And then there were castles: visiting Loire Valley

Princes may be in short supply, and glass slippers too uncomfortable to wear while walking, but the castles in the Loire Valley make for a land of fairy tales.

By:Lynn Strough

Explore a Hop Farm, Sample Michigan Beers Made with Michigan Hops

“This is a rare opportunity to get a look into what happens to bring our hops to harvest,” Hop Head Farms co-founder Bonnie Steinman said. “We do not offer public tours during harvest…”

By:John Liberty

53rd Annual Marshall Historic Home Tour is September 10 & 11

The 53rd annual Marshall Historic Home Tour will offer more than 20 sites, including six private residences. The Marshall Historic Home Tour began in 1964 as a kitchen tour and has grown into the longest-running home tour in the Midwest.

By:Bill Mabin, West Michigan Tourist Association

Things get ‘wild’ at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts

The Saugatuck Center for the Arts will feature “Just as Wild,” a collection of drawings by artist Jillian Dickson, in the Corridor Exhibition from Aug. 25 through Oct. 7. A free opening reception will take place on Aug. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

By:Angela Peavey

Creativity Revealed: Exploring Not My Circus, Not My Monkees with Artist Pam Kravetz

Artist Pam Kravetz is the next featured guest at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Creative Revealed program set for Aug. 23. Her exhibit, “Not My Circus, Not My Monkees” will be at the Center Aug. 25 – Oct. 7.

By:Angela Peavey

Grand Rapids Public Museum seeks new education volunteers

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is looking for 18 new educator volunteers to join the team. The Museum has scheduled two open houses, Aug. 23 and Sept. 1, for those who might be interested.

By:Kate Moore, Grand Rapids Public Mueum

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘Cinderella’ comes to DeVos Hall Sept. 27-Oct. 2

With its fresh, new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella combines the story’s classic elements — glass slippers, pumpkin and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists.

By:Meghan Distel, Broadway Grand Rapids

Curious George turns 75 and Schuler Books is celebrating

The most famous monkey in the world – George – marks his 75th anniversary this year. Schuler Books hosts a special event and a filmmaker works on creating a special documentary about the authors.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A day in my life: Dog- and tortoise-sitting in the South of France

  By Lynn Strough Travelynn Tales   Welcome to another chapter in the ongoing series by our world traveler, Lynn Strough. This week, Lynn shows [Read More]

By:Lynn Strough

‘Drive South’ returns to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Wrapping up the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Summer in the Studio concert series is the guitar duo Drive South which will perform Aug. 22.

By:Angela Peavey

Quilt exhibition and workshop hit the bull’s-eye for quilting aficionados

The juried, invitational exhibition features 50 quilts by an array of artists that improvise around the Bull’s Eye pattern: a four-quadrant design with a bull’s eye at the center of each quarter. Color and design become the focus of a dazzling array of quilts inspired by the innovations of legendary fine art quilt-maker Nancy Crow.

By:Muskegon Museum of Art

WKTV features documentary on four legendary skateboarders

Jay Adams, Bruce Logan, Dennis Martinez and Christian Hosoi all were at the time of their game when drugs, addiction and arrests sidetracked their lives. The documentary by Blue Angel Films takes a look at these four skateboarding legends.

By:WKTV Staff

Perfectly Paris

Ahh, Paris! City of lights and romance, art and architecture, amazing food and wine. It’s one of my all-time favorite cities. As a tourist, you’re sure to enjoy all of this. But as a traveler, you get to see even more.

By:Lynn Strough

Maker Faire returns to Grand Rapids Aug. 20 and 21

Part science fair, part county fair and part something entirely new, Maker Faire gathers all-ages to learn and teach about new ideas and collaborations. The event takes place Aug. 20 and 21 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grand Valley State University.

By:Kate Moore, Grand Rapids Public Museum

Easel On Down to the SCA’s Summer Exhibition

The latest exhibition at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (400 Culver Street), “Easel on Down the Road,” opens Friday, June 10, with a reception from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to experience what it’s like to journey, paint, and blog across all 50 states while enjoying refreshments and meeting artist Anne Corlett.

By:Angela Peavey

Adventures at San Diego Comic-Con: Wonder Woman has an anniversary

Last year I was able to attend the San Diego Comic-Con for the first time as a member of the press. This year, my badge was mailed out early so I could attend Preview Night on Wednesday.

By:Katelyn Kohane

Size doesn’t matter in “Jake and the Giants” airing on WKTV

WKTV features the musical animated film “Jake and the Giants” next week. The film features the voice of Debbi Derrberry from “Castle in the Sky” and includes several fun musical numbers.

By:Kelly Taylor

Fairytale Bled, Slovenia

A fairytale town in a picture-perfect location, Bled, Slovenia comprises three jewels – Lake Bled, Bled Castle, and a tiny island. If you are extremely lucky, you might meet your knight in shining armor at Bled’s Medieval Days, which only happens once a year.

By:Lynn Strough

Review: Grace Potter at Meijer Gardens

30-second Review   Grace Potter, Aug. 3 at Meijer Gardens amphitheater.   After a pleasing and energetic seven-song, 35-minute opening set by Brynn Elliott (she [Read More]

By:K.D. Norris

Adrenaline junkies will find plenty of adventure in West Michigan

With zip lining, kayaking, skydiving and more, travelers can get their fill of active fun all within the breathtaking natural beauty that is West Michigan.

By:Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association

The Great American Trailer Park Musical returns to Mason Street Warehouse

Pippi and the gang return for a two-week run at Mason Street Warehouse, located at 400 Culver St., Saugatuck.

By:Angela Peavey

‘Studio Brew: The Colors of Beer’ celebrates the art of brewing

The exhibition is an experiment in fun, an opportunity to experience art through the lens of the familiar and popular act of drinking a finely crafted beer.

By:Marguerite Curran

Visions of Venice

This week, our travel writer, Lynn Strough, lets her photos do the talking because Venice really is that stunning!

By:Lynn Strough

Wine connoisseurs have an abundance of choices this summer

West Michigan’s wine culture has quickly evolved into a tour de force with people around the world coming to try these new wine offerings. Enjoy exploring the options and bring home a bottle or two from these local wineries.

By:Jeremy Witt, WMTA

Kendall fashion students get inspired by Grand Rapids Public Museum collection

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is partnering with Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University’s Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion to [Read More]

By:Kate Moore, Grand Rapids Public Museum