Anyone from western Michigan?

My DH's starting to consider buying a business back in the midwest, and is interested in one near Grand Rapids, Michigan. He's from Michigan and I've been there a few times, but not as much in the western part. Anyone from around those parts who can say what it's like, how the economy's going (I know Michigan continues to struggle somewhat), what people are like, etc.? (I know, easy questions, right? ha)

12 years ago

Off Topic

5 replies

Latest reply was from Isabel

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've never been there but wanted to wish you luck! My husband just started another business with his brother in TX -- a cattle ranch! -- but fortunately we are not moving there.

Closest I've been to GR is a couple hours north of there, the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, Traverse City, etc. All of that is lovely. We have some good friends who spend the bulk of their summers up there, escaping from the Maryland heat and humidity.

12 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Janet. I seem to remember some vacations around Lake Michigan when I was a kid, but I can't remember whether it was the Michigan or the Wisconsin side. I went to college in WI so I'm not totally ignorant of the area but more info is always good.

A cattle ranch in Texas - I hope you've bought a big hat!

12 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Hi Laura, that is going to be quite a change. We spend 2 weeks every year in the Traverse City area. My husband has family in GR. I will ask him. I do know that they are making an effort to become more of an "art" community. Which is very bizarre, because it is anything but arty. People are very nice. It is a very conservative town.

12 years ago

JulieinMI

Active Member

Isabel is probably referring to Art Prize, a contest hosted here in GR every year in September/October. It was started by the DeVos family(owners of Amway) and they put up the prize money. Artists have their entries on display all over our downtown and surrounding areas. Many people come here to see it. It is a fun time, and evidently a unique idea. Some of the entries remain because they can't be moved like a mural on the side of a building, and some have been purchased by individuals or businesses and kept on display.

12 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Yes, Julie, ArtPrize. My SIL's boyfriend had a painting in it last year. A great event. HUGE !!!!

12 years ago

Category