[dylanhassinger]

I spent a day in Grand Rapids last year, very impressed with the tech scene there. A lot of bright folks, good companies, beautiful mid sized city, and a surprising lean focus.

Go StartGarden! I hope we can cop some of GR's vibe here in St. Louis.

Also the micro-funding concept is brilliant, great way to draw out the hidden midwest talent

[benatkin]

Might you be more easily impressed than most HNers, coming from StL? Or have you got to know one of the big startup hubs? Also I'm curious what you did in a day to get a feel for it. I've spent a week in SF so far but I don't feel that I have a good grasp of what it's like there. If you have insight into how to quickly check out a city's tech scene, please share.