The Love Issue

Romantic Dining

How to Get a Date

Date Ideas

Quirky WeddingsLoveThe

Issue

specIAl FeAture

Love is in the air. The Duke and perfect-coiffed Duchess of Cambridge are expecting and you can stop feeling bad for Jennifer Aniston because she is fin-uhl-ly happy.

So, what’s this mean for you? Nothing, really. You aren’t part of the Royal Family, nor have you ever demanded one million dollars per episode of your much-loved sitcom. Since you can’t afford a private, 13-course meal at a five-star restaurant, where do you go?

Luckily, there are plenty of affordable and unique places in West Michigan that fit your dating style. Read on for more on dates, fashion for every relationship status and some ways (WARNING: Not all good) to get a date.

REVUEWM.COM | FEbRUaRy 2013 | 23

top: hit the beach with My Barefoot Wedding. PhoTo: BRYAN PAuL rIght: Custom Dresses by vue Design Above: Get your name in lights at Wealthy theatre. PhoTo: JoN CLAY

love Issue

so, You’re engagedThe ring’s on and shown off. Where do you go from there? Here are some ideas for a unique wedding experience.

By Lindsay Patton-Carson

24 | REVUEWM.COM | FEbRUaRy 2013

For the low-maintenance couple‘Wham, bam, thank you ma’am’ is how this couple likes to get things done. For those in favor of no-frills nuptials, head to the local county clerk to make things official, then get on with the rest of your lives. In West Michigan, there’s the Kent County Clerk (300 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids), ottawa County Clerk (414 Washington Ave., Grand haven), Kalamazoo County Clerk (201 West Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo) and the Muskegon County Clerk (141 East Apple Ave., Muskegon). You’ve got your location, now you need to bring the goods in order to apply. First, moolah. It’s $20 for residents, $30 for non-residents. Second, you need to bring your I.D. to prove your age and address and social security numbers. Third, your birth certificate. In three days, the license is ready. (You know, so the courts don’t have to deal with that 55-marriage business Britney pulled.)

For the thespiansTurn your wedding into the production of the year with some help from Wealthy theatre. Display your names on the marquee because it’s your day and you get to be the stars. Bring stage props and set the scene for West Michigan’s most talked-about production: Your wedding. Wealthy Theatre makes it easy to book your big day with its online reservation. “Weddings are usually fun for us because people who choose Wealthy Theatre have thought out the theatre … usually, it’s more than needing the space, they want this space,” said Erin Wilson, theatre director. “People also really enjoy having their new name on the marquee.” First, you have to be a Community Media Center member. Not already? No biggie. A membership is $36 a year and it not only gets you a Tony Award-worthy wedding, but CMC perks throughout the year. Next, build your wedding. The price is based on how simple or extravagant you want your day to be, with sound and lighting included in your package. You can also opt for an in-house DVD recording of the spectacle, which costs between $150 and $200.

For lake loversWith an outdoor wedding, you take a risk on the undepend-able West Michigan weather. But if it all plays out, the reward is far greater. Let the people at My Barefoot Wedding stress over the ceremony details while you keep an eye on the weather report. The company provides the photographer, officiant, decorations and has a list of beaches along the West Michigan shoreline for you to choose from. The company is currently booking for 2013 weddings and slots are filling up fast. Visit them at mybarefootwedding.com. Not the beach type? Sail the high seas (or Lake Michigan) on the Port City Princess (560 Mart St., Muskegon). This unique experience has one to three-hour cruise options for a minimum of 100 people. Price is determined on amount of guests and add-ons, where you can pick from a sit-down dinner or buffet, wedding cake, champagne, cocktails, a DJ that plays music of your choice, décor, bartenders and wait staff, set up and clean up. To find out more, visit portcityprincesscruises.com/wedding.

