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Ready for date night? If you didn’t come with a plan (mountain biking or a pottery class?), take a look at some of these options - or just grab a dinner to go and find a spot in a park for a picnic. Here are some ideas:
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      Zip around downtown Grand Rapids on Lime’s electric bikes or scooters for a fun, eco-friendly adventure! 🌍 - How to Ride: - Download the Lime App: Available on iOS or Android. 
- Find a Ride: Open the app to locate scooters or bikes within the 13-square-mile service area, covering downtown and nearby neighborhoods. 🗺️ 
- Unlock: Scan the QR code on the scooter/bike using the app’s green “scan” button. Cost: ~$1 to unlock + ~$0.25/minute (check Lime Access for discounts if eligible). 💸 
 
 
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      Smash some pickleball shots on the first rooftop courts in Grand Rapids, with stunning downtown views! Perfect for beginners or pros. 🏙️ - Address: 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (4th floor, Amway Grand Plaza Hotel) 
- Cost: ~$20–$40/hour per court (check for group rates or memberships). 
- How to Play: Book courts by calling 616-776-3279 or inquire at amwaygrand.com. Bring your own paddle or rent one on-site. Play singles or doubles on one of four courts, no experience required! 
 
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      Stroll through 158 acres of gardens and 300+ sculptures, including the iconic 24-foot American Horse. Perfect for a romantic walk! - Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 
- Cost: Around ~$20/adult (check for discounts with memberships). 
- Details: meijergardens.org 
 
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      Explore history, science, and a 1928 carousel. Great for a cozy, educational outing! - Address: 272 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 
- Cost: ~$12/adult. 
- Details: grpm.org 
 
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      Paddle through downtown Grand Rapids for stunning city views and a peaceful outdoor escape. Great for solo or tandem adventures! 🚣 - How to Rent: Book through Grand Rapids Kayak Rentals (grandrapidskayakrentals.com) or visit their pickup spot at Canal Park. grandrapidskayakrentals.com 
- Cost: ~$25/hour for single kayaks, ~$40/hour for tandems. 
 
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      Swing away at the Amway Grand Plaza’s state-of-the-art golf simulator room, offering virtual play on world-class courses! Perfect for golfers or a fun group outing. 🏌️♂️ - Location: Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 
- How to Book: Contact the hotel concierge at (616) 774-2000 or book through amwaygrand.com . 
- Cost: ~$40–$60/hour per simulator bay (pricing varies by time; reservations recommended). 
 
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      Roll into fun with duckpin bowling, a quirky twist on the classic game with shorter lanes, smaller balls, and three rolls per frame! Great for all ages. 🍻 - Address: 200 Lyon St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (inside Amway Grand Plaza Hotel) 
- Cost: ~$30/hour per lane (up to 6 bowlers, no shoe/ball rental fees). 
- How to Bowl: Reserve a lane at woodrowsduckpin.com or try walk-in (Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays best for availability). 
- Enjoy craft cocktails, beer, or tacos from Taco Alley while bowling. Happy hour specials Monday–Friday, 4–7 PM! 
- Check out the cozy lounge with plush seating and big TVs. 📺 
 
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      Unleash your inner lumberjack with a thrilling axe-throwing session! Perfect for a fun group outing or a unique date night. 🎯 - Address: 443 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 
- Cost: ~$25–$35/person for a 1-hour session (group rates available). 
- How to Play: Book online at flanneljaxs.com/grand-rapids or walk in (reservations recommended). 
 
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      Watch fish migrate along the Grand River or enjoy a peaceful riverside walk. - Address: 560 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 
- Cost: Free! 
 
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      Explore downtown Grand Rapids with a guided scavenger hunt app, solving clues and discovering hidden gems together! - Details: Purchase an urban scavenger hunt (~2 hours, ~$12.99/couple) via the Let’s Roam app (letsroam.com). 
- Pro Tip: Charge your phone and wear comfy shoes. Great for evening fun! 
 
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      Get active with a playful bowling date, complete with laughs and friendly competition! - Location: Clique Lanes, 533 Stocking Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (10 min from hotel). 
- Details: Modern lanes, ~$6/game per person, shoe rental $4. Open till 11 PM. Call (616) 456-6123 to reserve a lane or book at cliquelanes.com. 
- Pro Tip: Try glow bowling after 9 PM for extra fun! 
 
