By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist
If you’ve spent any time in Grand Rapids this summer (or follow us on social media…you follow us right?), you’ve probably heard us talking about it: Uptown Grand Rapids has a shuttle! It’s free! It takes you from Uptown to Downtown…and back again! Did we mention it’s FREE?
If you can’t telll…Team Uptown is pretty excited about it. Here are the details, so you can get excited, too:
Every Saturday, now through August 8, Uptown GR, Inc. is proud to offer our visitors the Free Summer Shuttle Saturdays program. From 4 p.m. until 11 p.m., the “Uptowner” runs continuously between Uptown Grand Rapids and Downtown. It’s completely free to ride, requires no reservations, and couldn’t be easier to use. Just show up at one of the two designated stops, hop aboard, and let someone else handle the driving.
The idea behind the shuttle is pretty simple. Our city has so much happening right now. Between the new riverfront amphitheater, festivals, sporting events, concerts, nightlife, shopping, and dining, we’re all looking for fun ways to experience more of the city. This is our way to create a connection that encourages visitors and residents alike to venture a little farther, discover someplace new, and maybe even turn a one-stop outing into an all-day adventure.
That’s where the Uptowner comes in. With this service, it’s easier than ever to explore both Uptown and Downtown Grand Rapids without worrying about finding parking, moving your car, or deciding which destination gets your attention this weekend. Now, you can do it all!
Hold on. Let’s take a minute to make sure we’re all on the same page. No worries if you’re still a little unsure – you’re certainly in good company if so! What is Uptown? Where is Downtown? Take a look. Downtown is GR’s city center proper. The intersection of Fulton and Division, to be formal. Uptown, meanwhile, is located almost exactly one mile due East of the city center. It’s where to find four thriving business districts: Eastown, East Hills, East Fulton, and Wealthy Street. See the blue? That’s Uptown’s perimeter!
For those of us who already love Uptown, this is a pretty exciting opportunity. For those of you who would like to get to know Uptown, and our nearly 400 small and independent businesses a little better, this is just what you’ve been waiting for.
The Uptowner picks up in Downtown Grand Rapids at the southwest corner of Fulton and Sheldon (near 3 Sheldon Blvd SE), and in Uptown Grand Rapids along Cherry Street between Diamond and Eastern (near 920 Cherry St. SE). The shuttle circulates every 10 to 15 minutes.
Starting your Saturday afternoon in Uptown first? Sure! Maybe you begin by browsing shops along Wealthy Street, hunting for a unique gift in Eastown, grabbing coffee in East Hills, or enjoying a leisurely dinner on one of Uptown’s many patios. When you’re ready for that concert, sporting event, or night out Downtown, simply catch the shuttle and continue your evening.
Or maybe you’re visiting Downtown first. Thousands of people are heading into the city this summer for events, attractions, and entertainment. Instead of ending your evening after that play or ballet or punk show…why not take a quick ride to Uptown and discover a neighborhood restaurant, dessert spot, cocktail bar, brewery, live music venue, or late-night coffee shop?
And let’s be honest: there is something pretty fun about taking a shuttle. You don’t have to stress about where you’ll park. You don’t have to move your vehicle halfway through the evening. You can focus on spending time with friends, supporting local businesses, and enjoying everything Grand Rapids has to offer.
No matter how you choose to utilize this resource, we can’t wait to get you on board. See you shuttling about, soon!
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A note, as you peruse: Gathering this information is an ongoing crowd-sourcing effort and we do our best to be accurate. Did we miss something? Do you have some historical business insight to share with us? Let us know!