For the ballersBatter up and incorporate America’s pastime into your wed-ding with Fifth third Ballpark. Exchange vows on home plate, then party at Pepsi stadium Club, which looks out over the baseball field. Show your allegiance to the West Michigan Whitecaps and book the reception during one of the team’s 70 home games. Make your guests share what you love most as they watch the game inside the club with one of

six flat screen televisions and the in-game radio broadcast, or on the venue’s patio. Just because it’s a wedding, doesn’t mean you must be demure. Let your fandom fly and belt, scream and tough talk with the rest of ‘em. Pepsi Stadium Club rental includes 200 game tickets, with food and bev-erage at an additional cost. The venue is also available for booking on non-game days. For more information, contact Corporate Event Sales Manager Alanna Klomp at (616) 784-4131. n

get It All done In one stop

MoDiv (40 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids) makes it easy for any couple looking to get things done fast and the way they want. The space

features four businesses that have customized services to make your wedding unique to your personality.

Start out at 6.25 Paper studio, where the bride and groom (or bride and bride or groom and groom) work with owner Abbey Fowler to create custom invitations, place cards, seating charts, thank you cards, save the dates and more. Whatever you can imagine, Fowler can help bring to life.

If dress hunting has you burnt out, maybe it’s best to have a hand in creating your own. Shannon Gales, who owns vue Designs helps brides “cre-ate a gown that’s unique to them based on their desires of the day,” she said.

Brides have options to work directly with Gales to create a custom dress or pick from the more affordable mix-and-match options available in the

boutique. Schedule your appointment by visiting vuedesign.net.

Get the goodies at ritaGirl’s, which creates spe-cialty cakes and sweet treats. Cakes come in classic white, chocolate and yellow, as well as more daring flavors such as red velvet, lemon, brown butter, cinnamon vanilla bean and apple spice. Mix it up even more with fillings that include coconut crème, chocolate ganache, raspberry, café latte, blueberry lavender, peanut butter, lemon cream, salted caramel and key lime cream.

Put the finishing touches on your wedding with bokay by eastern Floral. “We do what we can within our means to get the bride and groom the flowers and design they want,” said Manager Cherie Jaworowicz, who works in conjunction with Eastern Floral to give the couple as many options as possible. This includes utilizing unique and different containers for arrangements, as well as pieces that include different kinds of plants in vari-ous sizes. Jawaorowicz goes all out because as she says, “It’s a one-time thing; there’s no do-over.”

bokay by eastern Floral PhoTo: RoBERT MIChAEL IMAGES

6.25 Paper studioPhoTo: ABBY FoWLER


Still enjoying the “newness” of a partnership, this type is practicing their happily ever after by smiling, holding hands and jumping and freezing in mid-air like you see in the movies. More swooning will be had with a trip to UiCa’s Quirkshop: Down & Dirty Date night. Go Ghost-style on Feb. 14 as couples can bring their own wine and work together to create a bowl on the potters’ wheel. This low key, creative date calls for a look that’s less dressy, prepared for messy. Lover’s Lane in Wyoming has the goods you’re looking for to show off afterwards. “We have a black and white with red trimmed corset,” said Manager Melissa Miller. Featuring a garter and ruffles around the waist and chest area, this little number takes what started out as an arts and crafts night and turns it into a more adult session.

The engaged girl has one mission: for you to be aware of her engage-ment and to follow that up with profound, syrupy congratulations. Donning the darling bracelets that spell out L-o-V-E in gold script at Found in holland gets the point across pretty quickly, especially when you go to shake hands. our lucky gal is all warm fuzzies and should be wearing her bracelet while out someplace obvious (to show off that ring). A big night is had with opera Grand Rapids and Don Giovanni Feb. 8 and 9. Get dressed up and lose yourself in beautiful arias, mischief and romance with the tale of the unrepentant seducer Don Juan. This sexually charged masterpiece keeps the home fires burning.

