The Home Rental Company - Finding Rental Homes in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan

Congratulations Michigan!!!

2011-08-18T09:16:00.002-04:00

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!!!

2011-06-30T11:40:00.003-04:00

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!!

2011-06-08T13:53:00.004-04:00

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

2011-05-16T15:45:00.002-04:00

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” ".

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

2011-05-05T08:43:00.002-04:00

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

2011-04-25T16:26:00.004-04:00

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

2011-04-07T07:36:00.002-04:00

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.

2011-03-31T15:26:00.003-04:00

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!

2011-03-17T06:00:00.002-04:00

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.

$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"

2011-03-10T14:22:00.002-05:00

"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

2011-03-03T07:22:00.002-05:00

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?

2011-02-22T08:31:00.002-05:00

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?

2011-02-15T06:40:00.002-05:00

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!!

2011-02-08T20:36:00.003-05:00

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!

2011-01-28T10:40:00.005-05:00

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

So unique Grand Rapids!

2010-08-20T09:19:00.002-04:00

I thought this was super cool and very unique to our city!!

Nothing like a 500 ft Water Slide in the middle of the city!!! Event will take place Saturday and Sunday (Aug 21st and 22nd) on Lyon street and is FREE. Anyone can ride, however all under 48 inches must ride with an adult.

Come check it out and don't forget your bathing suit!!

West Michigan Schools come on top!

2010-07-06T10:37:00.002-04:00

Wood TV 8 reported last week that three West Michigan Public Schools were ranked in the top 5 out of 3000 statewide!

According to excerpts from the report:

Forest Hills Public Schools' Eastern Middle School took the number one spot statewide among 3,000 schools ranked. Grand Rapids Public Schools' City Middle/High School came in fourth and FHPS' Northern Hills Middle School is ranked fifth.

Please click here for entire article

Michigan Success Story

2010-05-12T15:01:00.002-04:00

An article today from CNN Money.com highlighting our wonderful Grand Rapids!!

Michigan Success Story

2010-04-15T10:30:00.006-04:00

Yet another article showcasing why Grand Rapids is such a great place to live! Rapid Growth published THIS ARTICLE about MSU's college of Human Medicine locating in Grand Rapids. Below is an excerpt:

"Their eyes light up when we talk about quality of life in Grand Rapids," Rappley says. "That's not from me telling them about it. That's from their experience in visiting.

"Grand Rapids is making this part of my job easy. It's not a hard sell. It's really a great place to work and raise a family."

So true!

A little taste of West Michigan!

2010-03-26T10:37:00.003-04:00

This past week, The Grand Rapids Press published an interesting article about the many ethnic restaurants popping up in our own back yard here in West Michigan. Living in Chicago for a few years really opened our eyes to eclectic foods and has been something that we missed and felt was always lacking here....not any more!! There are many wonderful places to enjoy and experience International cuisine.

For a helpful guide, please view: Ethnic Restaurants

Yet another reason West Michigan rocks!!

Reeds Lake Waterfront Project

2010-03-18T20:36:00.002-04:00

The first phase of the Reeds Lake Construction Project will be staring in April (and will end in October). It sounds like the project will enhance Colins Park making it more enjoyable (for fishing, docks and walking trails). For the full story, check out:

Waterfront Project

Butterflies are Blooming at Meijer Gardens!

2010-03-04T17:04:00.002-05:00

If you're looking for something fun to do this month, make sure to check out Frederick Meijer Gardens (Butterflies) to walk amongst over 40 species of butterflies from around the world! It's the "largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit in the nation" and it's here in West Michigan.

So, if you're looking to escape the cold for a fun, family friendly event make sure to come and experience over 60,000 free flying tropical butterflies!

Exhibit runs March 1st through April 30th.

Google in Grand Rapids?

2010-02-25T09:25:00.004-05:00

Yet another reason why our town rocks!

Per Rapid Growth:

"Grand Rapids is one of dozens of cities in the country applying to be a test region for Google Inc.'s proposed experiment to test its super-high-speed broadband network with 50,000 to 500,000 users.

According to excerpts from the story:

Google Inc. is searching for a number of cities to be part of an experiment the company says would make internet access better and faster for everyone. The online media company has announced plans to build super high-speed broadband network for at least 50,000 and up to 500,000.

Grand Rapids is among dozens of U.S. cities applying to be a part of the experimental test market. "This is a good thing for us. This is a good thing for our community. It is a good thing for business and economic development in our region" said Paul Klimas, the Information Technology Director for the city of Grand Rapids.""

For more info on how you can help make this happen, check out:

http://www.grtp.org/google

West Michigan makes the cut!!

2010-02-18T06:44:00.003-05:00

Well, it just goes to show that the winter blues can't get us down! Holland-Grand Haven was voted one of the happiest places to live (in the Country, even above Honolulu!!). Below is the article showcased on World News last night:

View Happy Town

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-10T06:36:00.004-05:00

What a great way to see our wonderful town and makes a great date night idea for Valentines Day!!

"Grand Carriages LLC will be offering special horse-drawn carriage rides to celebrate Valentine's Day with 3 carriages decorated with heart lights and flowers. Scenic tours of downtown Grand Rapids starting at the corner of Monroe Ave & Lyon St in front of Fifth Third Bank Bldg. from 6pm to 11pm on Feb. 12, 13 and 14th for $60 per half hour or $90 per hour. Sit back and enjoy the sound of horse hooves while wrapped warmly in Amish carriage blankets. Please call for reservations 616-893-4984."- per www.grnow.com

If you're looking for something unique to do with the kids for Valentines Day, The "Be my Valentine" show with the Verve Pipe might be an idea:

Description (per www.grkids.com)....

