East Grand Rapids is defined by Reeds Lake, which was a popular day trip destination beginning in the 1870s. Streetcars ran along Sherman and Wealthy Streets to provide hard-working Grand Rapidians with fresh air and sunshine. The railroad company built Ramona Park, an amusement park built in the late 19th century. It was located where John Collins Park now stands and offered racy entertainment like water slides, swimming areas, flashing lights, boat rentals, steamboat rides, a roller coaster and dancing pavilion. Rivers of gin and pretty girls beyond the watchful eye of bosses and pastors were also a draw. Ramona Theatre was a popular stop on the circuit for performers like the Marx Brothers, Jimmy Durante, Jack Benny, George Burns, Will Rogers and Buster Keaton. The roller coaster is gone and Broadway no longer passes through, but East Grand Rapids provides more opportunities for a good time than almost any city its size.
The best way to enjoy East Grand Rapids is to walk, run, or bike along the Reeds Lake Trail. This 4.2-mile circuit recently underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade that made the trail safer and more attractive. It offers a combination of paved trails and sidewalks through millionaire mansions and humble homesteads around the lake. You may also enjoy a hike through the Hodenpyl Woods, which is slightly more than a mile through wetlands chockfull of birds and other beautiful wildlife. The Reeds Lake trail will take you back to Collins Park, which is named after the city's popular mayor from 1933 to 1956. The park provides observation overlooks, a fishing deck, gardens and a spectacular view of Reeds Lake. But don't feed the ducks!
Rose's Restaurant (550 Lakeside Dr.) was once Rose's Popcorn Stand in Ramona Park. Up until the mid-1980s, the once-humble establishment sold hotdogs, hamburgers and caramel corn to those visiting the lake. "Today, Rose's boasts fantastic views, great service and more upscale fare," said Restaurant Manager Nina Gonzalez. It has undergone many expansions over the years. The most recent expanded the porch and deck to 90 seats. That means those prized seats overlooking the sailboats and picnickers are almost always available. You may come for the resort-like vibe, but you will appreciate Chef Todd Darby's New American menu. Stop by for traditional favorites like Butternut Squash Bisque and Homemade Apple Cider. And, look for cups of handmade caramel corn delivered at the end of your meal.
People still travel from far and wide to visit EGR's Gaslight Village shopping district. Most end up at Jersey Junction (652 Croswell Ave. SE), which is an old-time ice cream parlor. Doris Christiansen Van Allsburg founded the Bright red shop in 1963. It got its name because Jersey cows make milk with a high fat content, which is best for ice cream. Junction reflected that the shop was to be a gathering place. Alise and Mindy Alvarez now own Jersey Junction, but the shop has not missed a beat. You will find at least 28 flavors of locally made Hudsonville Ice Cream. It can get busy in there, but service is friendly and efficient. In fact, many servers return for multiple summers. Miranda was one of the senior servers and she said that the most popular flavors were Cake Batter, Mint Chocolate Chip and Superman. Our little Miss Q loves to explore the candy wall, which includes Mega Smartest, Rain Blow Bubble Gum and Sour Toilet Plungers. Don't forget Fido! He can get a free doggy treat or a cool drink.
Look across the street and you will see Big Bob's Pizza (661 Croswell Ave. SE). It was a takeout and delivery joint on Hall Street for 18 years until Trish and Steve Wilson bought it and moved it seven years ago. Now Big Bob's is a full-fledged restaurant with a complete bar. Try the Big Bob's Deluxe Pizza with ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers and bacon on a firm and chewy crust. This reporter had the lasagna, which was rich and gooey with plenty of Ricotta cheese. Trish recommends the Purple Joe Martini, which is made with five different liquors. Before you leave, try one of Steve Wilson's homemade cheesecakes or a Monica's Best Almond Nut half-baked butter cookie. "This is a great town. It's friendly and they know good pizza," Trish said.