Comfy and cozy in his relation-ship, the married man might not even remember that he needs to woo the wifey. Valentine’s Day comes along and it’s a splash of much-needed amoré. If he’s got to take part in all this show of emotion, it’s going to be with chocolate, possibly flowers and a bite to eat — but on his terms. two Beards Deli in Grand Rapids is a place where a man can feel secure in his, well, manhood, as he orders The Chuck Norris roast beef sand-wich for a quick Valentine’s Day lunch date. All gussied up for the occasion, the taken man sports a casual mason jar t-shirt from off the Cuff in MoDiv, also in Grand Rapids. “Michigan and mason jars go hand in hand,” said owner Len Ables. While in the store our mar-ried man begrudgingly snatches up some cufflinks and bowties for more glamorous occasions — lest this date doesn’t make the cut.

The single girl is advertising. She’s all smiles, hair flips and dramatic stares from across the room. on Valentine’s Day expect her to step up her game for a little romance. For the Love of shoes is a store in Saugatuck that should put a little sexy in her step. Find something with height in a great color to get noticed then heel it on over for some big-city energy at the Gatsby night Club in Kalamazoo. Sexy, stylish and sophisticated, this hot spot opens at 9 p.m. and has lots of singles, according to Media Manager Ryan Winfield. “The guys are going to be dressed up and it will be the best-looking crowd.” Snag a VIP area perch

with bottle service and when the time

is right, put those h e e l s t o w o r k

on the dance floor.

Yes, indeedy. The broad that has the guts to put that out there keeps it real and knows her love life is somewhat of a wreck. This status’ cryptic arrangement is Vague-booking at its finest. Lacking confidence in love, they find it in fashion with the Park Avenue Chic Blazer from sydney’s Boutique in Grand Rapids. The red blazer features gold studs on the shoulders and pockets for a dose of strong style. “This bold, over-the-top piece is a step up from your everyday,” said Kristian Grant, owner of Sydney’s Boutique. Very alter ego, the jacket exudes confidence and luxuriousness, harnessing that red for a great visual. Worn with some skinny jeans, this get-noticed ensemble hypnotizes those attending the post parade Mardi Gras bash at Dunes resort in Douglas Feb. 12. n

relAtIonshIp stAtus roundupBy Missy BLaCk

love Issue

Love makes the world go ‘round. one look at Facebook, and you see where that love is going and how it’s mutating. Take a look at the follow-ing classifications and find out where you land for ideas on what to wear and where to go to celebrate that big thing called love.

In a Relationship Engaged Married Single It’s Complicated

the Gatsby night Club Found

off the Cuff


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Be a New YouThere are four types of men in this world: In-shape guys, rich guys and interesting

guys. Who do you want to be? In-shape guys have little to no trouble getting dates. If you happen to have turned

your sadness into weight-loss moti-vation, you may actually be able to pull

this off. Rich guys get to drive fancy cars and wear tuxedos. And interesting guys can wear slim jeans and talk about books that TV shows are based on. Since you’re in “Man Limbo” you can choose to pretend you’re any of them.

What Now?Girls are almost everywhere and

most don’t know the old you.

Because of that, finding a girl is the easiest part. Like shopping? Malls, grocery stores and flea markets all have girls at them. Was inter-esting guy your choice? Libraries, Black Keys concerts and farm-owned restaurants — say it with me — “ALL hAVE GIRLS AT ThEM!” Feel free to find them at other places as well.

Asking Her OutBe forewarned, this is the hardest part of the process. It’s basically a coin toss between rejection and success. I believe an honest, straightforward approach works best. For example, maybe say something along the lines of, “My job gave me this gift certificate for Golden Corral. I couldn’t possibly drink all of that chocolate alone. Care to join me, m’lady?”

You now have the tools. Take them and be fruitful. What you do is your own to work out. I recommend taking her to one or all of our amazing advertisers. Just remember: never sell yourself short and never think you’re too good for anybody, because you’re not. n

P.S. I realize this article is heavily slanted toward our male demo. For that, I apologize. Girls, you shouldn’t need my help, you’re a girl. But I, nevertheless, will give you the only ad-vice I can. Keep being a girl and always don’t not be a girl*. We are your slaves.

*Statement to be ignored if transgendered / Transsexual / bi-gendered / non-gendered / asexual / etc. / etc.

