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Holiday traditions to celebrate the winter solstice are common
to every culture around the world. The transition from the shortest,
darkest day in mid-winter to the longest day of light at the beginning
of summer are a common theme to our world.
Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids
celebrates the light by showing the traditions of many countries
and cultures around the world. Besides the forty one gorgeous
Christmas Trees that are decorated as they would be in their native
regions, they also display Kwanza, Jewish, and Buddhist traditional
decorations. New this year is Tet Nguyen Dan, the Vietnamese
celebration of the lunar New Year; pronounced day wen don,
it literally means, “the first morning of the first day.”
Meijer Gardens is celebrating the completion of a $7.6 million
renovation and expansion that was awarded a silver level LEED
certificate in energy and environmental design. The renovation
and expansion was centered around the cafe, visitor areas, office
and storage spaces. The new cafe has a stunning Dale Chihuly
blown glass sculpture of colored glass flowers hanging from
the ceiling.
We have put together a few photos we took at the gardens
recently, so you can see some of the holiday decorations from
near and far. The gorgeous Christmas trees are all 12-15 feet tall
and loaded with beautiful ornaments. This is just a sampling of the
Christmas Traditions displayed here:
Our Holiday Wishes for Peace & Goodwill to all of you!
We invite you to visit our world famous Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We will share our recent snowy winter scenes with you. It usually doesn’t look like this until January or February, but it certainly is getting us in the Holiday mood. This is just a sampling of the 200+ sculptures that are here at the park permanently.
If you get a chance to visit Grand Rapids, don’t miss the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Former President Jimmy Carter called it a "National Treasure." We would love to have you come for a visit and see for yourself.
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan
area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
If life gives you lemons…make lemonade. Well, the residents of Grand
Rapids Michigan don’t need lemonade lessons or snow fun lessons, either.
With the surprise snowfall of about 10 inches and a couple more inches added
yesterday, we have SNOW!! When you put kids & a day off school together,
you get lots of Snow Fun!!
The best sledding hills are where you find them…this one is on a nearby
church backyard.
Lots of energy is being spent here, the low carbon emission type,
perfect for that hot cocoa remedy for cold hands, feet, and faces.
When the uphill climb gets slower and slower, it is a sure signal that it is
time to pack up your gear and head home.
A neighbor made this impromptu snowman. I love the innovative
hat.
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The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
I guess I am still a kid at heart. What a thrill to wake up and see the
white crystals of snow coating everything in sight! Needless to say,
with the amount of snow we received, it is a “Snow Day” for most
of the kids in Grand Rapids area. While it is not inconvenient for me,
it is for most people. Roads are slippery, traffic is slow and commute
times are much longer than our normal speedy travel.
I took a few photos so you can see what we woke up to in GR this
morning.
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________
The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the
Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.
Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse
business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,
plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.
We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
Where Something Good is Always Cooking
Breakfast ~ Lunch~ Take-Out ~ Bakery
The Real Food Cafe is THE REAL DEAL! We probably go there for lunch at
least once a week. They only serve breakfast and lunch but it is better than
my Mom made. Their breakfasts are almost legendary. They serve
breakfast anytime and what a breakfast…..the home fries are just too
delicious to describe.
The pancakes are made with real buttermilk, fresh eggs and served with real
butter. Below is the picture of my two eggs scrambled and home fries.
The home made soups are always delicious. The burgers are 1/3 lb. of
Angus beef. The sandwiches are huge and definitely satisfying.
The omelets are mouth-watering.
The baked goods such as cookies, cakes and pies are all home made on site
and worth sacrificing the diet for. The crew and wait staff are all friendly and
genuinely happy at work. It just makes you feel good to be there. It is
always full of people eating “real food” and enjoying themselves.
One of our favorite people at Real Food is “Rosie.” She has known
the chef, Frank, since he was a little boy and is always busy seating
people, getting drinks, and generally bustling around with a friendly
word and smile to all.
They have recently expanded and added an additional location:
Real Food Cafe
at 5430 Northland Dr. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616)361-1808
If you like “real food made with real ingredients by real people,”
this is the place to go.
We are there often, so we hope to see you , too.
The Real Food Cafe 2419 Eastern Ave.
Grand Rapids MI 49507 (616)241-4080
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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
We love to try new places to eat, especially for lunch. But Marie
Catrib’s in the East Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids is an old
favorite. We have friends, John & Betsy who live in Heritage Hill
and Marie’s is a great place to meet.
The atmosphere is cozy and warm. The restaurant is always busy.
