Discover Kalamazoo

Halloween in Kalamazoo

2010-10-15T14:41:00.003-04:00

I am such a chicken. So of course I feel like the entire month of October, where everything is spooky and covered in spider webs, is out to get me. Don't get me wrong, I love Halloween, I just wish it didn't have to be so darn scary! After hearing that, you'd think that a haunted forest is the last place I'd ever be caught dead in (pun intended), but I was convinced to visit the Psycho Ward at the Kalamazoo Speedway with some friends last weekend. I like the idea of a haunted forest where you can feel the leaves crunch under your feet, and see your breath in the cool fall air, not to mention there are an unlimited amount of escape options to run out screaming! While terrifying, it was a good experience, and I encourage everyone to bring out their inner daredevil and give something like this a try. There are tons of things going on in the area in the next few weeks for all ages.

Visit the events section of the Discover Kalamazoo website for details on scheduled events:
www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/

-- Becky Shields, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Simply Sinatra

2010-10-15T09:51:00.005-04:00

I love Frank Sinatra. But really, who doesn't? My grandma listened to him, my parents love him, and even I have some of his songs on my iPod. His voice is classic and his songs are simple and romantic. We missed our chance to see 'Ole Blue Eyes in concert, but there's a show coming to Miller Auditorium called Simply Sinatra, featuring a startling look alike accompanied by a live 16 piece big band! Tickets start at just $15, so get dressed up and ready for a night out on the town!

What: Simply Sinatra at Miller Auditorium
Where: James W. Miller Auditorium (269) 387-2300
When: Sunday October 24th, 3 pm
Cost: Tickets range from $15 - $35

--Becky Shields, Discover Kalamazoo Marketing and Communications Intern

Curling in Kalamazoo

2010-09-24T13:11:00.004-04:00

You’ve heard of running clubs, scrapbooking clubs, and even shopping clubs, but there is another sport craze “sweeping” the Kalamazoo area, the curling club! Many of us, myself included, have seen the sport during the Olympics and were surprised when the United States even had a team competing. I knew nothing about curling but I was definitely curious while watching it.

Cross “become a fierce curling competitor” off of your bucket lists ladies and gentlemen because the City of Kalamazoo not only loves to curl, but has its own league! The league is comprised of people from all experience levels, mostly beginners so anyone interested will fit right in. And if you aren’t sure about diving in and joining a league right away, Wings Stadium has open curling this Monday night (September 27th) from 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm. It costs $10, but to me that is more than worth it to get out of the house and try something new. Wings Stadium and Kalamazoo were even selected to host the 2010 U.S. Curling National Championships back in March which attracted a ton of attention to the sport in our area, bringing the best of the best curlers from all over the country here to compete.

The greatest part about curling is not only that it is something different, but it is a social opportunity. How many people can say they bonded with their family/friends/roommates over a rousing game of curling on a Monday night? And also, it is a lifelong sport, meaning that most anyone can play. This is such a rare opportunity that I encourage everyone to step outside their box and give it a try. And come on, this is the Midwest, were born to do things like this.

Wings Stadium- Open Curling Night
Where: 3600 Vanrick Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: (269) 345-1125
Cost: $10 for two hours
Wear: Warm comfortable clothes and clean tennis shoes
Additional: Leagues begin the week of October 3rd with Beginners leagues (learning the game) on Mondays @ 8 pm, and Friday Leagues (playing the game) on Fridays @7 pm

--Becky Shields, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Olde Tyme Harvest Festival

2010-09-23T15:15:00.003-04:00

There’s no better way to enjoy fall in Kalamazoo than at the Olde Tyme Harvest Festival at Scotts Mill County Park. Fall always feels a little nostalgic to me, and that’s what this place is made of! Complete with an 1870’s water wheel, there is nowhere else I’d rather sip a hot apple cider or pick out a pumpkin. They have more to offer than just pumpkins though! Kids can enjoy activities just for them, while the adults watch blacksmithing and flour making demonstrations and, let’s face it, a hay ride is fun no matter how old you are. I don’t know about you, but I am dying to find things to do to with family and friends on weekends to catch up on what I’ve missed during the busy week. Take this opportunity to unwind and slow everything down for a few hours and enjoy fall in Kalamazoo!

