Though Yug grew up in India, he has become very familiar with West Michigan. Yug went to Calvin College (now Calvin University) for his Bachelor’s degree and then Grand Valley State University to receive his Master’s in Education. A few years after graduation, Yug and his family relocated to Indiana. However, after some time, he [...]
While I might currently reside in West Michigan, I haven’t always lived in the area. I was born in Lima, Ohio. From there, I quickly moved to Southern Michigan where I lived until the age of nine. It was then that my family decided to move to Alabama. After spending just two years in Alabama, I moved back to Southern Michigan where I lived until [...]
Originally from the East side of the state, Mackenzie fell in love with the outdoor lifestyles of Grand Rapids. Like many, Mackenzie was laid off due to the pandemic. However, she saw this as an opportunity to explore the city and the outdoors. In fact, during quarantine, Mackenzie visited 10 national parks in 2.5 weeks! [...]
It’s that time of the year again, time for wearing green, parades, McDonald’s shamrock shakes, and drinking Irish beer. St. Patrick’s Day has arrived! Although many events have been canceled due to the pandemic, many Irish bars and pubs have found ways to celebrate the Irish culture, as well as the 34 million Americans with Irish [...]
Women’s History Month is annually celebrated in the month of March, highlighting the contributions of women to historical events and contemporary society. During this month, we celebrate the successes of women all around the world. Women have displayed numerous remarkable achievements in the area. Here are just a few notable women from West Michigan. Anna Bissell Grand Rapids is home to America’s first female CEO. Anna Bissell served as the president of [...]
Relocating is one of the most stressful things people will face in their lifetime. In fact, according to the Thrive Global, it ranks in the top 10 of most stressful life events, along with death and divorce. Great bedfellows, huh? At Hello West Michigan, we’re proud to take on the challenge of helping people relocate. [...]
While Camila may have lived in the U.S for the past 10 years, her journey originally began in her home country of Brazil. After spending 2 years in Connecticut and 6 in San Francisco, it was time for her and husband to relocate to West Michigan. In 2008, Camila and her husband decided to travel [...]
Since the 1970s, the month of February has been officially devoted to celebrating the African American community. During this period, we recognize those who struggled to gain full citizenship and overcame an incredible amount of adversity. Black History Month is honored in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands. Here are some [...]
Like many young professionals, Danielle decided to go off and explore a new place after graduating from Hope College. She packed her bags, left the country, and moved to the Dominican Republic where she spent the past eight years. After being away from her family for so long, she and her husband decided they wanted [...]
The past two summers I’ve found myself tagging along to Evart, Michigan, and taking a trip down the river. Being from the East side of the state, I’d often boat on Lake St. Clair or visit Stony Creek Metropark, but I had never experienced the slow-paced relaxation found while floating along the Muskegon River. This [...]
What do an orange tabby cat and a 15-foot-long U-Haul have in common? They were all essential for Steven’s transition from Ohio to West Michigan. After seven hours of travel, he finally arrived at his new apartment on the West side. Steven made the transition to West Michigan to work for our member, Amway, as [...]
It’s safe to say that our definition of “normal” has shifted a bit within the last few weeks. Professionals across the globe are learning to adjust their routines and some have even adapted to working remotely for the first time in their careers. Whether you’re setting up an in-home office or working from the comfort [...]
What do Mumbai, Chicago, Boston, New York, and Milwaukee have in common? They are all places that Soniyaa has lived in her life. She’s traveled across the globe but when her husband relocated to West Michigan, she found herself wondering, “What, and where, is Grand Rapids, Michigan?” She knew of Detroit, Michigan, because of family [...]
Post-graduation life can be scary and certainly unpredictable for many new college graduates. Kelly understood this firsthand as she was nearing graduation from a university in Indiana and deciding between staying in Indiana or moving home to West Michigan. While exploring potential job opportunities, Kelly knew that all her friends from her hometown had left [...]
After completing her degree, Jalisa packed her belongings into her car and left the sunshine state of Florida to begin her journey as a Michigander. She built up her four-season wardrobe and quickly learned that the acceptable way to tell others where you are from in the state is by pointing to a spot on [...]
