tourism

Sara Crookston directs a toy photo shoot.

How life is better in West Michigan for those designing our world

Sarah Crookston, Mimi Ray and David Allan are all leaders in design. While they could work anywhere in the world, they discuss why they choose to live and work in West Michigan.

Latest in tourism
Downtown Holland preserved its historical buildings with the help of the Prince family, local merchants and government — and a lot of ingenuity.
Holland history: The downtown revival

Holland's downtown nearly perished with the rise of malls in the 1980s. However, innovation helped the area and the merchants thrive.`

The Mount Baldhead Gap Filler Radar is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Saugatuck’s iconic Mount Baldhead Radar Annex listed in the National Register of Historic Places

The Saugatuck Gap Filler Radar was operational from 1958-1968 as part of a continent-wide effort to protect the United States from potential attack during the Cold War. The long-time Saugatuck icon is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, a significant step in its preservation.

Sweet Temptations staff pose for a photo with Michigan state Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville.
Grand Haven ice cream shop serves up country’s best scoops

Try a scoop of Sweet Temptations Vanilla Bean or Dark Decadence, and you'll be devouring some of the country's best ice cream. The little Grand Haven-based company recently took home two blue ribbons from the North American Ice Cream Association’s annual convention in Fort Worth, Texas.

A color image of the Holland Interurban station from the Van Ark Postcard Collection at jstor.org.
Holland history: Getting around town

Among other things, Dale Wyngarden is an amateur historian. He has graciously shared a series of histories he created for the Tulip Time trolley tours that have since changed format. In this installment: From roads laid out in grids to the Interurban railway, Holland's history is tied to transportation.

The butterfly sculpture was commissioned in honor of Kay Doss and donated to the Village of Spring Lake by the Doss family. The Dosses decided to relocate the sculpture so all could enjoy it.
Two families’ sculptures join Spring Lake’s Art in the Park initiative

Spring Lake’s Lakeside Trail now features two new works of art donated by the Doss and Rhem families.

A Common Redpoll.
Birding programs have enthusiasts flocking to Ottawa County

Ottawa County caters to the growing base of bird watchers and enthusiasts with birding programs, a photo contest, scheduled bird walks and waterfowl field trips. Volunteers are needed for the Christmas bird count that runs from Dec. 14 to Jan. 4.

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy unveils new Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve in Allegan

“This is a dream that has been in the works for over 20 years, and we are so excited to finally be able to share the Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve with everyone,” says an official for the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy.

Mona Shores High School Choir Presents America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree. (Derek Wong)
Things to do in November: Trot for a cause, and enjoy holiday parades and activities

Grab a jacket and head out, because November brings scores of adventure, culture, and fun for everyone.

Marisela Sierra won the 2022 Start Garden 100 pitch competition with her Navarro’s Mexican Takeout.
Start Garden win lifts third-generation restaurateur’s dreams to next level

After winning the 2022 Start Garden 100 pitch competition, third-generation Muskegon Heights restaurateur Marisela Sierra is ready to get Navarro’s Mexican Takeout’s stone-ground tamales into the freezers of local retailers.

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