What: Olde Tyme Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, October 2nd 9 am - 5 pm; Sunday, October 3rd 9 am - 3 pm
Where: Scotts Mill County Park, Scotts, MI
Cost: Adults $5, kids 12 and under are free
Contact: 269-626-8503

--Becky Shields, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Central City Tap House

2010-08-11T09:21:00.001-04:00

You must go to the Central City Tap House.

Millennium Restaurant Group’s newest venture is the Central City Tap House (located next to Epic Bistro on the Mall) and boy is it good. A tap house must have beer, and Central City meets that requirement with flying colors. 16 beers on tap and 70 more in bottles. The only thing you won’t find here is PBR (sorry hipsters). I’d suggest trying a beer flight. They come in these cute little wooden, locally hand carved holders. Too bad one can’t try their bottles via beer flight.

And they redefine bar food. Serving wood fired pizzas, mouth watering-life changing burgers, crunchy frites, and delectable desserts. I can’t wait to try their Coco Loco Porter Float.

www.CCtaphouse.com

Central City Tap House
Where: 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall
Contact: (269) 492-0100
Serving: Lunch and Dinner

--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Kalamazoo County Fair

2010-08-09T09:02:00.001-04:00

The Kalamazoo County Fair is considered to be Michigan’s First Fair. Since I personally enjoy fairs, I can’t wait to go. I love the smell of fried foods, the fuzzy sheep, and the midway screams.

The county fair offers specials and events each day, so be sure to check out their website for details. I, for one, want to see Wednesday’s NBHA Barrel Horse Show and I bet Thursday’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will be super fun to watch.

Kalamazoo County Fair
What: Where the country comes to the city!
When: August 9-15, 2010
Where: Kalamazoo County Expo Center
Cost: Admission, rides, and grandstand prices vary by day. Click here http://www.kalamazoocountyfair.com/schedule.html for details
Contact: 269-349-2793

--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 Championships: August 6-15, Kalamazoo College and WMU

2010-08-06T09:33:00.001-04:00

Tennis is a big deal in Kalamazoo. The 2010 USTA Boys' 18 &16 National Tennis Championships are returning to Kalamazoo. Matches will be played at Kalamazoo College’s Stowe Stadium where Men’s Hornet Tennis has won 72 MIAA championships and 7DIII NCAA titles. http://kzoo.edu/sports/mt/ The stadium, built in 1946, is the home to the championship, but games will also be played at Sorensen Courts at WMU.

Easily one of the event highlights is the opening night exhibition game on Friday August 6. This year, pro Scoville Jenkins will return to Stowe Stadium, where he made history, to face Jan-Michael Gambill.

Tickets are available on the USTA Boys’ website or by calling 269.337.7343
http://ustaboys.com/

What: USTA Boys' 18 & 16 National Tennis Championships
When: August 6-15
Where: Stowe Stadium at Kalamazoo College and Sorensen Courts at Western Michigan University
Contact: 269.337.7343

--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Big League Softball World Series

2010-08-04T13:57:00.003-04:00

Kalamazoo is proud to host the Big League Softball World Series for a consecutive 30th year at Vanderberg Park this weekend. This is more than just the “Sandlot,” ten teams battled their way to get here. Regional champions from Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia will compete against each other plus five US regional champs and the hometown team Michigan District 2. The championship consists of 45 round-robin games to be played between Thursday August 5 and Tuesday August 10.

This softball is a big deal. Crowds at this even have gotten so big over the last three decades that ESPN will be broadcasting the championship game LIVE on ESPN 2. The live event will start on Wednesday Night at 98pm Eastern Time. Don’t miss the Parade of Champions 6pm on Wednesday Aug 11

Big League Softball World Series
What: Celebration of bicycle and the culture that surrounds them
When: August 5-11
Where: Vanderberg Park
Cost: Free
Contact: 269.388.2830

--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Ribfest

2010-08-02T13:02:00.000-04:00

RibFest
Mmmmmmmmmmm ribs. As a former vegetarian, I honestly cannot wait for Ribfest. BBQ will be taking over Arcadia Creek Festival Place in downtown Kalamazoo Thursday August 5th - Saturday August 7th. Ribfest is going to offer great ribs, fantastic entertainment and cool beverages… what more does one need on a hot summer’s weekend?

Ribfest is really about the food. The event boasts two cook offs and 15 vendors, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love. The Best Ribs in Kalamazoo Cook-off will take place on Thursday, where Kalamazoo County restaurants and caterers will put forth their goods in a blind taste test to a panel of famous judges. And for us Iron Chefs and Iron Chef wannabes, Saturday’s new Kalamazoo Cook-Off for amateurs and professionals will be judged by the Southwest Michigan Culinary Association Chefs and local food editors.

