Grand Rapids Weekend

 We went on an improvised getaway to Grand Rapids, MN, over the weekend. We've done a few little "flash vacations" to smaller towns around Minnesota over the last few years. It is surprising the neat things you can find if you just know where to look. 

We love breweries and Grand Rapids is home to two very good ones: Rapids Brewing and Klockow Brewing. Rapids Brewing was hopping on Friday night; the house playlist was great and the beer and food was excellent. We ordered the Italian Stallion pizza, which featured pickled onions and peppers and a crust glazed with maple syrup, baked in a wood-fired oven. It was spicy and paired great with beer (not a coincidence, I can assure you). They also had a full cocktail bar. A great place to unwind with friends.

Klockow Brewing had a local artist exhibit on display when we were there. It was a very cool, artsy vibe and the beer was most excellent.

Local artist Tom Page had his paintings on display at Klockow Brewing on March 1st, 2025.

Supply Line Hazy IPA and cards at Klockow Brewing

We enjoyed a delicious homemade breakfast at Dottie's Hometown Cafe, which is the last locally owned and operated cafe in Grand Rapids; keeping the theme of supporting small, local businesses I had to visit Wildflower Bookshop and (naturally) added three more books to my reading list.

The highlight of the weekend was the Judy Garland Museum and Birthplace. The experience was truly beyond my expectations. 

Frances Gumm, later known to the world as Judy Garland, is the most famous resident of Grand Rapids and this small museum had a surprising number of personal mementos from Garland's personal collection as well as a large collection of motion picture memorabilia. The original house she lived in is onsite and museum goers were free to walk around the entire place, which was a very cool experience.

An original dress from the Wizard of Oz test shot.

The original carriage from Wizard of Oz, pulled by the Horse of a Different Color, as Dorothy enters Oz.

An original Wizard of Oz script.

Judy and her sisters (known as the "Gumm Sisters") rehearsed on this landing in the 1920s, presumably because it was the shape of a small stage. The Gumm sisters first appeared on stage at the New Grand Theater in Grand Rapids. They later moved to California and hit the "big time," appearing in several films before Judy's solo career skyrocketed.

The living room of the original Gumm house, the landing "stage" is to the right.

Judy's personal datebook, with notes in her handwriting.

Judy's address book. That's Alfred Hitchcock's address and phone number at the bottom!

An original "Winkie spear" from Wizard of Oz

Judy's personal gold record for "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She recorded the song on October 7, 1938, and it went on to be named the #1 song in a motion picture by the American Film Institute and the #1 Song of the Century by the RIAA and the National Endowment for the Arts. Groundbreaking and record setting in every sense.

It was a fun weekend and a much needed break from the routine. If you ever get the opportunity, the Judy Garland Museum and Birthplace is worth the drive!