Two-hundred-sixty-nine is not just the area code for Kalamazoo County. It is also the starting number of unique, off-the-map activities that people can explore in southwest Michigan! 269 COOL THINGS TO269 DO COOL IN THINGS AREA TO DOCODE IN AREA 269 CODE ®269 ®

Acorn Theatre Arcadia Brewing Company Bell’s Brewery + Bittersweet Ski Resort Three Oaks Kalamazoo Eccentric Café Otsego 1 269.756.3879 8 269.276.0458 15 Kalamazoo 19 269.694.2032 269.382.2332 It’s great to have a ski resort so close. If the Air Zoo Art on the Mall Oberon Day! Oberon in general! – Brian C. weather cooperates I can be there in no time Portage Kalamazoo flat. – Harry 2 269.382.6555 9 269.342.5059 Benton Harbor Arts District The Air Zoo is THE BEST all-weather For over 33 years this two-day show features Benton Harbor Black Owl Café entertainment for families in Southwest Michigan. more than 75 local and regional artists who 16 269.926.1926 Kalamazoo sell their original art and fine crafts on the This is a great up-and-coming arts community 20 269.459.1334 Airway Lanes + Fun Center downtown Kalamazoo walking mall! putting on such events as The Fall Festival of Portage the Arts, the New Territory Arts Association Blacksmith Course at Park 3 269.327.7061 Arts and Eats Tour Mural Project and the Benton Harbor City Trades Center Hastings Market. 21 Kalamazoo All Ears Theatre 10 269.945.2002 269.569.1741 Kalamazoo Arts and Eats rural back roads art, food, and Binder Park Zoo If you’re interested in blacksmithing, one of 4 269.342.5059 farm tour the third weekend in October each Battle Creek the coolest things to do in the area is to take See radio come to life. year. Visit artists in their , specialty 17 269.979.1351 a course from Jon Reeves at the Park Trades crop farms, and eateries that serve locally- Feeding the giraffes at Binder Park Zoo. Center. It’s a great experience and Jon is a Allegan County sourced food. www.ArtsAndEats.org – Nicki V. friendly, cool guy! Heritage Trail 5 Allegan Austin Lake Catamaran Big Dipper Ice Cream 269.425.5342 Regatta Schoolcraft Lots of beautiful scenery (including Lake 11 Portage 22 269.679.4525 Michigan) historic landmarks and unique little portagemi.gov stops along the way. – Ann K. Catamaran regatta every Tuesday from May to September. Altitude Endeavors Battle Creek Barn Theatre 6 269.969.1328 Augusta Plan an unforgettable experience and take a 12 269.731.4121 private balloon flight over Southwest Michigan. Be sure to go to the cabaret show after the performance.

Barodafest Baroda 13 269.422.1779 Barodafest held annually the Saturday after Labor Day features a full day of family-friendly activities in this Berrien County village kicked Bishop’s Bog Preserve off by a pancake breakfast. A small-town Portage 18 269.329.4522 Blue Coast Artists Tour homey festival. PC: Altitude Endeavors One of the coolest things in the world is South Haven to Saugatuck going out to Bishop’s Bog and walking the 23 269. 236.9260 Battle Creek Caribbean Antique & Thrift Stores Festival boardwalk. – Kathy J. A behind-the-scenes look into the lifestyles Throughout area code 269 14 Battle Creek of professional artists situated throughout the 7 rural countryside. Visit u-pick farm markets We love to shop and browse through antique 269.271.5219 and wineries along the way. Unwind and stores. My wife and I have seen hundreds of Celebrate the vibrant culture of the Caribbean enjoy the beautiful countryside while enjoying these type of businesses but nothing compares in downtown Battle Creek, MI. A day and to our favorite, Burgess Antique Center, in evening of outstanding music, Caribbean people who choose a live/work lifestyle in a Galesburg. This antique store is enormous with inspired cuisine, drinks and crafts. The Reggae profession they love. – Kelly C. so many alcoves and hallways that it’s like a music line-up runs all day and ranges from well- “Everything within walking distance treasure hunt and always a new adventure. known regional to national headliners presented downtown [Kalamazoo]; farmer’s markets Blueberry Festival We’ve found lots of old clocks - our passion - outdoors under blue skies, beautiful sunshine breweries and restaurants!” – @VeggieLoves South Haven as well as other fun antiques that have found all the way until the evening playing irie tunes 24 269. 637.1572 their way to our home. Burgess Antiques is under the moon and stars. Great family fun. You can enjoy lots and lots of our ‘go to’ place to visit when we have guests blueberries! – Mary R. from out of town, and they love it, too!