Take a break, grab a wet wipe, and listen to live music throughout the festival. Headlining on Friday is American Rocker Eddie Money and on Saturday Michigan’s own The Verve Pipe. Ribfest also will have cooking classes and children’s activities. The Gazette has a super cool interactive map here.
http://www.ribfestkalamazoo.com/

Kalamazoo Rib Fest
When: August 5-7
Where: Arcadia Creek Festival Place
Cost: $5.00 at 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; $10 after 7 p.m. on Friday & Saturday
Contact: 269.388.2830
--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival

2010-07-28T09:19:00.002-04:00

Kalamazoo, Michigan really has something for everyone… I'm serious. This week is the Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival. Films will feature a wide spectrum of experiences, stories, and the images of bicycling. They have more info, photos and other neat stuff on their Facebook. Maybe this weekend is my opportunity to finally learn how to ride a bike…

Kalamazoo Bicycle Film Festival
What: Celebration of bicycle and the culture that surrounds them
When: July 29- Aug 1
Where: Various Kalamazoo Area Theaters and more
Cost: Free to $10 depending on the event, check here for details http://www.kalamazoobicyclefilmfestival.com/
Contact: 269-349-1035

--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Black Arts Festival

2010-07-26T09:39:00.002-04:00

You already know that summer at the Arcadia Festival Place celebrates diversity in Kalamazoo. We have already enjoyed Greek Fest and Island Fest, and this weekend we are excited for the 2010 Black Arts Festival.

The Black Arts Festival is put on by the Black Arts & Cultural Center, they develop tons of community programming celebrating artwork at the Gail Syndor Gallery, Kalamazoo area poets and writers, theater, and other cultural and community programming.

Unlike other festivals, the Black Arts Festival is a weeklong with events including writing workshops and film presentations popping up around the county. Check out their website for more details. The 25^th Black Arts Festival at Arcadia Creek will take place from July 29 to August 1. There will be so much to do… I'm going to check it out on Friday for the special admission price in honor of the 25^th anniversary, 25 cents (but you really should go all weekend, Saturday promises amazing music with ZAPP) due to my college budget.

25th Annual Black Arts Festival
What: Celebration of Black Arts & Culture in Kalamazoo
When: July 26- Aug 1
Where: Arcadia Creek Festival Place & Various locations in Kalamazoo
Cost: Varies throughout the festival, check here for prices
Contact: 269-349-1035

--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Local Food

2010-07-22T11:39:00.002-04:00

Summertime and the livin' is easy. Greens are jumpin' and the cucumber vines are high… Ok, I know, it doesn't have quite the same ring as Gershwin's classic. But really, Kalamazoo County is a local foods Mecca… from fruits and veggies, to wine and chicken.

We in Kalamazoo get excited for Farmer's Market Season each year. Right now we are eating fresh and local peaches, nectarines, salad greens, cucumbers, and tons of different kinds of beans. As the tomatoes are beginning to come in, I have visions of salsa and bruschetta in my head.

And lets say cooking's not your thing…don't worry there are many delicious restaurants serving up tasty local food dishes. When I think local food restaurants, two downtown establishments jump to my mind, Food Dance and Rustica. Food Dance serves Eclectic - American cuisine three meals a day featuring seasonal, local and artisan ingredients. As a college student, their Soup and Half Sandwich lunch is my favorite. Rustica, the new guy on the block, specializes in rustic European cuisine with an emphasis on fresh and local products. And you can't forget about Bold in Texas Corners, simple, local food with big flavor. Let us know your favorite local food eatery below!

For all local food knowledge, talk with Fair Food Matters. Fair Food Matters is a Non-Profit Organization founded in 2001 whose goal is to build, educate and empower the Kalamazoo Community about local food. They are super involved in the community, sponsoring educational events like "Is That a Hen in Your Yard?" on August 11, 2010 to learn chicken care 101 and the Eat Local Scavenger Hunt running the month of September challenges you to celebrate local food and win delicious prizes. More info on local food events can be found here: http://www.fairfoodmatters.org/events.php

Local food is important to college kids too, Farms to K, a student group at Kalamazoo College, raises awareness of the local food movement on campus. Their goal is to make the College cafeteria all local, and they have a partnership with Fair Food Matters. For information on Farms to K, contact Dr. Amelia Katanski, the Farms to K Faculty Advisor.

