By Dana Kroll, Uptown Marketing and Communications Specialist
Today we are kicking off our very first of what will be a fun, ongoing blog series that we’re calling ‘Uptown, From the Experts’. In each article of the series, we’ll ask a business owner from one of our four business districts – Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street, and East Fulton – to take a turn blogging about the district to which their business belongs, in any topic of their choosing. Perhaps they’ll share a fun story or experience had there. Maybe a bit of their district’s interesting history, or perhaps their personal favorite places, things, or people that can be found in their district. We’ve left the choice-of-topic part up to them because, as you’ll come to see, our business owners are very special, with their own unique voices, ideas, and perspectives. After all, they have chosen to do business in the coolest spot this city has to offer – here in Uptown!
Our first entry is courtesy Amanda Stauffer, owner of Fresh Apparel, a fun, trend-forward clothing boutique located on Robinson Rd in Eastown. We planned to further introduce her ourselves, but, her bio is better than anything we could have written ourselves. You’ll find it at the end of the article. And now, without further ado… Take it away, Amanda!
I fell in love with Eastown before I even stepped foot in this amazing and eclectic Grand Rapids community. Four years ago my family was relocating from out of state and I spent a lot of time virtually exploring different Grand Rapids neighborhoods on Instagram. No other neighborhood caught my eye quite like Eastown. It was charming, progressive, lively, and a little bit funky. We knew Eastown was going to be the future spot for either our home or business. About a year and a half after moving to Grand Rapids we signed a commercial lease for our clothing store. I fall more and more in love with Eastown every day and I’ll share a few of the small businesses that make this community my absolute favorite area in the city.
Right: Yesterdog’s famed chili cheese dogs appeal to all ages
The Food Scene
When my husband and I got off the plane to meet our Realtor, she took us straight to Yesterdog. If you’re looking for one of the best chili cheese dogs of your life, you must visit this iconic Grand Rapid’s restaurant. There are so many amazing brunch options in Eastown too; like Brown Butter Creperie, Matchbox Diner and Drinks, That Early Bird Cafe, and Wolfgang’s Restaurant. We have a wide variety of global cuisines too, it never gets boring. Some of my favorites are Chez Olga (for Carribbean/Haitian cuisine), Tamales Mary (this one’s pretty clear!), Bombay Cuisine (Indian eats), and The Pita House (Middle Eastern). Date Night is always fun with dinner and drinks on the patio at Terra GR or Harmony Brewing Company.
Fun and Unique Stores
Eastown is home to Rebel and Commune, two of Grand Rapid’s most beloved stores. Owners Chip and Dan have created spaces that are absolutely gorgeous and you will often see groups of folks taking selfies at the mural on the side of Commune. There’s no other store in town like Spirit Dreams, a metaphysical store where you can find everything from crystals, tarot decks, incense, and even get a reading (some of their beautiful stones, pictured to the left). If you need a wardrobe refresh Fresh Apparel has great fitting basics, dresses for a night out, and one of a kind jewelry. I didn’t even know CBD dog treats were a thing until I visited The Grassy Knoll. Janet, store owner, carries a full range of quality CBD products (for dogs AND humans too!) and is very knowledgeable if you’re new to CBD.
Expert Professionals
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, schedule an appointment with Kyle Visser, one of Grand Rapid’s most sought after Realtors. You can find his office right across from the post office. Cody from Coy Salon has been in the beauty industry for 36 years and you are in expert hands when there. His attention to detail, experience, and exceptional client care are just a few reasons why you should get on his books. Eastown Veterinary Clinic is top notch and has the most compassionate staff.
Experiences
Having a girls night out? Stop by Wax Poetic to create a custom scent for candles, hand soaps, and more. Decompress at Phlot, Grand Rapid’s only flotation therapy studio. Apsara Spa, located in the East Building, is a top rated spa where you can get a facial, massage, brow wax, and other body services.
Eastown really does have it all. There’s such a variety of things to do, places to shop, and food to eat. You can always find something unique and fun, whether it’s your first time or your 100th.
And now for that bio:
Amanda Stauffer, owner of Fresh Apparel, thrives in the chaos, and loves every minute of it. She is the world’s okayest wife and mom to three rambunctious children. Amanda is the ultimate hype girl and loves helping folks feel good about themselves, especially through clothing. She spent 6 years at Michigan State University, skipping classes and going out with friends, before graduating and never using her liberal arts degree. She has a passion for design, mysticism, NPR, and supporting small businesses. You can find her, coffee in hand, crystal in her bra, running around her store and making friends with everyone who walks in the door.