With its tall buildings, expansive sidewalks, and increasingly compact development, the City of Grand Rapids is the unrivaled urban center of the state's second largest metropolitan area. But the East Hills district, just east of downtown, is known locally as the Center of the Universe.
Like so many stories of urban revitalization, the one about East Hills begins with decay. Years ago, an abandoned gas station lot strewn with overgrown weeds and surrounded by a chain link fence symbolized the blight at the doorstep of a nearly forgotten neighborhood.
That's when artist Reb Roberts took matters into his own hands. He painted a vivid sign that read simply 'East Hills: Center of the Universe' and fastened it tightly to the fence encircling the vacant lot. Once perceived as a black hole sucking the vitality of an area increasingly void of life, the dreary lot suddenly became viewed as a bright and welcome opportunity to reverse the downward slide with new ideas, investment, and passion.
Since then, East Hills has boomed and become an inviting destination for visitors. Want the best rib dinner in town? Like watching classic films in ornate historic theatres? Or how about a chilled beer and friendly conversation in a classic European-style pub? East Hills has a diverse collection of shops, services, and entertainment that cater to a wide variety of tastes and interests.
Wake up and smell the coffee
What better way to start the day than with a hearty breakfast? The convergence of Lake, Cherry, and Diamond streets is developing a reputation as the Breakfast Triangle, offering three unique and highly specialized eateries.
Gaia, Grand Rapids original coffee shop, specializes in vegetarian cooking. Started more than 20 years ago with only a few tables, the restaurant has expanded over the years but still retains it's down home-style cooking and artsy feel.
"It is like Berkley meets Ann Arbor," said K.C. Caliendo, Gaia's founder and former owner. "It is amazing to see how this restaurant has maintained its earthy laid back roots."
Don't wait for the server to bring the coffee. Blend with the regulars by getting up, grabbing a mug off the shelf, and pouring your own cup of a hearty organic brew.
Gaia stays open until the early evening on most days. But popular breakfast dishes like the favorite Veggie Hash and Cuban Eggs are served at all times.
The Cherie Inn, located around the corner from Gaia, is a French style cafe. For more than six decades this choice breakfast spot has served the best hollandaise sauce in town and a wide ranging menu of daily specials prepared by the chef.
Marie Catrib's is on the corner of Lake and Diamond, smack dab at the Center of the Universe. (See Reb Robert's Center of the Universe painting hanging on the wall.)
The tasty food, served throughout the day and into early evening, is of the caliber usually found in bigger cities. Popular favorite dishes include the tofu stir-fry with spinach and the stuffed French toast with ham and cheese. Most dishes are accompanied with their spicy Middle Eastern seasoned potatoes.
Visitors who arrive early or at off times, especially on weekends, can avoid delays for a table. But the food and service is well worth the wait. Proprietors Marie Catrib and her son Fouad keep waiting guests happy by handing out samples of their fresh baked goods and beverages.
A day of exploring
East Hills is comprised of three distinct business districts, East Hills, East Fulton, and Wealthy Street, and all are within a few blocks of each other.
Directions to East Hills-Cherry Hill
From the North:
Take US-131 South and merge onto I-196 via Exit 86A on the left toward Lansing. Continue to Exit 78 College Ave and turn right onto College Ave NE. Turn Left onto Fulton St E and then turn slight right onto Lake Drive SE. Arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.
From the East:
Take I-96 West toward Downtown Grand Rapids and take Exit 79 for Fuller Ave. Turn left onto Fuller Ave NE and then right onto Michigan St NE. Turn left onto Diamond Ave NE and arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.
From the South:
Take US-131 North toward Grand Rapids and take Exit 84B for I-131-BR toward Downtown. Turn left onto Ionia Ave SW, then right onto Fulton ST E. Turn slight right onto Lake Dr SE and arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.
From the West:
Take I-96 East toward Grand Rapids and merge onto US-131 South via Exit 31A toward Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo. Continue and merge onto I-196 via Exit 86A on the Left toward Lansing. Take Exit 78 for College Ave and turn right onto College Ave NE. Turn left onto Fulton St E and then slight right onto Lake Dr SE. Arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.
Take I-196 East toward Grand Rapids. Continue to Exit 78 for College Ave and turn right onto College Ave NE. Turn left onto Fulton St E and then slight right onto Lake Dr SE. Arrive in East Hills-Cherry Hill.