Where to Buy:
The Kalamazoo Farmer's Market
Location: 1204 Bank Street, between Lake Street & Stockbridge Avenue off of Portage Rd.
Phone: Farmer's Market – 269 337-8899
Parks & Recreation Office – 269 337-8191
Hours:
June - October Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 7 am – 2 pm
May and November – Saturdays only 7 am – 2 pm.

The People's Food Co-op
Location: 436 S. Burdick St. in Downtown Kalamazoo
Phone: (269) 342-5686
Hours: Open Daily 9am-8pm

Where to Learn More:
Fair Food Matters
Location: 323 North Burdick Street in Downtown Kalamazoo
Phone: (269) 492-1270

Taste of Kalamazoo

2010-07-21T09:22:00.003-04:00

Kalamazoo County has so much to offer including: over 450 restaurants, 9 wineries and breweries, and 1 former American Idol Contestant. But how will you ever experience them all? A great place to start is the Taste of Kalamazoo this weekend at Arcadia Festival Place.

At "Taste", you can sample delicious fare from 30 local restaurants. (Almost 7% of the county's eating establishments). Discover new restaurants, indulge in old favorites, and try a combination of ethnic, exotic, and local specialties! This year's Taste will include: Coney Island, the Wine Loft, Big Moe's Barbecue, Webster's Steakhouse, La Mexicana, Mangia Mangia, and the not yet opened Central City Tap House. (All the restraints will link to their website if applicable)

The live music will be flowing all weekend, from Thursday's country music by Small Town Son to Friday's Jamaican Reggae Legend Yellowman and the Sagittarius Band. I'm excited for Saturday's Showcase of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and our favorite "American Idol," Matt Giraud. The KSO will perform contemporary summer favorites, the two will unite for a crossover fusion, and then later, Giraud will perform music of his own. The night will wrap up with Monaco Bay's infamously famous Dueling Piano Show… I always love their Journey Tributes.

Check out M-Live for music details here.

25th Annual Taste of Kalamazoo
What: Celebration of local music, food, beverages and more
When: July 22-24
Where: Arcadia Creek Festival Place
Cost: Free before 4 p.m.; $5 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and $10 after 7 p.m.
Contact: 269-385-6200

--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing and Communications Intern

Theater in Kalamazoo County

2010-07-19T15:04:00.001-04:00

Whether you're an actor, or a theater fan, you'll find a wealth of live performances in Kalamazoo. Our 10 theaters…. Here is the summer run down…

The New Vic Theatre presents Part 2 of The Norman Conquests in July. "Living Together" shows the action in the living room of an old family house where womanizer Norman attempts to win the hearts of his sisters-in-law as well as stay in good graces with his wife! This hysterical Tony award-winning comedy is played in three parts, but don't worry if you missed the first one--"Table Manners," set in the dining room--as each stands on their own. Plays Fridays & Saturdays in July at 8:30pm. All tickets are $23. And stay tuned for Part 3, "Round & Round the Garden" playing in October!

August and September will again offer a cabaret-style revue featuring some of the New Vic resident company's most beloved music. Wish List combines great theatrical music with folk and contemporary numbers to provide something for everyone. Hum along to the songs you know and learn some new ones, too. Opens August 13 and continues Fridays and Saturdays through September 25 at 8:30pm. All tickets are $25.

The following venues won't stage anything til fall, but they produce must see theater!

Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University is the premier Broadway Arts venue in Western Michigan. We at Discover Kalamazoo are jazzed for the upcoming season featuring Wicked! Wicked will be performed December 1-12 2010. Other performances this season include: Legally Blonde the Musical, Spring Awakening, and the Blue Man Group. You can subscribe to their whole season, or buy individual tickets.

The Kalamazoo Civic Theater in Downtown Kalamazoo produces their own work featuring many local residents. But don't think they are amateur. The Civic produces Broadway and Off-Broadway classics, like Godspell September 24 –October 10 2010. Also look out for Annie and Our Town this season!

The Festival Playhouse is in its 47^th season at Kalamazoo College. The Playhouse brings many plays that have never before been produced in Kalamazoo to life with dramatic, funny, engaging stories. This season the stories focus on the search for identity in today's global world including Alison Shields, Tongue of a Bird, and The Who's Tommy.

