Insider Profile: Kelley Hughes

A self-described "Eastsider at heart," Kelly Hughes is a proud resident of Grand Rapids, where she works as an apartment director affiliated with the city's major university. Originally from Warren, Hughes attended Grand Valley and decided to "put down roots," as she says, in Grand Rapids after graduating.

Now living with her husband in the historic Heritage Hill district, Hughes has been managing apartments for a wide array of residents through Grand Valley State University for the past two years. "My oldest resident is 62 and my youngest is 18," she says of the tenants she assists. On a daily basis, Hughes manages the facility, the residents' concerns and is on-call if there is a crisis.

After having some exposure to Grand Rapids during college, Hughes discovered that GR had so much to offer to students and young professionals alike. Aside from the city's passionate commitment to sustainability and community involvement, Hughes also appreciates that "there is something going on almost every weekend." Some of her favorite activities include the weekly farmer's market on Fulton, antiquing her way around the neighborhood when she has time and going to the dog park in Eastown.

Hughes explains that even though her Heritage Hill neighborhood is "pretty residential," it is only a few blocks away from the urban bustle of downtown where there are plenty of bars, restaurants and entertainment. Wolfgang's in Eastown is a breakfast favorite where Hughes usually orders the Willy and the Bread Lady (a banana bread French toast confection with peanut butter on the side). She also recommends the Omelette Shoppe. For lunch, it's the Electric Cheetah, on Wealthy Street, a place that prides itself on an eclectic menu that comes from local produce.

In the evening, it's time for a drink and Hughes enjoys the artistic vibe and musical atmosphere at Founders', especially on Saturdays. If it's a night on the town with girlfriends, Hughes says she would go to Bar Divani or The Winchester. The events and festivals in Grand Rapids are also a huge part of the Grand Rapids experience, Hughes explains and says that the Intercultural festival that occurs every year is something she looks forward to.

Even when the temperature drops in Grand Rapids, the event circuit remains hot, "this city even has their own ball-dropping ceremony for New Years," Hughes says. While there is so much to love in Grand Rapids, Hughes' one desire is for a more centrally located movie theater. "In the summer there are some outdoor movie projection events -- but I would really love a place that is close and has movies all year round," she says.