Michael L. Keil, D.O., FAOCO2500 E. Beltline SE, Suite C Grand Rapids, [email protected] (616) 365-5775

SURPRISE YOUR VALENTINE WITH THE GIFT OF SIGHT!

how to get A dAte For vAlentIne’s dAY (And Maybe Other Days, Too)

BY JoE GASMANN

love Issue

You’ve spent the holidays (and possibly other days) alone, stinky and sad. No biggie; it’s a new year! Wipe the dried mayonnaise out of your scraggly beard, kick off your sweatpants and kick on your swagger.


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brAvo! restAurAnt And cAFeEnjoy Bravo!’s comforting, roaring fireplace with your love and sip wine or handcrafted beer in a warm and inviting ambiance. This eatery has a flair for hearty classics such as chicken marsala, Lake Superior Whitefish and vast selections of Italian entrees (including gluten free pasta options). Call ahead for reservations. / 5402 Portage Rd., Portage; bravokalamazoo.com, (269) 344-7700

cIrcle theAtre’s sweet And bubblYThis annual event features a wealth of options to satiate your palate, including champagne and chocolate tastings to accompany a plated din-ner. Your conversation will not fall victim to any of the dreaded awkward pauses, as live enter-tainment is provided by the Circle Performers. Reservations are required, and the price ranges from $75 per person to $400 for a table of eight. / Centennial Country Club, 3361 Charlevoix Dr. SE, Grand Rapids; circletheatre.org, (616) 456-6656

gIllY’s tAvern At the b.o.b.Gilly’s ups the ante this Valentine’s Day with a comprehensive menu including special ap-petizer selections from ravioli to rangoons. Mouthwatering entrees range from the vegetar-ian cheese-stuffed portabella to grilled duck, steak and seafood. Finish off the feast with a classic strawberry shortcake or the more exotic berry almond parfait. Call for reservations. / 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids; thebob.com, (616) 356-2000

grAnd woods loungeCozy up next to one of Grand Woods’ fireplaces and enjoy a Valentine’s dinner for two. The spe-cial runs Feb. 14-16 and is $44.95 per couple. Call for menu details. / 77 Grandville Ave. SW,

Grand Rapids; grandwoodslounge.com, (616) 451-4300

houlIhAn’s restAurAnt And bArAfter indulging in any of three select steak dinners, receive a complimentary lobster tail or shrimp dish with the special Valentine’s menu. An evening of wine, microbrews, fresh bread, artisan cheeses, prime steak and seafood choices will please both sexes on Valentine’s Day. Reservations are recommended. / 1968 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids; houlihans.com, (616) 957-1683

reserveEnjoy Executive Chef Matthew Millar’s Valentine’s Day menu and take advantage of a complementary glass of Mawby’s Sex accompa-nying the menu. The offer extends Feb. 13-16, so busy couples can partake in a romantic night of their choosing. Reservations are recommended. / 201 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids; reservegr.com, (616) 855-WINE

sAn chez bIstroBring your special someone to San Chez’s Dinner in the Dark, where staff blindfolds guests and serves a secret menu with alcoholic pairings. The secrecy will excite your senses and awaken your tastebuds for a flavorful experience. Dinner is $65 per person, starts at 7 p.m. and you must be 21 or older. Call ahead for reservations. / 38 Fulton St. W, Grand Rapids; sanchezbistro.com, (616) 774-8272 n

dInIng wIth Your dArlIng

BY LAuREN LoNGo AND CARLY PLANK

gIllY’s tAvern: Pork tenderloin


sOUnDs | siGhTs | DininG | sChEDULESCeNe

dAte nIghts

love Issue

Grand Rapids

clAssY dAteTake a break from the plebian lifestyle and add some class to your life, if only for one night. on Feb. 22 and 23, get gussied up for Grand rapids symphony Presents an american in Paris at Devos Performance hall (303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids). This classical series gives attendees a worldly experience with pieces such as Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” Respighi’s “Fountains of Rome,” John Adams’ “City Noir” and more. Tickets start at $18 for the 8 p.m. show. Afterwards, step next door to reserve (201 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids) and choose from dozens of wine by the glass or bottle to sip on.

