Who Knew in Kalamazoo (Michigan)

I’ve been to Kalamazoo Michigan a few times for work, but we’d never been here together. On our way east, to visit a good friend, we detoured north and into Michigan and stopped for a night in Kalamazoo.

On the way, we stopped at the Warren Dunes State Park. Surprise #1. Along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, I’m not sure what I expected but near mountains of sand along the lake was not it. They are beautiful. It was a cold and windy day and, as such, our stop was a bit abbreviated, but the dunes are, in a word: breathtaking.

On to Kalamazoo. Surprise #2 was our accommodations. I had stayed here several times previously for work and I think mostly stayed at a Residence Inn (or comparable) outside of town. This time, we stayed at the Kalamazoo House B&B. This Victorian house built in 1878 has thirteen-foot ceilings in its common areas and is beautifully decorated in its ten small rooms. With delicious homemade cookies greeting your arrival and breakfast served in the common area or in-room it’s the place to stay in town.

Right next door is the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (which was closed on the days we visited) in case you want to visit a sight without straying too far from your hotel.

In downtown Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Mall offers plenty of dining and drinking options. We tried the Principle Food and Drink for pre-dinner drinks and then adjourned to Jungle Bird for Cuban food and music. Yes, Cuban music in Kalamazoo. Both were surprisingly hopping on a cold spring Sunday night. Also try the Beer Exchange for an interesting experience in beer tasting. I’ll leave it at that and let you see for yourself why but suffice it to say your inner Wall Street trader will be happy.

If you’re in southwest Michigan, passing through or looking for a destination to stay for a night, check out this small city full of surprises in store to enhance your trip.