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…

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Tips for Mountain Biking in West Michigan

Surrounding Grand Rapids’ vibrant city center and woven through small pockets within its neighborhoods, there is an abundance of multi-use trails that wind through the vast realm of the area’s landscapes. West Michigan offers the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors to grab their bikes (in…

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Where to Rent Winter Gear in Grand Rapids

From the heart of downtown to the coast of Lake Michigan, the Grand Rapids area offers all sorts of opportunities for cold-weather play. Some of our favorite winter pastimes require specialized gear in addition to warm coats, hats and gloves. If you don’t own gear – or you don’t want to lug it with…

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Bike Grand Rapids: West Side to Uptown and Back Again

The best way to get to know a city is to spend a day biking through it. As Ernest Hemingway once wrote, “it is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor…

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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…

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The Sweet Escape: Your Visit to Blandford Nature Center

Blandford Nature Center is located just a half-mile north of Grand Rapids’ thriving West Side Neighborhood, but it’s just far enough to make you feel like you’ve entered a totally different place, a place where you can slow down and forget your to-do lists. Blandford Nature Center is located on 264…

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Locals’ Guide to Fall Hikes in the GR Area

Fall is arguably the best time of year for hiking in Grand Rapids. The weather is crisp and cool, and you get to take in the beautiful pops of color from the changing leaves. From paved trails to dirt paths, there are plenty of outdoor spaces to get some steps in while enjoying the scenery. Here…

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