How You Can Spend $1,000 Around Grand Rapids

DUH! Who wouldn't want to go on a shopping spree?! Or you can put the thousand towards one really nice thing like one of those fancy massage chairs that they sell at Brookstone.

Don't want to waste it all one thing? Just think of all the stuff you can buy on sale! With so many stores going out of business, now is the time to take advantage of all those final sales.

Between Woodland and Rivertown Mall and the Tanger Outlets I'm sure you can find something to spend your winnings on (lots and lots of shoes)!

There are so many amazing restaurants in the Grand Rapids area that you can treat yourself to. From burgers to pizza to sushi... the options are endless.

If you're feelin fancy, put on your best outfit and take a special someone out for a nice dinner. You've got lots of romantic restaurants in G.R. to choose from.

And let's not forget that it's BEER CITY USA so it really isn't hard to spend money on alcohol here. In fact, Grand Rapids was the number two city in Michigan that had the most alcohol sales.

There's always a new restaurant or brewery popping up in the greater Grand Rapids area so after you win your $1,000 go celebrate!

This is unlike any other 5K because you will be running and racing through giant inflatables! It's fun for everyone, no matter what age you are or if you even have an athletic bone in your body.

Insane Inflatable 5K will be at Millenium Park on June 24th. General admission is $49 but since you now have an extra grand go all out and spend the $100 on the All Access Pass. Register here.

Now that the weather is warmer, the John Ball Zoo is one of the best activities to get you out of the house and kill a few hours.

But, instead of having to pay each time you visit the zoo, just pay once and become a member! You get to enjoy tons of benefits as a member and depending on the level you purchase, the benefits get greater. Check them out here.

Just be careful of the poop-throwing chimp ;)

Since you just got a membership to the zoo, you might as well go and get one for Frederik Meijer Gardens too. Trust me, a one-time visit is not enough to the Gardens. And now is the perfect time to visit since "Butterflies are Blooming" exhibit is open through April 30th.

As a member you get free admission for a year, discount on the summer concert series, a discount at the gift shop and you'll be invited to members-only events. Get your membership here.

FMG is gonna be even bigger and better when expansions and additions begin this fall.

Opening day is April 6th for the West Michigan Whitecaps and baseball season officially begins!

You can buy single tickets for a game but why that when you can upgrade and get season tickets! A must if you're a baseball fan. The Whitecaps make it easy though cuz you can buy a full or half season's worth.

There's so much entertainment that comes through Grand Rapids; between concerts, shows and plays your money can go towards seeing your favorite band or a performance at the ballet.

Here are a list of events scheduled for the following venues:

• Van Andel Arena
• 20 Monroe Live
• DeVos Performance Hall
• Grand Rapids Ballet
• Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
• The Intersection

Better yet, become a member of the museum to enjoy free perks and discounts!

Just in Grand Rapids you have four different museums to choose from:

1. Grand Rapids Public Museum
2. Gerald R. Ford Museum
3. Grand Rapids Children's Museum
4. Grand Rapids Art Museum

Each museum has different things to explore and learn, including exhibits and events. For example, through April 9th, the Public Museum has different spring break activities planned for FREE that way you can save some of that thousand.

It's been all the hype lately... groceries delivered to your door!

Shipt officially began delivering Meijer groceries on March 29th and it's a great investment if grocery shopping is one of the chores that you just don't have time for (or feel like doing).

You can pay a monthly fee OR just pay a one-time fee of $99 and that covers the entire year! Less than $100 and you never have to worry about going into the store yourself? Definitely worth it!

Get signed up with Shipt here.

Grand Rapids on Tap is back for the 5th year on July 15th and if you're into craft beer, than put this on your calendar of summer events.

The event will be at Calder Plaza from 3-7p and you'll get to sample over 100 craft beers around the country. Of course there will be food too ;)

Tickets are $30 and include 15 drink tickets plus a souvenir glass. Prices go up to $35 after April 30th so get them now. Or you can always splurge and hook your friends up by buying group tickets... 10 for the price of 8!

Get your tickets for Grand Rapids on Tap here.