West Michigan

Dance Fitness Facilitator Heather Winia believes dancing offers physical and mental health benefits not found in other activities.

From participating in civics to easier grocery shopping, Lucia Rios’ life has changed dramatically during the pandemic. She hopes the access continues.

As the National Parks System celebrates it’s centennial, it’s important for visitors to know a few rules when visiting them.

Hiking in Michigan? This comprehensive guide includes tips on what to pack, how much food and drink you’ll need and how to stay safe on the trail.

Whether you’re on the water for a short period of time or the whole day, make sure you are practicing safe practices and are aware of your surroundings.

Make a dent in the caloric damage you’ll do on Thanksgiving with one of these fun community turkey runs.

Whether you are more of a trick or a treat person, these Halloween events across Michigan are certain to be fun for the entire family.

Learn more about the blueberry festivals happening in Michigan this August.

Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia uses “objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.”

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are eight fun ways to ring in 2019 across Michigan.

Catch up with Matt Puempel, a second-season Grand Rapids Griffin on hockey, life and why he loves giving back to the communities he plays in.

Hope College is a liberal arts school located just off the shore of Lake Michigan in Holland. There are plenty of healthy on-campus resources for students.

If you’re hoping to make your “Laker effect”, it’s important to stay healthy throughout your experience at Grand Valley State University. Here’s how.

Here are some of the healthiest spots on campus for students attending Western Michigan University.

Heard of bullet journaling? Find out how this low-tech organizational tool helped a Grand Rapids woman get it all together.

Urban Roots is a community farm and education center located in Grand Rapids. Learn more about their mission to empower access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

There is something about “unplugging” from busy day-to-day lives and then recharging in the Michigan backcountry.

At Grand Rapids Public Schools, everyone can participate in athletics, regardless of their ability to pay. Find out how they’re empowering kids through sports.

As the recipient of the Autism Alliance of Michigan’s Autism Seal of Approval, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum strives to be a welcoming place for all.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is proud to partner with Tulip Time to bring the community a series of special yoga events this May.

Find out how the more than 7,000 tropical butterflies that call Frederik Meijer Gardens home in March and April make the journey to West Michigan.

This Michigan destination draws visitors from throughout the Midwest. Its luge track is one of only four in the U.S., plus there are winter activities for all.

LaughFest takes place March 8-18. The annual event is a fundraiser for Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids and features top comedic talent plus events for all ages.

Michigan is beautiful, but beach season is short. If you’re craving warmth and water, you’re only a road trip away from one of these indoor water parks.

Blue Cross' #MIKidsCan Champion of the Month is Caebre Baty. He's playing a young Martin Luther King Jr. in Opera Grand Rapids' production of I DREAM.

Simultaneous premiers of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 19 in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. Money raised will benefit Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice Pediatric Care.

Try these Michigan themed crafts to bring the beauty of the fall season into your home!

Looking to up your Halloween game? Check out these real-life haunted destinations.

Michigan offers many unique excursions during the fall and Halloween season. Try one of these suggestions!

Plan to incorporate healthy habits into your ArtPrize visit this year.

There are so many great places to hike in west and southwest Michigan. Start planning your adventure here with these ideas.

Located just minutes from the shores of Lake Michigan in Shelby, a lavender labyrinth attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Black History 101 Mobile Museum boasts an award-winning collection of over 7,000 original artifacts dating from the slave trade era to hip-hop culture.

Bring your kids to the #MIKidsCan fitness area at this weekend’s Hispanic Festival in downtown Grand Rapids, where they can try out new fitness activities.

Eating fresh, local ingredients is important for a healthy diet. Find out how Michigan food trucks can be part of yours.

Gorgeous beaches? Check. Adventure, history, good eats, art and more? Muskegon really has it all. Find out why you should visit this West Michigan beach town.

The Grand Rapids Griffins’ Put a Lid On It program stresses the importance of wearing a bike helmet. Kids who pledge to do so can earn free hockey tickets.

If the friends you keep aren’t always up for the adventure you crave, a new Michigan social community aims to connect members with adventure and each other.

Poetry helped Marcel Price process mental health diagnoses and trauma from his youth. As GR’s new poet laureate, he’s trying to help others find their voice.

Hammocks aren’t just for trees anymore. Enjoy hanging out in a new and improved way this summer.

