30 days in Grand Rapids & Atlanta Itinerary

The second largest city in Michigan and a hub of furniture manufacturing, Grand Rapids bears the nickname "Furniture City." However, the destination's original name came from the rapids of the Grand River that once ran through the downtown area.

Venture out of the city with trips to Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, &more), Bittersweet Ski Resort (in Otsego) and Muskegon (USS Silversides Submarine Museum, Pere Marquette Park, &more). Next up on the itinerary: take in nature's colorful creations at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, explore the activities along Lake Michigan, look and learn at Grand Rapids Public Museum, and sample the tasty concoctions at Bell's Comstock Brewery.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Grand Rapids travel route planner.

Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids is an approximately 1-hour car ride. Expect a daytime high around 36°F in December, and nighttime lows around 25°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Atlanta.

Georgia’s largest city and capital, Atlanta is a thriving metropolis anchored by its southern roots.

Venture out of the city with trips to Callaway Resort & Gardens (in Pine Mountain), Cartersville (Allatoona Pass Battlefield Park, Booth Western Art Museum, &more) and Chattanooga (Ruby Falls, Walnut Street Bridge, &more). And it doesn't end there: take in nature's colorful creations at Atlanta Botanical Garden, take in the dramatic scenery at Anna Ruby Falls, steep yourself in history at Centennial Olympic Park, and get the lay of the land with Walking tours.

To see where to stay, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read Atlanta trip builder site.

Getting from Grand Rapids to Atlanta by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Grand Rapids in December, you will find days in Atlanta are much warmer (59°F), and nights are somewhat warmer (42°F). Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive back home.