Things To Do
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo and its surrounding communities offer such a wide variety of activities that no listing does them justice. Instead, we have included a few of our favorite dining, film, live theatre, pubs and wineries, bookstores and museum suggestions, with additional links to help you plan your visit.
For those starting your Michigan vacation here, we suggest:
- 1001 Photos of Michigan – where Doreen Lawrence and Suzie Martin, share photos and information about their favorite state in a daily format
- Great Lakes Gazette – where Kath Usitalo writes about activities in both the lower and upper peninsulas.
- Michigan Pics – with daily photos of the great state of Michigan.
Dining
Comensoli’s Italian Bistro
180 Portage Road
Kalamazoo 49007
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Description:
The Rave on Portage Street in Downtown Kalamazoo. We often walk to the shows.
Rustica
236 S. Kalamazoo Mall
Kalamazoo 49007
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Description:
This is our new favorite restaurant for a nice evening out. Their motto is Simple, Fresh, and Delicious. And it is all three. The cuisine reflects influences of France, Italy, Spain and other European countries – but mixes with a healthy dose of regional Michigan fare. The Apple Braised Pork Shank, Grilled Arctic Char, Grilled Hanger Steak are all terrifically tasty. But the Cassoulet with Michigan shell beans, duck confit, homemade garlic sausage, lamb carrots and an herb crust is divine. The prices are reasonable, and chef focuses on fresh, sustainable, local products. Only one drawback – they don’t take reservations. But they do have a call-ahead system explained in detail on their website.
Cosmo’s Cucina
804 West Vine Street
Kalamazoo 49008
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Located on the corner of Vine and Locust with an eclectic cuisine and a menu that changes almost daily. Locally and family owned, Cosmo’s works with local farmers, sourcing the best, freshest ingredients available. Meals are created to order, from scratch in the small kitchen on the second floor of a beautiful historic building. The main floor was for many years, the neighborhood grocery and bakery, and the home of many different, sometimes eccentric retail endeavors. It is now the home of O’Duffy’s Pub, a gathering place for friends, old and new. We’ve never had a bad meal – vegetarian, fresh fish, burgers – it’s all good. Open Tues – Saturday 5pm -10pm.
Martini’s Pizza
832 South Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo 49008
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A short drive from the Inn. O.k., we’ve only had their pizzas which vary from traditional pizza and cheese to a fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and a light topping of mozzarella – delicious.
Field Stone Grill
Portage · 3970 W. Centre Ave.
Kalamazoo 49024
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Fieldstone Grill is located a short drive from the Inn. The dining area overlooks the federally protected, natural wetlands of the Moors Golf Club. The marsh takes on different tones depending on the time of year, and at dusk in the fall you can see deer picking their way across the hardened ground. Inside, the north wall is comprised entirely of floor to ceiling windows for optimal enjoyment of the view. In the winter, a huge fireplace offers the cozy lodge feeling. In warmer weather a casual patio offers fresh air as well as a striking view. But enough about the building — the food is delicious and if you like rare tuna, we suggest the tuna appetizer – maybe even two or three for an entire meal.
Pubs and Wineries
Bell’s Brewery, Inc.
Formerly Kalamazoo Brewing Company, founded by Larry Bell as a home-brewing supply shop in 1983, sold its first beer in 1985. Over twenty years of brewing, Bell’s Brewery has built a nationwide reputation as a creative and talented brewery, playing a significant role in changing the beerscape of the nation. The craft brewery produced 90,000 barrels in 2007 to rank No. 24 among U.S. brewing companies in terms of volume of sales. That’s stacked up against giants such as Anheuser-Busch Inc. and Miller Brewing Co. On the back of its popular seasonal wheat ale, Oberon, and other brands like Two-Hearted Ale and Amber Ale, Bell’s won the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Locally-made Beer. It has been named best locally brewed beer in the Kalamazoo Gazette Readers’ Choice Awards for 2009. Located at 315 E. Kalamazoo Ave.
Founders Brewing Co.