Prepared staff at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum helped a West Michigan man survive a heart attack mere months after they’d been trained to do so.

A Grand Rapids doctor says patients affected by the opioid epidemic need understanding and evidence-backed treatment to become well.

Check out one of these park locations for free outdoor movie screenings this summer.

Do you love Michigan's great outdoors? Got questions about camping, hiking, biking or more? Join the #MIBigGreenGym Twitter chat June 27 at 11 a.m.

Get the winning recipe from this year’s Real Men Cook and Eat Healthy cooking competition.

Throw away some stress and get a low-impact workout in with a round of disc golf.

Tips on raising healthy, happy kids from Jermale Eddie, owner of Malamiah Juice Bar.

Meet this year’s #MIKidsCan cooking contest winner and make her recipe. The competition was held Monday, June 12 at Baxter Community Center in Grand Rapids.

Nine lifestyle changes to help you blow out the candles at your 100th birthday party.

Making your home and neighborhood a safer place to be can yield positive health benefits.

Michigan's Brett Masserant will attempt a new world record during a West Michigan Whitecaps School Days game.

Advice from a therapist on choosing the right therapist.

Foster parents and children need support. Find out how you can help.

Experience more Michigan destinations this summer without spending a lot of money through the Michigan Activity Pass program.

Tulip Time in Holland is right around the corner. One of the traditional Dutch dancers shares what it’s like to be a part of the celebration.

Beer, Brussels sprouts and bacon: you’re going to want to make this flavorful side dish pronto.

This marinade featuring Founders Brewing Company’s All Day IPA will take your steak to new heights.

Dark chocolate, coconut, toasted nuts and Arcadia Ales’ Porter Rico beer combine for these can’t-eat-just-one truffles.

Running helped Sasha Wolff deal with her depression. She’s started a community called Still I Run to help others do the same.

Just because the mosquitos that carry Zika aren’t likely to infect you in Michigan, there are still precautions you need to take, especially if you’re pregnant.

Laughing at his Tourette’s has helped Samuel Comroe bond with audiences and take back the condition from people who perpetuate negative stereotypes.

Young or old, there’s something for everyone at LaughFest, which kicks off on Thursday, March 9.

For the almost 150 people gathered at Grand Rapids’ Rosa Parks Circle for the second annual Human Hungry Hungry Hippos tournament, the hunger for fun was real.

For seniors living in and around Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, CentraCare is helping them live independently. Find out about available services near you.

Chocolates and flowers? Yawn. Be adventurous as you plan this year’s big date.

With a little preparation, you can make sure your kids fall in love with sports and feel good about themselves.

The Soup’s On For All event raises over $100,000 annually to benefit God’s Kitchen. Try two of the 2017 event recipes for yourself.

Want to get away from it all? Bundle up and find your new favorite quiet winter recreation spot in Michigan.

Ten reasons we love Michigan, in celebration of our state’s 180th birthday.

Take back your vacation time this year by planning a getaway closer to home. These tips will get you started.

If you’re a social butterfly bored by the gym, sport and social clubs in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo might be just what you’re looking for.

From Marquette to Detroit, Michiganders have no shortage of festive community events to choose from as they ring in the New Year.

Michigan Christmas tree growers donated more than 1,000 trees this year as part of a national initiative called Trees for Troops.

There’s a 50 percent greater chance of someone dying in a house fire without a working smoke alarm. Fire officials are working to equip more Michigan homes.

The Mary Free Bed YMCA near SE Grand Rapids is the first in the world to earn a global universal design certification, which recognizes its accessibility.

Hosting for the holidays? Make sure your home is a safe haven for young visitors.

Michigan cyclists are pushing for expanded laws to keep them safe on the road. Here’s what they’re doing and how you can help.

Instead of watching the floats make their way down Woodward Avenue, 11-year-old Gavin DeVore will get to ride one.

Want to maximize your jolliness this holiday season? Grand Rapids is the place to be.

On Veterans Day, thank those who have served our country. Read on for some interesting facts about Michigan veterans.

Juanita Lillie helps disabled students travel the world through Abroad with Disabilities, the non-profit organization she founded as a college student.

The new Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives is open for visitors. Organizers are working to raise money for a larger, permanent location.

Caring for an infant can be a hard adjustment to make. Read on for tips about how to take care of yourself and your mental health after baby’s arrival.