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Bittersweet Ski Resort Blueberry picking at Central City Tap Otsego Brookside Farms Kalamazoo 19 269.694.2032 25 Paw Paw 35 269.492.0100 It’s great to have a ski resort so close. If the 269.657.3500 weather cooperates I can be there in no time Centreville Antique Fair flat. – Harry Blush Salon + Spa Centreville Kalamazoo 36 715.526.9769 Black Owl Café 26 269.567.7675 Be prepared to be overwhelmed! Wear Kalamazoo I love to stop by Blush Salon + Spa for a blowout comfortable shoes and sunscreen; you’ll be 20 269.459.1334 before a night downtown. Nothing is more there all day. – Pam K. relaxing than sipping champagne while someone Blacksmith Course at Park else washes and styles your hair for you! I always Chili Cook-Off Trades Center feel like a rock star the rest of the weekend! Kalamazoo 21 Kalamazoo 37 269.344.0795 269.569.1741 Boatyard Brewing Yummy samples! If you’re interested in blacksmithing, one of Kalamazoo the coolest things to do in the area is to take 27 269.226.0300 Chinn Chinn a course from Jon Reeves at the Park Trades Mattawan Center. It’s a great experience and Jon is a Bookbug/This is a 38 269.668.7667 friendly, cool guy! Bookstore 28 Kalamazoo Chocolate Garden Big Dipper Ice Cream 269.385.2847 Coloma Schoolcraft Take the kids to Bookbug a quirky and innovative 39 269.468.YUMM 22 269.679.4525 independent bookstore especially for kids but The phone number says it all. – Sally T. every grown-up seems to love it too. – Joanna P. Civic Theatre BraVo! Restaurant Kalamazoo and Café 40 269.343.1313 29 Portage Theatre! There are so many wonderful local 269.344.7700 theatres in southwest Michigan. Even high Try brunch or take a cooking class at BraVo! school theatre is amazing here! – Amanda M. Restaurant and Cafe!

Brickyard Vintage Bicycle Show 30 Kalamazoo

Candy Cane Hunt Downtown Kalamazoo PC: Big Dipper Ice Cream 31 269.337.8191

Blue Coast Artists Tour Carnegie Center South Haven to Saugatuck for the Arts 23 269. 236.9260 32 Three Rivers A behind-the-scenes look into the lifestyles 269.273.8882 of professional artists situated throughout the Climb Kalamazoo rural countryside. Visit u-pick farm markets Caruso’s Candy Kalamazoo and wineries along the way. Unwind and 41 269.385.9891 Dowagiac enjoy the beautiful countryside while enjoying 33 269.782.6001 An indoor climbing gym - climb on your lunch people who choose a live/work lifestyle in a It’s a step back in time with its tin soda hour! profession they love. – Kelly C. fountain and candy counter. All the chocolates and candies are homemade. – Kathleen P. Cody Kresta Vineyard Blueberry Festival & Winery South Haven 42 Mattawan Celery Flats 24 269. 637.1572 Portage 269.668.3800 Great family fun. You can enjoy lots and lots of 34 269.329.4518 blueberries! – Mary R.

