Learn more about our awesome city and the things to do here.

Here is the blog post I never wanted to write. I would like to keep this blog only to pure real estate things related to Grand Rapids and the West Michigan area, but sometimes big topics can’t be ignored, even on a platform like this. I have no intention of getting political and I don’t have answers or solutions to these problems, but they are problems happening here, big serious problems. Big city problems some people might say. 

Many people are quick to share all the good news about how great the city and metropolitan area grows and accolades it receives in the news. For example, In February 2022 a study from Rocket Homes listed Grand Rapids as the number one city to raise a family in the country after reviewing the largest 150 metropolitan…

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It's contest time! We're giving away a $100 gift card to the winner's choice of local restaurants.

It all starts with getting booed by one of the SVG crew. If find yourself having been booed simply follow the directions on the flyer. Then post a picture of you booing your neighbors on your Facebook profile...and be sure to tag us! (@stevevolkersgroup). If you're on the receiving end of an SVG boo please keep it going, but if you are unable you can still play, just post a picture of your boo treat, tag us and you'll also be entered in our random drawing!

Pretty simple, and the instructions are with your treats, so if you've been booed get started...and be sure to watch Steve Volkers & Rachael Fountain show us how they BOO!

 

Here's our…

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At Steve Volkers Group, we have a deep love for our city and community. The past few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. We were heartbroken by the riots and destruction that took place downtown a couple of weeks ago. However, we are extremely proud of the way the community came together to clean up and restore downtown.

One thing that has always remained true about our city is the love for art! Many community artists have made magnificent murals on the boarded-up windows. As a community, we will come back stronger and we are excited to be a part of that.


 

 

 

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Grand Rapidians have experienced an explosion of culinary gems over recent years. By mixing culinary cultures and creative tastes have breathed new life to the creation of many mouth-watering plates across our city. A recent Thrillist article named Grand Rapids the “Finest Place to Dine” in all of Michigan, and here are a few of our personal top picks! (in no particular order)

1. Butcher’s Union
Opened in late 2016 and standing as an instant staple to the Grand Rapids’ West Side, Butcher’s Union offers a unique blend of food and cocktails with a focus on quality meat pairings. With available curbside, in-house, and courtyard seating, Butcher’s Union will leave you with an appreciation for Grand Rapids all within a comfortable up-scaled atmosphere.…

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The past decade has witnessed the rise of the “Art Prize,” a two-week celebration that attracts artists from around the world. The annual festival is one of Grand Rapids’ proud creations and allows for the unique experience of discovering awe-inspiring exhibits across each corner of the city.

Each Fall, Art Prize attracts thousands of artists and onlookers with the certitude of incredible art displays, and City Center is the premier location for this event.

As Winter breaks and Spring is in full bloom, set your sights on LaughFest; by far Grand Rapids’ most hilarious event.

Hosted by Gilda’s Club, this ten-day event attracts national comedians, with the sole mission of spreading laughter and raising money for a great cause. With all proceeds…

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With the August grand opening of the Bridge Street Market, Grand Rapids has added an upscaled, top-notch grocery store to the West-Side of town. This facility is one of the newest developments to hit the area, and it is fully focused on building the culture and community surrounding neighborhoods.

A large draw of the Bridge Street Market is its ability to provide fresh and affordable foods to a growing population of downtown Grand Rapids. With a large number of different brands and health-conscious options, this store is ideal for the local foodie.

At first glance, you might mistake the market for Whole Foods, but to many shoppers’ surprise, the Bridge Street Market is, in fact, a Meijer brand store.

 

As soon as you enter the sliding…

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I mean who doesn’t love tacos?! Not only are tacos a way of life but also a very controversial subject around here. Because who, in Grand Rapids, has the best tacos?

Let’s start with the ever-popular choice: Donkey Taqueria on Wealthy St. Housed in a renovated gas station from the 1920s, Donkey offers authentic Mexican food with an always evolving cocktail menu, led by head bartender Justin Whitman. My go-to taco here is easily the Bruselas – crispy fried Brussel sprouts, corn, bacon, jalapeño mayo and salsa verde all wrapped in a soft corn tortilla. Nothing beats washing this taco down with one of Justin’s many cocktail features while people watching on their sunny patio.

A bit closer to downtown, and within walking distance to many other bars…

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Runners, rejoice! You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to fun and funky 5K runs in Grand Rapids this summer!

1. 5K Chocolate Party – May 24, 9:00 AM @ Millenium Park: What greater motivation to get up off the couch and set yourself sprinting through a 5K course than for the promise of chocolate?! The 5K Chocolate Party will feature a chocolate goody bag for all participants plus optional samples of everybody’s favorite sweet treat along the course. Still not enough for your sweet tooth? Enjoy a chocolate party after the race! Proceeds will benefit a local non-profit.

2. Totally Rad 80s Run 5K – June 14, 6:30 PM @ 4500 West River Dr in Comstock Park: Like, wow! The Totally Rad 80s Run 5K lets you travel back in time to the decade when fuzzy…

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Shake Up Your Easter Sunday at Any One of These Great Grand Rapids Restaurants!

Getting tired of the same old omelet stations, Belgian waffle bins and baked ham dishes prepared en masse that are the hallmarks of a traditional Easter feast? Why not try something different this year and branch out for brunch?* You won’t have to travel far, Grand Rapids has some of the best unconventional brunch options around – on Easter and throughout the entire year!

1. Gaia Cafe (EGR) – Located at 209 Diamond Ave NE, the intimate Gaia Cafe serves an all-vegetarian and vegan-friendly menuthat will have even die hard carnivores falling in love at first bite. Cornbread French Toast, Veggie Hash and the Mean Green Burrito are some top favorites, with rotating…

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It’s not hard to find excitement and fun stuff to do on just about any given day in Grand Rapids. City festivals, community events and new downtown venues keep things pretty hoppin’ throughout the weeks. But what about those times when you need to disconnect from it all and find your own little quiet corner for some peaceful meditation and reflection? Well, lucky for you solitude-seekers, the city and its surrounding areas has plenty of spots for that, too!

We hereby present our list of our 13 favorite places in and around Grand Rapids to “Find your Zen”.

1. Fish Ladder – Put yourself in the thick of the roaring rapids our city is famous for and take a venture to the’ Fish Ladder located at the Sixth Street dam near downtown where stairstep…

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