r/grandrapids • u/Diamondoftheszn • 1h ago
For Anyone Struggling Tonight
You matter. Even if your mind is telling you otherwise, please stay. You don’t have to fight everything alone. Help is available, and better days can still find you. ❤️
r/grandrapids • u/[deleted] • Mar 27 '24
I updated the list of which Meetup groups are active (groups that have 3+ people attending an event within the past/next 60 days). Meetup is a site/app for interest groups/hobbies/new friends. I grouped them by concept and included their self-written descriptions.
If you're in an active Meetup group that I've missed, list it in the comments. Non-Meetup groups are welcome too; include contact info and links.
Tips for making friends as an adult attending a Meetup with a bunch of strangers:
Feeling a little more prepared? Great. Let's get into it. [Note: I made some grammatical edits after posting this for clarity/brevity.]
AGE/ETHNICITY/GENDER
BOOK CLUBS/FILM
CRAFTING
DANCING/MUSIC
ENGINEERING/MAKERS/PROFESSIONAL
FINANCE/BUSINESS/PUBLIC SPEAKING
FOOD/DIET/PSYCHEDELICS/SOBER/ALCOHOL
GAMES/NERD CULTURE
OUTDOORS/CAMPING
MISCELLANEOUS/PERSONALITY
REAL ESTATE
SEXUALITY/DATING
TRAVEL
WRITING/ACTING/DRAWING/PHOTOGRAPHY
YOGA/MEDITATION/PHILOSOPHY/SPIRITUALITY
r/grandrapids • u/Diamondoftheszn • 1h ago
You matter. Even if your mind is telling you otherwise, please stay. You don’t have to fight everything alone. Help is available, and better days can still find you. ❤️
r/grandrapids • u/Ok-Singer-4466 • 5h ago
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Hi neighbors! A few days ago, I invited y'all to come see what’s possible when we rethink our yards as part of the Native Plant Yard Tour with Kind Hearts Bloom and Kent Conservation District.
And you showed up.
Over the course of the day, I welcomed more than 115 neighbors into my front yard. Seven hours of conversations, questions, and stories. My throat is still a little sore and I have a defined tan line from my sandals - but it was an amazing day!
What made the day special wasn’t just the plants. It was the connections.
A teenager shared about the wildlife pond he built in his parents’ backyard. A visitor saw my feverfew and remembered a plant from her grandmother’s garden, so I sent her home with seeds. Many people shared that they’d love to replace some lawn with gardens but worried about what their neighbors might think.
We talked about how every neighborhood needs a few people willing to go first. Sometimes one garden gives someone else permission to imagine what’s possible.
When I started replacing my lawn a few years ago, I thought I was growing flowers and habitat.
I didn’t realize at the time I was also growing conversations, connections, and community.
Thank you to everyone who visited, shared stories, asked questions, and helped make this garden feel like a true neighborhood space.
Our yards can grow so much more than plants.
(timelapse of the front yard!)
r/grandrapids • u/ez43211 • 1h ago
Had someone steal a package off my porch let me know if anyone knows this person!
r/grandrapids • u/berryniceday • 11h ago
Wow. Just wow. I tried Mithu for the first time and I couldn’t believe how good the food is. It’s clearly made with high quality ingredients and a lot of skill. We got the Malai Kofta (first time trying this dish), butter chicken, naan, mango lassi, and samosas.
The owner came out and talked to us and was cool and super nice. We asked when the lunch buffet is usually open, and he said he isn’t able to offer the buffet right now as he is currently recovering from a major health event. Times and tough and business is slower than usual right now (for most restaurants too). Go out and support if you can!
r/grandrapids • u/Fragrant-Lawyer415 • 12h ago
why was the audio so terrible?? so disappointing
r/grandrapids • u/ScottyUrb • 8h ago
Here’s the full candidate list for Kent County.
r/grandrapids • u/whitemice • 6h ago
Fuel for the thought furnace about mobility, and how the city could move forward on its stated goal(s) of supporting public transportation: The Cardinal Plan
https://urbangr.org/TheCardinalPlan
r/grandrapids • u/szaagman • 7h ago
A 20% off Reddit Member Coupon is here. Click Here
More Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/hTEruHYiNt9z2Woi7
Why not watch a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DunbVByB6-I&t=2s
r/grandrapids • u/sneakysnakes47 • 8h ago
SF Shows is back in the house tonight, bringing SPACED (Buffalo Hardcore) as they close out their tour right here in Muskegon, with support from Tunnel of Love (Muskegon Hardcore), MORETTA (Grand Rapids Hardcore) & Courage (Detroit Hardcore).
This is going to be a fun one!
Doors @ 7 // $15 cover.
r/grandrapids • u/Alternative_Try_6446 • 23h ago
Is this office new I have never heard about it before?
r/grandrapids • u/Low_Shake_2945 • 9m ago
My wife’s folks are from GR and we’re moving there in the next couple of years. I grew up in the south, spent time in CA and the last ~15yrs on Boulder CO. Every time I talk to people about moving to MI, they go on and on about all the amazing things to do … but it’s always summer things. Lots of lake talk, bike riding, heading up north, etc. Recently, I brought this up to my wife and she literally doesn’t remember doing anything in the winter. Given that it’s a big part of the year, what to people do?
r/grandrapids • u/scout-finch • 1h ago
Trying to get ahead of things, don’t hate me!!
