People + Places

Three West Michigan locations were named among 16 “incredibly romantic getaways” in the Midwest.

The life of a candle shop owner means your trash never smells bad.“I mean literally, it never stinks,” says Jill Bromley-Sung, owner of Wax Poetic Candle Bar, who also comes away smelling pretty nice herself.

A “fun center” in the area continues to expand its offerings, and the latest takes guests soaring across the park.

“We’ve been here six and a half years. It’s time to put an expiration date on it and move on,” said Kim Carignan, 54, a resident of Grand Rapids’ northeast side. Carignan, who has lived in Detroit, Chicago, New York and Naples, Florida, said she and her husband haven’t been able to make the friendships they’d hoped for in West Michigan, something she said was easier in the other places she’s lived.

Ice skating season at Rosa Parks Circle kicks off tonight at 5 p.m.

A historic building downtown is being transformed into an event space.

The owner of Grand Rapids retail store The Paper Studio is embarking on a second endeavor. Abby Fowler, Paper Studio owner, opens Pulp & Stem on Tuesday, May 1 in the Downtown Market.

Santa’s got more than a brand new bag this Christmas. In fact, he’s got a new, trendy look because The People Picture Company is offering holiday sessions with Hipster Santa this Christmas season.

As temperatures drop and snowstorms await, local nonprofit Dirt City Sanctuary said even though items such as a proper pair of boots should be an essential necessity to surviving winter, many individuals in West Michigan walk the streets without such provisions.

A stationery and gift shop is coming to downtown.

From monthly visits to Mary Free Bed’s children’s floor to special appearances at Fifth Third Ballpark, Relay for Life, Gilda’s Club events and more, the Cosplay Crusaders are using their superpowers to lift kids’ spirits across Grand Rapids.

Cranes flood the skyline as Grand Rapids undergoes more investment.

West Michigan residents now have another option for home broadband.

Mark Washington, Grand Rapids’ next city manager, is a busy man.

Once Valerie Burkholder retired early this spring, after working for 28 years, she decided to follow her lifelong dream of opening a bookstore.

If climbing rope bridges or flying along zip lines during daylight hours isn’t enough for you, TreeRunner is kicking it up a notch.

Interesting tidbits we thought you should know

This past June, Parliament the Boutique rebranded as Gemini Handmade after five years on the South Division Avenue for the Arts corridor. Now, the local artisan-based shop has made another big move—to 963 Cherry St. SE.

A handful of West Michigan communities are considered some of the state’s "best" for families.

Selina Parks remembers her first steps into a Grand Rapids homeless shelter in vivid detail.