3 269 COOL THINGS TO269 DO COOL IN THINGS AREA TO DOCODE IN AREA 269 CODE ®269 ®

Cold Brook Park Disc Golf Conrad Kaufman Murals Crow’s Nest Restaurant Climax Kalamazoo Kalamazoo 43 269.746.4270 50 269.488.9000 57 269.978.0490 “Crow’s Nest Banana Bread French Toast. Colon Magic Festival It’s so good it’s the only thing I order there.” – Colon Casey K. 44 269.432.3235 One of the coolest things to do in southwest Curious Kids Museum Michigan. – Keith J. St. Joseph 58 269.983.2543 PC: Wendell Brezina The children’s museum in St. Joseph has great activities for kids and adults alike! – Sam N.

D’nicio’s Parlour Kalamazoo 59 269.353.8600

Dairy Center Kellogg Biological Station 60 Hickory Corners Comensoli’s Restaurant 269.671.2510 Kalamazoo Watch the cows get milked by robots - and 45 269.345.6755 Continental Baseball Club love it (both you and the cows)! – Mason M. Kalamazoo 51 Community Gardens Donut and Beer Festival They play baseball as it would have been Throughout area code 269 Kalamazoo played in the 1860’s…half historical 46 61 269.337.8191 reenactment half competitive sport. – Chris F. Concerts in the Park Over 30,000 donut samples were tasted Kalamazoo along with a number of extremely unique 47 269.342.5059 Cooper Café donuts including an ice cream donut, Oberon I love to grab a blanket, some snacks and Kalamazoo donut, maple bacon donut and much more. 52 269.383.2960 make an afternoon of relaxing in the park. There were even ballpark inspired donut food – Michelle R. items like donut hotdogs, bear claw burgers Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA and even a donut salad. Coney Island Marshall 53 269.781.4293 Kalamazoo Dowagiac Area 48 269.375.2105 Full turkey dinners and great dinner theatre. History Museum 62 Dowagiac Confections with Cosmo’s Cucina 269.783.2560 Convictions Kalamazoo The Round Oak Stove exhibit is cool. – Carol B. 49 Kalamazoo 54 269.344.5666 269.381.9700 Fruited waffles at Cosmo’s on the on a Downtown Festivals Confections With Convictions is Kalamazoo’s sunny Sunday. – Kelly S. Kalamazoo only shop making hand crafted truffles 63 269.344.0795 and other confections exclusively from Fair Cowboy Up Trade, organic chocolate. Chocolatier Dale Mendon Anderson’s original recipes contain fresh local 55 269.496.7956 fruits, herbs, honey, and maple syrup. Vegan Cowboy Up hosts live music every Friday and gluten free options are always available. & Saturday and line dancing lessons on Their mission is to provide employment Wednesday through Saturday! opportunities for young people with felony records and other barriers to employment, and Crane’s Pie to produce delicious artisanal chocolates. Fennville 56 269.561.2297 The apple pie tastes just like what my grandma Downtown Paw Paw used to make. Paw Paw 64 269.657.5395

