When you think of American cities in which local works of art rival those of great Italian cities like Milan, chances are good that the Michigan city of Grand Rapids probably doesn't come to mind. And yet, that's where one of the world's largest and most magnificent sculptures stands, underscoring the fact that some of our country's most spectacular destinations rarely get their turn in the national spotlight.

Within the >Frederik Meijer Gardens, Michigan's largest tropical conservatory, stands a majestic, 24-foot-tall horse of bronze. More than 500 years ago, artist/sculptor Leonardo da Vinci accepted the offer to create the world's largest equestrian sculpture. His work later crumbled to the ground. Artist Nina Akamu decided to replace the sculpture with not just one but two horses: one in Milan, Italy, and the other in Grand Rapids. Visitors to the Frederik Meijer Gardens may stroll along its winding nature trails, viewing waterfalls and streams, an outdoor perennial garden and the bronze horse, as well as 100 other bronze sculptures created by a roster of the world's most respected artists.

With this magnificent sculpture and its surrounding gardens as a backdrop, Grand Rapids is in the midst of a major cultural and recreational renewal, having invested more than $200 million into new sports facilities and complexes, as well as cultural centers. Among the city's points of interest are the John Ball Zoological Garden, situated on 140 acres; Grand Rapids Art Museum, Van Andel Museum Center, comprised of interactive natural science and history exhibits; and Gerald R. Ford Museum, where you'll see the actual tools used in the Watergate break-in; as well as the "hands-on" Grand Rapids Children's Museum. The city's opera, symphony and ballet are considered among the state's best. For sports fans, the 12,000-seat Van Andel Arena accommodates the arena football (Grand Rapids Rampage), basketball (Grand Rapids Hoops) and hockey (Grand Rapids Griffins) fanatics. On a smaller scale, Grand Rapids is home to a thriving artist community. An astonishing number of small galleries offering handmade jewelry, sculptures, paintings and other works of art - including folk art, modern art, glass and pottery - are located throughout the city.

Grand Rapids has been recognized for its business-friendly environment. Forbes magazine ranked the city among the nation's top 10 in its 1998 edition of "Best Cities for Business in the U.S." The manufacturing sector has been particularly active throughout the last 10 to 15 years; in fact, the number of jobs in the manufacturing sector (including leather products, office furniture, home-care products, home appliances, printed materials, plastics and processed foods) has increased 20.5 percent in the last decade, according to the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Aside from its excellent rates of job growth and a low unemployment rate, Grand Rapid has plenty of other selling points for the newcomer: a crime rate substantially lower than the national average and a lower cost of living that includes housing.

Home prices are extremely reasonable; in fact, you'll find quite a few three-bedroom, single-family residences priced in the low $100s and under. Architecture is often traditional with wood siding and shutters, reflecting the wealth of older yet well-maintained homes in Grand Rapids. You'll find new construction, as well - and homes packed with modern luxury amenities that climb into the $200,000s, $300,000s and up. Although its population now stands at approximately 500,000, Grand Rapids has a small-town feel. Residents have a reputation for being hard-working and friendly, and their close-knit neighborhoods are confirmation of that character. The city's most notable neighborhood is the Heritage Hill Historic District, lined with large, sprawling and striking residences reflecting a wide variety of architectural influences.

By remaining committed to the preservation of its communities, its character and its hard-working spirit, Grand Rapids exudes an atmosphere reminiscent of the traditional neighborhoods of the past. The city's reasonable housing cost, coupled with its strong sense of community, cultural renewal and an economy that continues to grow stronger, will bring the national spotlight to what is surely one of Michigan's most desirable cities.