So you're just starting to think past Christmas and wondering what to do on

New Year's Eve? Here are a few suggestions.

For those who love fine dining and lodging, the Amway Grand Plaza hotel and the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids have great packages which are affordable and fun. Plus, you can experience The 1913 Room, the only five diamond restaurant in Michigan during your stay.

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel

Starting at $189 per couple you can have accommodations for two and access to the Ambassador Ballroom's Party, GP Sports' Party, the JW Marriott's 80's Night Party or the Courtyard of Marriott's Country Party all after 10 p.m. For dinner there's The 1913 Room package at $250 per couple that includes a five course dinner for two from 5 - 10 p.m.; Cygnus 27 Restaurant overlooking the city at $275 per couple with Dinner, a bottle of champagne, party favors and dancing from 8 - 1 a.m.; and GP Sports at $78 per couple with a dinner buffet, cash bar, champagne toast at midnight and party favors.

JW Marriott

The JW is offering overnights on New Year's Eve starting at $229 per couple with access to four parties (after 10 p.m.) in three hotels which are connected to one another by sky walk. Have dinner in the trendy and delicious Six.One.Six restaurant. Or venture into the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for their many restaurant packages.

Other Ideas for New Year's Eve in Grand Rapids are:

A 4 course tasting menu at Bistro Bella Vita, a fresh farm-to-table restaurant in Grand Rapids, for $50 per person between 9 and 10 p.m. with dancing and music afterwards by Simien and the Whales. You can also come to Bistro Bella Vita early to relax at their 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. seatings with dinner available from their regular menu.

Other downtown restaurants are also open for business include San Chez, a wonderful Tapas Mediterranean Restaurant,Bar Divani, Tre Cugini, The Chop House, the BOB, and more.

Downtown Grand Rapids is a wonderful place to spend New Year's Eve within fine hotels at a fraction of the price that you'd pay in any larger city. Most of the best restaurants in the area are within easy walking distance from the Amway Grand Plaza, the JW Marriott and the Downtown Courtyard Marriott. There's even ice skating, across the street from the Amway Grand Plaza and JW Marriott, at Rosa Parks Circle at the Maya Lin Sculpture, Ecliptic.

Grand Rapids is quaint, yet hip. You won't stop smiling.