This is Part 2 of Rachel's Winter Series. To read Part 1, click here. In my job, I often get asked what I like to do on the weekends. For me, the answer depends on the season. During the summer I love to go to the beach and visit farmers markets. In the winter, I’m [...]
If a new job is on your to-do list for 2024, Thanksgiving is the time to start on that resolution. If you’re coming to Michigan for the holiday, it’s a great time to explore what relocation could look like for you. Attend ReThink West Michigan on Thanksgiving Eve to connect with regional employers. In this [...]
I look forward to winter. There I said it. It’s not what you typically hear from Michiganders. When I talk to people interested in moving here, especially from warm weather states, the thing they’re usually most worried about is winter. Here at Hello West Michigan, we always suggest layered clothing, safety devices for the car, [...]
If you are pondering whether you should move back to West Michigan, know that there are great benefits to living in this region. We are here to tell you why you should make the move. West Michigan has the perfect work-life balance for employees to have a professional and personal life. The region holds excellent [...]
One of my favorite ways to spend a summer day in West Michigan is at Silver Lake State Park. There are plenty of things to do there with friends and family like dune rides, exploring lighthouses, and visiting farm markets. Silver Lake is home to three miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and nearly [...]
Did you know that West Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state in the nation behind California? In fact, Michigan is one of the top-producing states in growing blueberries. More than 50% of all Michigan blueberries are shipped at fresh markets, but July and August are the perfect time to enjoy a West Michigan [...]
Get active with your community in West Michigan! Plenty of volunteer options exist for you and your friends and family to participate in. Learn about more volunteer opportunities you can be a part of in West Michigan. One volunteer event that is happening right now until November is myTEAM TRIUMPH. This is an athletic ride-along [...]
West Michigan has a thriving coffee culture with a wide variety of local roasters and coffee shops! Whether you are looking to have a relaxing experience, or just need a quick pick me up there’s no shortage of options here! Ferris Co. & Nut is one of the oldest operating businesses in Grand Rapids. With [...]
As a student who is studying at Grand Valley State University and is from the East side of the state, I am not familiar with the Grand Rapids area. Thanks to our Executive Director Rachel Gray who took me along on a Grand Rapids walking tour, I have learned many facts about Grand Rapids, and [...]
Spend your Mother’s Day in West Michigan! With the holiday approaching, it’s time to start thinking about how we can show appreciation to the amazing moms, or motherly figures, in our lives. In West Michigan there is something for every mom, whether she’s into high fashion, trendy, outdoorsy, artsy, or easy-going. If your mom [...]
In honor of Earth Day, let’s take a moment and appreciate West Michigan’s natural beauty because it surrounds us daily. Whether we choose to enjoy the landscapes, the beaches, or the wildlife of West Michigan we are grateful to have this day to celebrate the nature of our home! To celebrate, we’ve put together a [...]
Did you know Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state? Why do we need so many? Because we have more freshwater coastline than any other state. There are over 100 lighthouses in Michigan. Walk the pier with friends, watch the sunset, climb to the top, and learn the unique history of each lighthouse to [...]
It’s that time of the year again…The sun is coming out and the temperature is rising as we welcome the spring season! As we are blooming into the season, we created a list of outdoor activities for you so that you can get a head start on enjoying the sunshine. Spending a day outdoors during [...]
You are in luck if you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in West Michigan! As St. Patrick’s Day approaches there are plenty of things to do to celebrate! For me St. Patrick’s Day is usually spent wearing my favorite green outfit, spending time with friends or family, and enjoying an Irish dinner at a local [...]
Love is in the air for this Valentine’s weekend in West Michigan. Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend, spending time with family, or want to treat yourself. West Michigan has the perfect Valentine’s traditions for you. The Valentine’s Dash: Are you ready to be active? This festive race is a perfect way to [...]
With downtown Christmas trees lit and festive events happening almost daily, the West Michigan holiday season is in full swing! No matter what you’re celebrating this month, there’s a good chance you’ll be doing some shopping in preparation. If, like myself, you take pride in giving unique and personal gifts but sometimes struggle to find [...]
Have you recently been looking to relocate or take the next step in your career? Whatever the case, if you’re in the market for a new job, you’ll find that networking is more important than ever. Just as technological advances and the pandemic have changed how we work, they’ve also changed networking. If you’ll be [...]
