Insider Guide: Bobby Fisher

Bobby Fisher has lived in Big Rapids for six years. He attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids where he earned a general business degree, and ultimately moved to Big Rapids because his employer, Lake Osceola State Bank, was opening a new branch so he moved in order to manage it.
 
Bobby is a runner and enjoys the river walk along the Muskegon River (which runs through the city) that connects to the surrounding rail trails. The river walk stretches two and a half miles through the city and also connects to Hemlock Park and Swede Hill Park. Bobby says that the river is a primary area for people in Big Rapids with a focus on water-based activities like fishing, boating and tubing.
 
Outdoor recreation activities like hunting and trail riding also dominate, and Big Rapids also has a strong tourism industry. There are two golf courses located in Big Rapids that are both 18 hole courses and open to the public – Katke Golf Course and Falcon Head Golf Club. “They are both affordable and nice,” Bobby says. “You get a very good value for your money on those courses.”
 
In addition to the water, Big Rapids is also home to Ferris State University, which brings with it a cultural-mindedness as well as championship sporting events. During the entire month of February the city of Big Rapids is overtaken by the Festival of the Arts, which is held at different venues throughout the city with special events including dance, writing workshops, painting – “anything that happens in the field of art, there’s something that touches on it,” Bobby notes.
 
For dining, the Blue Cow Café is a restaurant, wine bar and brewpub that offers more fine dining, while the recently-opened Cranker’s Brewery offers more classic comfort food. Schuberg’s Bar & Grill downtown has “been around forever” and is a staple serving items like burgers and chili, and Szot’s Bar is a favorite local hangout also known for fantastic burgers. A new place called the Gypsy Nickel Lounge located on the river is a unique spot and has a sprawling outdoor deck overlooking the water.