AntI Mush dAteLove is how you describe your feelings for pizza, not another person. And when it comes to dates, the simpler and sloppier the better. Glitz, glamour and mush is too much work, so take that person you often hang out with to Yesterdog (1505 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) and get messy. Making a good impression is overrated and Yesterdog knows this. Dig into a Killerdog and don’t worry about the onions that fall onto your shirt or the chili dripping down your chin. From there, head to the Meanwhile (1005 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids) where you can sit in a dark corner and down some Michigan beer or get competitive with pinball.

Young AgAIn dAteWe all remember the carefree feeling from time spent on a trampoline. sky Zone (3640 29th St., Kentwood) takes that feeling and multiplies it by at least a billion. This indoor trampoline park is your childhood on speed with seemingly endless trampolines on the floor and even the walls so you can literally bounce off the walls. Prices range $9-$20 for 30-120 minutes of jump time. Better yet? You can reserve your time and buy tickets online at skyzonesports.com/grandrapids. So get in the mood to rediscover that young-love feeling with a little childhood throwback.

MushY dAteYou’re in love and you want everyone to know it. While your af-fections may be annoying, they certainly are not a crime. Go forth with your lovey-dovey selves and create an experience only you two mush-heads would enjoy. Treat your relationship like a Channing Tatum movie and splurge on the Romance Plus Package at amway Grand hotel. The package offers overnight accommodations, a bottle of wine, a $50 food voucher, truffles, use of the Plaza fitness center (to work on those Tatum pecs), valet and a 1 p.m. checkout so you can spend your morning doing, you know, romance movie things. Rates start at $209.

hIstorY buFF dAteTurn into two of cinema’s greatest lovers when you visit the Grand rapids Public Museum’s titanic: the artifact exhibition (Feb. 9-July 7). Promise your Jack that you’ll

“never let go” while you browse more than 150 artifacts and room recreations from the tragic 1912 ship. After, head over to Cottage Bar, Grand Rapids’ oldest operat-ing bar and restaurant. Flippin’ burgers since 1927, this restaurant got attention in 2010 when its Cottage Burger made USA Today’s top burgers list. Finish your date with a pint at Grand rapids Brewing Company. opened in 1893, GRBC served up its famous Silver Foam until Prohibition shut down the brewery. It reopened on 28th Street in 1993, closed in 2011 and opened back up again in 2012 under new owner Barfly ventures, along with a new location, menu and beer recipes, including a new twist on Silver Foam.

rock dAteIf your current dates are becoming a little uninspired, consider taking your sweetheart to see the Pink Floyd experience at the orbit room (2525 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids) for a heady dose of creativity. While nothing compares to the real deal, still expect to be dazzled with the same theatrical, visual and musical combination the gods of psychedelic rock themselves began nearly 50 (Really? 50!?) years ago. Before you stim-ulate your senses, stop by vertigo Music (129 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids) and sift through the seemingly endless crates of vinyl.

By Lindsay Patton Carson


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dAte nIghts

Kalamazoo

cheAp dAteoutdoor skating rinks are a romantic staple during the winter and to get out and pretend like Michigan’s bone-chilling weather is not miserable won’t break the bank, either. Portage’s Millennium Park (280 Romence Rd.) offers a discounted $3 skating fee and $2 rental fee on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Rink hours vary by day and are listed on the park’s website. on Valentine’s Day, the park will hold a Valentine’s Skate Date between 6 and 8 p.m. at $10 per person.

Young AgAIn dAteIf you can’t have fun spending a day bowling, riding go-karts and playing laser tag, then reex-amine your life. airway Lanes & Fun Center (5626 Portage Rd., Portage) has all that and more. From mini golf, bumper cars and arcade, to the afore-mentioned attractions, Airway has everything you need to get in touch with your inner child. When it’s time to act your age, Airway also has a lounge you can kick back in with some adult beverages and adult-er conversations.

