Walking Winter, Reimagined: World of Winter Through a New Lens
Jan 20, 2026
How Candice Smith and Tours Around Michigan Are Making Grand Rapids’ Biggest Festival More Inclusive Than Ever
Winter in West Michigan is no longer something you rush through—it’s something you experience. And thanks to Candice Smith, founder of Tours Around Michigan, the iconic World of Winter is becoming more accessible, engaging, and community‑centered than ever before.
In this episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux, Candice shares how her guided World of Winter walking tours help locals and visitors alike truly connect with the festival’s massive scale—spanning downtown Grand Rapids with glowing art installations, creative window displays, and interactive experiences that run through March.
What makes these tours special isn’t just the art—it’s the intention. Candice is internationally recognized for her leadership in accessible tourism, ensuring routes are wheel‑friendly, sensory‑aware, and welcoming to all. This year, one tour even includes an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, reinforcing her belief that public art and public spaces should be for everyone.
With seven curated tours—including art‑focused walks and artist‑designed window displays—participants don’t just see World of Winter; they understand it. In some cases, artists even meet tour groups at their installations, offering behind‑the‑scenes stories that bring the work to life.
Candice’s passion reflects what makes West Michigan so special: a community willing to dream big, collaborate deeply, and invite everyone along for the walk. Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or considering a move, experiences like this show why winter here is anything but dull.
🎥 Watch the full episode of Coffee with Steve & Margaux and plan your World of Winter adventure with fresh eyes—and warmer hearts.
Keywords:
World of Winter tours Grand Rapids, Candice Smith Tours Around Michigan, accessible tourism Michigan, World of Winter walking tours, things to do in Grand Rapids winter, inclusive events Grand Rapids, art tours Michigan, downtown Grand Rapids winter festival, family friendly winter activities GR