4 269 COOL THINGS TO DO IN AREA CODE 269 ®

Dr John Harvey Kellogg En Gedi Campground River Final Gravity Discovery Center Resort and Canoe Rental Brewing Company 65 Battle Creek 71 Leonidas 79 Kalamazoo and Decatur 269.965.3000 269.689.7490 269.350.5136 A little-known museum that tells the story of the 269.436.8052 (Decatur) Battle Creek Sanitarium (on the grounds of Escapology History Adventist Village). Portage 72 269.488.3175 Drier’s Meat Market Three Oaks Face Off Theatre 66 269.756.3101 Kalamazoo 73 269.359.0908 5 Mile Drive-In Movie Theatre Dowagiac Farmers Alley Theatre 67 269.782.7879 Kalamazoo Packing up the station wagon and going to 74 269.343.2727 Five Mile Drive-In Theatre on M -152 near A professional ensemble based non-profit Dowagiac. Great memories and more to come. performance company dedicated to producing popular and new work in the Downtown Kalamazoo area in a unique intimate setting. Firekeepers Casino Fenn Valley Vineyard & Battle Creek 80 269.352.8777 Try your luck at this Vegas-style casino. 75 Fennville – Lorraine A. 269.561.2396 A wagon tour takes you into the vineyard. Fisher Lake Inn Fernwood Botanical Three Rivers 81 269.463.8420 Garden & Nature Preserve 76 Niles 269.695.6491 Fly Inn Restaurant Echo Valley Winter Plainwell Sports Park 82 269.685.1554 Festival Playhouse 68 Kalamazoo If you haven’t had their pumpkin-pecan Kalamazoo 269.349.3291 pancakes you haven’t had pancakes! 77 269.337.7333 – Bodybyvi-Kira H. One of my favorite places to see live and Eco Raft Race innovative theatre. – Michelle C. Kalamazoo Fontana Crybaby Concerts 69 269.337.8006 Kalamazoo Looking for a fun way to spend a September 83 269.382.7774 afternoon? Join the City of Kalamazoo Free 45-minute mini-concerts that give children Department of Parks and Recreation, under the age of five and their families a Envirologic, and Arcadia Ales for the Eco Raft performance of beautiful music in an open and Race! Create a floating vessel from eco-friendly flexible environment – even if the little ones feel materials with a group of family or friends, like crying! and show up at Mayors’ Riverfront Park in September to show your vessel off! Food Dance Kalamazoo El Gallo Blanco 84 269.382.1888 Kalamazoo Food Dance offers so many different types of 70 269.382.7020 classes available to the public! You can take A friend turned me on to this place. They serve a class on everything from making cocktails an amazing cactus quesadilla and rice water. to tasting cocktails, sausage making, grilling, Rice, water and spices…who knew something knife skills, etc. I bought my husband a class so simple could be so decadent? – Renee N. called “Butchering For the Home Cook” for Fido Motors Cafe Christmas this year! I’m super excited for him Kalamazoo to receive it and experience the class. There’s 78 269.359.0739 something offered for every type of foodie!

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Fort Custer State Park Fuze Bar & Grill Augusta Kalamazoo 85 269.731.4200 90 269.220.5511 This park offers it all from moderately difficult terrain that allows the novice rider to cruise the Gazelle Sports “The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a must beautiful southwest Michigan backwoods Kalamazoo followed by shopping downtown on the while providing a few challenging hills to 91 269.342.5996 mall and finishing at Old Dog Tavern!” – Terrie B. crazy-difficult trails that give the best rider all Gazelle Sports historic walking tours. – Henry R. the thrills he/she will ever need. Give Fort Custer State Park mountain bike trails a try Gene the Pumpkin Man when you’re looking to add a little shot of Kalamazoo adrenalin to your day. Just watch out for the 92 269.668.2952 turtles that insist on sunbathing in the middle of This guy is an institution in and of himself. Governor’s Mansion the trails. – Doug W. Gotta love a man in orange!! – Diane Museum 97 Marshall Ghosts of Kalamazoo 269.781.5260 Historic Tours 93 Kalamazoo Great Lakes Acoustic Music 269.340.0033 Association (Cooper’s Glen 98 Music Festival) Tiptoeing through the tombstones at Mountain Home Cemetery while enjoying the views of Throughout area code 269 the county. greatlakesacoustic.org

