GRAND RAPIDS, Ohio — A Wood County village on the Maumee River attracts thousands of visitors across all seasons, according to WTVG, which featured the community in its We The People series marking 250 years of America.
The station reported that many buildings along Front Street have stood for more than a century. Longtime resident Lynne Long called the village walkable, pointing to small shops, restaurants and town hall events, and describing its homes as beautiful. Her husband Joe, who was born and raised in the area, credited residents with the community's success, describing a place where neighbors know and support each other.
Joe pointed to Howard Cemetery as a reminder of Grand Rapids' early years, telling the station it holds one of the village's earliest settlers along with a friend from the Ottawa nation.
Not far away stands a mosaic sculpture, Freedom Takes Flight, which Lynne Long helped create to honor the village and America's 250th birthday. She said the design includes 13 stars and an eagle in flight, and that during this summer's Rally Days, residents and visitors placed pieces of glass into the artwork.
Emily Householder, who started the downtown shop A Drop of Honey more than a decade ago, said her mother introduced her to Grand Rapids and that she was drawn to its old-world feel and preserved downtown, where buildings remain in use.
The Apple Butter Fest ranks among the village's biggest draws, and Joe said it generated funds for historical preservation. WTVG also noted Grand Rapids' history with trains and canal boats, and that Native Americans, including the Ottawa tribe, were the area's first residents.