A little taste of West Michigan!

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

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!

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?

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!!

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!

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!!

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!!!