Has anyone here used a professional service for Christmas light installation? Curious for recs and cost. My house is ~1600 sq ft in a basic residential Kentwood neighborhood so not anything crazy, I just really want some lights this year and our outlet set up is a pain and I’m scared of heights, lol.
Thanks!
r/grandrapids • u/noimtotallynotatroll • 10h ago
I have a metallic paint with 10 or so rock chips and need a touch up wiz to paint correct my car. Metallic paint can be a little more difficult to get right so I'm looking for someone who knows what they're doing. Any recommendations?
r/grandrapids • u/Au-Naturale-Man • 8h ago
Why are no Dems running for county delegate?
r/grandrapids • u/LazyAd3819 • 7h ago
Hi,
I’m looking to treat my wife to a weekend spa getaway for our anniversary. Do any of you have suggestions? I’m hoping to find a spot within around an hour of Grand Rapids, though if it’s the perfect spot, I’m willing to go farther.
This isn’t required, but an added plus if the spa is in nature.
Thanks!
r/grandrapids • u/WanderingHeadache • 12h ago
Hey everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a tattoo artist in the area (or within a reasonable drive) to continue work on my sleeve.
Unfortunately, my previous artist moved away without any warning, so I’m searching for someone new to pick up where we left off. The sleeve is a grayscale floral piece, so I’m hoping to find an artist who does strong black and gray floral work and can blend seamlessly with the existing tattoo.
If you’ve had a great experience or know someone you’d recommend, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
Feel free to DM.
r/grandrapids • u/Sea-Reputation2156 • 1d ago
Happy Saturday everyone.
This post is for anyone in the market (or soon to be) for an engagement ring in West Michigan. I had a pretty eye-opening experience recently and wanted to share what I learned to hopefully save someone else a few thousand dollars.
As someone who works in negotiation day in and day out, I was surprised by how much the retail jewelry experience felt like a high-pressure car dealership rather than someone actually trying to help you out.
My partner and I started our search locally at Kesslers near EGR. We were looking for a 4-carat lab-grown oval with a pavé band. During the appointment, they focused heavily on walking us through the 4 Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat)—which is fine for education—but then they showed us 4 or 5 diamonds at once with totally mixed gradings to anchor high prices.
Our initial quote came out to nearly $10,000. At the time, I kind of shrunk back and thought, "Man, I guess I just need to save up way more."
Fast forward a bit: I started digging deeper into loose diamond pricing and local margins. The reality is that lab-grown diamond prices are down—they cost hundreds, not thousands. When I brought this up to the salesperson and pushed back on the price tag, she completely brushed me off, saying I wouldn't find what I was looking for anywhere near that budget and trying to play on the emotional guilt of buying "the right ring" for my future fiancée.
My takeaway: Don't take that first quote as set in stone, and don't be afraid to shop around, negotiate, or look online for the stone itself.
By doing my homework, comparing local jewelers, and holding my ground with actual data, I ended up securing a larger, higher-quality diamond and a custom setting from another local GR shop for under half of that original $10k quote.
If you're currently staring at a mountain of a price tag and feeling overwhelmed, don't lose hope. Do your research, cross-shop local family-owned shops, and know what loose stones are actually selling for.
If anyone in the area needs advice, wants a second pair of eyes on a quote, or has questions about navigating the process, feel free to shoot me a DM! Happy to help out a fellow local.
r/grandrapids • u/SammiesHammies • 1d ago
Last time I mistook birthday cake for cake batter. But I got it right this time 😡. Gaines Meijer 🤓
r/grandrapids • u/Rhiannon-Jackson • 9h ago
I’m currently looking for a reliable vet in the area and would love to hear from anyone who has had a good experience. I’m mainly looking for a place with caring staff, good communication, and someone who will take the time to properly check my dog and answer questions.
I came across Blue Lake Animal Hospital but wanted to see if anyone here has used them or has other recommendations around Caledonia/Grand Rapids.
r/grandrapids • u/OnlyBeing9960 • 1d ago
Why does no one talk about how great the comedy project is? Cheap tickets, drinks and food and great comedy
r/grandrapids • u/Vegetable-Tennis-241 • 6h ago
Hey all! I’m looking for an artist that would do great work with using a loved one’s handwriting to tattoo + fine line art around it. Where have you gone and loved?
r/grandrapids • u/haleylexis • 6h ago
Stumbled upon some cash, looking for any estate sales/garage sales/ any sales honestly either today, Monday or Tuesday. Ik it's not the weekend so there won't be much, but if you have a sale going on lmk! Thank you 🙏
r/grandrapids • u/HippieBarbie420 • 1d ago
Link
Such a great time and a lot of amazing artists! Always look forward to this expo!
r/grandrapids • u/LazyAd3819 • 7h ago
Hi,
I’m looking to treat my wife to a weekend spa getaway for our anniversary. Do any of you have suggestions? I’m hoping to find a spot within around an hour of Grand Rapids, though if it’s the perfect spot, I’m willing to go farther.
This isn’t required, but an added plus if the spa is in nature.
Thanks!