And the food is unusual and delicious. I prefer the vegetarian,
local products, my spouse prefers traditional fare. At Marie’s,
both of us are happy with the selections.
On our recent visit, I ordered the veggie Sweet Potato and
Quinoa burger [heavenly and huge] while my pard ordered the
Turkey Rueben [messy but delish].
Marie Catrib’s From the Street
East Hills is the center of the universe.
A take-out case is loaded with great offerings.
Marie Catrib’s is located at 1001 Lake Dr SE Grand Rapids MI
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Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
Front doors are the first impression that visitors and passersby
get of your home. We all make instant judgments about a home’s
interior when we see the front door, just like we do about a person
we first meet. If you want to make a good first impression, you
should make sure your front door is attractive and welcoming.
I have a fascination with front doors. I drive by homes and
look at the front door or front entry. I love to see a home with
a touch of personality or a piece of artwork displayed by the front
door.
This front door reminds me of castle. I saw several doorways similar to
this in England inside the castle walls.
Holidays and seasonal decorating are especially fruitful for my
voyeuristic entertainment. I especially like the his and hers
well-dressed scarecrows guarding this front door.
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate
Contact Terry 616-292-7263
Roselle Park in Ada Michigan along the Grand River is 247 acre park that is
a dedicated Natural Habitat Refuge. On a rainy Saturday a few weeks
ago, we stopped and took a few photos. It was cold and windy but
the fall colors were great. We walked on one of the trails along the Grand
River. A very peaceful place to visit. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
These silos were left from the previous owner of the property. The one with
the stars on top has been made into a 9 story observation tower.
View from the observation tower toward the Grand River
On the walking trail along the river.
The Grand River, the longest river in Michigan. It starts near Hillsdale MI and
winds it’s way north then west, eventually emptying into Lake Michigan.
This spot is just north of the confluence of the Thornapple River at Ada MI.
Additional information on Roselle Park:
Roselle Park Nature Preserve on the Grand River
Roselle Park Flood Stage Spring 2009 Video
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If you are looking for a home in the Grand Rapids Area, we service the following areas: Metro Grand Rapids, Ada-Cascade, East Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Kentwood, Lowell, and Rockford. We have assisted Grand Rapids buy & sell homes for the last 35+ years. Call 1-616-292-7263 to talk with Terry or email him at: terry@terrywestbrook.com.
For MLS access to the homes for sale in the West Michigan Area,visit: Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate for a free search. Your search can be saved and modified as you view homes, with no obligation.
Thinking of selling your home? We offer one of the most extensive marketing campaigns in Grand Rapids with a major online presence for your home. With over 85% of buyers looking for homes online, this is where we concentrate our efforts. Click here to view Terry’s Realtor profile.
Subscribe to our Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog
Westbrook Realty – Giving You Our Personal Best
Autumn is a picturesque time of year here in West Michigan. We
have lots of rivers, lakes, fall color, and lots of wildlife. This series
of photos lets you see a few residents of the Thornapple River at
their daily routine. The Thornapple River flows into the Grand River,
the longest in the state at Ada Michigan. Needless to say, a haven for wildlife year round. This gaggle of geese was just off the
Thornapple Pointe Golf Club in southeastern Kent County a few
weekends ago.
If you are looking for a home in the Grand Rapids Area, we service the following areas: Metro Grand Rapids, Ada-Cascade, East Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Kentwood, Lowell, and Rockford. We have assisted Grand Rapids buy & sell homes for the last 35+ years. Call 1-616-292-7263 to talk with Terry or email him at: terry@terrywestbrook.com.
For MLS access to the homes for sale in the West Michigan Area,visit: Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate for a free search. Your search can be saved and modified as you view homes, with no obligation.
Thinking of selling your home? We offer one of the most extensive marketing campaigns in Grand Rapids with a major online presence for your home. With over 85% of buyers looking for homes online, this is where we concentrate our efforts. Click here to view Terry’s Realtor profile.
Subscribe to our Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate Blog
Westbrook Realty – Giving You Our Personal Best
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You might have to really look at this picture to see the details.
When I went to our local food store recently, I needed to to make a
necessary stop. When I saw the bathroom, I had to go to my car and get
get my camera to take this shot above. Our local grocery store is one of
the best I have ever been in. They listen to their customers and try to
make life easier and more convenient for them.
We (and everyone we know) love Forest Hills Foods. This is just one of a
dozen reasons. If you have little children, would they like to go to the
bathroom where they can have a stool and sink at their height?
Would it make it a fun experience for them? You bet!
Thanks again, Forest Hills Foods, for thinking about your customer’s
grocery store experience.