(In Grand Rapids) Founders Brewing Co. We particularly like the effort made to pair food with the beer by naming several sandwiches after the beers they go well with – Dirty Bastard Sandwich with the Dirty Bastard Scotch Style Ale.
Kalamazoo Beer Exchange
…is not a brew pub – but definitely a place for beer lovers. Located in the restored Globe Building in downtown Kalamazoo, the Beer Exchange offers 28 rotating draught beers from around the world. Price is based on real-time sales, like the stock market, resulting in an ever-evolving happy hour. Occasional “market crashes” occur, dropping beer prices to their all-time low. They also offer a menu of interestingly prepared classic pub fare. Classic dishes will be made new again from the Bar Plates to the Main Fare and the open kitchen design will allow you to see just how “hand-made” the food really is.
Dark Horse Brewing Co.
(In Marshall) Dark Horse Brewing Co. Founder/brewer Aaron Morse started Dark Horse in September 2000, brewing only about 400 barrels, or 12,400 gallons, of beer. In 2009, they brewed 10 times that, including a pale ale from Michigan grown hops! Dark Horse’s flagship beer is the Crooked Tree IPA, the Reserve Special Black Bier Ale is reported to be something like a stout but with more hops, and rather malty with hints of dark chocolate. Other year-round beers include the Amber Ale and the Raspberry Ale.
Dark Horse also does a series of stouts in the fall. Beginning in October, the brewery releases one different stout each month from October through February. The first is the One Oatmeal Stout, followed by Too Cream Stout in November, Tres Blueberry Stout in December, Fore Smoked Stout and Plead the Fifth Imperial Stout.
Woodward Avenue Brewers
(In Detroit) Woodward Avenue Brewers. For the second year in a row, HOUR Detroit has voted Woodward Avenue Brewers “Best Mircobrewery” for its 2009 “Best of Detroit”. Located on Woodward Avenue – the historic stretch of motorway connecting Detroit and its northern suburbs the Woodward Avenue Brewers, or The WAB, as they are affectionately called, is much more than a restaurant or bar. Established in 1997, The WAB has become a landmark, with signature and seasonal brews including Vanilla Porter, Custom Blond, and Ruby Lager.
For more information on Michigan Beers and Breweries check out Michigan Beer Guide.
Bookstores
Kalamazoo Public Library Friends Bookstore
Kalamazoo 49007
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Description:
How can you not love a bookstore with the motto – “Gently Used Books, Very Gently Priced.†Located in the lower level of the downtown library, this store sells used books for between 10 cents and $2.50. And the proceeds go to support the Friends of the Library mission of supporting the library and promoting literacy and reading in the community – and to provide low-cost reading materials to the public. At the bookstore, college students get 20 percent off the already low prices, teachers buy bags of books to supplement their classroom libraries, and others come just to add to their collections of works by favorite authors.
If you go, be sure to check out their weekly specials.
315 S. Rose St. Hours: Wed 12 – 7pm; Thurs-Sat 10am-4pm
Kazoo Books
407 North Clarendon Street
Kalamazoo 49006
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Description:
Hands-down this is our favorite. Owner Gloria Tiller opened her first Kazoo Books location in 1988 which she described as “a simple little paperback used bookstore.†The original store was expanded in 1999 and the Parkview location added four years later to keep up with growing demand for new and used books. Kazoo Books is now an Amazon.com affiliate and Tiller orders directly from publishers and distributors. Tiller still sells used books — but only those in excellent condition; patrons are welcome to bring in second-hand titles to be considered for trade. Additionally, Tiller deals in highly collectible books and is trained to appraise valuable literary works. She is among a staff of seven, including husband James, that work together to hold a multitude of special events with a particular focus on local authors and the cultivation of literacy. A knowledgeable staff, large inventory and personal service are all components that contribute to the longevity of Kazoo Books.
407 N. Clarendon St. (just 1 mile from Stuart Avenue Inn) and 2413 Parkview Ave. Don’t be misled – both buildings look deceptively small from the outside, but provide plenty of book shelves, wandering room, and reading nooks inside.