Born and raised in West Michigan, Sarah is a true Michigan native. Sarah started her education at Kellogg Community College and continued to Western Michigan University to receive her bachelor’s degree in physics. After undergrad, she decided it was time to leave her home in West Michigan to attend Ohio State University where she would [...]
Originally from the East side of the state, Zach fell in love with the laid-back lifestyle of Grand Rapids after living downtown during a summer internship with Gordon Food Service (GFS). His summer spent on the West side and working at GFS exposed him to many new experiences and professional connections. Zach was first introduced [...]
Born and raised in Wyoming, Michigan, Nanda appreciates the diversity and growth that she’s seen in West Michigan throughout the years. Wyoming is the third largest community in West Michigan so it’s no wonder that Nanda loves to socialize and spend time with family and friends. She even had 16 bridesmaids stand up in her [...]
Being a father of four who enjoys the city and life in the country, West Michigan is the best of both worlds for Daniel. Daniel attended high school, college, and graduate school in West Michigan. After completing his degree, he ventured out of the state and found himself living in several different states. He has [...]
The red, yellow, and orange colors of the fall season are finally starting to make an appearance. With the beginning of Autumn comes football games, hayrides, and visiting your favorite apple orchard with friends, family, and sometimes a pet. In West Michigan, we don’t experience fall for very long before winter comes creeping in so [...]
Photograph courtesy of Catch Air Although the winter months can be pretty in West Michigan, sometimes they can get a little long. Going outside always an option, but sometimes the layers and subsequent wet mittens can get exhausting. That’s why I am always looking for an indoor place where my kids are run [...]
My husband and I have two boys, ages 3 and 1. While some days we would like to sit around and relax, we know that’s pretty impossible with both of them! They are often on the move and always ready for the next big adventure that awaits them. One of our favorite places to take the [...]
The winter flurries are headed our way, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay huddled indoors all season. West Michigan has an abundance of winter wonderland activities that are perfect for families or anyone looking to get out of the house. Here are five things to do in West Michigan on a snowy day [...]
Whether you’re coming back to West Michigan for the holidays or already live in the region, there are lots of things to do Thanksgiving week (other than eat turkey). Coming back to the area and need a job? Need to do some holiday shopping with friends? Want to get the kids out of the house? [...]
I’ve lived in Grand Rapids for 3 years now and come downtown periodically, usually by car, and park near my destination. When I started interning with Hello West Michigan and coming downtown several times a week, I learned about the Downtown Area Shuttle, or DASH bus. The DASH is a free bus that circulates through [...]
It’s that time of the year again. The streets of Grand Rapids are bustling with people from all over the world. Art adorns the city, adding pops of color everywhere. ArtPrize is in full swing, but for those who don’t live in West Michigan, ArtPrize might be unfamiliar. So, what is it? To put [...]
Got your Labor Day plans set? I do. I’ll be spending the holiday in exactly the same way I have spent it for the last three decades – at the homestead with my extended family in South Haven. Chilling at the South beach, reading a novel, and listening to the waves? Check! Stocking up on [...]
It’s a blue-sky day. The beach is calling your name and the only thing you want to do is sit in your hammock near Lake Michigan and read a book. The problem is, you can’t find the perfect spot. The trees are too close together and branches are blocking the view of the Lake. [...]
Going home, is a 5-hour drive from Grand Rapids. It’s manageable, but not always the most convenient trip for a weekend visit or doctor’s appointment. Fortunately there are other ways to get home. Flying from the Ford Airport or taking the Amtrak are two popular options, but my favorite alternative to driving is a trip [...]
You can’t talk about West Michigan without talking about the Lake. When I moved to Grand Rapids from the east side of the state for college, I was ecstatic to learn that I was only 20 minutes away from the beach. In these last couple of years, I’ve explored many beaches, including Holland, Grand Haven, [...]
This past school year, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Cook Arts Center for one of my Spanish courses. Cook Arts Center is a program of Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities. I participated in their after-school program, helping with a ceramics class and drumming class. They have a variety of free arts programs, ranging [...]