A Step it Up walking program in Ottawa County has residents on the move–in fact, they’ve gone around the world four times.

The farm at Blandford Nature Center is bringing agriculture to the community in new and exciting ways.

Planning a visit to ArtPrize Eight? Make sure to look for these Michigan-inspired entries.

Many ArtPrize Eight artists are raising awareness for causes near and dear to them through their entries.

ArtPrize Eight kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 21. Find out what’s new and how you can fully take part in the Grand Rapids event.

This West Michigan mountain biking group builds confidence and teaches kids about trail safety and stewardship.

There’s a surprising story behind how West Michigan’s Lubbers Family Farm came to be.

Find out what what’s in store at the 39th annual Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival, which returns to Calder Plaza Aug. 26-28, 2016.

Check out these tips and tricks so you’re not really “roughing it” before your first big camping trip.

Find out how you can celebrate the National Parks’ centennial right here in Michigan.

The Grand Rapids Creative Youth Center empowers young voices through creative expression. Find out how you can help them expand services to more kids.

If you’ve been wanting to try some new Grand Rapids restaurants, Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity.

Pastor Troy Evans served up honey herb salmon with sweet potato hash and green beans. Find the winning recipe here.

Hundreds of bicycle races are taking place this summer, but ones in August look particularly interesting.

The Grand Rapids Original Swing Society needs your help to bring the title for World’s Largest Swing Dance back to Michigan.

The new millennial trend, hanging a hammock between two trees, is changing the way Michiganders relax, camp and sleep. Have you tried one yet?

For the first time, Artists Creating Together offers children with disabilities the opportunity to learn about where food comes from and how to cook it.

Kick off this summer’s Meijer State Games this weekend! Get a taste of the Games experience with Ultimate Frisbee competitor, Connor Lukas.

The Let’s Talk Health Faith in Wellness Luncheon in Grand Rapids is a community-focused, interactive, and action-oriented luncheon. Read one story from it.

Asparagus grows in Michigan from April to June, making it one of the earliest spring crops ready for harvest. Use it in this delicious recipe.

The Grand Rapids Pride Festival celebrates and empowers the LGBTQ community, aiming to make Grand Rapids a vibrant and inclusive community for all.

Let’s Talk Health Week, which focuses on encouraging healthy lifestyles for people of all ages, kicks off its 5th annual initiative this month in Grand Rapids.

Telling the full story of Gerald Ford, with all its nuance and complexity, is the goal of major renovations taking place at the Grand Rapids museum.

Summer’s just about here, which means you’re ready to plan a perfect summer stay-cation. So where should you go?

This 34-year-old preschool teacher hasn’t slowed down since during her seven years of running. Her newest obsession? 100-mile races.

Harnessing rain water for use in your home garden is relatively easy and it can help ease downstream water pollution while saving you a little cash to boot.

Heather Johnson Durocher is the mastermind and runner behind Michigan Runner Girl, an online community for endurance athletes and Michigan lovers alike.

Hike it Baby in Michigan is out to help parents and kids discover the joy of losing yourself in nature.

ArtPrize officials in Grand Rapids have announced new changes meant to challenge patterns of predictability within the event, which returns this fall.

Johannah Jelks started “She Rides Her Own Way” to encourage biking in her community. It’s turned into so much more.

Here are five unique Michigan downhill ski locations to hit the slopes at and enjoy the snow before the weather takes a turn for the warmth of spring.

Kids attending Grand Rapids Public Schools will be able to participate in sports regardless of their ability to pay thanks to a new fundraising initiative.

One school in Grand Rapids is focusing on getting students a high school diploma. Here’s how they do it.

When one Grand Rapids hairstylist heard a client needed a kidney, she just knew she wanted to help.

They don’t wear capes, but ambassadors working the downtowns of Grand Rapids and Detroit sure know how to save the day.

Christmas is coming, but there’s still time to take advantage of these super festive events happening around Michigan.

From our Petoskey stones to the Mighty Mac, Michiganders take pride in the many things that make our state so unique. Here are some you may not know about.

When the snow starts flying, it’s time to head outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Here’s how to make the most of a Michigan winter.

The Healthier Michigan team shares some small business favorites in this roundup of Michigan shops and companies to consider for your holiday gift list.

Freestyle: The Art of Snowboards exhibit features Michigan-made Marhar Snowboards and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Snurfer.

