About
Come along as we celebrate Michigan, one great place at a time.
With the incredible state we call home as our inspiration, we’re set on promoting local businesses and exploration throughout the Mitten.
Looking for the best stops in town or an unforgettable getaway? Ask HeyMichigan!
Our Focus
For Locals: We’ll keep you in the loop about events, restaurant openings, and the newest fun spots to explore in your neighborhood.
For Visitors: Michigan vacation planning has never been easier! Unlock couples getaways, family trips, and memory-making adventures right here.
From the shores of Lake Michigan to the trails of the Upper Peninsula, winter sports, summer beach days, fall color drives, and city visits are our jam.
Let us help you put together the perfect Michigan getaway.
What We Do
HeyMichigan is your hub for all that’s great in Michigan. We shine a light on Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, and other special corners of the state.
Our specialty? Guiding you to the best travel stops, eateries, shops, and adventures, with a special nod to family-friendly fun.
While our heart belongs to the Mitten, we’re also taking you to those places beyond that Michiganders love. If you’re a local seeking the next big thing or dreaming of a February escape, think of HeyMichigan as your go-to buddy with the best suggestions.
Our Journey
It all started quite organically—a happy accident. In Grand Rapids, 2009, Melody VanderWeide, a former high school chemistry teacher, took on the role of a social coordinator for a local GR moms group. With the goal of simplifying event sharing, she published an online calendar.
To her surprise, it wasn’t just used by her moms group. The broader community started using the calendar, and soon businesses were paying to have their events listed. Just like that, GRKIDS.com was born.
The success of GRKIDS inspired others to follow. In 2012, Melody lent her expertise to help launch KZOOKIDS.com. Several years later, KZOOKIDS was integrated into the larger family with a site purchase.
Today, our journey includes five distinct Michigan-centric brands, kept in sync by a team of 40 amazing work-from-home women situated across the state.
As we journey into 2023, we find ourselves evolving yet again. Today, we’re proud to introduce the HeyMichigan brand.
This new brand is not only a nod to our roots but also an opportunity to bring everything we offer under one umbrella. Yes, we’ll continue to champion our family-focused content, and now HeyMichigan allows us to embrace and celebrate all of Michigan, and our neighbors, too. (Yeah, even Ohio!)
