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Hello Grand Rapids! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Board game cafe lounge, live reptile show, and summer reading with cats + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today's sponsor, SmartAsset, is helping people around Grand Rapids evaluate their retirement income strategy and plan for a retirement that could last decades. Their free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. Take the quiz and find your match.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New hangout in Creston: Kobold's Kitchen opened in Creston on Grand Rapids' northeast side, mixing a cafe with a board game lounge featuring over 800 titles, gametenders for guidance, rentals, and allergen friendly bites -- see what’s inside.
Burger lovers have options: Grand Rapids Burger Week continues today with $7 to $10 specials at 15 restaurants citywide, including Alebird in Byron Center, plus creative options like a meatless Falafel Burger -- see the full lineup.
Community support in action: The Heart of West Michigan United Way is launching Stuff the Bus this week to collect school supplies for students across West Michigan, part of an effort to reduce poverty -- learn how you can help.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you've been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It's an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,100 this year.1 Some users report saving up to 50% on their monthly rates -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*2
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's 50% off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor The free quiz matching 50,000 people a month with a fiduciary advisorIf you've saved $2.5 million, you're well ahead of most Americans. But how long it lasts depends less on the balance and more on the decisions you make with it. Take the 4% rule, a common benchmark. It suggests withdrawing about $100,000 your first year from a $2.5M portfolio, then adjusting for inflation over time. While it can be a useful starting point, it doesn't account for factors such as other income sources, taxes, spending goals, or changing market conditions. That's why many retirees choose to work with a financial advisor. A financial advisor can help build a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy around your situation, including how much to take from each account and when - so you have a clearer picture of how much you can spend each year. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area, each legally bound to work in your best interest. The quiz only takes a few minutes. No cost. No obligation. Find your advisor match.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Crave-worthy fusion fix: Char blends Asian-inspired tacos, simple pho, and build-your-own broth bowls into that just-right weeknight comfort you can still brag about. Lots of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly options, plus flavors like kimchi and teriyaki that keep things interesting without trying too hard.
Gear for every plan: From kayaks and roof racks to hiking and camping essentials, Bill & Paul's Sporthaus offers sharp advice and dependable gear to turn ideas into outings. When the itch to escape hits, their crew lines you up with the right fit for your West Michigan weekend energy.
Burger night, upgraded: Black Napkin nails the thin, craggy-edged smash burger with Michigan Craft Beef on a sesame challah bun, plus battered fries dusted in kimchi cheddar or RUST and house-made sodas that actually slap. It’s a walk-up, takeout-only vibe, perfect for an easy win this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
65% of families have lost photos they'll never get back: One accidental delete, one dead hard drive, one phone that won't turn on, and the pictures of the kids, the trips, and the loved ones who've passed are gone. This photo stick makes sure that day never comes: plug it into any phone, tablet, or computer, press one button, and it finds and saves up to 120,000 photos and videos automatically, even clearing out the duplicates. No cloud, no subscription. *Save your photos →
A blown engine can cost more than your car is worth: And it almost never warns you. One day it runs fine, the next you're staring at a $7,000 repair on a car you still rely on every morning. That's the kind of bill an extended warranty exists to absorb, the engine, transmission, and electrical failures that wreck a budget overnight. You bring it to any certified mechanic, pay a deductible, and the rest is handled. Enjoy a free year of Elite Benefits and a 30-day money-back guarantee on top. *See everything it covers →
83% of burglars check for an alarm first: That's from a UNC Charlotte survey of 422 convicted burglars — and 60% said that if they found one, they'd skip the house and look for another target. ADT is the deterrent they're checking for: voted America's most trusted home security provider, with monitoring centers staffed around the clock. And if someone breaks in anyway, ADT's Theft Protection Guarantee reimburses up to $500 of your homeowners insurance deductible. *See how it works → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🐸 Park Pop-Up: Frog Hollow @ Frog Hollow (Wyoming) | Wednesday (7/29) at 11:00 AM – Think you’ve outgrown park days? Frog Hollow is popping up for NRPA’s Park and Recreation Month, with treats, a simple game you can actually win, and KDL rolling in for story time. Low-key fun, high nostalgia, zero committee meetings.
🐊 Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary's Live Reptile Show @ Kent District Library - Kelloggsville Branch | Wednesday (7/29) at 1:00 PM – Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary brings a live reptile show that actually keeps kids quiet, curious, and off the furniture. Free and aimed at ages 5 to 10, all are welcome, but adults may find the pace peppy, the facts bite-sized, and the stars charmingly scaly.
❓ Full Moon Family Trivia Night @ Blandford Nature Center | Wednesday (7/29) at 6:30 PM – Whether you still remember your Scout badges or enjoy guessing under July’s full moon, Blandford is hosting outdoor trivia with a nature-leaning twist. Go solo or rally the family, bring a picnic and lawn chair, and collect bragging rights, prizes, and that smug, starry glow.
📚 Summer Reading with Cats @ Second Chance Cats of West Michigan | Thursday (7/30) at 1:00 PM – Thursday afternoons mean a book club where members nap openly, as adoptable cats curl up for drop-in summer reading. Bring a book or raid their feline library. All ages welcome with adults in tow, with light refreshments, extra coffee, and a $10 donation suggested.
🔥 Barnyard Bonfire @ Blandford Farm | Friday (7/31) at 6:00 PM – Barnyard Bonfire is lighting up Blandford Farm with crafts, s’mores, and a fireside story that smells like campfire and childhood. Bring the kids, your patience, and maybe a stroller for that pleasant 10 minute stroll from the Nature Center, because yes, there are port-a-potties.
🎉 Fiesta Burton Heights @ Burton Heights South Parking Lot | Saturday (8/1) at 9:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade yard work for cumbia, tacos, and gleaming lowriders, this is it. Burton Heights turns the south lot into a neighborhood fiesta with live music, family fun, and enough sabor to skip dinner. Free, friendly, gloriously local.
🎭 Bluey's Big Play @ DeVos Performance Hall | Saturday (8/1) at 11:00 AM – Ready to score hero points with the kiddos, without suffering through neon chaos? Bluey’s Big Play brings the Heelers to DeVos Performance Hall downtown with clever puppets, witty gags, and just enough heart to make you tear up, then blame allergies.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Your homeowners insurance has a blind spotIt covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old). *See what it covers → |
07 — Grand Rapids report Weather forecastToday — High: 85°F — Low: 61°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 85. North wind 3 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. North wind 1 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 88°F — Low: 64°F — Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 1 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 64. This house is wildThis restored urban estate blends golden-age character with modern comfort, thanks to a full update of the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Its stunning architecture, library, and inviting fireplace set the stage for cozy nights, while adaptable gathering spaces handle dinners, cocktail parties, and guests with ease. Outdoors, multiple decks, porches, and a private garden patio add charm.
Take a peek inside → |
1Average potential savings based on initial quotes received by 151,494 customers seeking insurance through Insurify. Savings and lowest rates do not reflect typical results. 2Estimated. |
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