A guide to 2015 holiday events in downtown Grand Rapids, including Window Wonderland, Holiday Tree Lighting and the annual Santa Parade.

Grand Rapids will be host to the 2017 State Games of America–here’s how they scored the huge event.

It’s always nice to give your gently worn clothing to those in need. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before you pack up your winter clothing donation.

Travel around Michigan and you’ll come across example after example of amazing public art. Here are six you shouldn’t miss.

Another year of ArtPrize, another round of winners. Read all about the pieces that captured the public’s and jurors’ imaginations this year.

Grand Rapids resident Aliya Armstrong wanted to inspire others to join her on a path to better health. And that’s exactly what she’s done.

Michigan isn’t just home to lost of great craft beer. These local distilleries create unique made-in-the-Mitten-state whiskey, gin, vodka and more.

The School Nurse 5K Run/Walk will raise money for Holland Hospital’s school nursing program, which serves over 11,000 students in the greater Holland area.

Artwork on display in the window of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s downtown Grand Rapids location celebrates an inclusive city.

ArtPrize is back! Plan your visit and incorporate some family-friendly fun with events and activities everyone will enjoy.

The seventh annual ArtPrize kicked off in downtown Grand Rapids. Over 1,500 pieces are on display now through Oct. 11.

Goodwill’s new food truck has been making the rounds and will be open for business throughout ArtPrize. Get a good meal and support a good cause.

It seems every day there’s a new brewery opening in Michigan. All that beer production has state farmers taking a chance on hops.

The Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding is celebrating 25 years. Learn about the people who benefits from equine therapy and why horses make great therapists.

Sally Purdy has a new lease on life thanks to a couch-to-5K training program put on by Lansing’s Playmakers. Read her inspiring story.

The DeZwaan windmill at Windmill Island Gardens has been a symbol of Dutch pride and heritage in Holland, Michigan for 50 years.

Bike sharing, repair stations, and miles of dedicated street lanes are just a few of the signs that Grand Rapids is ready to embrace cyclists downtown.

The deadline to apply to host ArtPrize artists is this Thursday. Read about former hosts experiences with hosting.

John “JJ” Bouma was the picture of health before an ALS diagnosis. His wife, Pam Bouma-Miller, has gone on to help others facing this terminal disease.

Members of the skateboarding community in Grand Rapids are optimistic that a downtown skate park will be reality in the not-too-distant future.

Plan a trip to explore lower Michigan’s northeast side.

Sending kids to Michigan summer camps can get them to be physically active, allow them to meet new friends and try new things while being outside.

The main weekend for the Meijer State Games of Michigan kicks off tonight at Fifth Third Ballpark.

There are so many things to do over the summer in Michigan, it’s hard to keep track of them all. That’s where this list comes in.

Holding on to hurt could be damaging your health, according to author Reverend Dr. Michael Barry. Find out how to let go.

Winning the 4th annual “Real Men Cook & Eat Healthy” cooking competition was a culminating highlight of a year of healthy changes for Kevin Adams.

Synchronized swimming may look pretty, but it’s tough. Check out some competition at this Sunday’s Meijer State Games of Michigan event.

Spending a weekend sleeping under the stars can help you relax and reconnect with nature. Here are eight spots to give it a try in Michigan.

Kids ages 8 to 18 participated in the first ever #MIKidsCan Cook contest, which took place in Grand Rapids as part of “Let’s Talk Health” Week.

The “Art of the Lived Experiment” is on display through July in Grand Rapids

Make this tasty and refreshing snack with your kids! It’s the first-place entry in the 8-12 year old division of the first-ever #MIKidsCan Cook contest.

Salmon Cakes with Corn and Avocado Salad is the perfect way to get heart-healthy fish if you’re not normally a seafood fan.

The fourth annual “Let’s Talk Health” Week kicks off June 15 in Grand Rapids. Attend one or all of the events as a way to kick start a healthier lifestyle.

Running partners and friends Terence Reuben and Matt Smith, both from the Grand Rapids area, are taking on five marathons this year. Read their inspiring story.

School Days Games bring students to the ballpark for a fun and educational day.

A series of three weekday West Michigan Whitecaps games incorporate nutrition, exercise, and other lessons into a fun day at the ballpark.

