Summer time means it’s time to hit up all the popular hiking trails! This is the perfect guide to four hiking trails in West Michigan. Strap on your hiking boots and find your new favorite hike. Stop by the GVSU Laker Store to grab the perfect pieces for your next stop.

Now that it is summer, I’m ready for sunshine, cool waters, and gentle lake breezes. Now that winter semester is over, I’m crawling out of my cocoon of winter blues and returning to the flow of work life. Catching up with friends, sleep, and of course beach days! Here are some recommendations tried and true by us at the Laker Store Marketing team!

It’s finally summer! The sun is out and the heat is real: ice cream season has arrived! This Grand Rapids ice cream guide will give you the top five best places to get ice cream. Buckle up to discover creameries from all directions and locations in and near Grand Rapids, featuring some of the best ice cream shops in the area. It’s time to beat the heat!

Looking for some summertime fun? Grand Rapids has a plethora of markets and pop-ups to fill your summer schedule. From artisan made goods to fresh produce, these markets are full of unique goodies that you won’t want to miss. Grab a GV tote bag from the Laker Store and get shopping!

Finals week can be stressful, but finding the perfect study spot doesn't have to be! If you're looking for a quiet space to study for finals, but don’t want to get caught in the most popular spots, Grand Valley has you covered with some hidden areas that make for the perfect last minute cram or hour long study session. Whether you enjoy studying indoors or outside, these locations are sure to be added to your list!

Congratulations! You must be graduating soon. Whether you are graduating this semester or just planning ahead, we received some insider information on the best locations for graduation photos surrounding our campuses. Whether you are looking for photos in the Valley or the City, we’ve got you covered. Gather your friends, family, champagne, and book a local photographer to capture your time here at Grand Valley State University!

The snow is melting, the sun is shining, and our beloved spring bulbs are returning! Nothing feels better than the smell of fresh air, the sound of birds singing, and life returning to campus. There are so many places in the Grand Rapids area to stop and smell the flowers. In this blog, I’ll give you some ideas of locations to explore the joy of nature, but feel free to use this guide as an excuse to discover your own little nooks and crannies of the world.

The transition from winter to spring is creeping closer every day, and spring break is right around the corner! Get outside, enjoy the weather, and explore new places in and around Grand Rapids with the best spring activities in West Michigan — and don’t forget to rep your favorite GVSU apparel while you’re out and about. Whether you’re going home or sticking around for the week, this blog guide will give you the best activity ideas to keep you busy.

After an initial launch in our Monroe Center location, The Laker Store is excited to introduce Philly’s Faves to both our Allendale location and our online store. This exclusive collection blends Laker spirit, personal style, and a meaningful mission: supporting GVSU scholarships with every purchase.

After you’ve already gotten your significant other flowers and chocolates, as you should, you may be wondering where to go from there. Candlelit dinner? Walks on the beach? There is so much to choose from! But you want to be out of the ordinary and do something real special for your real special person. Something fun and different, to show them that you are the coolest cat in Coolcatlandville. Well, let me help you out.

For many lakers, the drop in temperature is a signal to retreat indoors, but the season offers so much more than just back to back study sessions in the Mary Idema Pew Library. From glowing art installations to the adrenaline rush of tubing at Cannonsburg, the areas surrounding both GVSU campuses transform into a true winter wonderland. Winter is in full swing and there are a handful of local winter activities for any Laker to enjoy. Whether you're looking to brave the cold or searching for the perfect cozy hoodie at the Laker Store to survive the chilly walk to class, we've rounded up the best local activities to help you embrace the cold. Grab your mittens and your GVSU pride, let's make the most of the Michigan winters!

Brrrrrr! It’s officially winter in Michigan! With all the snow and ice, it’s finally starting to feel like the right season. This cozy blog guide is sure to keep you warm in these cold months. From sweatshirts and sweatpants to gloves and hats, this blog highlights must-haves from our GVSU apparel and Grand Valley winter gear collections to help you stay snug and comfortable this semester. Whether you’re heading out for a jog in the cold climate or simply walking between classes, the Laker Store has the perfect items to keep you bundled up

There’s an overwhelming amount of tasks to complete during the holiday season — presents to buy, family parties to plan, meals to cook, and so much more. With all the stress and planning, sometimes you just need a break from the chaos. Don’t know where to start? Fear not — this Grand Rapids Christmas guide will point you toward the best events for a relaxing day out!

Are you holiday shopping and struggling to find a gift to fit your Laker loved ones? Finding the perfect gift just got easier! Every student has their own personal style and personality, so of course, you want to fit their gifts with them. Here is your ultimate guide to what your unique student needs for the holiday season. The Laker Store has something for everyone. I’ve hand-picked clothing, gifts, and must-have accessories to make your holiday shopping simple—and full of Laker pride.

As a Laker and a coffee lover, I am sure whether you are looking for a grab and go or a sit down cup, there are plenty of available options for good quality coffee, welcoming staff, and aesthetically pleasing environments around here. In this blog, I will cover five different coffee shops in the Allendale, Downtown Grand Rapids, and East Grand Rapids areas. All of these places have been go-to’s for me to get anything from studying done to hanging out with friends. I’m excited to tell you about them, and I’m sure you will like them just as much as I do!

Congratulations, your Laker is officially set off to college and embarking on their next chapter of life. Missing your student while they are at college is completely normal and to be expected! Below you will find all the things to show them you are thinking of them, whether it be with GVSU spirit gear, Laker cuddle buddies, or study aids.

Grand Valley is full of iconic spots on campus, such as the clock tower, Mary Idema Pew Library, Kirkhof Center, GVSU Laker Store, and Zumberge Pond. But beyond these well-known favorites, there are many secret spots at Grand Valley State University waiting to be discovered. From quiet study spots to scenic hidden gems around the Valley Campus, Lakers can always find new places to explore. Follow along and find a few spots on campus you may not have known about- and uncover new ways to experience life as a Laker.

It seems like just yesterday that the newest freshman class arrived at GVSU, so how is it family weekend already? As a senior who has experienced several family weekends, both good and bad, here is the ULTIMATE guide to family weekend! Need ideas for what to wear to the big game? Where to eat while on campus? How to occupy the family before the game starts? The Laker Store has got you!

Moving into your dorm is more than just unpacking boxes, it’s about creating a space that feels like home while showing off your Laker pride. Whether you’re tackling your college move-in checklist as a freshman or refreshing your space for another year, the GVSU Laker Store has everything you need. From Grand Valley dorm essentials to cozy Laker fan gear, these items will help make your room comfortable, stylish, and ready for the semester.