Congratulations Michigan!!!

Such an honor... Sleeping Bear Dunes was voted Good Morning America's "most beautiful place in America!" Thousands of entries came in from across the country and thousands of viewers voted for this hidden gem!!

For the full story, check out: Sleeping Bear

Happy 4th of July!!!

Grand Rapids and West Michigan is a great place to be for the 4th. No need to travel far because there is tons to do here!!!

Below is the link for the West MI 4th of July Guide.

Fireworks

Wishing everyone a safe and happy one!!

Way to fight back GR!!

Well as most of us know, Newsweek published an article back a few months ago that Grand Rapids, was a "dying city"... well as you can imagine, that didn't set well for most!! I believe we posted Heartwell's letter in response after it was published, but we wanted to also post the video that Rob Bliss came up with and directed. Such a fun way to show that our city IS full of life!!

Check out the entire story (which was highlighted on ABC news last week) and the video. It's a must see!!

What a great place to live!!

Heritage Hill Home Tour

What a great way to see Heritage Hill!! Come on out this weekend (times below) to check out what "This Old House recently selected as one of the
“Best Old House Neighborhoods 2011: The Midwest” ".

1. •Saturday, May 21 - Tour Time: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
   

2. •Sunday, May 22 - Tour Time: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

There will be 8 residential homes and 2 public for tour. You can purchase advance tickets for $15.00 each if ordered by this Friday, May 20th. You can visit www.heritagehilltours.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Start planning your summer!

As the weather starts to shift and Spring FINALLY feels like it's here... it's time to start thinking about all that West Michigan has to offer this summer. From parades, to concerts to festivals... we have it all!! Mark your calendars and check out the below link for all the great festivals:


2011 West Michigan Festivals

Dining Out for Life: April 28th

Plan on eating out this Thursday and support "Dining Out for Life" (an event where a portion of your meal's tab is donated to the Grand Rapids Red Project, which services the needs of those with HIV/AIDS in our community).

Participating Restaurants:
1. Bar Divani
2. Brick Road Pizza
3. Cygnus 27
4. HopCat
5. McFadden's
6. Sazerac Lounge
7. six.one.six
8. Stella's Lounge
9. The Viceroy
10. Kopper Top

This is a great way to make a meaningful contribution AND enjoy a night out!!

McDonalds hiring spree to help West MI

On April 19th, McDonald's Corporation will hire a total of 50,000 nationwide. This includes around 2500 here in Michigan which definitely can't harm anything! Another key point that I loved about the story is that our local franchises reinvest back into the local economies (approx. $0.48 to every $1.00).

You can read the entire story at: McDonald's

People interested in the April 19 event can apply online or in stores. Some McDonald's locations will also hold events and interviews that day.

Happy Opening Day! Take a look at our March newsletter.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Happy--Opening-Day--from-The-Home-Rental-Company.html?soid=1103295305520&aid=wnpl49-I3n0

Celebrate St. Pat's, your health and the communtiy!

Spectrum Health is proud to put on the 28th annual Irish Jig! It's this Saturday, March 19th.

Men's Race: 9 a.m.

Women's Race: 9:35 a.m.

Register Here! ( you have until 12pm today, or you can register at EGR High School on Friday March 18th).

$17 for 18 and younger
$22 for 19 and older

Get those running shoes out and start the running season out right!

One of "the best neighborhoods"

"This Old House" which is a home improvement magazine and television series on PBS did a piece on the "best old neighborhoods of 2011" and our own Heritage Hill made the cut!!!

You can check out the whole story: Heritage Hill, best neighborhoods

Reading the comments on the above site you can truly get a sense of pride and community from all the Heritage Hill neighbors. They love everything about it!

Get a taste of spring

Even though it may not feel like it outside, spring is blooming and butterflies are in the air! The Butterfly exhibit is now open at Frederick Meijer Gardens and it's the perfect way to escape the cold. There are more than 6000 free flying butterflies from around the world, including more than 40 different species!

The exhibit runs March 1st to April 30th.

Location
Frederik Meijer Gardens
1000 E. Beltline NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Eager to help out?

Then we have a good place for you!

Rapid Growth Media has partnered with different organizations to discuss the hunger issue here in our own back yard, West Michigan.

They'll talk with Kids Food Basket, the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force, Access of West Michigan, local food banks and other initiatives in the area to see where else help is needed and what YOU can do!!

Thursday, Feb 24th
Doors open at 5:30pm
Wealthy Street Theater
1130 Wealthy SE
FREE

In the mood to laugh?

Looking for a fun night out while at the same time, helping out those within your community?

Then make sure to check out LaughFest! It's a 10 day festival taking place March 10th-20th featuring comedy, improv and an abundance of events that will surely put a smile on your face. All proceeds from LaughFest will go towards Gilda's Club of Grand Rapids.

You can purchase tickets via www.ticketmaster.com or at Van Andel Arena Box office.

For more info and a complete listing of acts, please visit: www.LaughFest.org

Is it Paris? London?? Na.... it's Grand Rapids!!

As you know, I attempt to report on various happenings going on within our town as well as post cool, unique events/occasions/places that make our city Grand Rapids unique and THE place to be!

It was recently brought to my attention, that "Food and Wine" Magazine published an article in their February 2011 issue which talked about the new 'hot spots' to go for top notch wine and food.

#1) London
#2) Paris

ANNDDDDDD

#3) Nothing but our vibrant city, Grand Rapids, MI!!!

Reserve wine bar was featured for new natural wine, over 100 wines by the glass and the place to be!!

It's located at:
201 Monroe Ave. N.W.
Downtown

Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!

Grand Rapids IS a growing, thriving City!

For all of us that live here, the recent 'dying city' article that was published in Newsweek last week didn't set too well. As residents we see our city flourishing, thriving and making it's place on the map! We are all proud to live here and it's the most amazing place to call home.

Below is the link to the VERY appropriate letter Mayor Heartwell wrote in rebuttal to the article:
Thriving City