Love is in the air with our February weddings issue. If you got engaged over the holiday season and are in the process of planning your upcoming nuptials, enjoy the collection of stunning wedding dresses available at local retailers around town starting on p. 46. The Grand Rapids Art Museum served as the backdrop for this photoshoot and proved the perfect place to highlight these gowns.
Whether you are celebrating love with a significant other or a group of friends this month, we have suggestions on where to go for a Galentine’s brunch or a Valentine’s date. Personally, I love getting together with a group of friends for brunch at San Chez.
February also is a great month to focus on self-care. While you can certainly book an afternoon at your favorite local spa, we have some alternative care strategies for you to consider in “Soak, meditate and crash your way to better health” on p. 24. Ax throwing, anyone? Or maybe you’d like to give goat yoga a go? Whichever option you choose, managing your stress is important for your overall health. Since it’s American Heart Month, we spoke with Dr. Thomas Boyden of Spectrum Health about ways to reduce your risk for heart disease.
In this issue, we also spoke with newly elected Second Ward City Commissioner Milinda Ysasi. She is the first Latina to serve on the Grand Rapids City Commission. While we know plenty about the issues Ysasi cares about from her campaign, we got to know a little more about her background and how she enjoys spending her time.
Speaking of firsts, Grand Rapids is seeing an increase in minority-owned businesses opening downtown, particularly Black-owned businesses. Jermale Eddie, owner of Malamiah Juice Bar and Eatery, and Brian Mosby, owner of Mosby’s Popcorn, have relocated their businesses to downtown hotspots, while new businesses Ambiance GR, GRNoir and Mel Styles are open or in the process of opening this year.
February is a great month to get out and enjoy our local restaurants. We explored the newly opened One Twenty Three Tavern at Studio Park, talked with the co-owners of Eastern Kille Distillery (formerly Gray Skies) and got Leo’s pastry chef Dana Wilmer-Lucas to share her recipe for vanilla bean crème brûlée with us.
Take care!
Charlsie Dewey
Managing Editor, Grand Rapids Magazine
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