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      Stroll hand-in-hand through trails and spot birds like cardinals and herons for a serene, nature-filled date. - Location: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (10 min from hotel). 
- Details: 6 miles of easy trails through forests and wetlands, free entry (donations welcome). Bring binoculars or rent them on-site (~$5/pair). May is peak migration season for warblers! Download the Merlin Bird ID app for free bird identification. 
- Highlights: Look for owls at the Wildlife Trail or visit the farm animals for fun. Trails open dawn to dusk. 
- Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and check blandfordnaturecenter.org for trail maps and events. 
 
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      Paddle together on calm waters for a peaceful, active date! Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is easy to learn and perfect for couples. - Rental: Lakeshore Paddleboard Co. offers SUP rentals at Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids (15 min from hotel). Single boards ~$30/hour, tandem boards ~$50/hour. Includes paddles and life jackets. Book at lakeshorepaddleboard.com or call (616) 430-1510. 
- Location: Reeds Lake, 744 Lakeside Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506. 
- Details: No experience needed; staff provide a quick lesson. Paddle at your pace, enjoying lake views and wildlife. Open till 8 PM in May. 
- Pro Tip: Wear quick-dry clothes and bring a waterproof phone case. Sunset paddling is romantic! 
 
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      Enjoy a fun, low-cost game of disc golf at one of Grand Rapids’ top courses! Perfect for all skill levels, it’s a great way to laugh and compete together. - Location: Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (10 min from hotel). 
- Details: 18-hole course, free to play, scenic river views. Bring your own discs. 
- Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes and arrive early to avoid crowds. Great for sunset play in May! 
 
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      Admire art from Renaissance to modern, with free admission on Tuesdays (12–5 PM) and Thursdays (5–8 PM). - Address: 101 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 
- Cost: ~$12/adult (free on select days). 
- Details: artmuseumgr.org 
 
🍽️ Date Night Restaurant Recommendations
Grand Rapids is a foodie’s delight! There are a thousand great restaurants to check out (Tupelo Honey, anyone?). Here are some restaurants that are perfect for your date night. Book early to be sure to have your spot!
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      - Cuisine: American, globally inspired 
- Vibe: Upscale, cozy, river views 
- Reservations: amwaygrand.com/dining/the-kitchen-by-wolfgang-puck 
 
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      - Cuisine: Steakhouse, American 
- Vibe: Elegant, perfect for a special night 
- Reservations: ruthschris 
 
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      - Cuisine: Modern Spanish 
- Vibe: Romantic, skyline views 
- Reservations: amwaygrand.com/dining/mdrd 
 
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      - Cuisine: Seafood, American 
- Vibe: Upscale, intimate 
- Reservations: leosrestaurant.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: Steakhouse 
- Vibe: Classic, elegant 
- Reservations: thechophousegrandrapids.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: Italian, farm-to-table 
- Vibe: Warm, modern 
- Reservations: bistrobellavita.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: New American, local ingredients 
- Vibe: Cozy 
- Reservations: groverestaurant.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: American, riverside dining 
- Vibe: Casual, scenic 
- Reservations: linearrestaurant.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: American, Michigan-inspired 
- Vibe: Rustic, welcoming 
- Reservations: fortypearl.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: American, small plates 
- Vibe: Sophisticated, intimate 
- Reservations: reservegr.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: Farm-to-table, global flavors 
- Vibe: Vibrant, modern 
- Reservations: terragr.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: French, American 
- Vibe: Elegant, riverfront 
- Reservations: marriotthotels.com/hotels/travel/grrjw-jw-marriott-hotel-grand-rapids/dining 
 
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      - Cuisine: Spanish, tapas 
- Vibe: Lively, colorful 
- Reservations: sanchezbistro.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: American, meat-focused 
- Vibe: Rustic, trendy 
- Reservations: butchersuniongr.com/reservations 
 
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      - Cuisine: Nordic-inspired, local ingredients 
- Vibe: Cozy, unique 
- Reservations: sovengard.com/reservations 
 
 
                        