Have you ever been curling your hair, getting ready for a date and POW, the power goes out?! You check the rest of the house but it’s only in the bathroom?
This may happen in any area of your house.. the kitchen, the bathroom, a bedroom, the living room. If power is still restored through the entire house except one specific room or
area, you may have a tripped breaker.
In this video, our Property Manager Courtney shows you how to successfully locate the breaker box and check for a tripped breaker!
If you have any questions about this video please feel free to reach out to us at info@american-realty.com or (616) 913-9004. You can also visit our website at www.american-realty.com for any other information you may need!
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Tripped-Breaker-Thumbnail.png10801920Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2021-01-22 15:21:382021-01-22 15:54:34American Realty – How to Reset a Tripped Breaker
Bates Alley in downtown Kalamazoo was given new life in the fall of 2018, making it the ultimate go-to spot to “deck hop” in the city! The following bars and restaurants occupy deck space in Bates Alley:
Tempo Vino Winery is a unique experience for all wine lovers, from the curious novice to the seasoned connoisseur. Not only can you stop in and sample our wines at the tasting bar, you can even make your own private label wine. Don’t miss their Summer Rosé and Rosé cider – the perfect thing to sip during patio season!
With 20+ draught options, a full-service restaurant, a luscious Beer Garden, comfortable patio and a state-of-the-art music venue, Bell’s Eccentric Café is the premiere craft beer destination in Michigan.
Some of Bell’s beer is exclusive to the Eccentric Cafe, like a fresh pint of Pineapple Jalapeno Oberon!
At The Beer Exchange, you set the beer prices based on the principles of supply and demand, creating an ever-evolving happy hour. It’s interactive. You can try to game beer prices like the stock market, for fun and entertainment. Random “market crashes” add to the excitement, plunging beer prices to their all-time low. They also serve lunch and dinner. Enjoy a few drinks or a meal out on their deck that overlooks Arcadia Creek Festival Place.
Once home to Gonzo’s Bigg Dogg Brewing, the space at 140 S Westnedge Avenue is now the new home of Saugatuck Brewing Company – Kalamazoo! Several of Gonzo’s popular specialty beers, including the Vanilla Porter, are still on the menu in addition to Saugatuck-specific brews.
If you’re visiting the brewery during patio season, make sure to quench your thirst with something refreshing such as their Blueberry Lemonade Shandy!
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bells-beer-garden.jpg6831024Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2020-06-30 16:28:282020-06-30 16:57:10Decks and Patios to Explore this Summer (Kalamazoo)
Are you looking for creative ways to get of our your house and into a new environment without ever leaving your house? Kalamazoo is home to many museums and attractions that you can view from the comfort of your own home. If this sounds perfect for you, try out this list of virtual experiences that our museums and attractions are offering
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At Markin Glen Park, you’ll find a pictorial sandy beach that’s perfect for kids with plenty of shallow areas. There are also great bike and walking trails with great views overlooking Kalamazoo. And it’s located just 5 minutes north of downtown Kalamazoo!
The recent $363,000 renovation to Woods Lake Park has paid off – its sandy beach, changing area, picnic pavilion (with six picnic tables), restrooms, a playground, and fishing pier are all fresh and modern. Bordered by woods on all sides, it’s truly a serene oasis in middle of bustling city and its warm water is both easy to swim and great for stand-up paddle boarding.
Just 20 minutes away from Kzoo, Ramona Park is a local favorite for families. The sandy shoreline at Long Lake is ideal for swimming, sunbathing and fishing. It features lifeguards, a concession stand, and a fun playground as well as picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a pavilion available for rent. You can also rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard or engage in one of the parks many other activities!
A hidden gem near Kalamazoo, Robert Morris, is just 7 miles from downtown. Its beach of pleasant water on small lake perfect makes it ideal for family fun and picnics. Head to the park for a day of swimming, fishing, enjoying the playground, playing a round of disc golf course and more!
A 210-acre lakeside park, Prairie View Country is perfect for quiet swimming on Hogsett Lake. The facility includes a swimming beach at the bottom of a hill with nearby shade, a beach house, a dog park, and a covered picnic area as well as athletic fields.
Cold Brook County Park is a popular campground and beach that includes a championship 24-hole disc golf course. The park has plenty more to offer, such as its boat ramp, fishing spots, hiking trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, and volleyball & softball areas.
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/markinglenlake.jpg9601280Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2020-06-30 16:13:182020-06-30 16:58:07Beaches Around Kalamazoo
By: Kirsten Mann, Marketing and Communications Intern
Cinco De Mayo may only occur one day a year, but that doesn’t mean you can only eat Mexican food on that ONE day. Some of you may have Mexican food once a week, others may have it twice a week, then there are those people that only have it once a month! You’re probably thinking to yourself, “who in their right mind only has Mexican once a month?!” We personally believe that you need to indulge in the deliciousness of Mexican food more often, so we have a list of some of our favorite places in Grand Rapids to get some.
We know everyone loves tacos (yes, the most basic, original form of Mexican food that exists… but they’re delicious right?!) and if someone doesn’t it’s most likely because they’re loco. Here are some of our favorite restaurants in the Grand Rapids area to get some authentic Mexican tacos.
Each restaurant has their own distinct atmosphere that makes them unique in their own way. Most of them serve a variety of other authentic meals as well! If you’re in the mood for Mexican now and looking for a new place to try you should definitely hit up one of these destinations. They’re all located within the Grand Rapids area, so finding them isn’t too big of a challenge.
Know of another place that serves authentic Mexican tacos that isn’t on our list? Let us know! We love to try new places especially when they serve up our favorite food!
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/taco-986574_960_720.jpg720960Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2017-05-15 15:15:232020-03-05 12:58:04Tacos De Grand Rapids
So, here’s the deal. I like movies. But who doesn’t, right? I mean, who doesn’t have Netflix? (Actually, I don’t, but I beat myself up about it if that makes you feel any better about it.) It’s almost unsettling when you meet someone who doesn’t care for movies in general. Typically, I don’t believe them. I mean, it’s an industry born and bred in the States. It’s part of our heritage; it’s part of our DNA. Dare I say it; the idea is un-American. YOU tell me, what bothers you more: Communists or people who don’t enjoy movies? I think I just proved my point. I think.
Of course, some people prefer “the outdoors” or “reading books”. It’s a waste of time if you ask me. If I can’t view my nature from a letter box framed by the likes of Terrence Malick, I don’t want it.
I fear that I’ve already said too much…*sob* I have a confession… *sob* *sob*…I like the artsy fartsy stuff, and classics too… Don’t get me wrong, I like gratuitous violence in my movies from time to time, but it isn’t my bread and Bergman (confession #2: I’ve never seen a movie by Ingmar Bergman, I just wanted some wordplay).
So, if you’re looking for something other than today’s Hollywood fare–whether you’re adventurous, pretentious, or an old soul about your movie tastes–Grand Rapids really is a great place to get a serving of what you’re looking for! There’s a surprising number of venues for that kind of thing if you know where to look.
Without further ado, here’s where to look for Indie/Classic/Artsy-fartsy movies in GR:
What could be better than a Tuesday filled with a classic movie in a classic theatre? If you happen to find yourself with time on your hands at 8pm, consider stopping by the ol’ Wealthy Street Theater for a flick. The movie fare is a wide variety of crowd pleasers and cult classics. I saw Fight Club there and loved it. It’s a quaint theater with plenty of old theater charm.
Extra perk: Do you like beer with your popcorn? CMC Members get bar privileges. Learn what that acronym means and how to be one here.
Following the calendar week, on Wednesdays you can find legit classic movies at your local Celebration! Cinema North (for those who are directionally disinclined, you may have been to this theater if you’ve seen anything in Imax lately).
I’ve been pining to go to one of these, they sell Founders beer in the screening area itself during the movie, and the tickets themselves are only $2 (21+ only). Honestly, I can hardly believe it’s a real thing; if someone were to design a way to lure me into a trap, I don’t think they could think of a better scheme.
However, there is a caveat to this recommendation, the current series is over, BUT Founders and Celebration! keep doing this with new movies. I’m in full faith that we are only in a temporary hiatus between series. If I’m wrong, then I’ve wasted your time. You’re going to have to deal with that one day.
If you haven’t heard the term before, then you’ve heard it now. Celebration! Woodland is the theater at Woodland Mall that plays movies that aren’t quite so new to theaters but aren’t quite out on video yet, and they do it for cheap. (just hum the words Cheap movies, seen dirt cheap to AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds”)
But there aren’t just stale Hollywood flicks for cheap, there’s fresh Indie films that you likely wouldn’t find anywhere else! Especially around Oscar season, many of the movies that you will see nominated for Best Picture will be playing there. Regular tickets for these are $6 for College students/ $9 for adults. Check it out!
Now that we’ve made the transition to Indie side of GR’s offerings, we have now arrived at the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art. You may have noticed the scrolling Movie posters in the window next to their entrance, this is because there is a theater down in the depths of the UICA on the lowest floor of the building–complete with concessions.
As you know by now, The Cheap Theater has the Indie’s too. However, if you’re looking for the road less traveled, something with less accolades, or even something a little bit weird and/or unsettling, this might be the place for you to look. Of course, the movies vary and they play classics, and host other events here from time to time. Tickets are $8 for non-members.
It’s hard for me to rank the best place to see a movie, and I know that I wrote that Terrance Malick “I don’t need real nature” line up the page, but there something magic in watching movies in the outdoors, and Movies in the Park does it right! For those of you who haven’t, Movies in the Park is the wonderful event at Ah-I-Can’t-Pronounce-It Park in downtown GR. They play classic movies for FREE on a big screen and hundreds of people attend. There’s food vendors, and you can bring a 6-pack (just stop to the tent with the 21+ wristbands), and they even give out free movie posters made specifically for the screening in exchange for filling out a survey. Neato! Here’s a peak at this summer’s movies:
Wizard of Oz (June 3)
Men in Black (June 17)
A League of Their Own (July 8)
The Mask of Zorro (July 22)
Edward Scissorhands (August 5)
Double Feature: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off & a to-be-determined Voter’s Choice movie (August 19)
So, those are all my GR movie secrets. Be blessed in your movie watchings. Ya dig?
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Picture11.png277421Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2017-05-03 15:31:582020-03-05 12:58:04Movies Till You Puke: A Movie Watcher’s Guide to GR
Let’s be honest; when you think of spring and summer, what food automatically comes to mind? Now, you might say burgers, or brats, or even s’mores, but I am willing to bet the majority of us think of the cold, creamy, deliciousness we all know as ice cream. And since we are being honest, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I can honestly say that during the summer, I probably go to my local ice cream store at least 1-2 times a week. You too? Okay, glad to know I am not alone.
So since we all love ice cream, I am going to highlight one of my favorite local shops. Why? Basically, I think you need to try it…and try it soon. I will warn you though; once you go once, you’ll go twice, and then you’ll be there all the time. I’ll be sure to save you a seat.
Luckily for me, Furniture City Creamery is actually right down the road from American Realty. I love supporting local shops, and Furniture City Creamery is the definition of a “small, local shop.” In fact, the shop itself is less than 500 square feet. But don’t let their size fool you! During the summer, Furniture City Creamery makes over 100 gallons of ice cream a week. Not to mention, they make their ice cream from scratch. Yes, they are that cool. And to top it all off, the ingredients that they use are all from local Michigan businesses.
You may be wondering, “Since everything is made from scratch, what unique flavors do they create?”
According to the owners, “Our flavor selections change daily/hourly depending on demand. This helps keep everything fresh, and gives you an opportunity to try something new every time you visit!”
The flavors that they create are all developed on site as well.
“95% of the products you see in the shop are made by the same two women (Denise and Rachel). Both met through GROW and left corporate jobs to make ice cream all day.”
All I have to say is, Denise and Rachel are my heroes, and total boss babes. I might just take them up on their ice cream making classes so that I too can be awesome.
All this to say, you should check out Furniture City Creamery at least once this summer. You will not be disappointed! But don’t just take my word for it, visit them at: 958 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, Mi 49506.
Stay tuned for a fun project we are currently working on with them as well!
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ice-1601932_960_720.jpg636960Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2017-04-17 20:06:382020-03-05 12:58:04I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM.
By: Kirsten Mann, Marketing and Communications Intern
College students love coffee; there’s no questioning that. We spend long hours studying for exams, waking up early for class, and staying up late at night to work on homework, so when we need a little pick me up, coffee seems to be the simple solution. The only thing keeping us going is a burst of energy that we get when we drink it. Our minds are tricked into thinking that sleep isn’t necessary and the only real energy we need is from a cup of coffee.
Now, not every college student has this mentality. Some college students enjoy getting their 8 hours of sleep at night and don’t find themselves relying on
a cup of coffee to keep their heads up and their minds going. Some students find it relaxing just getting a coffee and catching up with a friend at a local coffee shop. Whether you’re the student who needs coffee to function, or the student who just wants it to relax, there are a lot of unique coffee shops around Grand Rapids that offer the fix you need. Some of my favorites are:
When you need your coffee fix, where do you venture to in Grand Rapids?
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/coffee-1030971_960_720.jpg720960Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2017-04-03 20:16:562020-03-05 12:58:04Did you say coffee?
By: Kirsten Mann, Marketing and Communications Intern
One of the biggest struggles a college student faces is finding the time to do everything. When you go off to college and begin your life there, you’re excited about all the freedom you have to choose what you want to do. You get comfortable being able to decide how you want to go about doing things, not having a parent or guardian telling you what to do, such as chores and/or homework. It takes a good couple of weeks to adapt to holding yourself responsible for getting yourself to class since there’s no one there to make you go, except the lingering thought that you’re paying for the opportunity of a better education. Once you finally get comfortable with your schedule, a new semester begins, which means a new schedule and further adjustments.
It wasn’t hard to adjust to going to classes everyday, or getting myself to go. The hardest part was trying to find time to do homework, eat, exercise and have a social life, especially when I got a job my senior year. You’re probably thinking, “it was hard finding time to eat?” Believe it or not, I skipped many meals because I didn’t have the time to make a proper one. I tended to snack more than actually eat a full, nutritious meal. This resulted in my energy levels being lowered, leaving me not wanting to do anything by the end of the day, including exercise.
Part of my daily routine (now) is going to the gym and getting a workout in before dinner. Before my junior year of college I struggled fitting the gym into my routine because I made the excuse that I didn’t have time due to homework. I was tired all the time because I went to bed late and woke up early; it just wasn’t healthy… I wasn’t healthy. Every year seemed to get busier and I had less and less time to do things. My last year meant that more of my free time would be consumed because of my job, classes and internship; I knew I would have to adjust myself to a busier schedule than what I was used to. It wasn’t an easy adjustment, but I knew I had to do what was best for me, so I made the time to incorporate a healthier lifestyle.
By the end of my senior year I started eating 3 full meals a day and sleeping at least 8 hours a night; I finally started to feel like myself again. I had a better attitude about my classes and about waking up in the morning. I didn’t procrastinate as much and felt like I had more energy to get things done. I still have my lazy days on the weekends, but I make up for it by keeping busy during the week. It took me all four years of my college career to figure out a schedule that worked best for me. I learned to be more flexible and more willing to make time in order to benefit myself as a whole in the end.
College is all about making time to do the things that you think are important and that need to get done. Your college career isn’t about finding the time; it’s about making the time. It’s about adjusting and finding out what works best for you. It may take you your freshmen year to adjust and become comfortable, or it may take you all four years of college; no one adjusts at the same rate. Make time to figure out what a healthy lifestyle means to you and make it your lifestyle.
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cereal-1444495_960_720.jpg640960Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2017-03-13 18:51:022020-03-05 12:58:04Making Time to Live a Healthy Lifestyle in College
So, next week is Spring Break for most of you. If you don’t have anywhere to go this Spring Break, or even if you do, I suggest reading a book for fun. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “I read all the time for class, why would I want to read a book for fun?” I actually used to think the same way, but, now that I am a little older, I have found SO MUCH joy in reading.
Spring Break is an amazing opportunity for you to rest, relax, and have a little fun. If you’re staying home, find a cozy place in your home, make yourself a cup of coffee, grab your softest blanket, and escape in a book. If you’re traveling to a tropical oasis, grab a beach chair, a fruity drink, and catch a few rays as you escape in a book. Either way, again, books give us the opportunity to escape for a little while, which is what you deserve after the semester you have had so far.
While it doesn’t matter exactly what you read, make sure that it is something that interests you. Perhaps you love fiction. My go-to is usually fiction because I love the imagination and creativity in fiction novels. I typically fall in love with the characters, shed a few tears as they endure their struggles, and find that most novels have happy endings that leave me feeling a sense of happiness as well. My husband, on the other hand, enjoys books about golf. He absolutely loves golf, so I decided to pick him up Arnold Palmer’s book for our cruise next week; I know he is going to love it, even though he is someone who usually doesn’t read very often.
This year, I have decided I am going to bring the book, Present Over Perfect, with me over my trip. I actually already started reading it because 1) I am really excited about it and slightly nerdy, and 2) because I know it is going to encourage me in so many areas of my life. As the marketing manager, I am always looking for ways to grow in my career. While I do read books about marketing and the creative process, I know that the book, Present Over Perfect, will also help me in my role at American Realty, and in my everyday life. Sometimes, we tend to get caught up perfecting the details, when we should be looking at the big picture. So far, I have found that Present Over Perfect teaches its readers how to be present instead of worrying about the future, and how to create a new, realistic idea of how to approach work and life in general. This book might even be a good option for you! It literally outlines how to relax!
I encourage you to allow yourself to relax over your break. Escape in a book; it might be just what you needed.
https://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/beach-84631_960_720.jpg640960Jeremy Lattighttps://american-realty.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/American-Realty-01.pngJeremy Lattig2017-02-27 21:29:382020-03-05 12:58:04Present Over Perfect