Local Wines—Sip Through Summer

2010-07-16T11:08:00.005-04:00

Kalamazoo County truly has some top notch wineries and microbreweries that won’t disappoint. We’ll tell you about our hand-crafted brews later, but right now let’s talk wines – to help you sip through the summer. Take a stroll through our local vineyards and sample flavorful, award-winning wines and juices. You can even concoct a vintage that is uniquely your own and design the perfect label for your new creation. Start your discovery here.

Tempo Vino
Tempo Vino is located in Downtown Kalamazoo. Their wines are hand crafted in small batches from grapes around the world. Featured wines include "I've Got a Gal in Kalamazoo" and Black Current Merlot among many others. You can taste their wines at the Tasting Bar or make your own custom vintage. Tempo Vino also offers personalized labels, wine accessories, and gift certificates!

Tempo Vino
260 E. Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 342-WINE (9463)

Lawton Ridge Winery
Lawton Ridge Winery is one of Michigan's newest wineries, offering a tasting room with 11 different selections. Their grapes are grown locally on Lake Michigan, creating ideal conditions for “cool climate viticulture” - resulting in grapes with a perfect balance of sugar and acidity, creating crisp whites and complex reds.

Lawton Ridge Winery
8456 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009-9481
(269) 372-9463

Peterson and Sons Winery
Peterson and Sons is one of the few wineries on Earth that makes wine without chemicals or preservatives (read without sulfates). Only the finest handpicked Michigan fruit is used to make their excellent wines. Come visit the tasting room and gift shop for a personal and relaxed tasting and try Michigan’s first commercial winery that creates wines in an old world process.

Peterson and Sons Winery
9375 East P Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49048-9762
(269) 626-9755

St. Julian
St. Julian is Michigan’s oldest, largest and most awarded winery. They offer a wide selection of award-winning and well-known premium wines, sparkling wines, and sparkling juices for the kiddies. This family-owned winery, founded by Mariano Meconi in 1921, is nestled in the picturesque fruit-growing region along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Today, grandson, David Braganini, has adopted the family tradition of wine making while turning St. Julian into Michigan’s most renowned winery. Free admission. Tours and tastings available.

St Julian
716 S Kalamazoo Street
Paw Paw,MI 49079
(269) 657-5598

Warner Vineyards
Warner Vineyards is Michigan’s second oldest winery. With 22 different wines, they make a wine for every taste. Warner offers tours and tasting and free admission. The Waterworks Station Cafe features casual gourmet dining with live jazz on the weekends and deck seating overlooking the scenic Paw Paw River. Tasting rooms are also in South Haven, Holland and Marshall. Personalized labels and gift certificates are available.
Warner Vineyards Winery
706 S. Kalamazoo Street
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(800) 756-5357

Cody Kresta
The newest winery on the block, or should we say vine, is Cody Kresta - a small family owned vineyard and winery located in Southwest Michigan. Grapes used in their special vintages are grown along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Owners David and Mary Lou offer eight wines and a tasting room.

Cody Kresta
45757 27th Street
Mattawan, MI 49071
(269) 668-3800

--Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing & Communication Intern

Fontana Chamber Arts Summer Festival 2010

2010-07-14T10:14:00.002-04:00

Guess what starts today? Fontana Chamber Arts Summer Festival 2010! Fontana celebrates the start of its tenth anniversary season with a summer festival of six performances that brings the world of music to Kalamazoo (and free Plainwell Ice Cream during each intermission)!

The 2010 Summer Festival features music from the Old World and the New, evoking the flavors of Spain, the rhythm of the tropics, the elegance of the French baroque, and the mystique of gypsy jazz. The series also recognizes the 100th anniversary of the birth of two important musical figures. Though they were oceans apart, American composer Samuel Barber and French gypsy jazz legend Django Reinhardt were born within months of each other in 1910 and in separate ways, altered the course of music.

The Summer Festival allows you to experience the art of live music in some very cool venues. Its opening performance (today!) will be held in the inspiring setting of the Holy Family Chapel at Nazareth Center. Other sites encourage participants to re-imagine Wellspring Theater as a jazz nightclub, marvel at the pristine acoustics of Stetson Chapel, and enjoy music and nature together at the Kalamazoo Nature Center.

Interested? You can purchase tickets to individual performances or get a special series rate for all six! Visit www.fontanachamberarts.org for more information. Share your experience on our blog!

