Yudanaka: Ryokans and Onsens

Steam swirls up, and if you’re in the outdoor pool at night, you can see the moon up above with its twin reflected on the inky-black surface, while listening to water stream from a long bamboo pipe.

By:Lynn Strough

New York Times bestseller John Hart redeems himself with latest novel

John Hart, who is originally from North Carolina, is know for this thrillers and is talent for writing them is shines brightly in his latest book “Redemption Road.” He stops at Schuler Books this Friday.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Lineup announced for 4th annual ‘Movies in the Park’

The cat’s out of the bag! Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) has announced the lineup for this summer’s free movie series, Movies in the Park.

By:Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

Astronomer and space science enthusiast makes a stop at Schuler Books

Iraq born astronomer and space science enthusiast, Dr. Nebil Y. Misconi, will talk about his life’s journey to study his passion for astronomy at Schuler Books & Music on Thursday, May 19.

By:Grand Rapids Public Museum

Poetry Slam Competition makes its way to Kentwood Library

Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch library is hosting its first live and uncensored spoken word poetry slam competition on Tuesday, May 17 from 7-8 pm.

By:Barri Tiggle

Late-night dreams: Unknown Mortal Orchestra to play The Pyramid Scheme

After making the rounds to such shows as “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and “Last Call with Carson Daly” Unknown Mortal Orchestra makes a stop in Grand Rapids at The Pyramid Scheme this month.

By:Special to Now.WKTV.org

In Kyoto: Temples and Geishas

Kyoto is a city of contrasts – modern buildings and very old temples, the latest fashions and traditional kimonos. It’s the kind of place I envision when I think of Japan. Even without your own kimono and tea bowl, you can have a lovely time in the beautiful Japanese city of Kyoto.

By:Lynn Strough

WKTV celebrates Heritage Hill Home Tour with a rebroadcast of popular film series

WKTV will be rebroadcasting the “Grand Homes of Heritage Hill” the week before the Heritage Hill Tour of Homes set for May 21 and 22. The series features one of the homes on this year’s tour, the Meyer May House.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Explore the Earth in Grand Rapids Public Museum’s newest exhibition

Live in an ice-covered world or explore the depths of the ocean in the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s newest exhibit “Earth Explorers” which opens May 21.

By:Grand Rapids Public Museum

Wyoming student surprises herself with a win from countywide poetry contest

San Juan Diego Academy seventh grader Nurit Gonzalez was fulfilling a school assignment and really did not think her poem “April” would impress the judges of the Dyer Ives Kent County Poetry contest – but it did.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

On the Shelf: French Milk by Lucy Knisley

In this charming novel, Lucy decides to move to Europe for a month with her mother, which leads to an interesting adventure.

By:Karen Herringa, Grand Rapids Main Library

Tulip Time celebrates its 87th year May 7-14 in Holland, Mich

Celebrating its 87th year, Tulip time is Holland’s premier event with bursts of vibrant color in City parks, at public attractions, and along City streets.

By:Pure Michigan

Living Like the Locals in Thailand

What’s it like to live like a local in Thailand? I was lucky enough to find out, thanks to a connection made by another Travel Angel, my friend Lee in California, who introduced me via email to what turned out to be two more Travel Angels, Paul and Joi.

By:Lynn Strough

Circle Theatre hosts the Jellicle Ball as “CATS” opens its season

Circle Theatre presents the Grand Rapids premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fantastical tale – or is tail? – “CATS” this month, which kicks of the company’s summer season.

By:Circle Theatre

On the Shelf: Epic reads for the beach from Schuler Books & Music

“The Fireman” by Joe Hill   Reviewed by: Whitney Spotts, Events Coordinator, Schuler Books & Music, Lansing   Joe Hill can truly do no wrong. [Read More]

By:By Schuler Books & Music

Catchin’ the vibe: Kentwood shines spotlight on its adaptive sports program

Kentwood’s Parks and Recreation Department hosts its first-ever gala event, The Vibe, on May 13 at The Bluff Banquet and Conference Center.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

And the winner is: 2016 Eclipse Awards

Thursday night it was a who’s who of West Michigan filmmaking leaders as more than 200 people attended The 5th Annual Eclipse Awards at the CityFlats Hotel, in downtown Grand Rapids. Considered the West Michigan Oscars, The Eclipse Awards honors and recognizes those in the West Michigan film industry.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

In Cambodia: Sights and Sounds of Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Cambodia, is the gateway city to Angkor Wat, with exotic appeal, as well as the ease provided by being set up for the tourist trade. If you are looking for adventure, with all of the comforts of any major tourist destination, and a much cheaper price tag than most, you might want to consider a trip to Cambodia.

By:Lynn Strough

Meet some of The Eclipse Award nominees!

It’s always fun to celebrate talent and hard work, and that was certainly the case Monday evening when WKTV feted many of The Eclipse Award nominees at a soiree held at Rockwell’s in Grand Rapids.

By:WKTV

Civic Theatre teaches us all that there is more to freckles than you thought

If you have an hour between now and May 1, go see Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of “Freckleface Strawberry.” Even if you aren’t familiar with Julianne Moore’s book or have children to bring along, you are certain to enjoy the show.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

WKTV airs Saugatuck Short Film Festival in support of this year’s call for entries

Call for entries for this year’s Saugatuck Short Film Festival have gone out. In support of that, WKTV set to air last year’s festival on April 26 and 30.

By:Angela Peavey

Tuesday Evening Music Club brings talent to Frederik Meijer Gardens

Evening Music Club announces talent line-up.

By:Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

A tutorial on how to get your hands on those Frederik Meijer Garden concert tickets

The summer concert series at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is popular, but it might surprise you to know that getting your hands on tickets is not as hard as you thought.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

5th Annual GRJazzFest announces line-up April 27

GRandJazzFest is one of the most diverse, community-oriented festivals for people who live here, who travel here, and who want to enjoy two days of great live music in a vibrant downtown setting. THIS is what community is all about. ~ GRandJazzFest founder Audrey Sundstrom

By:GRandJazzFest

Local resident climbs a mountain in search of Noah’s Ark

Byron Center resident set to discuss at KDL Wyoming Branch his experience in searching for Noah’s Ark and the documentary, “Finding Noah,” which was made about the last exploration to Turkey’s Mt. Ararat.

By:Joanne Bailey-Boorsma