The fourth-annual Kent County Youth Summit encouraged area teens to live above the influence of peer pressure, drugs, bullying, and other negative behaviors.

After losing almost 150 pounds, Grand Rapids resident Ashley Fredricks is ready to take on the Fifth Third Riverbank Run 25K this Saturday.

Eunice Eyamba overcame problems in school as an elementary school student to become salutatorian of her high school class.

Holland’s annual Tulip Time Festival kicks off this Saturday. Read about two of the more than 800 volunteers who make this wildly popular event a success.

Looking for eco-friendly duds in Michigan? We’ve got you covered across the state.

As the Pure Michigan advertising campaign approaches one decade, see how it’s working to bring visitors to the state.

The first annual Michigan Cider Week takes place April 6-12. Celebrate cider producers in the state by purchasing a pint or checking out cider events near you.

Get the entire family moving for your chance to stay at a yurt in Muskegon State Park. A new generational walking challenge starts Monday, April 6.

Jordan Jurmu, from Marquette, will compete in this weekend’s Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at the Augusta National Golf Club.

Radio personality Kelly Iris has lost almost 40 pounds over the last four years just by focusing on getting in her 10,000 steps.

Beautiful Michigan destinations are now available to view on Google Maps’ Street View. Panoramic views will help people plan their getaway to the state.

Expanded ArtPrize programming will give attendees more nightlife options and open up new grant funding for artists and venues.

Teams took to the streets of downtown Grand Rapids on Sunday for LaughFest’s Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge. BCBSM and BCN sponsored the event.

LaughFest’s Seriously Funny Family Adventure Challenge is this Sunday. Sign your family up and get ready for a silly afternoon bonding over silly challenges.

Susan Clark Denny is an ovarian cancer survivor and LaughFest performer. Read about why she thinks laughing at life is the best medicine.

Looking for a different way to enjoy LaughFest? Check out laughter yoga and learn how it changed instructor Angēla Essick Dykes’ life.

There’s no better way to forget the dreariness of March than by visiting a museum. And Michigan has so many of them, chances are there are some you haven’t

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was in Grand Rapids recently to address newly minted Eagle Scouts from the Gerald R. Ford Council of Boy Scouts.

Help break a world record at the LaughFest community kickoff, taking place this Thursday at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids.

Attendees of the 2015 West Michigan Go Red For Women Luncheon opened their hearts to help fight heart disease, the number one killer of women.

You’ll laugh and you might even snag a great new purse. Bag or no bag, the West Michigan Go Red For Women Luncheon benefits a great cause.

A West Michigan program celebrates ten years of providing equitable access to opportunities for teens and adults.

Learn more about this talented youth hip-hop dance team and get the scoop with a Q&A with coach Oscar Hernandez.

African-American leaders in Grand Rapids will be honored at Grand Rapids Community College’s annual Giants Awards this Saturday.

The Detroit Pistons Mob Squad youth dance team will be in Grand Rapids for a performance at the Drive game on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Ele’s Place, Grand Rapids and Baxter Community Center have been chosen as this year’s recipients of proceeds from the 25th annual Kids Charity Ball.

Be Nice is a bullying and suicide prevention program that focuses on mental health. See how the West Michigan based program hopes to expand to more schools.

Slurp some soup on Monday for a great Grand Rapids cause.

The Muskegon Winter Sports Complex is celebrating 30 years with a “Party in Your Parka” bash this Saturday. We recently took a thrill ride on their luge track.

Rising hockey stars Mitch Callahan and Ryan Sproul made time to practice with a local youth hockey team as part of a Growing with the Griffins program.

The ice rink at Kalamazoo’s Wings Stadium will get a new look after kids paint mini masterpieces all over it.

Connecting homeless people with a clean, safe place to live is the mission of Well House. Here’s a story showing the impact it can have on a person’s life.

The story of the Grand C.I.T.Y. All-Stars football team has all the makings of a classic sports movie. This talented group of mostly inner-city middle school…

Our Kitchen Table is hosting a free five-week class in Grand Rapids that explores food politics and food justice in Michigan.

Unless it’s a high-profile actor or musician, overdose deaths don’t typically get a lot of attention. However, the problem is bigger than you think. In fact…

Linda Hall’s voice catches as she remembers her experience at last year’s Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) 5K Run in Muskegon.