FIrst dAteGrease those first-date wheels with some beer at Kalamazoo Beer exchange (211 East Water St.). The Beer Exchange combines a laundry list of deli-cious Michigan microbrews with a wide selection of food. Beers are sold per the rules of the New York Stock Exchange — the more in-demand a beer is for that night, the higher the price will be, and vice versa. Scoring a premium brew on the cheap takes some scheming. Periodically, the market will “crash,” causing the price of every beer to plummet and the double-fisting to commence.

AntI Mush dAteIf the phrase “hey baby, let’s go pound some PBR and listen to punk music” is your idea of a pick-up l ine, Louie’s trophy house and Grill (440 East North St.) is the perfect date destination. Kalamazoo has bid farewell to its share of bars and venues over the years, but Louie’s continues to be a gathering place for just about every crowd.

MushY dAteWhen it comes to fine dining in the Zoo, it doesn’t get much better than Zazio’s italian restaurant, l o c a t e d i n t h e Radisson Plaza hotel and Suites. We’re talk-ing high-class wining and dining. The most coveted seats in the restaurant are at the chef’s table, which offers a five-course dinner and wine pairings along with interactions with the chef. These spots go quick, so call … like

… right now.

love Issue

FunnY dAteTwo legendary comedians will grace Kalamazoo only a week apart. Paula Poundstone returns to the Kalamazoo state theatre (404 South Burdick) on Feb. 8. The witty Poundstone totes a hilarious brand of observational com-edy that has been making bellies jiggle for decades. Kathleen Madigan will then take stage at Miller auditorium (2200 Auditorium Dr.) on Feb. 15. This comedy veteran has been perfecting her craft for 22 years and was named Funniest Female Stand-up Comic at the 2006 American Comedy Awards.

eclectIc dAteThere is no law that says you can’t learn s o m e t h i n g o n a date. Stroll through the annals of avia-tion history at a real hidden gem: the air Zoo (6151 Portage Rd., Portage). The museum features a number of interac-tive displays, such as full-motion flight s i m u l a t o r s a n d other rides. General admission to Air Zoo is $10.

sportY dAteNothing says love like watching a Canadian goon punch some guy’s teeth out. This Shakespearian fantasy can be shared by you and your significant other at a Kalamazoo Wings game, held at Wings stadium (3600 Vanrick Dr.). on Valentine’s Day, the ice will be pink, but not from blood. The Wings are dying the ice pink for the Valentine’s Day Pink Ice game, ya dingus.

By Jayson Bussa


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dAte nIghts

Lakeshore

pAMpered dAteNothing says love like mud masks and rubdowns. At Bella vita spa + suites (119 Butler St., Saugatuck) your better half doesn’t have to be metro or a diva to enjoy an overnight stay in their luxury suites. Book a deal like the Suite Retreat Package and you’ll receive a $50 voucher toward spa services along with a complimentary bottle of wine. Don’t want to stay overnight? Try a 75-minute couple’s massage.

sweAtY dAteWhoever first said “the ties that bind” may have been a hot yoga devotee. Just think, you and your main squeeze, side by side at the new Funky Buddha Yoga hothouse holland (12330 James St. holland), both wrapped into perfect pretzels holding some-thing like the “bound bird of paradise pose.” You can exchange blissful (or strained) glances at each as you realize how limber and strong you will both be, which bodes well for other, ahem, evening activities in the near fu-ture. Want to become that couple? Funky Buddha offers a $39 special to newbies that will get you an unlimited month of yoga.

kItschY dAteGet wholesome and revel in holland’s heritage at nelis’ Dutch village (12350 James St., holland).

