Dynamic Variation:

Veen Observatory: A Hidden Gem in The Grand Rapids Area

In Grand Rapids, you don't have to travel far to escape the lights of the city for dark, starry country skies. About a 25-minute drive from Grand Rapids, in Lowell, amateur astronomers and curious members of the public can visit the James C. Veen Observatory to view stars, planets, and other…

Read More

Take a Tour of Grand Rapids’ Ghostly History

As the colors begin changing around West Michigan each year and things start going bump in the night, there are many fall activities in and around Grand Rapids that you can find to add spooktacular Halloween fun to your calendar. But, the eeriness of the season may just find you if you are exploring…

Read More

Revisiting ArtPrize With These 5 Works of Art

When ArtPrize launched in 2009, I was skeptical. I’d never heard of anything like it (because there isn’t anything quite like it) and couldn’t conceive of the entire concept. Nonetheless, I picked up a map, planned a route, and headed downtown to check it out. Amazed isn’t an exaggeration of how I…

Read More

Your Guide to the 2022 Grand Rapids Pride Festival

‘Together Again’ If you have never been to the Grand Rapids Pride Festival, you’ll want to check it out on Saturday, June 18 from noon to 10 p.m. at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. One of the largest one-day events in Grand Rapids, the festival continues to grow in popularity each year. After…

Read More

The 49507 Project Mural Tour

The 49507 Project is a liberated public arts project unlike anything that I’ve seen in West Michigan. The Diatribe, a Grand Rapids based nonprofit, partnered with local businesses and artists to raise awareness about redlining and disinvestment in the Southside neighborhoods, and they did so in a…

Read More

Resolutions to Keep During Your Next Trip to Grand Rapids

New Year Resolutions are a great way to take a fresh look at what you want to accomplish. For me, this year will be about making the time to take advantage of the fun activities available right here in the Grand Rapids area! As my kids get older I realize how soon they will be out of the house. It’s…

Read More

Play the Grand Rapids Game of Life: After Dark GR

The Game of Life was hands down my favorite board game to play growing up, I even bought myself the newest version to add to my stash of games during quarantine. Now imagine the joy when my good friend and colleague Hannah Berry created her own version of the Game of Life: After Dark Grand Rapids…

Read More

Crafting Candles at Wax Poetic Candle Bar

Tap into your sense of smell and flex your creativity by making a hand-poured, scented candle at Wax Poetic Candle Bar in Grand Rapids. My wife, Laura, and I recently visited this adorable shop nestled in Grand Rapids’ Uptown neighborhood, and we loved creating our one-of-a-kind candles. The whole…

Read More

Grand RAPPids: Apps to Help Make Your Visit Awesome

“Where should I eat?” “What’s fun to do in Grand Rapids?” “Where do I park?” These questions don’t need to weigh you down when you’re adventuring around Grand Rapids. Each question can be quickly and easily answered through numerous mobile apps that aim to make your time in Grand Rapids as enjoyable…

Read More

Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids’ historical cemetery system is a hidden gem of culture, landscape, and architecture. A cemetery may sound like an odd place to visit, but it’s actually a peaceful way to travel back in time. Cemeteries, as Thomas Dilley, local historian, author, and Grand Rapids Historical Society…

Read More