It takes a little more time to get from Farmington to Grand Rapids along Grand River, but the drive through communities also divided by this oldest of public thoroughfares makes for an interesting afternoon.
The road carries with it some confusion, like three state highway designations and alternating names (Grand River Road or Grand River Avenue). At one point just outside Grand Rapids, it morphs from Grand River to Cascade. And rumor has it, there’s a Grand River Trail somewhere near Portland. But even more distinctive than these names, Grand River has a different identity in each and every community, from Farmington to Novi to Howell to Fowlerville. In some spots, it’s “Main Street,” lined by a business district on both sides. Elsewhere, it’s a boulevard split by islands of greenery. And for quite a stretch, Grand River is a two-lane road, winding casually around the countryside.
In Howell, wide sidewalks accommodate outdoor seating protected from traffic by fences and parking spots and depths of concrete. In East Lansing, this Saturday brought merchants and their goods out into the bright sunlight and shoppers who strolled by looking for bargains. Sleepy Webberville barely seemed aware that cars passed through, while Williamston oozed historic charm, despite six lanes of Grand River (two for traffic in either direction and a lane of clearly designated parking on either side) slicing through it. Interestingly, Williamston has an on-going campaign to encourage pedestrian traffic. “This is an opportunity to get out and enjoy the season with your family or friends in an activity that is both free and healthy. Benches along the way provide rest stops to take a break, visit or just enjoy the weather. Check out what’s new in the stores, get some ice cream or a cup of coffee, have a picnic in the park, and meet new people along the way.” (www.williamston-mi.us)
When you live somewhere for a period of time, it’s easy to develop tunnel vision. We in Farmington see comparisons to Northville or Plymouth or Birmingham or Ferndale or Clawson. It was equally interesting to look to the west, and to see how Grand River runs through it.
–Joni Hubred-Golden
Michigan Woman Blogger
