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.