Some may know it as the home of Wardrobe Wire founder, Paige Rolfe. Others may know of it as the home of that guy, Derek Jeter.
Kalamazoo is located halfway between Chicago and Detroit making it a popular stop for travelers. \Whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, there is plenty to see and do in this Midwestern town. \In the winter, head north to the many ski hills or catch a KWings hockey game at Wings Stadium. In the summer, drive 30 miles west to beautiful Lake Michigan. Be sure to stop in South Haven on your way back for fresh picked blueberries. Take in a Kalamazoo Kings baseball game for just six dollars a ticket. St. Julian winery is located 20 miles west in Paw Paw. Stop by for a free tour of the vineyards and complimentary wine tasting.
Downtown Kalamazoo is a favorite spot for locals, and visitors can enjoy the same activities and attractions. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts offers exhibits, programs, and events from local and national artists year round. Catch a play at the Civic Theatre, and take a stroll through Bronson Park. The Kalamazoo Public Library was named National Public Library of the year in 2002 and boasts one of the largest children’s sections in the state. If you’re staying overnight, check into the Radisson Plaza Hotel or Henderson Castle, a bed and breakfast that offers holiday events and murder mystery dinners.
This city is full of top-notch restaurants for all tastes and budgets. Zazios hosts a chef's table where participants can watch as their food is being prepared by the head chef. Food Dance uses local ingredients for “fresh from the farm” dishes. Fandango Tapas Bistro offers homemade sangria and Mediterranean cuisine. Beer lovers should check out Bells Brewery for 19 different brews, all bottled locally.
Kalamazoo is a great getaway for families of all ages, and kid friendly attractions are open year-round. The Air Zoo is an aviation history museum that has vintage aircraft, flight simulators, amusement rides, and a 4-D theater. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum offers hands-on activities for children, a planetarium, traveling exhibitions, and film series. Tommy’s Goodie Shoppe is a real life Candy Land that offers more than 1,000 kinds of sweets and 200 varieties of soda.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in southwest Michigan. The Kal-Haven Trail links Kalamazoo and South Haven, and has 33.5 miles of trails for walkers, runners, and bikers. Celery Flats in Portage honors the areas celery-farming heritage; visitors can rent canoes and bikes. For outdoor activities, shop at Gazelle Sports for shoes and clothing and Lee’s Adventure Sports for inline skates and camping gear.
The weather in Kalamazoo is as unpredictable as Lady Gaga’s wardrobe, so be smart when you pack, and always bring a jacket and umbrella. For hot summer days, shop at Cakes Boutique for floral sundresses and gladiator flats. The great thing about Cakes, besides the fabulous owners, is that everything is under $100.00! Stop at Lana’s Couture for jeans by Not Your Daughter’s Jeans and Citizens of Humanity. The shop Sydney offers a great selection of heels and designer tops. If you’re going out to a special event, head to Memories Bridal and Evening Wear for the perfect dress and jewelry to match. When the snow is flying in Kalamazoo, be sure to pack your favorite winter coat. V&A Bootery sells boots of all styles to get you through the snow and the slush while still staying stylish.
Three colleges call Kalamazoo home and add to the city's laid back attitude. The thousands of students in the area have a relaxed sense of style and dress for comfort. Kalamazoo natives dress casually during the day but love to dress up for a night on the town. Most women wear dark jeans, a trendy top, and funky heels when going out on the weekend. Dress to impress, as long as you’re able to let loose and have a good time.
Remember to always pack a jacket and umbrella, no matter what time of the year you are heading to Kalamazoo. Don’t forget jeans, scarves, and cute heals or flats as your go-to items year round. Bring a cocktail dress for drinks at Food Dance and shows at Miller Auditorium or The Civic Theater at night. Casual wear that can be layered is appropriate during the day for shopping on the Kalamazoo Mall. Michigan can be fairly cold all year, so remember to pack light layers. But, for the summer, do bring shorts and tanks tops because it does get hot, just like ever other state. And yes, there really is a Kalamazoo.
Written by Brandi O'Dell (www.elledecouture.com)
Additional Contributor: Heather Holland
Photographer: Gary Converse
