Uptown Grand Rapids Business Districts Part 1: Wealthy Street Business District
There are many things to love about Grand Rapids. The bustling city offers a new perspective on art, culture, and what it means to live in Michigan. As a native myself, I’ve always found something new to enjoy, the most recent being living in the heart of the Wealthy Street Business District.
The Wealthy Street Business District is one of the four districts making up Uptown Grand Rapids which includes the East Hills, Eastown, and Fulton Street Business Districts as well. With summer peeking its head around the trees, I wanted to highlight five businesses in the Wealthy Street Business District that make living in Uptown so wonderful and give a taste of what living on Wealthy is like.
1. Kula Yoga
http://www.kulagr.com/
If you’re looking for a place to relax and breathe or challenge your mind, body, and spirit, Kula Yoga is a wonderful place to do that. Located in the center of Wealthy street, Kula is open in person and virtually. They recently launched a 3-tier pricing membership where you’re able to pay what you can for a month-to-month membership, making Kula the most affordable yoga studio in Grand Rapids. As a member myself, I love Kula and the community that it is.
2. The Plant Parlor
https://www.theplantparlor.com/
Are you a plant person? Well, you don’t really need to be to completely fall in love with this shop. Walking in the doors, you are immediately entering into a lush environment. This plant nursery offers a wide range of houseplants that are sure to spark some joy.
3. Wealthy Street Animal Hospital
https://wealthystreetanimalhospital.com/index.cfm
Wealthy Street is full of pets! If you’re looking to move to GR with your pet, WSAH is a top-notch veterinary clinic. With two separate doors for cats and dogs, your four-legged companion is sure to feel safe and taken care of.
4. Outside Coffee Co. and Woosah
https://www.spreadingthewoosah.com/
One of the best things about Michigan is its summers, but it can be hard to enjoy if you work inside all day. Run by artist Erica Lang and her partner Kelly McPhee, Outside Coffee Co. is a completely outside coffee shop residing in the garden of its sister store, Woosah, an art and apparel shop. Both shops are completely LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and AAPI positive and supportive, which further reflects the accepting culture in the Wealthy District. They promote outside living and getting in touch with the world and different types of people around us.
Outside Coffee Co. is also a hotspot for pet owners. With a dog-friendly environment, and an endless amount of coffee, you’re sure to get a lot of work done — or at least, a little. As one of the five coffee shops on Wealthy street, Outside Coffee Co. stands out from the others by providing an outdoor experience.
5. Royals
https://www.royalsgr.com/
One of the newest restaurants on Wealthy, Royals opened in early March of 2020…and then closed soon after like the rest of the world. No matter the unsure beginning, Royals has made quite an impression on the Wealthy street community. Formerly Jonny B’s, Royals has been rebranded to represent a cozy and fun neighborhood diner that feels classic and timeless, and I can testify to that. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the energy- both edible and cultural- that Royals brings to the table. My favorite Sunday morning breakfast has been their corned beef hash dish with a delicious mimosa. And don’t even get me started on their house-made jam. I could eat it by the spoonful!
Of course, there are many more wonderful shops on Wealthy that deserve recognition and praise. If you’re thinking about moving to the Grand Rapids area, consider moving near Wealthy for the shops, the food, the people, and the pups, and check out the many other places to go.