Read the December issue!

What a year!

Ever since March 2020, times have certainly been turbulent. We continue to see longtime establishments close their doors due to all the challenges recent times have brought on, while others manage to rework their approach and stay open, if not thrive.

In this annual Crystal Ball issue, we talk to some of these institutions to get their view on how things have gone over the past year, what silver linings have come out of all this, and what (likely) lies ahead in 2023.

While certain industries—like craft beverages—are still facing challenges for a variety of reasons, others are majorly on the rebound, like live music. It seems unlikely 2023 is going to be a “normal” year, but even with the ups and downs, it’s looking bright.

As we close out 2022, this is also a great time to look back on the year. We have our year-end biz beat to help catch you up on the businesses that opened and closed, as well as our top 5 albums of 2022. We also talk to the hot new spot in town, Black Napkin Takeout! We suggest heading over before the line gets too long.

Of course, the holidays are upon us, so check out all the great holiday events in West Michigan this month, plus a last-minute gift guide for us procrastinators out there. I mean, for YOU procrastinators—I’ve already done all my shopping. Well, I’ve started to think about it anyway. I’ll get there. Don’t worry about it.

Moving into 2023, as all the incredible businesses in town (and the people behind them) work hard to make this a great place to live despite the current challenges, remember to have patience, be kind, and enjoy the ride.

‘Til next time,

Josh Veal, Managing Editor

On the Cover: The Crystal Ball Issue

Also Inside: Last-Minute Gift Guide, Black Napkin, Top 5 Local Albums of 2022

News: What's Going On, Year-End Biz Beat, Arts Calendar

2020
December: Last-Minute Gift Guide
November: The Holiday Issue
October: The Beer Issue
September: The Arts Issue
August: The Best of the West Issue
July: The Dining & Drinking Issue
June: Summer to Re-Discover
May: Feel the Love Issue
April: Cannabis Issue
March: The Funny Issue
February: The Sweet Issue
January: 50 Things to Do in 2020 

2019
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April  |  March  |  February  |  January

2018
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April |  March  |  February  |  January

2017
December  |  November  |  October  |  September  |  August  |  July  |  June  |  May  |  April  |  March  |  February  |  January

*For earlier issues, contact Courtney for the linked archive.