Grand Rapids, Michigan

Once a casualty of Rust Belt decline, downtown today is in remarkably good shape.  I walked around for several hours, and virtually every building and storefront is spiffy.  I did not see anything boarded up.  Only one beggar/homeless person approached me.

The rapids and bridges and greenery view from the top of the Amway hotel is excellent.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum has a very good show of David Hockney prints on.

On the down side, I did find that too many downtown places are closed for lunch, or they close at two p.m.  Overall, though, it is an interesting and much underrated place to visit.  Here is o3 onthe Grand Rapids recovery.

Do not turn down a trip.  I also had very good discussions at the Acton Institute and with the Cluny Institute people, for whom I was speaking, on talent.  At some point the talk will be online.