i got married a few weeks ago and made an appointment to change my last name with social security…read more i had the quickest and most easiest experiences ever as i have never been to the social security office. heck, i didn't even know we had not just one but two locations here in grand rapids! i was able to easily set up an appointment online and got texts and emails confirming/reminding me of my appointment. when i got there i was able to check in on my phone and got a text when it was my turn. literally was in and out of there in 5 minutes! loved how quick they got me in and out and how friendly the clerk was. this process was a lot less intimidating than i assumed it would be and hopefully my next experience here is just as pleasant. i also love how this location is close to the movies, shopping, and food so once you're done taking care of business you can go about your day right away!

Went in on a Tuesday after a holiday weekend around 215pm. I had filled out information online…read moreprior to change my last name. There were quite a few people in the waiting room so I thought it would take forever without an appointment. There are 2 ways to sign in- a QR code or a touch screen computer. You can watch your number on one of the TV screens. They typically call number but sometimes it was by name. There are 2 halls and 1 main area that you could go to- signs are on the walls to help. I was called at 240pm. The gentleman that helped me (Desk B) was quick and I left within 5 minutes.

This is a perfect mid size Midwest city. There are a ton of great restaurants, breweries, and…read morethings to do for all types of people. Do you like the outdoors? Check out all of the park and gardens, including the Meijer Gardens. One of the best sculpture gardens I have ever been to. There is also a river walk which is nice. This town has a lot of college opportunities as well. It has multiple satellite campuses as well as Grand Valley. Ferris, MSU, Western, and more are all represented here There are a ton of places to eat. We found quite a few that I wrote reviews on. Highly recommended to come here. A little of something for everyone.

Great beer and great art Cheers Beer City USA!…read moreI'm a Brewsader I had been wanting to get to Grand Rapids to visit for probably ten or more years now. It is the long reigning Beer City USA. Founders is the most well known of their breweries and lived up to the hype. I also really enjoyed City Built which is just north of Downtown, Two Guys to the South, and Perrin to the North. Lots of public murals and I have heard nothing but great things about their annual Artprize event every fall. Although I did not partake, there is a free public bus that does loops around the Downtown area (I guess they call it Center City there). The metro population checks in at a little over a million which is not that much smaller than Buffalo or New Orleans. Not quite big enough for any pro sports teams yet. If you decide to go there for the beer like me, make sure to download the BeerCity Brewsader app on your phone. Check into eight different breweries and score a sweet T-shirt which you now pick up at Founders. Hope I make it back to Grand Rapids at some point in the future!

Grand Rapids Police and Fire Departments. ⁣ ⁣…read moreWe have so much to thank them for, but especially now we want to show our gratitude during this pandemic. ⁣ ⁣ We call on these men and women to help us at our worst times. This last month and the months moving forward are no exception. Not only will they continue their normal duties, but they will face the task of now handling all that is to come with this virus. ⁣ ⁣ Thank you so much for watching over Grand Rapids and it's people!

My house and garage were searched thoroughly. Nothing was broken. Things that were on top of…read moreother things were gently laid aside. They protected my privacy. They brought me socks and shoes. They brought me 2 monsters and a mc chicken. They responded to every question. Very professional!

Great break out rooms to study! Near some cool places to eat and parking was super easy!read more

As a former librarian, I have a deep love for libraries that started when I was a kid. There are…read moretwo library systems in the Grand Rapids area: Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL), and Kent District Library (KDL). GRPL is my home library system, which covers the city of Grand Rapids. KDL's service area is anything outside of GR proper, including Byron Township, Caledonia, East Grand Rapids, Plainfield Township, Wyoming, etc. Library cards are free to residents with proof of current address. GRPL no longer charges fines on late materials, which is amazing and a great step for accessibility for the library. (If you lose or damage items, you still have to pay to replace them.) The main branch of GRPL is housed in the beautiful Ryerson building, which was originally built in 1902. The limestone exterior and Italian carrara marble steps give the building a historically regal look. The interior has been updated and added on to over the years, but it's always fun to find old touches inside the building. Multiple floors make up the main branch, so it can be an adventure to find things. Just ask a friendly librarian or staff person and they can direct you where you need to go if you're in a hurry. Self checkout stations are located on the main floor right inside the entrance, and new books are located nearby. The library houses an amazing collection of books, vinyl records, DVDs, CDs, used books for sale, a great local history collection, computers for internet access and library catalog searching, and more. They host many community events and lectures throughout the year. There is a designated parking lot for the main branch. The first two hours of parking is free - just get your ticket validated on the main floor. Parking rates are $1.10 per half hour during the week, free on weekends and for library events. I love spending time at the main branch and try to get there at least once a month, as the selection is huge and I can always find something great to check out when I'm there.

I needed to renew my drivers license, and I do appreciate that you can usually do this online now,…read morebut I wanted to go in and actually get my photo re-taken. I was kind of preparing myself for the worst, since I feel like you always hear horror stories about SOS offices. I made an appointment online for my preferred location on Plainfield. They had a lot of times available so I was able to get in the next day. I arrived just around my appointment time (the confirmation email specifically stated that I did not have to arrive early) and an employee checked me in. I brought a book thinking I'd have to sit and wait, but I was seen shortly after my appointment time after standing in line. The employee who helped me was super funny, personable, and seemed really happy, which has not always been my experience at any SOS office. That was refreshing and I really liked chatting with her. I wish I had gotten her name because she was so great. I got my photo taken quickly and then I was on my way. Can't ask for a much better visit!

Made an online appt to renew my drivers license. It was quick and easy. I was in and out of their…read moreoffice in under 10 minutes.

This is a short bridge around the downtown Grand Rapids area linking to very busy high traffic area…read moreareas to each each other. It's wide and perfect for walking. It's an amazing addition to the downtown area. Unfortunately, I had to rate two stars, possibly down to one because there were a group of rowdy individuals parked/ sitting at the edge of the bridge smoking highly potent items. They were scaring and yelling at people who are crossing the bridge and it made the situation feel unsafe. We went at dusk so that we could enjoy the lights but honestly, it was just a very nerve-racking situation and we were concerned about our safety. We witnessed the individuals taking big steps like they were going to chase two women and laughed as the women started to walk fast faster. I was with my husband baby and two big kids and we were loudly talked about with vulgar terms about our race and family status. All we did was walk across half the bridge? I don't recommend it for families, which is really sad unfortunately.

There are a few iconic symbols of Grand Rapids, and the Blue Bridge, as it's commonly known, is one…read moreof them. Spanning the Grand River from east to west, this pedestrian bridge used to be part of the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad. Now a completely foot traffic area only, it's fun to check out at any time of year. Often you'll see people fishing off the bridge or having photo shoots for weddings, engagements, and other special occasions. Sometimes fitness classes take place on the Blue Bridge and often you'll see a horse-drawn carriage making its way across. The bridge is equipped with LED lights that can change color or be set to different colors to celebrate or commemorate different holidays and events. It's fun to see it all lit up at night and is a great spot to watch fireworks on the 4th of July. I love having this iconic bridge in our city! It's an attractive landmark that is functional and beautiful.