Things to Do in Forest Hills

Sculpted into the landscape a half-century ago, Arrowhead Golf Course enhances the native scenery with dense tree lines that frame every hole and creeks and ponds that bisect lush fairways. The front nine features more straight-on layouts with undulating greens, and the back nine can test any bag of trick sticks with numerous ponds and sweeping doglegs on the final two holes. On the par 4 18th hole, the course’s hardest rated hole, a dogleg left is guarded by an oak tree at the bend that swats shots trying to cut the corner and a fairway-splitting stream that lures thirsty golf balls.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course

• 6,188 yards from the farthest set of tees

• Three tee options

• See details on each hole

As the top AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, the Grand Rapids Griffins glide through Van Andel Arena on a quest to dominate the Western Conference. Bone-rattling checks and supersonic breakaways echo in the 10,000-seat venue as the Griffins take on Midwest Division rivals. Having sent 125 former players to the National Hockey League, the Griffins provide audiences with an opportunity to scope out future stars, whose autographed pucks can be added to memorabilia collections or given to mascots Griff and Finn to help build their nest in the arena’s rafters.

At Holland and Grand Rapids locations, yogis of all levels practice within a space maintained at a balmy 95 degrees, a temperature ideal for releasing toxins, warming leftover lasagna, and boosting flexibility. Seventy-five-minute cardio-heavy classes tone muscles and keep hearts steadily pumping blood through the body. Senior instructors lead Absolute Beginners classes, teaching the fundamental poses and terminology of Vinyasa sequences so pupils can eventually move on to more advanced Power Vinyasa courses.

[[m:####EasyRotor Helicopter

Founded in 2005 by passionate aviator Eric Swanson, the high-flying adventures of EasyRotor Helicopter have enjoyed publicity from Rapid Growth Media as well as from fellow Michigander and recording artist Kid Rock, who hired the company to shoot aerial footage for a music video. EasyRotor's world-class R44 Raven chopper, manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company, conveniently facilitates the company's tours and aerial services based out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport. As the helicopter slices through the air, views of Grand Rapids, its downtown, and passengers' own homes come into view. Noise-canceling headphones allow for both free-flowing conversation and unobstructed listening to the pilot's anecdotes on the sights below and the exploits of Leo da Vinci, the patron saint of helicopters.:m]]

Seva Yoga's teachers host daily classes that vary in style and difficulty to accommodate students of all abilities inside the studio’s serene, high-ceilinged sanctuary. Certified yoga instructors move about the practice space during sessions, including moderate and gentle classes, offering verbal cues and hands-on adjustments to help beginners sink into stretches. Vinyasa sweat sessions encourage more seasoned yogis to hone their meditation skills while moving from one pose to the next with balance-challenging movements designed to bolster muscles without adding bulk or its attendant purple shorts. In total, six different types of classes are available, with some sessions taught on donation basis. The studio also teaches a 200-hour program designed to pass along knowledge to budding yoga instructors.

Patterson Ice Center sends skaters gliding gracefully across NHL- and Olympic-size rinks. Recreational-, speed-, and figure-skating sessions slice through the facility seven days per week, and a spacious, 5,000-square-foot lobby overlooking both glacial sheets lets parents, friends, and easily chilled zambonis survey icy action while staying warm. During lessons—which are open to beginners through advanced skaters—double gold medalist and skating director April Treado draws from 25 years of experience to help students improve. Additionally, Patterson Ice Center also hosts parties, catered events, and USA Hockey–sanctioned adult leagues, as well as an onsite pro shop stocked with the latest gear and equipment.