“It’s family owned and operated and you get that small-town feel,” said Luke Curtis, park manager. Explore the large shops, featuring a wide array of Delftware – pretty blue and white pottery, plates and tiles like your grandma has, origi-nating in the Netherlands. You can even order personalized Delft items like anniversary plates and marriage tiles. Take a gander at the skilled artisans, hand-carving candles in the shop. For a memorable V-day, treat yourself and your date to matching, customized, hand-decorated wooden shoes.

lIbAtIon lover’s dAteLet’s face it; a special occasion needs a toast. Start classy at Butch’s (44 East Eighth St., holland) and enjoy a robust entrée to share and let the knowl-edgeable staff guide you to a proper beverage selection. once the formalities are out of the way, stroll over to new holland Brewing Company (66 East Eighth St., holland). Try the Black Tulip Belgian Tripel, which has been described as “mysterious, alluring and seductive, yet tantalizingly elusive.” If all the artisanal libations aren’t enough, round out the night at Parrot’s Lounge (234 South River Ave., holland).

scIence nerd/ stArstruck dAteon Feb. 16, enjoy a dramatic date night while learning about Supernovas and Black holes at the Winter astronomy Program and sky viewing at the Nature Education Center (8115 West olive Rd., West olive). The event focuses on how stars die in a fiery explosion of the supernova and what it takes to become a black hole. The event is free and telescopes are provided. Although you will want to bring lawn chairs and maybe a thermos filled with something stiff to share.

snowbound dAteIf you’re an outdoorsy couple, you can heat things on up on the cool slopes at Mulligan’s hollow (600 Mulligan’s Dr., Grand haven). Enjoy six slopes of varying difficulty over seven acres of land and an ice rink to boot. When you’ve had enough action, you can gaze longingly at each other over cups of hot cocoa. Check out the Banners, Bowls and Brews event on Feb. 16. Although silent auctions don’t necessarily conjure sexy and romantic thoughts, this one will have flowing beer and free soup provided by local restaurants and chefs.

sAppY/thespIAn dAteImpress your theater-minded guy or gal with tickets to Crimes of the heart at the Muskegon Civic Theater (425 W Western Ave., Muskegon). Described as “warm-hearted, irreverent and imaginative,” the play follows the Magrath sisters as they journey from the past to the future. The play kicks off on Valentine’s Day and runs through March.

love Issue

By Audria Larsen


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REAL TO REEL: THE INVISIBLE WAR

FEBRUARY 7 | 7:00 PM $5 MEMBERS / $7 NON-MEMBERS

An investigative documentary on one of America’s best kept secrets: the epidemic of sexual assault in the US military and what can be done to bring about much-needed change. Sponsored by Clark

Hill Entertainment Industry Team

INTRIGUING CONVERSATION: A CULINARY ROAD TRIP

FEBRUARY 21 | 7:00 PMFREE ADMISSION

West Michigan author Jaye Beeler and photographer Dianne Carroll Burdick share their experiences traveling the state creating a “Pure Michigan” themed cookbook. Sponsored by Bill Underdown/Hungry

Village Tours, Shoreline Realtors

HEMPY KEYBOARD PERFORMANCE: ELLEN ROWEFEBRUARY 17 | 2:00 PM $10 (STUDENTS & KIDS FREE)

Enjoy an intimate performance of original jazz compositions and standards in our beautiful lobby. Sponsored by Rex Hempy and Alan McPhail

TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION 269.857.2399 OR WWW.SC4A.ORG

AN INTIMATE EVENING:JANIS IAN MARCH 9, 2013 | 8:00 PM$35 IN ADVANCE$37 DAY OF THE SHOW

The iconic singer, songwriter and storyteller Janis Ian returns to the SCA for a one-night-only intimate and stunning performance. This show will sell out, purchase your tickets today!Sponsored by: Hilliard Lyons of Holland, Travis & Sandra Randolph/Symbiote + Good Goods

©2012 Photo by Two Eagles Marcus / Women’s LifeStyle Magazine


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tItAnIc: the ArtIFAct eXhIbItIon Grand Rapids Public Museum 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 9 through July 7$17-$12/adults, $12-$10/children ages 3-18, free admission/children under 3grmuseum.org, (616) 456-3977

