Feeling like you need a girls weekend in your life? We were too. The all day, every day, tasks that come along with motherhood can be draining. We knew we needed a little break but didn’t want to travel far and Grand Rapids was the perfect destination. Just a little over an hour drive from the Lansing Area it’s the perfect spot for an overnight destination with a friend. When a Mom is in need of a girls weekend we don’t want to lift a finger, which is why we are so excited to partner with Experience Grand Rapids so that you don’t have to even think about your itinerary. It’s all planned right here waiting for you to head to your Girls Weekend in Grand Rapids. Read on below for the ultimate relaxing itinerary.
We’re breaking our trip up into two days of relaxation and fun for you to enjoy! If you just want the bullet point itinerary look no further, if you want the details, read on!
Girls Weekend In Grand Rapids
Day One
- Check into Amway Grand Plaza
- Coffee Break at Madcap Coffee
- Aromatherapy Massages, Sauna, Relaxation Room at Celeste Salon & Spa
- Lunch at Grand Rapids Downtown Market
- Meijer Gardens Japanese Gardens
- Dinner and Cocktails at Rendezvous
- Cocktails or Mocktails at Drip Drop Cocktail Room
Day Two
- Walk the City
- Brunch at Social Misfits
- Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Drive over to East Grand Rapids for a walk around the lake and shopping
For those of us that need ALL the details, we’ve got you covered. Read on below for our tips and suggestions for a girls trip in Grand Rapids.
Day One Details of your Girls Weekend in Grand Rapids
Where to Stay | Amway Grand Plaza
The first part of every trip is where to stay. When we travel with our kids our number one priority is a hotel with a pool, but without kids, our number one priority is relaxation. We were so excited to stay at the Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids for the most gorgeous and serene hotel experience. This historic, luxury, hotel in downtown Grand Rapids sets the scene for a perfect stay. With amenities to make you feel fully taken care of like full-service concierge, dry cleaning services, valet, in-room dining selections, and more, you won’t have to lift a finger. The Amway Grand Plaza offers services at Celeste Salon & Spa, options to swim or soak in the hot tub, full service gym and rooftop pickleball courts, along with delicious dining options. You could come to stay and never leave with how relaxed and cared for you’ll feel. With gorgeous rooms you’ll want to check-in first and get yourself set up for the most relaxing weekend!
Our Suggestion | Arrive early and drop your bags at the concierge desk so you can enjoy the city!
Madcap Coffee
If you know anything about us, you know we LOVE a good coffee. Madcap Coffee is not only absolutely delicious but the atmosphere is stunning and definitely Insta worthy. Stop in here after you drop your bags off and grab a pastry and coffee before you start your day.
Our Suggestion | Walk over to Madcap so you can enjoy some of the city. Get your coffee for dine-in rather than to go, you’ll get a pretty cup, and can soak up the atmosphere. Their cold brew is one of our favorites if you’re a coffee lover!
Celeste Salon & Spa
The ultimate way to kick off a girls trip for us is at the spa. Every mom needs a little relaxation and this is the perfect spot to start. Celeste Salon & Spa is located in the Amway Grand Plaza. Spa guests can enjoy nail care, skin care, makeup services, massages and more. We opted for aromatherapy massages that are a blend of Swedish Massage with the benefits of essential oils. You get to choose your oil to compliment your experience. We truly believe we could have spent all day in the spa since you have access to a sauna, relaxation room, and the most serene environment. You can check out the full list of spa services here.
Our Suggestion | Book your spa time for early afternoon so you can check-in right after. Plan to spend time here and not just stay for your appointment, you can enjoy the sauna, have a glass of champagne in the relaxation room, and fully get into a zen mindset.
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
If you’re looking for a lunch spot that EVERYONE will love this is it! Grand Rapids Downtown Market hosts 17 indoor food merchants and restaurants. The market is open seven days a week and according to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market website, is filled with, “butchers, bakers, fishmongers, ice cream makers, and more.” We’ve eaten here several times but doing it on a girls trip was so fun because walking around the market kid free felt like a vacation in itself! You can browse, sample and make your selections.
Our Suggestion | Save room for dessert. Our favorite part of the market was getting a Mitten Pop from Love’s Ice Cream. Don’t skip out on that part!
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Admittedly this was the first time we’ve been to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park without kids! If you’ve been to the gardens with your kids, you know they are absolutely phenomenal. Since we were sans kids we walked through the gorgeous Japanese Gardens. We even got a peek at the tea house which would be such a cool experience for a girls trip. It’s only open at very limited times, you’ll want to head to the Meijer Gardens website to see if you can book it for a unique experience in the gardens!
Our Suggestion | Plan to spend a couple hours here and be sure to wear shoes you are comfortable walking in! Be sure to look out for all the nature too, you might catch a glimpse of snakes, frogs, turtles, and fish, we did!
Dinner at Rendezvous
After the gardens we were ready for something light to eat and a cocktail. We were still a little full from lunch, which if you eat at the market, you may be too! We decided to head back to the hotel and check out Rendezvous. With a menu that holds both small bites, shareable plates, and full plates like their Wagyu Burger, you’ll be able to please everyone. They have their own craft cocktails or you could always ask for a mocktail too!
Our Suggestion | Get a few things to split in order to try a little bit of everything on the menu!
Cocktails at Drip Drop
Erica and I are both mindful drinkers, sometimes we opt for a mocktail, sometimes a cocktail, and we always listen to how we’re feeling! Which is why we were so excited to try Drip Drop Cocktail Room. This spot is the perfect vibe for a cocktail, or mocktail, with moody lighting and gorgeous drinks, and a menu that hosts a variety of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Their menu is organized by Fruit, Vegetable, Spice, Top Drops, Hall of Fame, Flight School’s and Spirit Free. A spot that is sure to give you a unique and fun end to the evening!
Our Suggestion | We loved the Nico Spritz and Juicy Julian N/A.
Day Two Details of your Girls Weekend in Grand Rapids
After a restful night at the Amway Grand Plaza we were so excited to get out for a walk in the city. You can browse the downtown shops, walk around the river, and check out the city, which is absolutely gorgeous and easily walkable.
Social Misfits
We decided to walk to brunch at Social Misfits to take it all in before breakfast. Social Misfits has been on our must-do list for a long time and we were so excited to try it. Famous for their unique waffle combinations, that are drool worthy, we dove in. We ordered the Son of A Biscuit and the Little Lad, both absolutely amazing. They do offer non-waffle options along with cocktails and of course coffee.
Our Suggestion | Pick a couple different waffle options and split them so you can try a bit of everything!
Grand Rapids Art Museum
After brunch we were excited to take in the Grand Rapids Art Museum. One thing we love about the Grand Rapids Art Museum is that there is always something new to discover. With an amazing collection of art, and rotating exhibits, we know you’ll find something to pique your interest and open your mind to inspiring and thought provoking art. It’s the perfect place for a girls trip as you let the art move you.
Our Suggestion | Visit before August 18th to view, Mario Moore: Revolutionary Times. This series moved us and we were absolutely in awe of his work and the messages he conveys.
Visit East Grand Rapids
We weren’t ready to leave the Grand Rapids Area just yet and thought a spot for a walk would be perfect. We decided to drive over to East Grand Rapids and visit Gaslight Village, an area of shopping and food that is super cute. Plus we particularly excited to take a walk around Reeds Lake and take in the gorgeous area. If you need another stop on your visit to Grand Rapids, we highly recommend stopping in this area.
Our Suggestion | Be sure to pop into Pink Lemonade shop for the cutest finds!
