I can honestly say that meeting other bloggers or entrepreneurs is one of my favorite aspects of blogging. You might think that sounds slightly crazy, but the blogging community has strengthened my sense of creativity and challenged me to think outside of the box. Many of the people I’ve met through blogging have become life long friends and mentors along way. Last month I met up with Maggie from Leland Gal and Alex from Awesome Mitten for a fabulous lunch and brainstorming session.
Both Maggie and Alex have made a mark in Michigan and I’m excited to introduce you to their work. I’m also excited to continue brainstorming and planning a conference for women entrepreneurs and creatives right here in West Michigan.
Meet Maggie from Leland Gal:
As someone who looks forward to visiting Leland every summer I absolutely fell in love with Maggie’s Leland Gal products back in 2013. The vibrant colors and artistic prints always bring a smile to my face remembering days spent with family in Fishtown walking the docks and enjoy fish from Carlson’s while enjoying the view of Lake Michigan. I’m truly inspired by Maggie’s artistic gift, guidance and passion for connecting people through her work. PS the Leland Gal products (like this Outside Bag) make awesome holiday gifts for your Michigan friends.
1. What’s your favorite restaurant in Grand Rapids?
Without a doubt, my new favorite is Nonna’s Trattoria. Ambience + The Best food in GR = Pure Heaven. The owner is a delight, and the chef so passionate about what he is doing. Could not be loving it more.
2. Where is your ideal place to grab a cocktail in GR?
Love the cocktail menu at Terra GR, and favor the Bourbon cocktail “Brown Butter Tea”. Another favorite on the rotation that has it just right for brunch and dinner.
3. Is there something you would love to see or try in Grand Rapids?
It seems like the foodie scene is amping up around here, and we couldn’t be more excited. Love trying new restaurants, but favor less ‘meat and potato” experiences, which seems to be happening. I’m dying to go zip-lining at Cannonsburg!
4. What is your favorite Fall activity in GR?
Love going to Schwalliers as a family, or with a group of families. It’s just good old corny family fun. Also, walking around Reeds Lake, and having a cold beer around a fall campfire.
5. What do you enjoy most about Grand Rapids?
The sense of community is pretty overwhelming. It’s been 6 years since we’ve moved here from Chicago, and now it seems normal to us, but we work really hard not to take that for granted. We know it will become more and more enhanced when our two boys start school, but even now, it’s amazing!
Meet Alex from Awesome Mitten
I’ve been following the Awesome Mitten since I moved back to Grand Rapids so it was great to finally meet Alex. As the Founder of the Awesome Mitten I’m so inspired by her love of Michigan, entrepreneurship, and dedication to her work. If you’re looking for something new to try in Michigan don’t hesitate to read the Awesome Mitten or get some ideas for holiday gifts in the shop.
1. What’s your favorite restaurant in Grand Rapids?
For breakfast – Marie Catribs. For lunch – Two Beards. For dinner – toss up between Brewery Vivant & The Green Well.
2. Where is your ideal place to grab a cocktail in GR?
3. Is there something you would love to see or try in Grand Rapids?
I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but I still haven’t been to Donkey Taqueria! Someday soon I hope to try it 🙂
4. What is your favorite Fall activity in GR?
This sounds silly, but walking! I love walking through Heritage Hills in the crisp fall air, admiring so many of the cute houses. Just feels very Norman Rockwell.
5. What do you enjoy most about Grand Rapids?
The people! I sat down last week to do some work at the bar at The Sovengard and met some awesome people (even recruited a new writer for The Awesome Mitten). I love that anywhere I go in Grand Rapids, people are willing to strike up a conversation, even if just for a minute, and connect with you.
Photography by Kelly Ruffing Photography
I just discovered the Awesome Mitten and I love it! Such a talented group. BTW looooove Donkey and the Sovengard gets two thumbs up! Super chill place!