Hours: 10 – 6 Monday through Saturday.
Make Your Own . . .
Aroma Labs
Located on the Kalamazoo Mall, Aroma Labs invites you to create your own custom fragrance in an inviting, hands-on space filled with creativity and curiosity. Aroma Labs is open seven days a week and you can book an appointment for you or a group, on their website.
Kalamazoo Candle Company
Located on the Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo Candle Company offers candle making experience from start to finish. From soy candle wax to candle wicks and everything in between, we’ve got all the goods you need to build gorgeous custom candles (with impressive burn times). Prepare to spend an hour, no reservations required.
Live Theatre
Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
329 S Park St
Kalamazoo 49007
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From 1929 to the present The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre has been at the forefront of community theatres in America. From its beginning it has been praised by the public and its peers as one of the outstanding examples of just what can be done with a “Civic” or community theatre.
Miller Auditorium
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo 49008
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Over 35 years after its grand opening in 1968, Miller is still ranked as one of the top ten facilities in the United States, and is the third largest theatre in Michigan, and the premier center for performing arts not only in Kalamazoo, but also in all of Southwest Michigan.
Kalamazoo State Theatre
406 S Burdick St
Kalamazoo 49007
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The State Theatre has been a fixture in Kalamazoo since 1927, and is today West Michigan’s Premier Live Concert Venue. (need to get listed on their website under lodging)
The New Vic Theatre
134 E Vine St
Kalamazoo 49001
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Located close to the heart of downtown Kalamazoo, the theatre’s comfortable cabaret-style seating and intimate size, enhanced by a concession that serves a variety of hot & cold non-alcoholic beverages, lend to its unique atmosphere. A Kalamazoo Institution featuring seasoned and new talent performing original and broadway classics.
Museums
Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Drive
Battle Creek 49014
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Located in Battle Creek, the Binder Park Zoo is open through late fall with a special Zoo Boo Halloween event.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
314 S Park St
Kalamazoo 49007
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Since 1924, the KIA has offered art classes to the whole community and a place for the enjoyment of the visual arts through exhibitions, lectures, special events and a permanent collection. The KIA’s mission is to cultivate the creation and appreciation of the visual arts for the communities of West Michigan.
Sojourner Truth Monument
255 South Avenue
Battle Creek 49014
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The Sojourner Truth Monument Project is a collaborative effort representing the shared vision of several organizations and individuals in the community — inspired by a research and development process that began in 1993 by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women (NANBPW).
Gilmore Car Museum
6865 West Hickory Rd
Hickory Corners 49060
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Open daily May through October, the Museum includes eight historic barns, a 1930’s service station, three miles of paved road occasionally travelled by one of the villages vintage cars.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
7000 N Westnedge Ave
Kalamazoo 49009
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There is always something new to do at KNC. Each month there are featured programs for kids and adults. There is a family program every Sunday at 2 pm and special events are held throughout the year. Can’t catch a program. The award winning Nature Up Close exhibits show you a new perspective on the world around you. Of course the most special feature of all are the 11+ miles of hiking trails that wind you through some of the most special habitats in Michigan all year long. Just click on the Planning Your Visit links (to the right) for specific information about services, programs and activities. Our nationally recognized Certified Interpretive Hosts are here to help you make the most of your visit to the Kalamazoo Nature Center.Whether you are greeted at the Gatehouse or inside the Interpretive Center, our hosts can tell you everything you need to know about visiting KNC.
Kalamazoo Air Zoo
6151 Portage Road
Portage 49002
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Not really a zoo – but filled with family attractions, and a small warplane museum. Admission is free through December 31, 2009.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N Rose St
Kalamazoo 49007
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The Kalamazoo Valley Museum preserves and interprets the heritage of Southwest Michigan and provides life-long learning opportunities to engage children and adults in history, science, and technology. Through exhibitions, programs, and educational and family events (many of which are free), the Museum seeks to develop cultural, historical and scientific literacy. Besides, it’s a fun place to go.