The Verve Pipe performs a children's show in the beautiful Wege Theatre. They will be performing songs from their new "A Family Album" and also classic love songs from the Disney movies, and much more. Great fun for kids of all ages.

Tickets are $15
12 and under $10
3 and under free when sitting on a lap

More Info: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0800438B 9B7D6575?artistid=980679&majorcatid=10002& minorcatid=12

Location Details...

Peter Martin Wege Theatre
341 Ellsworth Ave SW
Grand Rapids

Have a great weekend!

Baby it's cold outside!!

2010-02-03T16:35:00.006-05:00

Even though it's been so cold these past few weeks, that doesn't mean that we all have to hibernate! We can still get out and enjoy all that West Michigan has to offer.

A fun, family friendly event coming up is the East Grand Rapids Kite Festival. It is taking place this Saturday, February 7th from noon to 4pm. All kites will be hoovering over Reeds Lake in EGR. Rose's Restaurant will be serving free hot chocolate and hot dogs. There will also be free kite building inside from 1-3 p.m. for kids under age 12. Check out: East Grand Rapids Kites! for more info.

Another great idea if you haven't done so already this season, is to check out Pando in Rockford! It's a great outdoor fun park with something for everyone! From tubing, to downhill and cross country skiing, it's a fun, adventurous way to spend an afternoon! Visit Pando Park for more info.

Or you could hit the hills and enjoy some good old fashion sledding! For a few popular spots, check out Sledding in West Michigan or if you have found a hill you'd like to share, you can post there as well.

These are just a few options to get out and enjoy our winter wonderland. Spring will be here soon enough, but we still have time to have some winter fun!!!

Haiti efforts in West Michigan

2010-01-27T07:01:00.003-05:00

If you're like many, you're feeling very helpless with what you can do for the people of Haiti. It's been said that a third of Haiti's 9 million people may need emergency aid. It's heartbreaking, devastating and very hard to believe. Well, even though we are hundreds of miles away, there still is something you can do here from West Michigan:

1) American Red Cross
You can donate by going to this link. American Red Cross
They're also taking donations over your cell phone. Just text the word "Haiti" to 90999 and $10 will be automatically charged to your cell phone bill.

2) Rays of Hope Haiti- based here in Grand Rapids (see link below):
http://www.raysofhopeforhaiti.com/
They are looking for both physical and monetary donations.

3) Haiti Benefit Concert at the Intersection
January 28th, 2010
VIP Reception ($20.00 donation per person) from 5:00-7:00 PM where media celebrities, performers, and area dignitaries meet with VIP Reception donors.
Concert starts at 7pm.
For more information, please visit http://www.sectionlive.com/

For a larger list of charities, please feel free to visit:

MLIVE

It's truly unimaginable with what the Haitians must be going through and our hearts go out to all that have been effected.

2583 Lakeshore Drive, Fennville, MI | Powered by Postlets

2010-01-18T14:08:00.004-05:00

Here is a new listing for a great house near Saugatuck, MI. There is private Lake Michigan access across the street.

2583 Lakeshore Drive, Fennville, MI | Powered by Postlets

THE WEBSITE IS LIVE!!!!!!

2010-01-06T13:09:00.004-05:00

We are glad to announce our website, www.thehomerentalcompanyllc.com is up and running. Please take a minute when you get a chance to check it out. Thanks!

Grand Rapids Tree Lighting and opening of Rosa Parks Circle

2009-12-13T07:24:00.006-05:00

Grand Rapids had their tree lighting December 4 which also marked the opening of the Rosa Parks Ice Skating Rink for the season. It was a little cold but a nice family event in downtown Grand Rapids. Downtown was bustling with the tree lighting and the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game. More on Rosa Parks Ice Skating, it is free to skate and only $1 for skate rentals. The tree is located next to the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). For those of that do not know, the GRAM offers $5 admission for non members on Friday nights.

Sarah Palin's 1st stop is Grand Rapids for book signing.

2009-12-01T10:26:00.002-05:00

More exciting news for Grand Rapids.

On November 18, 2009 Sarah Palin made her first book signing stop in Grand Rapids, MI to promote her new book, "Going Rouge". She appeared at the Barnes & Nobles at the Woodland Mall. "Going Rouge" details her months on the 2008 Presidential Campaign as Senator John McCain's vice presidential running mate. Prior to the her Grand Rapids stop, Palin had been doing television interviews with Barbara Walters and Oprah Winfrey.

What's for dinner?

2009-10-29T23:46:00.010-04:00

For those who are not familiar, this was the first year for Art Prize and it basically was an open art competition where the winner was voted on by the public. It was billed as offering the World's Largest Art Prize with total prizes of $449,000.00 with the winner getting $250,000.00. Needless to say there were some interesting entrants - 1,262 to be exact. It brought as electric feeling to downtown Grand Rapids. There were 100,000 multi-colored airplanes thrown off downtown buildings and a giant 1,200 pound moose made out of 60,000 nails. One of our favorites (and it is still up) is the large table and chairs sitting above the Grand River. It is pretty amusing and is located right by the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Enjoy the pics.

Welcome.

2009-10-22T09:59:00.000-04:00

The Home Rental Company LLC will be using this blog to show available rental properties around Grand Rapids, pictures and videos of the surrounding areas, and for general property information. Please visit us at www.thehomerentalcompanyllc.com for more specific information on our company and how we work. We are a valuable resourse for those looking for housing but also for those homeowners currently looking for renters.