Michiganders (and former Michiganders) know that one of the best parts about living here is that we truly get four seasons. Even if you aren’t a fan of the cooler temperatures, it’s hard to deny the beauty when the leaves turn from green to varying shades of orange and red in September and October. What’s [...]
ArtPrize is in full swing in Downtown Grand Rapids! With 750+ exhibits scattered throughout 150 locations across the city, ArtPrize is the world’s largest display of public art. Whether you’re an avid art lover who’s attended the event since it began, or this is your first ArtPrize (like me), there’s something for everyone to enjoy. [...]
While summer may be coming to a close, it doesn’t mean the end of sunny days best spent outside! One summer activity that can carry into the fall is outdoor dining. Some may even find September temperatures to be more favorable for eating in the open air than the July and August heat! From rooftop [...]
Yahoo! Finance recently named Grand Rapids one of the best cities in the country to start a career in the tech field. Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan and anchors the West Michigan region. Many know Grand Rapids as Beer City, USA or perhaps visited nearby Lake Michigan for vacation. But do [...]
Art is all around this summer in West Michigan. If you attended the Van Gogh exhibit in downtown Grand Rapids and it whet your appetite for more, you’re in luck! The frescos from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel are at The Gerald R Ford Presidential Museum. While technically prints (because frescos are part of the wall/ceiling, so [...]
Summer is flying by, and with so many destinations and activities in West Michigan, it can be hard to pick and choose where and how you want to spend your precious free time! As someone spending their first summer in West Michigan myself, I asked the Hello West Michigan team to share their favorite way [...]
Hello West Michigan hosted their 9th annual Intern Connect event last month on June 15th. As the Marketing and Web Intern for Hello West Michigan, I spent the weeks before helping to prepare for the event; from posting content on social media to assembling goodie bags. Being an intern myself gave me the unique experience [...]
Summer is (as usual) flying by, which means the 4th of July is quickly approaching! For me, the day is usually spent boating, relaxing, and enjoying the sun and water with friends and family. Top the night off with a campfire and fireworks and you’ve got the perfect Michigan holiday. With the Fourth falling on [...]
April is Earth Month! It’s easy to celebrate natural beauty when West Michigan is your home. The region has so many beautiful beaches, parks, trails, and natural resources to visit. While it’s no secret that West Michigan has beautiful landscapes and scenery, West Michigan’s nature has some interesting facts that tie to it. Water: There’s [...]
If you’re currently an intern and making the transition to a full-time job, you might feel lost or underprepared. As an intern, you’re following instructions provided by your supervisor; however, in a full-time position, you may not necessarily be relying on someone else—the workload falls on you. As an intern, you often don’t know what [...]
The beginning of spring is the perfect time for a seasonal refresh. As the weather warms up and the sun comes out, there seems to be extra time in the day to accomplish some tasks that might’ve been put off in the winter. As the nice weather comes with the spring season, so does the [...]
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s important to take this time to celebrate all the accomplishments women have contributed to society! Women in history have sacrificed a significant amount to fight for the rights we’re lucky to have today. This month, we honor and celebrate their bravery, sacrifices, and determination for equality. The Greater [...]
As the end of February nears, we reminisce about the sweet treats that filled our month of love. With Valentine’s Day in the middle of the month, we spend the remainder of our February snacking on our leftover chocolates and treats—or even buying discounted candies on February 15th. Regardless of how you spent your Valentine’s [...]
It’s Black History Month! While we recognize February as the month of love, it’s important we also recognize and celebrate Black achievement and excellence. Equality hasn't always played its part, so it’s crucial we play our part in supporting our community! Black History Month was formerly celebrated as a week-long holiday. It wasn’t until 1976 [...]
If you’re currently a Michigander, you know what to expect for a typical Michigan Winter—freezing temperatures, snow past your boots, and icy roads. If you’re new to Michigan or considering relocating to the Westside, you’ll inevitably learn what a lake-effect winter is. Regardless of your Michigan-winter-experience, there's always forgetfulness at the beginning of the season [...]
Happy New Year! Just like that, another year has gone by, and we are welcoming 2022 with open arms. It wouldn’t be a true new year without a list of resolutions to accomplish throughout the year. Resolutions can be fun to accomplish, especially if you share them with other people. If you don’t have your own resolutions this year, no worries. We decided to create our [...]
