Just because the air starts to turn cooler and the leaves start to fall doesn’t mean it’s time to take refuge indoors just yet. Instead, grab your jacket, lace up your hiking boots, and explore the... Read More ›

From enjoying an ice-cold cone with Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream to donning a sexy cocktail dress to kayaking a water trail, there's no shortage of summer events in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. Check out our suggestions for families, couples, beer lovers & foodies, and anyone who wants to dive in and truly experience Grand Rapids this summer.... Read More ›

Grand Rapids is a walker’s paradise, full of parks where an hour or more can be spent outdoors walking. But for those who seek an entire day on the trail, an excellent opportunity is found just 30 minutes from downtown, in nearby Lowell , where the North Country National Scenic Trail passes through town. The North Country Trail is one of 11 National Scenic Trails. Above: A hiker follows the blue blazes that mark the trail. Photos by Howard Meyerson The 4,600-mile, seven-state trail is the longest hiking path in America. Head north and you can walk to Lake Sakakawea, in North Dakota. Go south and you can hike to Crown Point, in eastern New York. Lowell is home to the North Country Trail Association (NCTA), the non-profit group that is building the trail, as well as the National Park Service office that administers it.  ... Read More ›