Living Michigan Family: Sharing Our Love of Michigan!

What:  West Michigan Pet Expo (Largest in Michigan!) When:  This weekend;  April 13th and 14th, 2013. Time:  SUNDAY:  11am to 5pm Where:  Delta Plex, Grand Rapids, MI. Cost:  $8 per adult  (or $6 if you buy at Pet Supplies Plus store!), kids $5 (or $3 if purchased at store). Event Website:   http://www.westmichiganstar.com/common/pet-expo/ **NOTE:  If you buy your ticket at a West Michigan "Pet Supplies Plus" store, you save $2 per ticket (& get a $5 coupon for use at Pet Supplies Plus!).** There are 2 HUGE sections in addition to the "arena" area where they do the presentations and demonstrations!  One section is devoted to adoptions, and another whole section is full of vendors and other great groups!! What a fun day!  There were so many WONDERFUL animal groups and vendors here today I cannot even begin to name them but will give a shout-out to some of my faves: Crash's Landing cat placement group located in Grand Rapids ( http://www.cras

Who: Vitale's Pizza, (616)530-8500,  www.vitalespizza.com When:  March 2013 Where:  They have several West Michigan Locations, but we tried the Kentwood location at 5380 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI 49548. Prices: Very decent prices, especially for such large portions! It should not surprise anyone that we have a love of pizza & Italian food.  However, when you walk into a pizza place and hear actual Italian being spoken, you know that they know what they are doing!!  We were waited on by a charming, hard working Italian gentleman.  This shop is small.  Nearly everyone who was ordering was getting it to go, but business was steady!  Steady traffic is always a good sign of delicious food. Looking at the menu, it is very diverse.  They offer many things including oven baked subs, calzones, pastas, focaccia, salads, and more!  (See menu here: Vitale's Pizza Menu PDF ) Today, we chose to try to split the 10" "personal" size pizza and an order of thei

Where:  20 W. 8th Street, Holland, MI,  49423.  (616)392.5888   http://www.8thstreetgrille.com/ Cost:  High.  For 2 of us to eat out, getting a water, pop, 1 appetizer, 2 meals, and 2 desserts it was over $50 (before discount)...  (See any coupons available here:   http://www.8thstreetgrille.com/coupons.htm  or www.restaurant.com .) This is a classy, cozy little gourmet restaurant in the Heart of downtown Holland, Michigan, on 8th Street.  It has the feel of a small-town restaurant where it feels like upscale comfort.  Living in Holland, we can tell you that this place is always packed-- regardless of the high price tag.  This means two things:  Great food and wonderful service.  That is exactly what we received.  Even though it was a packed house when we went (as it always is), the server was polite, friendly, and seemed happy to be waiting on us.  If you want high quality food, and a real dining experience, you need to try 8th Street Grille-- anytime of year. A beautiful shot o

Who:  You and whoever else! What:  Maple Sugar Time Event. When:  THIS WEEKEND! Where:  1076 E 16th St, Holland, MI 49423.  VanRaalte Farm              (One of the websites:   http://www.cityofholland.com/degraafnaturecenter/maple-sugar-time-van-raalte-farm ) ADMISSION:  $1 per person!  (BRING CASH!  They have lots of YUMMY snacks and sometimes even have ice cream that you can buy that has maple syrup and maple candies on it!) Some of the amazingly delicious, locally made goods you can purchase!  I think I would drink this if I could.   Volunteers teach you and the family all about how maple syrup used to be made, very slowly, by Native Americans. Gorgeous Michigan Sunshine and the world coming to life again.  Finally!! Did you know?? Collecting sap at VanRaalte Farm: There are activities for kids to try along the entire path! Where all of the magic happens!  Boiling down of the sap to make delicious everythings! Gorgeous old b

Who:  84th Street Pub & Grille.   www.84thstpub.com What:  Delicious Pub Faire. Where:  8282 Pfeiffer Farms Drive, Byron Center, MI  49315.  (616) 583.1650 We stopped in for a later-night dinner and thought we would try this local owned shop.  The service was fairly fast and very friendly.  The server gave great suggestions for food and drink.  They have a lot more great food here that we can't wait to try next time!  Check out some of the delicious foods we were able to try!  The atmosphere was very nice.  This is a modern restaurant, yet relaxing and classy, with a "homey" feel with lots of beautiful dark wood on the interior. Appetizer:  Homemade chips and cheese with a side of homemade salsa and sour cream. Main Dish #1:  Bacon Cheese Burger with homemade chips. Main Dish #2:  French Dip (no onions by request). Shot of the bar area on the interior of the restaurant. Lovely shot from the outside. Hotel attached to 84th Stree