Attending college over 5 hours away from my home in Wisconsin, it was important for me to find a community I could thrive in and feel like my best self. After living on campus at Calvin for two years, I was excited to branch out into Grand Rapids and become a part of it. When [...]
Art installations as far as the eye can see, eight days filled with music, and people who have traveled from all over the country. What do these have in common? You can find them at Electric Forest Festival. Thousands of people travel to West Michigan over June 21-24 and June 28-July 1 to experience the [...]
Last year on a lazy Friday night, I found myself tagging along with some friends to Holland to repair a dirt bike. Oh the adventures you find yourself in while in college. On our way, we drove past a giant barn on the side of the road. When I saw it, I commented on how [...]
My freshman year at Grand Valley State University, I chose to go in blind for a roommate match in the dorms. I was lucky enough to get matched up with someone that I now call my best friend. We came from different cultures, had different interests, and grew up in completely different types of towns. I am [...]
You can feel the energy when you’re close to electric people. I felt it a few weekends ago when I found myself in a room of entrepreneurs at Grand Rapids Startup Weekend. The event, which is put on by Techstars, a startup accelerator, and was sponsored by Google for Entrepreneurs, invited anyone from the community [...]
I can make it through my morning and day without my usual cup of coffee. But, by “making it through” I mean have a pounding headache and want to fall asleep at my desk at least three times. I have accepted my addiction to caffeine, and in fact, embraced it. I brew it every morning, have at least a cup [...]
One of the best decisions I made as a freshman at GVSU was joining “Pals.” Pals is a student organization that connects underprivileged youth with college mentors that can provide them with extra attention and fun activities that they may not get otherwise. I was assigned to young girl who lived downtown, and while at [...]
It’s true. It’s cold here. And wet. And slippery. And sometimes a snowflake journeys thousands of feet from a cloud only to land right between your scarf and coat collar. Winter is upon us. And by upon us, I mean that in every sense of the word. On our cars, on our heads, on the [...]
Growing up, “yes ma’am” and “no sir” were expected phrases when speaking to everyone, carbonated beverages were ALWAYS “soda”, and “y’all” was the only proper way to address a group of people. I was born and raised in Michigan, but the two biggest influences in my life were southerners. My parents grew up in the [...]
We often speak with people living in places like California, Arizona, and Florida that cite West Michigan's winter as the first objection to relocating to the area. But the truth is, every state has an "indoor" season. In Arizona, you spend the summer going from air conditioned house, to your (remote started) air conditioned car, [...]
While I consider myself a West Michigan native, my parents certainly are not. They spent their childhoods and a good part of their young adult life down south in Louisiana. So, even though I may have grown up in the north, there was certainly a constant Southern influence in the house. The South is well known for its hospitality and it’s hard to be a great host without serving great food. Anyone who [...]
As all of my friends went back home this summer, I found myself alone in a city I didn’t know and looking for something to do. I’ve always enjoyed volunteer work, and I thought it would be a great way to meet people and get involved in the community I would now be calling home. [...]
Growing up in West Michigan is quite the experience; you could get a completely different perspective from 10 people that grew up 30 minutes apart. For me, the first thing that comes to mind when I think about growing up here is my small hometown, Stevensville, and the outdoors. Whether it be long walks, days [...]
The first time I found myself at Tuesday Swing Dancing in Rosa Parks Circle was during the afterglow at West Michigan Intern Connect, a networking requirement of my summer internship; and the first experience hooked me. It was certainly nerve wracking to stand at the edge of Rosa Parks Circle, in the middle of downtown, surrounded by people, many of [...]
Wolfgang’s. For many Grand Rapidians, a necessary pilgrimage. Among students, the restaurant enjoys mythical status as the place you can get a $4 early bird special, that is, if you can peel yourself out of bed in time. It’s common for little herds of Calvin students make the pilgrimage together, emerging from dormitories into the [...]
The Essential Service award seeks to recognize the important role of service workers in our community and the role they play in our economy. Without these people who faithfully fulfill necessary roles, our economy would suffer greatly. Award recipients will be recognized at a special Economic Club meeting in January and is sponsored by Michigan [...]
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