Grand Rapids Spring Arts Preview

by Amy Busse on March 6, 2014

Photo courtesy Studio3Twenty

Photo courtesy Studio3Twenty

While the weather forecast might not indicate spring is on the way, luckily the Grand Rapids arts scene goes by the calendar and new shows, exhibits and experiences are popping up like tulips.

Kicking off spring theater in Grand Rapids is the new Grand Rapids Civic Theatre production of Les Misérables.

“We were the first community theater in the nation to receive the announcement that the play was available for production,” said Nancy Bozek, Director of Development and Community Relations for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. “I’m excited for the community to experience this powerful performance. All I can say is ‘WOW’!”

The show runs February 28-March 30.

A great production to introduce theater to the younger crowd is Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells & Batman Smells based upon the popular children’s book of the same name, which takes the stage April 18-27.

“10-11 year old students from our School of Theatre Arts make up the majority of the cast,” Penny Notter, Associate Director for Grand Rapids Civic Theatre said. “Many of the lines are straight from the book. Whether or not you are familiar with Junie B. Jones, you won’t be disappointed. I found myself laughing out loud just from the script!”

Coming to the Civic Theatre May 30-June 15 will be 9 to 5: The Musical bringing the 80’s hit movie along with songs such as “9 to 5” and “Backwoods Barbie” to life.

For more information on all productions visit www.grct.org

An experience the Grand Rapids community looks forward to is the annual Butterflies Are Blooming exhibit running March 1-April 30 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. An up close and personal experience with tropical butterflies along with a nice shot of heat in the Tropical Conservatory will definitely be a treat after this winter.

“Something not everyone may not know about Meijer Gardens is we’re open year round,” Andrea Wolschleger, Public Relations Manager, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, said. “The walkways are always clear and sculptures really tend to pop with the white snowy backgrounds.” [read more…]

Butterflies are Blooming in 2014!

by Lyndsay Israel on February 27, 2014

As the light at the end of this tunnel called winter is finally visible, it’s wonderful to turn our attention to warmer weather goings-on in Grand Rapids. This March, Butterflies are Blooming returns to Frederik Meijer Gardens as a great way to educate and create appreciation for the miracle of butterflies.

I spoke with Andrea Wolschleger of Meijer Gardens to bring you five reasons you should definitely plan to see the butterflies between March 1st and April 30th:

Butterfly

Photo Courtesy of William J. Herbert

1. Butterflies Are Blooming is an early sign of spring in West Michigan.

Each year, over 150,000 visitors from all over America and beyond have traveled to see butterflies blooming.  And why wouldn’t you?  It’s a balmy 85 degrees in the conservatory and a wonderful place to camp out and observe.

Kids love the interactive stations and volunteers who can point out and explain the different varieties and adults love the chance for fantastic photos.  The conservatory is a beautiful set-up with tropical plants, fruit that draws the butterflies to visible spaces, and a whimsical walkway to follow…or not. [read more…]

Don’t Miss LaughFest…or the rest of Grand Rapids!

by Kirsetin Morello on February 20, 2014

A funny, romantic date; a night out giggling with girlfriends; a couples’ get-together with dinner and laughs; or a special fun-filled family outing that creates memories for years to come: LaughFest is the perfect venue for any and all of these scenarios! With over 200 events at this year’s LaughFest (March 6-16), including some in Lowell (PJ Walsh) and Holland (Jeff Allen), you’re sure to find yourself laughing for a good cause.

laughfest

Whether you’re staying downtown or just heading into the city for an event, the evening wouldn’t be the same without grabbing some grub. Since you’re in Beer City USA, you may want to check out some of our award-winning breweries. If dozens of beers on tap and to-die-for crack fries call your name, you’ll want to pop into Hopcat, which features its own brews as well as beers from around the world. The recently-expanded Founders Brewing is here, too—you won’t want to miss whatever they’ve got on tap! [read more…]

Beercation Inspiration: Quenching your thirst for craft beer in West Michigan

by Molly Crist on February 13, 2014

Valentine’s Day is upon us and the sun is shining. Perhaps you have a weekend ahead filled with roses, Champagne (or better yet, Leelanau Peninsula’s sparkling wine: L Mawby), cheese fondue and candy hearts. Or maybe you’re thirsty and ready to dive into West Michigan’s beer culture and join the Cool Brews. Hot Eats. festivities. No matter the season, Grand Rapids is always your gateway to phenomenal craft brews. Read on for a sample weekend itinerary and beercation inspiration.