--Lorraine Austin, Discover Kalamazoo, Communication & New Media Coordinator

Art Hop

2010-07-09T09:14:00.001-04:00

Art Hop tonight - one of the great things to do in Kalamazoo. Usually held the first Friday of the month, July’s Hop is scheduled for the 9th because of the holiday. I’d highly recommend it as something you can do alone, with friends or with family that’s a) fun b) free c) interactive d) a superb way to explore our downtown. And you don’t have to characterize yourself as an “artist” to really enjoy it.

If it were up to me, I might just tweak the name a bit. Art Hop sounds a bit frantic and perky. I get the reference . . . hopping from one spot to another. In my opinion, it’s actually more of an Art Saunter, perhaps an Art Glide – because what happens between stops is just as important to the whole experience as the designated stops themselves. Folks frolic on the Mall as street musicians’ tunes permeate the air. Residents and visitors share critiques of what they’ve seen/where they should go next. It really seems like everyone who’s out and about on an Art Hop night enjoy a sort of kinetic kinship. It’s not only okay to chat with folks you don’t know, it’s expected. Friends and family from out of town always come away thinking that Kalamazoo really GETS the idea of community.

Not to minimize the actual designated stops . . .

A few months ago, I invited my sister, who is a professional artist, to go hopping with me. She really appreciated the access to the artists – all of whom were very willing to share information on techniques and materials. They seemed as interested in her endeavors as she was in theirs. What a treat for her to find others with similar aesthetics. I, of course, usually glazed over midway through their mutual admiration – but that was okay. I meandered to discover another piece on display or nabbed a glass of wine or tasty nibble (yes, many of the stops offer edible treats in addition to those for the eyes).

If you’re headed to this Friday’s Art Hop, we’d love to hear about it. Which stop did you like best? Tell us about an experience you had outside of the designated Hop sites. Visit http://www.kazooart.org/calendar/pdf/July10_AH_opt.pdf for more information.

--Lorraine Austin, Discover Kalamazoo, Communication & New Media Coordinator

269 Cool Things To Do

2010-07-07T16:57:00.003-04:00

Discover Kalamazoo, MLive and the Kalamazoo Gazette are teaming up to learn what you think are the coolest things to do in Southwest Michigan (area code 269) . We’re not necessarily interested in just where the tourbooks tell you to go, but also those OTHER places. That hole in the wall where you first saw your favorite band, the picturesque, tree-lined road where you proposed to your fiance, the greatest place to buy a hat, the diner with juiciest burger on the planet. If you think it’s cool, we want to know.
After your responses have been compiled, we’ll be sharing the list so that visitors and residents alike can really explore our area – from Allegan to White Pigeon, Marshall to South Haven – with advice from those in the know. Think of it as a sort of bucket list for staycations. See if you can check off all 269 (and share your experiences as you do).

Vote today and share the link with others. We can’t wait to see what we’re missing!

--Lorraine Austin, Discover Kalamazoo, Communication & New Media Coordinator

Kalamazoo Blues Fest

2010-07-07T09:29:00.002-04:00

If you like music, especially the Blues, you are gonna love the Kalamazoo Blues Festival this Thursday – Saturday, July 8-10. 3 days, 2 stages, 24 acts…nearly non-stop Blues each day! National acts along with the region’s best Blues talent will be performing at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place. In addition, you can work on your own musical skills by checking out educational performances and workshops. Don’t leave the kids at home. They will enjoy the music and special children’s activities on Saturday afternoon. This is really a great event and unexpected treasure in Kalamazoo. Check out kvba.org for more information on acts, times, and activities. Hope to see you there!

- by Heather Isch, Board Member, Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association. http://www.kvba.org/blog/

Concerts in the Park

2010-07-05T09:10:00.002-04:00

What to do on a summer Sunday in Kalamazoo? I’d say check out the Concerts in the Park series in Bronson Park. It is free series of old favorites and new sounds by local music groups. The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo has put together an impressive lineup from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra to the Latin Jazz group Mas Que Nada. Most concerts begin at 4 pm with a rain site at First Baptist Church, 315 W Michigan Ave.

Speaking of the KSO, they will be performing Sunday July 11 at 8pm in Bronson Park. Raymond Harvey and special guest vocalist Jamila Ajibade will perform one Summer Park concert this year. I’d suggest packing a picnic and grabbing a blanket, be sure not to miss this. Okay, so normally when one thinks of an orchestra, she does not imagine teens and twenty something’s, but the location of this makes it perfect for all people from ages 0-100!
Schedule:

July 11- Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
July 18- Red Sea Pedestrians
July 25- Kalamazoo Big Band
August 8- Great Bunch of Guys
August 15- Mas Que Nada
August 22- Scott Cowan Jazz Quartet

-- Laura Koch, Discover Kalamazoo, Marketing & Communication Intern

Vicksburg Historical Village

2010-06-30T09:34:00.002-04:00

And here’s a gem hidden away in the Village of Vicksburg - located about 13 miles south of Kalamazoo in Kalamazoo County. . . .

The Vicksburg Historical Village is near downtown Vicksburg and is open to the public. The Village includes: the Depot Museum, the former 1904 Union Station featuring more than 10,000 historical and genealogical items; Strong School, a one-room school house moved from its original location; the Commercial Print Shop, a working newspaper office and print shop, and the Oswalt Farm House, the anchor of a 1900s farmstead, which includes a windmill, granary, dog coop, woodshed, and outhouse.

The Historical Society Volunteers are available to answer questions about Vicksburg area history and assist with genealogy/family history questions.

The Museum is open Saturdays from 10 to 3.
Call 269-649-1733 to make an individual or group appointment.

Fly Girls of WWII

2010-06-28T11:04:00.004-04:00

Keeping with a patriotic theme this weekend, make sure to take the family to see The Fly Girls of World War II at the Air Zoo - a traveling exhibit featuring the inspirational history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) from now til August 31, 2010. This small, but very powerful, display of personal stories, original uniforms, and photos also includes a unique mosaic of all the 1,102 WASPs. And, of course, once you’re there, you’ll want to check out everything else the Air Zoo has to offer – especially those fabulous flight simulators. Up, up and away!

Free Admission
Location: 6151 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9-5
Sunday noon-5
Phone: 269-382-6555

Boiling Pot Music Festival 2010

2010-06-28T11:03:00.001-04:00

We’re really looking forward to the upcoming Boiling Pot 2010 music festival July 3rd and 4th at Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Presented by the Strutt and the IDEA Association, this all ages, family-friendly festival’s goal is to harness the energy of live local music and community expression and to have a dialogue on issues vital to our communities’ health.

The Festival will feature many Michigan bands. Expect to hear folk, indie rock, blues, and a fusion of the three! Just some of those you’ll hear include Breathe Owl Breath, Millions of Brazilians, Airborne or Aquatic, and Graham Parson and the Go Rounds. Check out the rest of the line up here

Family activities, workshops and games for all ages will take place throughout the day including sunset yoga, a water balloon toss, and a sustainable development brainstorm! Be sure to check out art vendors featuring talented Kalamazoo artists.

And what 4th of July event would be complete without FOOD - smoked pulled pork sandwiches, grilled corn-on-the-cob and veggie wraps to name a few. The festival will also feature a beer garden including regional favorites: Bells, Arcadia, New Holland, Michigan Brewing Company, Saugatuck Brewing and Atwater Block Brewing.

And if that’s not enough, Boiling Pot will be the most sustainable large scale EVER at Arcadia Creek Festival Place. A greening team will be in place to ensure that no plastic, paper or food will end up in a landfill…and not to forget you soccer fans, the World Cup will be streaming via solar energy.

Tickets are $10 per day or get a $15 weekend pass at www.boilingpotfest.com at The Strutt. Children under 12 are free!

Kalamazoo's Farmers Market

2010-06-28T11:00:00.006-04:00

The City of Kalamazoo’s Farmer’s Market is a great place to start the day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays this summer. I’m always amazed at the assortment of fresh local produce, flowers and plants, baked goods, meat, and handmade products available. I don’t know about you, but my initial plan is always to pick up some fresh veggies for the week and maybe some flowers to jazz up my office cubicle. When all is said and done, I’ve got at least three bags hanging from each hand – and I’m usually nibbling on something before I head out of the parking lot. Check out the Farmers Market Facebook Page.

The Market participates in Project Fresh a program that accepts WIC and EBT programs for the last three years. According to the MLive the market promotes fresh foods and healthy groceries to those with “few dollars to spend and limited transportation.” The results have multiplied each year as more shoppers have become aware of the opportunity:

Location: 1204 Bank Street, between Lake Street & Stockbridge Avenue off Portage Rd.
Phone: Farmer’s Market – 269 337-8899
Parks & Recreation Office – 269 337-8191
Hours: June -October Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 7am – 2pm
May and November – Saturdays only 7am – 2pm.