state parks. Rent a pair skis, a snowboard or a large tube to race down the hills at Cannonsburg Ski Area. If you like ice skating - Grand Rapids has two outdoor rinks located on Monroe and Rosa Parks Circle. Witness ice caps and frozen beaches after a short drive to Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, Holland or Muskegon. 

5. enjoy all the beer

Grand Rapids is known as Beer City USA for a good reason - we like beer and events centered around beer. We even created a Brewsader passport for trying various beers around the city. From February 15th to March 15th, Experience Grand Rapids established a month revolving around beer. Enjoy your favorites at local breweries including Founders Brewing Company, Perrin Brewing Company, Elk Brewing, Atwater Brewery and Brewery Vivant.

6. laugh some more

Sit back and be prepared to laugh the night away in one of the cities comedy clubs and theaters. Featuring new comedians each week Dr. Grin's Comedy Club, located at the B.O.B assures no night will be the same. A non profit theatre - Dog Story Theater hosts a variety of acts including stand up comedy, poetry, dance, film and music. Located in East town, Wealthy Street Theatre offers foreign films, community media shows and comedy. Laughs are guaranteed!

7. cheer on your favorite teams

Take your pick of indoor sports entertainment and cheer on your favorite team. The Grand Rapids Drive plays basketball at the DeltaPlex Arena with multiple games weekly. If hockey is your sport of choice, head over to Van Andel Arena to cheer on the Grand Rapids Griffins - Grand Rapids seed team for the Detroit Red Wings.

8. learn to cook together

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Learn to cook something new together. Collaboration kitchens including the Downtown Market, Sur La Table and Local Epicurean provide classes to boost your chef skills. The best part is - you can take home the recipe afterwards. Bon Appétit!

9. create a 'tangible' memory

Allow your creativity to grow, with the help of some wine. Take your shot at completing a step-by-step canvas together at locations like Painting with a Twist, Creativity Uncorked - held at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Brush Studio and Wine & Canvas. Another option is to create your own custom blend candles at Wax Poetic - with over 100 fragrances to choose from for your favorite combination. 

10. Sing along at concerts

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If you enjoy listening to music and seeing your favorite bands, our recent blog recaps the concert venues located in Grand Rapids. Upcoming artists touring in Grand Rapids includes Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Dirks Bentley, Justin Timberlake and KISS.  

11. shop until you drop

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Grand Rapids is full of various shopping centers and small businesses. This blog by Experience Grand Rapids showcases the boutique stores located in each suburb of the city. If you feel like driving less than fifteen minutes to the mall check out Woodland Mall and the Tanger Outlet.  

12. test your fitness

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Grand Rapids has a variety of fitness classes, races and activities for couples to enjoy together. Get your sweat on with a free class pass at Orange Theory Fitness, F45 and various hot yoga studios around town. If you enjoy running, there are multiple races in Grand Rapids over the winter - including a marathon on Groundhog Day. 

13. Watch a performing arts show

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Whether you like musicals, ballets, symphonies or general performances, Grand Rapids offers various locations to view performing arts. Local performance halls include the DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Symphony and the Grand Rapids Ballet. 

14. be a tourist in your own city

Try a stay-cation in your own city. Stay at our hotel with the romance package and receive chocolate covered strawberries, chilled champagne, $30 credit towards a meal at Pearl Street Grill and a complimentary 2pm check out. Explore Grand Rapids through walking and running tours, historic cemetery tours or a carriage ride.  

We hope you enjoy your time together. If you take one of these date nights for your own or have other suggestions, let us know.

-The Holiday Inn Team