Looking for a fun and not-spooky way to celebrate Halloween in West Michigan with your kids? John Ball Zoo has you covered with Zoo Goes Boo! Dress up and enjoy…

Art critics and the public agreed on this year’s big winner at ArtPrize 2014. Anila Quayyum Agha’s shadow-and-light installation piece “Intersections” was…

For people with disabilities, art, and for that matter, society and media in general, often don’t reflect their unique reality. A panel discussion about art and…

Raising cancer awareness, celebrating survivors, and remembering those who’ve been lost to the disease are the fashionable goals of an event taking place this…

If you’ve never watched the television show “American Ninja Warrior”, go find a YouTube clip before you read the rest of this. Like this one. Or this. Or this.

The trees are turning beautiful colors and leaves are falling as autumn comes upon us, so if you haven’t made up to the U.P. to view the Pictured Rocks…

For one Detroit couple, art and design have been powerful weapons in fighting the blight and despair that had taken over their Detroit neighborhood.

With ArtPrize in full swing in Grand Rapids through October 12, we thought it was prime time to explore the connections between art and health. Turns out, there’…

“We’re sponsoring a what kind of tournament?” I’ll admit, that was my first reaction to our BCBSM sponsorship of the Great Lakes Open Pickleball Tournament held…

Michigan’s beer economy continues to grow and flourish, with new breweries popping up and established breweries expanding or opening second locations.

If you don’t eat meat, you won’t soon run out of amazing places to fill up in Grand Rapids. As diners have shifted their eating habits away from animal sources…

Jose Salinas has a message for drug addicts, alcoholics, and those in treatment or recovery for substance abuse. “We shouldn’t be ashamed. I shouldn’t be…

Gleaming silver and green buses are expected to ease commuter congestion and spur development along a major Grand Rapids corridor. Michigan’s first bus rapid…

Hitting the town for Restaurant Week Grand Rapids? The annual celebration of creative cuisine is back with a focus on fresh, local ingredients artfully prepared.

One of this year's 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan awardees is heavily involved in providing a strategic foundation for impressive growth to West…

LaughFest 2014 is here. The 10-day festival kicks off this Thursday, March 6th in Grand Rapids. This year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is sponsoring the…

Winners of the 2013 American Hockey League Championship, the Calder Cup, the Grand Rapids Griffins know that what separates a good team from a great team is the…

As February is all about red and love, it’s only fitting that this month is also American Heart Month. Whether you participate in one of the many statewide Go…

Cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disorder, affects over 30,000 children and adults in the United States alone. The chronic disorder causes thick…

It can be hard to really see where your blood donations will go and who they will impact, yet that notion helps individuals understand the necessity and…

Does this bitter Michigan cold have you down? The winter months commonly put a wrench in a fitness routine, as well as stifling motivation. This weekend…

Knock, knock. Who's there? Organic food. It sounds like the beginning of a lame joke, but it's a reality for an ever-growing number of West Michigan residents.

In its fourth year, LaughFest promises even more belly laughs at the 10-day festival, spanning March 6th to March 16th. As laughter provides positive benefits…

LaughFest in Grand Rapids kicks off in just less than two months, from March 6 to March 16th across West Michigan. The lineup features big names like Jim…

On January 25th, 2014, St. Cecilia Music Center in downtown Grand Rapids will play host to the inaugural Whole U GR Expo. The Expo runs from 10am to 4pm and…

As the entire state of Michigan is under a snow pile at the moment, some Michiganders are taking the opportunity to celebrate the snow and embrace winter…

Grand Rapids continues to shine on the national stage as the city makes list after list of “Top” rankings. Just last year, Forbes Magazine ranked Grand Rapids…

Headquartered in Troy, the Children’s Leukemia Foundation (CLF) of Michigan has successfully raised and contributed over $6.5 million towards cancer institutes…

At the final stop on our Kalamazoo farm and foodie tour, we visited the People’s Food Co-Op of Kalamazoo and the Fair Food Matters Can-Do Kitchen.

We began our tour of Michigan's wineries on the eastern side of the state. For this installment of the A Healthier Michigan A-Z Guide to Michigan Wineries…

This local coffee shop supports local business in more ways than one.

In Grand Rapids, the start-up community has been consistently growing. The community support behind start-up initiatives has been increasing exponentially…

What was formally Trillium Haven has recently been rebranded and relaunched in the same space in the Eastown neighborhood of Grand Rapids as Terra GR.

