New Website Features: Shopping & Dining Deals
Those of you who subscribe to our e-mail newsletter have probably noticed a quiet few months as we temporarily halted our correspondence. The Visit Grand Rapids staff has been busy building new website pages for lodging, shopping and dining to better serve our visitors. Our newly expanded sections offer more information about the Grand Rapids businesses you love and we are now offering online shopping and dining specials to stretch your vacation dollars even further. New packages are added often. Not finding what you are looking for? Hit the feedback button and let us know. Our expert travel counselors are here to help.

Featured Chef: Dan Gorrath, Sugar Lake Lodge
If not for a twist of fate and a passion for fine food, Dan Gorrath would’ve pursued a career in the Criminal Justice field instead of a kitchen. But in 1999, Dan charted a new direction for his talents when he left traditional university life and enrolled in the Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts program. Dan went on to refine his skills at notable restaurants: St. Paul Hotel, world-famous Cobalt and Bayonna in New Orleans, Bennett’s on the Lake in Duluth, and others. Dan assumed the role of executive chef at Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge in 2006 and continues to wow diners today with his passion for finely prepared fish, French cuisine, as well as soups and sauces. Chef Dan creates and oversees the menus at both Otis’ and Jack’s Grill on the Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge resort complex.

Forest History Center Opens for the Season, May 23rd
The Minnesota Historical Society’s Forest History Center opens for the season on May 23rd. Visitors to FHC enjoy the logging camp with blacksmith, cooks, lumberjacks and draft horses, fire tower, interpretive museum, timber harvest simulator, nature trails and special programming all season long. New this year is the GeoTrack program with GPS rental. GeoTrack is a great way to introduce your children or yourself to the fun of geocaching. This quality educational attraction is a value in any economy. See the Forest History Center video clip.

Sure Signs of Summer: Farmer’s Market & Motorcycle Touring
It must be summer. The farmer’s markets have begun and motorcycles are back on the roads. Each Wednesday and Saturday morning in downtown Grand Rapids, local growers are setting up shop with locally grown produce, baked goods, honey, flowers, and other close-to-the-earth foods and products. Fans of two wheel touring will enjoy our scenic touring route maps and local organized ride nights. Visit our motorcycling page for details.