We’re celebrating our 100th Candidate Newsletter at Hello West Michigan! To celebrate two years of sending out our candidate newsletter, our team worked together to share 100 reasons to love West Michigan. Hello West Michigan Loves: The ability to experience all four seasons The liveliness of Downtown Grand Rapids The beach being a quick drive away All [...]
December is here and so is the holiday season! Though the cold weather is upon us, there’s still plenty to do this time of year. Personally, this is my absolute favorite time of the year. My favorite part about the holiday season is going to holiday festivities with friends and family. From Christmas tree lightings to ice skating, my family has [...]
Hello West Michigan hosted their 10th annual ReThink West Michigan event last week on November 10th. As Marketing and Web Intern for Hello West Michigan, I’ve spent the last couple of months preparing for the event. I was constantly promoting the event, sharing success stories, and creating content to share how beneficial ReThink West Michigan [...]
Do you know the good feeling after getting a new haircut or hair color and you can’t stop looking in the mirror? Change is always fun and exciting, so we thought it was time Hello West Michigan needed a makeover of its own. We are excited to introduce... drumroll please... Our new 2021 branding colors! TA-DA! [...]
There are so many things to love about West Michigan, from its beautiful landscapes to its beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone. My favorite thing since moving to Grand Rapids has to be the fall season, it’s amazing to watch all the beautiful colors as the trees change! As an international student from Ghana, [...]
As the son of an Army father, joining the Army himself, and attending school to receive his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while still on Active Duty, David is no stranger to constantly moving around and relocating! David was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but lived all over the world because of his father’s career in [...]
As remarkable as West Michigan summer is, fall has just as much to love! We feel like summertime can sometimes overshadow the other season, so this fall, we decided to theme-ify our October--welcome to “Fallin’ for West Michigan!” This October, we are going to highlight some fall favorites in West Michigan along with getting to [...]
The end of September can often be associated with one thing for the city of Grand Rapids—ArtPrize! If you haven’t heard of it yet, let me give you the inside scoop. ArtPrize is the biggest art competition in the nation! What makes this enormous art competition special is the interactive nature of the exhibit. Artists [...]
“Michigan is only a good place to live in the summer. After summertime, it gets cold and there’s nothing to do.” How many times have you heard something along these lines? Speaking for myself, I’ve heard many people speak down toward Michigan, and the Midwest in general. The end of August is filled with many [...]
If you’re from West Michigan, you know the benefits of living in the area. West Michigan provides hundreds of freshwater lakes, parks with trails, beautiful sunsets, and so much more. With all that West Michigan provides, it’s only right we give back. Here are some ways you can give back to West Michigan. Volunteering Several organizations in West Michigan are always seeking [...]
Whether you’re nearing high school graduation or trying to return to school after years in the workforce, choosing a college or university can be a challenging decision. In West Michigan, there are several options for anyone seeking higher education. Here are some of the notable colleges and universities in the area. Aquinas College Aquinas College is a small, Roman Catholic, liberal arts college in Grand [...]
What do you think of when you think of summer? Camping trips? Beach days? How about ice cream? Whether you prefer a double superman (a Michigan thing) or a traditional vanilla cone (my personal favorite), I think we all can agree that ice cream is a vital element of summer. Let’s discover some unique ice [...]
I may be biased, but Michigan is one of the most beautiful states in the country. We all know about the Great Lakes, but there are also countless vacation spots right here in our state. Sure, the Caribbean is nice, but it’s also quite expensive and requires more than a weekend to truly enjoy your vacation. As Michiganders, we have the luxury [...]
It’s officially Michigan Wine Month. Each year, Michiganders celebrate the numerous wineries around the state. Michigan is known as a grape-growing state. There are more than 13,000 vineyard acres in Michigan, and most of them contain juice-making grapes, such as Niagara and Concord. In fact, Michigan grows more Niagara than any other state in the country. But let’s be honest, do [...]
At the start of my junior year in October, I was frantically seeking out internship opportunities in the field of public relations, advertising, and marketing. Was I stressed? Absolutely. Not only is an internship required for my major, but I knew if I wanted to find a job upon graduation, I needed experience. Initially, I thought finding an internship would be relatively [...]
From the U.S Air Force to Nursing School at West Shore Community College, Drew has many stories to tell. He grew up in Lafayette, Indiana, while his father taught at Purdue University. From there, he would move to Washington for some years before his family decided to return to their homeland of West Michigan. Upon [...]
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