It’s that time of year again. We are little more than three weeks away from the start of the 2013 ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. The international competition boasts…

With the Medical Mile, Grand Rapids has proven itself to be a national and international hub for medical research, health care, and hospitals.

Lisa Rose Starner has been a force in the Grand Rapids community as an herbalist, forager, writer and urban farmer. Featured in publications such as The…

The buzz of ArtPrize 2013 has begun to really take hold in the Grand Rapids community as we ramp up for the competition’s fifth year in just over six weeks.

Preliminary findings from the Sustainable Streets Task Force state that by 2018, at least 90% of the roads in Grand Rapids will be in poor condition.

Looking for a new trail to explore? Check out the new trails at the Kalamzoo Rive Valley!

Enjoy a afternoon by the water or trail walk at Riverside Park.

The EPIC Awards were created by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce as a way to recognize individuals and businesses in the Grand Rapids community who support…

Simpatico Coffee is a Grand Rapids-based coffee shop that provides coffee that keeps your health and wellness in mind.

Diane Devereaux believes in the notion that food is art; therefore, canning is preserving that art. A life-long Michigan resident, in Grand Rapids for over a…

Farmers' markets have become a staple in many communities in supporting healthy eating, local farmers, and community development.

Specifically, the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce created the Diversity Visionary Award in 2003 as a way to honor individuals in the community that should…

Terri Tate embodies what it means to be a comedian disguised as a nurse and teacher. A down to earth woman who has become a truly inspirational humorist amidst…

After a whirlwind ten days of laughter, LaughFest 2013 has come to a close. For the second year in a row, LaughFest put on an emotional health series, LaughteRx…

The very label of this city may suggest rolling ‘rapids;’ however, it was only until recently that Grand Rapids has promised to restore the city’s namesake…

Many of us know someone who has, or is currently battling cancer and we feel helpless. We find ourselves wishing there was something we could do to support them.

Throughout the United States, a movement has begun towards recognizing and honoring the women who make America, or MAKERS. The MAKERS movement is a digital…

Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan granted $200,000 to a collaboration between Metro Health, St. Mary’s Health Care, and Hope Network through their…

LaughFest will take over the city of Grand Rapids with 10 days of comedians, laughter, and awareness from March 7 – 17, 2013. A series titled LaughteRx focuses…

West Michigan has rallied forces for the month of February in support of breast cancer awareness and Susan G. Komen West Michigan.

As we have covered our favorite places to find holiday gifts in Detroit and Milford, we move towards the other side of the state in visiting what West Michigan…

At A Healthier Michigan, we support and believe in strengthening healthy communities. In doing so, we have begun a series on placemaking in urban downtown…

The emergence of millennials, young professionals, and the start-up community has brought along with it a focus on placemaking and increased urban awareness.

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the 2nd Annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure “On the Wings of Hope” Survivor Benefit. A night full of inspirational…

In five short years, the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer and Food Festival has grown to become the largest culinary event in the state.

With those slight flurries and cold chills hitting a large number of Michigan regions already, the holidays are creeping towards us fast.

Beer is the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world. Made from just four ingredients: water, barley, hops, and yeast, beer has integrated itself into every facet…

Halloween is quickly approaching and there are a number of events available to supplement that traditional trick or treating. In Grand Rapids, the John Ball Zoo…

In Grand Rapids, we have come to expect nothing short of the overwhelming success of ArtPrize from entrepreneur, Rick DeVos. His latest venture…

In the United States, there are approximately 79 million Americans who are considered to be pre-diabetic, with another 2/3 of individuals overweight.

A month of many celebrations and events, September is also National Literacy Month. An essential skill to the development of our families, children…

Rainy days are sometimes a welcomed relief from the heat, or even snow. They are a perfect excuse to get comfortable, stay in bed and enjoy a good book or a…

In West Michigan, 1 out of 6 of our residents are not sure where their next meal will come from. This notion is even worse at 1 out of 5 for children in West…

With the hype of new shows on the Food Network and recent news coverage, Food Trucks have popped up all around the country as a fun, on-the-go alternative to…

I recently went on my first wine tasting trip along the Old Mission Peninsula in Northwest Michigan. In just a few hours we visited five wineries…

Check out this Berry Buckle recipe from the Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids.