6 Reasons Why You Should Be Celebrating 616 Day

I've lived in and visited a lot of the United States in my lifetime, and there's just something extra special about West Michigan. The people are friendly, there's tons to do, and it's a great place to raise a family.

Sure, the winters can be a little long and rough, but we have enough fun in the summer sun to make up for the time we spend inside the other half of the year.

So, in honor of 616 Day, the area code the covers this part of West Michigan, I'd like to celebrate some of the best parts of living in the 616.

1. We don't have to go south to enjoy the beach in the summer

Most states have to travel a long distance to stick their toes in the sand, but not those of us who live in the 616. We're all living within 30 minutes of a lake that will make you forget why you even enjoyed the ocean.

Plus, if your beach trip takes you to Grand Haven that means you can double fist Pronto pups, which is a big win.

2. All of the amazing festivals that happen year round

From ArtPrize to World of Winter, and not to miss all of the food and cultural festivals between, West Michigan always has a reason to be celebrating. And don't forget the tons of food truck festivals that we're lucky to have on a weekly basis

There's even a festival to celebrate 616 day

3. The beer part of Beer City

There's a reason Grand Rapids is known as Beer City USA. We have so many breweries, bars, and pubs that it's almost to impossible to visit them all unless you live here.

Beer city isn't just Grand Rapids, it expands to the surrounding cities and areas. Making it even more fun explore the area and have a pint along the way.

4. We're home to some of the best music and performance venues in the country

If you love live music, comedy, or theatre, you're in a fantastic place to get to see it all.

In fact, our own The Intersection has won awards yearly for the shows it brings it town weekly, and if you haven't caught a show at Van Andel Arena or the DeVos Center, you're truly missing out.

5. We know how to enjoy a good treat

I'm originally from the south who knows their way around a sweet, but West Michigan isn't lacking.

My husband and I have been trying to visit some of the dozens of ice cream stands in West Michigan this summer, and so far everyone is tied for first place. Support the one in your neighborhood, and see what I mean.

6. There's always something to do

We've got museums, parks, summer sports and more. No matter if you're an indoor or outdoor person, there's something cool to explore.

If you tell me you're bored in West Michigan, you're just telling me you haven't gone outside and tried all the things it has to offer.

Check out a park, catch a food truck, or spend some time by the water. But, it's always a great day to enjoy 616 Day.