The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition takes a look at more than 150 artifacts conserved from the ship’s debris field and features a poignant look at this iconic ship and its passengers. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is the perfect place to visit the exhibition and have conversations with your child on ship construction, life more than 100 years ago and the emotional connection. “Titanic, the topic, is very appealing,” said Kate Moore, director of marketing and public relations. “It was the unsinkable ship.” From preserved per-fume bottles found at the bottom of the ocean (that still hold scent) to an iceberg wall (that is cold to the touch), this exhibi-tion has great sensory cues. The best part might be the boarding pass ticket. “All of the boarding passes are gender specific and sort of guides you with information on that specific person. There is a memorial wall to see if your passenger perished or lived.” Guests may visit first-class room re-creations and see the dif-ferences between first class and third class accommodations.

chocolAte tAstIng wIth pAtrIcIA’s chocolAte Art of the Table 606 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Free artofthetable.com, (616) 301-1885

Patricia’s Chocolate descends upon Art of the Table for some sweet sampling right before the Valentine’s holiday. Taste the good life with the opportunity to pick up gifts for loved ones. “The nice thing about the chocolates are that they are pretty and they taste amazing. They’re all natural, fresh—with real ingredients,” says Amy Ruis, owner of Art of the Table. Chocolatier extraordinaire Patricia tells the story of her chocolates and adds in a meet-and-greet. If you’re looking for ideas, Ruis nudges you in the right direction. “I’ve eaten every single thing she makes. My favorite flavor is lemon

cardamom.” This event is the perfect way to kick-start the holiday and show them a little about the fine art of chocolate and how to enjoy life, one delightful nibble at a time.

tutu run Spring Valley Park 2600 Mount Olivet Rd., Kalamazoo Feb. 2, 2 p.m.$10/suggested donation (give $25 or more and receive a Tutu Run t-shirt)girlsontherunkazoo.org, (269) 491-2663

Get out your tutus so you can run 2.2 miles on Feb. 2 at Spring Valley Park in Kalamazoo. open to all ages and benefit-ing Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run,

this run/walk features prizes for best overall tutu, biggest tutu, best male/female/kid/couples tutu and fastest tutu. “Kids will like the silliness of it,”

said Carrie hybels, coordinator of 5K and special events. “It’s good to see

mom and dad being silly. We’ve got lots of males already committed.” Encourage your child to prepare for

the run, join them in the run, cheer them on and celebrate after. A running/walking date is just the thing to make you feel good inside and out—and the tutu part adds a little pretty to the whole thing.

“The fresh air and movement is the best part.” This healthy activity follows one big loop around the park with refreshments at the end. Tutus are optional but highly encouraged and a limited number will be available for sale for $5 on the day of the event.

heArt to heArt crAFt pArtY Kent District Library/Englehardt-Lowell Branch, 200 N. Monroe St., Lowell Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m., Freekdl.org, (616) 784-2007

A good, old-fashioned craft party to make Valentine’s Day cards is just what Cupid ordered. The Kent District Library’s Englehardt Branch in Lowell offers card making. Also included are handmade picture frames and collages, as well as a snack. “We take plain sugar cookies and decorate them with red and white frosting and sprinkles,” says Lynda Austin, with KDL Youth Services. Kids will love the snack and the “goopier and messier the cookie is, the better.” Celebrate Valentine’s Day by spending time with your child, one on one where crafts and sugar collide — and not in your house! This event also happens at various other KDL branches. n

The art of wooing is sometimes lost on adults. The children, the

littles, can be much more appreciative, attentive and worthy of

our time. Take your darling out for a date somewhere sure to elicit

long conversations or snack on sweets. Go someplace with your

child where you leave with glittery creations and where you can run

around and get some fresh air. Take back the time that slips from

your grasp everyday and love your child up with time reserved just

for them, just for fun, just because. BY MissY BLaCK

lIttle loves

love Issue

tItAnIc ArtIFActs: Grand rapids Public Museum

Patricia’s Chocolate


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