Friday ~ The weekend starts now.

Settle in and then grab a pint, it’s happy hour. HopCat is a great first stop since they have dozens of beer on tap and a knowledgeable staff.

hopcat

Beers on tap at HopCat.

Grand Rapids is constantly celebrating – we love festivals. It’s wise to time your visit around a beer-focused party. Check out Experience Grand Rapid’s event listing for scheduling and ideas. My favorites festivals are of course the Winter Beer Festival at 5th Third Ballpark (February), Founders Fest (June), Brewery Vivant’s Wood Aged Beer Fest (October), Vander Fest (October) and Irish on Ionia (March). Other terrific annual events to coordinate a visit with include Restaurant Week, Laughfest and ArtPrize.

Enjoy dinner (suggestions here) and an evening out on the town attending one of Grand Rapids’ many events. [read more…]

Learn to Cook at The Downtown Market Grand Rapids

by Molly Crist on February 11, 2014

The Downtown Market Grand Rapids opened September 2013 and our midwestern city was ratcheted up a few foodie notches with huge rooftop greenhouses, an artisan food market open daily (home to a world class bakery, GR’s first fishmonger, a pie baking champion and 16 other talented producers), a seasonal outdoor farmers market, a handful of important partnerships working to educate and inspire, and something that makes me drool even more than the guacamole at Tacos El Cuñado: world class teaching kitchens.

Downtown Market Grand Rapids' sparkling new teaching kitchen.

Most classes are hands-on in the Market’s sparkling new teaching kitchen.

If you haven’t visited the Market yet, I assume you’re coming to Grand Rapids for the first time. Locals have visited the Market fullforce, with 30,000 dropping by to celebrate the grand opening and many returning regularly for the fine foods. The informal culinary education program and slate of appetizing cooking classes are attracting home cooks – from complete beginners to those that are experienced and passionate. [read more…]

Book Now: Last-minute Valentine’s Day options in Grand Rapids

by Meagan Francis on February 6, 2014

grand rapids valentines day 2014

Attention, slackers! February 14 is just over a week away, and if you haven’t booked a room or reserved a table yet, you might be feeling more than a little pressure. But no worries. While it’s true that many restaurants and hotels are full up, there are still plenty of great ways to spend the evening, including some outside-the-box options that will really impress the special person in your life. Here are a few ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style – but hurry! Tickets, rooms and tables are going fast. [read more…]

Propaganda Doughnuts ~ Artisan Pastries in Downtown Grand Rapids

by Molly Crist February 4, 2014

Let’s consider a few likely scenarios. It’s a lovely Sunday morning and you’re strolling around Downtown Grand Rapids. You’re headed to work and want to surprise your co-workers. You just finished up a fabulous dinner but saved a little room for dessert. What would complete all three occasions? Doughnuts! Lucky for us, Torrence R. O’Haire [...]

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Another Way to Experience Beer City, USA: Enjoy a Brew & Renew Package at The Spa at the JW!

by Meagan Francis January 30, 2014

Beer lovers, relax! Now there’s a super-pampering way to enjoy local craft brews with all five senses with beer-infused Brew and Renew services at The Spa at the JW Marriott. Spa-goers can choose a brew pedicure that includes a beer foot bath, invigorating scrub, soothing hot towel application, foot massage, cuticle and nail care – [...]

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Cool Brews. Hot Eats. 2014

by Lyndsay Israel January 28, 2014

It’s still the most wonderful time of the year!  As we approach mid winter, beer enthusiasts unite as they celebrate GR Beer Week leading up to the 9th Annual Winter Beer Festival.  For the second year in a row, Experience GR brings you Cool Brews. Hot Eats. (CBHE), two weeks of wonderful chef/brewer collaborations that are happening all [...]

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Warm Up and Get Active in Grand Rapids

by Amy Busse January 23, 2014

The holidays and the bitter cold are not typically conditions that motivate people to get off the couch and start-or get back into-their fitness routine. Let’s face it-some people just don’t like the cold. And that’s OK! Because in Grand Rapids there are plenty of ways to keep fit and stay warm at the same [...]

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