editor's letter

A guide for Grand Rapidians

Each year, we entrust our readers with the task of choosing the Best Of pretty much everything in Grand Rapids. It’s certainly not a scientific or fully accurate representation of what truly is the best in West Michigan, but it’s a great way to guide not only the rest of our readership, but our coverage. Thanks to the vote tallies, we get a good vibe of where to eat, drink and shop or who to watch and listen to.

The annual practice is an opportunity for readers to discover new people and places to check out, or a reminder to revisit an old haunt. It’s a massive list of Best Of winners and runners-up, so keep it throughout the year or make a list and keep it in mind as the next vote is right around the corner.

As for the rest of this issue, we stay true to a pledge to keep the magazine fresh and provide something for everyone, from a look at the havoc the pandemic wreaked on Grand Rapids tourism for nearly two years to former Grand Rapidian George Walker, who’s carved out an amazing career as a sommelier. He’s now with former NBA star Dwyane Wade’s wine company!

Writer Ann Byle profiles Johnny Agar, an amazing athlete with cerebral palsy who has a new book out, and former GRBJ reporter Jesse O’Brien returns with a profile of Chris Wessely, the founder of Grand Rapids Sport & Social Club, now known as JAM Sports, and a Q&A with Lake Michigan Credit Union CEO Sandy Jelinski.

As we dive into food, we grab some smash burgers and hard cider at Vander Mill and some tacos at Maggie’s Kitchen. With the cold settling in, we offer up a delicious chicken chili recipe and some of our favorite places to get hot soups to warm the soul.

Finish off the issue by raising a glass of anejo tequila, an underrated spirit — particularly if you enjoy whiskey. So, let’s toast 2022 and hope for better days ahead!

Next issue

We tackle the Best Restaurants of Grand Rapids. Who's the best of the best in West Michigan? We're eating to find out!

Pat Evans

Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Sam Easter

What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2022? I'm looking forward to doing some more gardening. My wife and I bought a house in Midtown in early 2021, and we can't wait to fix it up and plant a few more flowers. Where's your favorite place to spend time in Grand Rapids? My favorite place in the city is Riverside Park. It's a wonderful place to take a morning walk, feed the ducks and get a few fishing tips from the regulars by the boat launch.

There are tons of ways to reach us. By mail: Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine, 401 Hall St. SW, Suite 331, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Email: pevans@geminipub.com. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Or follow us online at grmag.com or on social media: @grmag @grmagazine @grmagazine

people+places

THE GUIDE TO YOUR CITY

50 years of Michigan photos are the subject of a new book by local photographer.

» PLUS: GR TOURISM OUTLOOK

FRESH TAKE ON WINE

LMCU PUSHES WM FINANCE

SPOTLIGHT

Michigan, the beautiful

page 16