|
With its fun, unforgettable name, this town of 80,000 has gotten its share of pop culture mentions in songs from Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” to Glenn Miller’s “(I’ve Got a Gal in) Kalamazoo.” Named after the river that flows through the city, the word “Kalamazoo” may have come from the Potawatomi or Odawa tribes that once lived on the land. (The city’s only zoo closed in 1974.)
Located halfway between Detroit and Chicago, The ’Zoo, as its denizens call it, sits 30 miles east of Lake Michigan. The presence of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College means there’s never a shortage of athletic or cultural events. For 65 years, tennis fans have flocked to the city every August for the USTA Boys’ 18-and-under National Tennis Championships, where Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras celebrated early court triumphs.
The downtown has experienced a rebirth, giving rise to a host of summer-evening events. During the Art Hop on the first Friday of every month, galleries and businesses stay open late, offering hors d’oeuvres and a chance to mingle with up-and-coming artists. Bronson Park, a New England-style commons in the heart of downtown, hosts evening concerts in its band shell, including the Kalamazoo Symphony on July 15.
Where to eat
Zazios: This sleek, modern restaurant features upscale Italian-inspired fare and more than 60 different martinis, ranging from the “James Bond” with Stoli vodka and Bombay Sapphire gin to the “Heaven,” made with white and dark Godiva chocolate liqueurs. Exotic pasta includes chitarra – square cut spaghetti with shrimp, zucchini, tomato, basil, garlic and white wine. Reserve a seat at the chef’s table, which seats 14, to see dinner prepared up close and personal. 100 W. MICHIGAN AVE.; 269-384-2650
 Executive Chef John Korycki of Zazios
Food Dance Café: With breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlighting produce and meats from local farmers, “farm fresh” is synonymous with this lively eatery. It also serves house jams, breads from Ann Arbor’s Zingerman’s Deli, and gourmet sausages from San Francisco meat purveyor Bruce Aidells. For breakfast, tuck into huevos rancheros or Julie’s French toast, named after owner Julie Stanley: thick-cut challah bread dipped in cinnamon orange brandy. 401 E. MICHIGAN AVE.; 269-382-1888
Martini’s Pizza: This casual joint sells pizza and focaccia for a crowd or by the slice, as well as pasta dishes and Italian-style sandwiches. If the water carafes look familiar, it’s because Martini’s buys the blue bottles that nearby St. Julian winery uses for its popular Blue Heron white. 832 S. WESTNEDGE AVE.; 269-388-8883
MacKenzies’ Bakery: Owned and operated by third-generation bakers, this purveyor of breads and pastries with three locations offers everything from rustic fruit tarts to chocolate éclairs to deli-style sandwiches. Seeking a slice of heaven? Leave with a loaf of MacKenzies’ best-selling Scottish struan bread tucked under your arm. Original location: 527 HARRISON ST.; 269-343-8440
Sweetwater’s Donut Mill: Open 24 hours, this donut shop is a place where those with a sweet tooth can start or end their days. A favorite with the college crowd, Sweetwater’s sells more than 55 donut varieties from blueberry cheesecake to peanut butter and jelly. Its location – just off U.S. 131 – and drive-thru window make it a great place for a late-night snack or an instant sugar buzz.
3333 STADIUM DR.; 269-372-3636
 Sweetwater’s Donut Mill
Late Night
Bell’s Eccentric Café: Founded as a home-brewing supply shop in 1983, Bell’s has grown into a regional craft brewery that sells beer in 13 states. The Café not only sells Bell’s well-known Oberon and Amber ales, but also many small-batch beers only distributed in the pub. Live music, a spacious beer garden and light pub fare make Bell’s a popular watering hole. 355 E. KALAMAZOO AVE.; 269-382-2332
 Locals unwind at Bell’s Eccentric Café
For Kids
Kalamazoo Nature Center: Nature lovers can take advantage of 11 trails and an 11-acre arboretum, as well as an indoor, tropical sun-rain room with plants, birds, reptiles and fish from the world’s jungles. Young entomologists can visit the bughouse exhibit to study a working beehive or have their pictures taken with a giant praying mantis. 7000 N. WESTNEDGE AVE.; 269-381-1574
Kalamazoo Valley Museum: Little science lovers can stargaze during planetarium shows or see an Egyptian mummy. Interactive exhibits include a hands-on science gallery and a giant model of a human heart. 230 N. ROSE ST.; 800-772-3370
 young patrons enjoy the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Air Zoo: The air zoo offers a flight simulator, a 4-D theater that “drops” viewers in the middle of a World War II bombing mission, and the world’s largest indoor mural – a tribute to aviation history. buffs will enjoy more than 35 restored aircraft, including the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless, a military plane that languished in Lake Michigan for more than 50 years after a Navy pilot crashed it while attempting to land on the carrier USS Wolverine. 6151 PORTAGE ROAD.; 866-524-7966
Shopping
Vertegres: In addition to handmade purses and colorful imported textiles, this shop features owner Christine Willson’s earring and necklace sets, crafted from semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals. 244 E. MICHIGAN AVE.; 269-343-4438
 the wares at Vertegres
The Heritage Co.: This architectural salvage company features antique door handles, drawer pulls, lighting fixtures and refurbished doors from nearby businesses and institutions, including Chicago’s Palmer House Hilton and the University of Notre Dame. The company also features an extensive selection of Fiesta dinnerware. 150 N. EDWARDS ST.; 269-385-1004
Earthly Delights: Looking to add some mid-summer panache to the gardens? This packed-to-the-gills store has innovative garden art as well as clothing, funky jewelry and other eclectic, organic merchandise. 161 E. MICHIGAN AVE.; 269-226-0110
 a little of everything at Earthly Delights
Gazelle Sports: This Kalamazoo institution is the athlete’s shop of choice, offering running shoes, yoga gear, soccer equipment and hiking equipment. If you’re going to enjoy the great outdoors this summer, you might as well look good doing it. 214 S. KALAMAZOO MALL; 269-342-5996
| 
subscribe today!