Your kids will want to try Crazy Charlie's (2184 Wealthy St. SE). Go during the day and you will see the owner Phil Reglin slinging dogs. "I always wanted to own a restaurant and hot dogs were perfect for East Grand Rapids," Phil said. He named the charming little shop after his late father, who was not actually crazy. WHEW! Crazy Charlie's is always packed with kids from the high school and middle school that are only steps away. It is also popular with families on the go. Poppa Steve has already sampled many Charlie Dogs (Coney Sauce, Onions and Mustard). Phil made sure I tried a Loaded Dog. It was the Mona Lisa of tube steaks. The pillowy bun is warm, the hotdog flavorful and firm and I could taste the fresh condiments. Crazy Charlie's has been a hit since opening and it has since added chicken twists, French fries and soft-serve ice cream.
Ramona's Table (2232 Wealthy St.) is a haven for foodies. Owners Charlie Palm and his wife Jackie Ziehm rescued a seemingly cursed storefront space by creating a boutique deli restaurant featuring made-from-scratch food and professional service. The owners made their bones in catering and they still offer full-service catering. The menu changes constantly, which encourages return visits from a loyal clientele. Popular items include the Merry Mary sandwich with house-roasted turkey on cranberry bread and the hand-tossed Caribbean Tuna Salad with Ahi tuna and toasted coconut over mixed greens. The on-staff pastry chef keeps the sugar cabinet filled with tasty treats. "We love where we are at and blessed to be part of the community," said Charlie.
After taking care of the kids, moms will want to shop at Hot Mama (2249 Wealthy St. SE). The play area can entertain the children while mom browses the beautiful clothes. People come from as far away as Grand Haven and Kalamazoo to find clothes that look hot on curvaceous and womanly bodies. Knowledgeable sales associates like Malinda can help you interpret hipster trends like skinny jeans. Muffin tops are good for breakfast, not on your jeans! She will show you smokin' denim brands like AG Adriano, Hudson and Joe's Jeans in the latest washes and cuts. Watch out for the evil looks at the next PTA luncheon.
Continue pampering yourself at Smooch Beauty Boutique (2213 Wealthy St. SE). We stopped in one afternoon and owner Mia Walker was helping customers. She opened the shop in 2006 after a successful career working in the cosmetics industry. Smooch has created a fun, hip environment where a girl can be a girl. "It's like a candy shop for us," Mia said. You will notice massive cosmetic stations in the center of the store and walls lined with beauty products from 50+ brands. Poppa Steve favors Kiehls's for Men to keep his visage dewy and his mahogany mane flowing. In back, all sorts of manicures, pedicures and waxings take place in privacy. A woman must have her mysteries. Check out their one-on-one Make-up Lessons, where talented make-up artists teach you how to apply make-up using all of the latest colors and techniques. They will help you to find a new look based on your lifestyle, time and skin type. You will be good enough to smooch.
Heirloom House Antiques (505 Lakeside Dr.) is a hidden gem. A dentist turned the 1950-house into a menagerie of shiny trinkets and museum quality antiques in 1965. John McDonald currently owns the shop and hair salon on the top floor. Go and spend an afternoon of browsing. John is quite friendly and he even recklessly suggested that I let my little girls cross the threshold. You will find high-end pieces and unique collectibles. Look for the honey-toned Ladies Desk ($1,850) made by Baker Furniture in the 1850s perched delicately in a corner. It also has beautiful decorative pieces by Fenton Art Glass, Waterford and Murano. A flower-like fruit dish will only set you back $980. Look upstairs for handsome bedroom and living room sets. People bring in beautiful pieces every week, which keeps the shop fresh.
The East Grand Rapids Library (746 Lakeside Dr.) has the prettiest views of any library in the country. Expanded in 2006, the library has an extensive collection of books, magazines and multimedia materials on the first floor. The library blossoms with the children's section on the lower level. There you will find KDLville, which is an interactive early literacy learning center that just opened. Miss Michelle, the children's librarian, explained that the area "focuses on play with a purpose to encourage children to grow and read." Pre-schoolers will find an arts and craft cart, a puppet theater, dress up clothes and a massive fish tank with specimens from the Reeds Lake. Older kids can browse the young reader and teen sections. The library is always busy. There is Tuesday Baby Time, Wednesday Toddler Time and Thursday Family Time. Confused where to start? Miss Sarah recommends favorites like Pigs to the Rescue while Miss Trish prefers Mean Soup and Tacky the Penguin. There is also a whole section called Potty Power. 'Nuff said.
