Grand Rapids glows: a presidential museum, world-class sculpture park, historic homes, and dining discoveries tantalize tourists in the urban hub of western Michigan

Travel America, Sept-Oct, 2004 by Angela Fox

An attraction we'd recommend this fall is the Fulton Street Farmer's

Market, with fresh produce, flowers, and plants from local growers, held from May to the Saturday before Christmas. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

When pumpkin time rolls around, be sure to take a drive outside the city for a fall color tour of Kent County, blessed with 12,000 acres of apple trees, charming covered bridges, and dozens of antique shops. Don't miss Robinette's Apple Haus and Gift Barn, which has a bakery, lunch counter, and the Apple Avenue Market, where you can stock up on Michigan-made cherry preserves, maple syrup, and honey. In autumn you can watch the Robinette family making fresh cider and take a hayride on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Contact: Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 678-9859; www.visitgrandrapids.org.