Image source http://eastowngr.com/
Looking for a quirky, unique packed with unique, historic homes and local businesses? Look no further than Grand Rapids’ popular Eastown neighborhood. Join Blu House Properties as we take you inside and explore the neighborhood we started in and still call home!
Stretching from Fulton Street to the north, Fuller Avenue to the west, Franklin Street to the south and the East Grand Rapids city limit to the east, Eastown encompasses more than 70 blocks of residential and commercial properties. What started as a streetcar suburb of Grand Rapids has morphed into a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use neighborhood with a strong community and business association. Eastown prides itself on being a open and welcoming community to all.
Eastown hosts several popular events throughout the year, including Eat Shop Rock in early June, the Bizarre Bazaar in late June and the Holiday Shop Hop in early December. Eastown also has a unique style of large, historic homes filled with leaded stained glass windows, original wood floors, and intricate wood trim and panels, many built in the 1920s and 1930s.
The heart of the thriving Eastown Business District is the intersection of Wealthy Street and Lake Drive, and includes many shops, bookstores, jewelers, studios, boutiques, offices, breweries, pubs and restaurants. Looking for something unique to purchase for a gift? Look no further than All City Kicks for a fresh pair of retro sneakers, Rainbow Resources for a custom stained glass piece, Goodwill Industries’ Reblue for some nice vintage clothes or E.A. Brady’s for the meat lover.
Feeling hungry? Eastown has you covered. Stop by Wolfgang’s for one of the city’s best breakfasts, go to That Early Bird Cafe for a fresh cup of artisan coffee (and while you’re at it, jump across the street for a unique donut at D’Arts Donuts), have a few hot dogs at Yesterdog (bring cash), stop by the Pita House for a chicken and lamb gyro, or grab a Reuben Sandwich from the new Matchbox Cafe.
You may feel thirsty by now? Good, because Eastown has a variety of options, including Billy’s, Mulligan’s, East West Brewing Company and Harmony Brewing. You are sure to find a cheap can of PBR or an exquisite microbrew to quench your thirst.
Next time you are in the area, do yourself a favor and check out all that is happening in the ever-changing Eastown neighborhood of Grand Rapids. We bet you will fall in love with it just as we did. What are some of your favorite Eastown businesses or traditions? Drop us a line and let us know!