Gilmore Car Museum Green Distilling Hickory Corners Company 94 269.671.5089 99 Kalamazoo For a fun Wednesday night, cruise to the Red 269.929.7341 Barns Spectacular in August - always a fun filled adventure at a world-class car museum! – Steve Green Top Tavern Kalamazoo 100 269.342.5938 Give a Craft™ Beer Trail Fort St Joseph Museum Kalamazoo/Portage Join in on a game of euchre or trivia night! Niles 95 participating breweries 86 269.683.4702 Grab a passport and explore Kalamazoo’s Grill House & Rock Such an unexpected delight. This Victorian beer scene in a fun new way! Collect a stamp Bottom Bar carriage house contains such an eclectic mix from all participating breweries and earn 101 Allegan of “stuff.” Fascinating history of the “City of yourself some free swag. (There’s no purchase 269.686.9192 Four Flags”pictographs by Chief Sitting Bull necessary and you can pick up your free Eat a great steak and see if the ghost “Jack” Underground Railroad stories from the area… passport at any participating breweries or comes out to play. – Yolanda P. and last but not least the two-headed lamb. Discover Kalamazoo.) Who knew? – Cam Guild of Change Ringers Four Winds Casino 102 Kalamazoo New Buffalo kzoo.edu/ringers 87 866.494.6371 Kalamazoo College is only one of 16 places in the U.S. that has “change ringing bells.” The Fricano’s of Alamo Guild meets every Monday and Wednesday Alamo evenings and welcomes experienced ringers 88 269.342.0808 novices and sightseers. – Laurel P. Serving pizza in Michigan since 1949! In the “Pure Michigan” survey Fricano’s pizza Gull Lake View Golf claimed the title of “Michigan’s favorite pizza. Club and Resort 103 Augusta Friends Good Will Glad-Peach Festival 269.731.4149 South Haven Coloma Playing golf on any of their courses. – Eric R. 89 269.637.8078 96 269.468.7816 Sail Lake Michigan aboard this tall ship. A festival celebrating gladiolus and peaches – Jodie B. the first full weekend in August.

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Gull Meadow Farms Historic Home Tour Kalamazoo Beer Richland Marshall Exchange 104 269.629.4214 113 269.781.5163 121 Kalamazoo Wagon rides, a play area for kids and one of 269.532.1188 the best corn mazes in the state. – Robert K. Historic Village The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange is not only Vicksburg known in the 269 area code but throughout Gun Lake Casino 114 269.649.1733 the nation: ratebeer.com named it the number Wayland See the Depot Museum, print shop, and one craft beer bar in the state of Michigan for 105 269.792.7777 authentic one- school house. – Michelle N. three years in a row; Thrillist Magazine has The dining and local bands make this casino highlighted KBE on its “The 18 Best Beer Bars a must! in Michigan”, “The 10 Best Michigan Bars Outside of Detroit” and “21 Best Theme Bars Gun Lake Winterfest in America” lists; thechive.com has featured Shelbyville KBE in its “Awesome Theme Bars Around the 106 616.813.1995 Country” and “Brilliant bar ideas that deserve butts in stools” lists. Haunted History of Kalamazoo Tours Kalamazoo Blues 107 Kalamazoo Historical Society Festival Schoolcraft 122 Kalamazoo paranormalmichigan.com 115 269.679.4304 269.381.6514 Heritage Company Cool blues on a hot summer night. – Sue B. Architectural Salvage Honolulu House 108 Kalamazoo Museum Kalamazoo Book 269.385.1004 116 Marshall Arts Center 269.781.8544 123 Kalamazoo Specializing in salvaged , fixtures, hardware, and much more. This retail 269.373.4938 store carries an ever changing inventory of Hosel Canoe Park Take a class in papermaking. – Jeanne A. architectural treasures! Centreville 117 269.467.5500 Kalamazoo Candle Heritage Museum Great little island park to launch your canoe or Company kayak, enjoy a picnic or have a bonfire! 124 Kalamazoo & Cultural Center 109 St. Joseph 269.532.9816 269.983.1191 Journeyman Distillery Take a candle-making class with Kalamazoo Truly a hidden gem. – Annika H. Three Oaks Candle Company! Not only do you get to see 118 269.820.2050 the facility of where all Kalamazoo Candle Co. Hickory Ridge Golf Handcrafted artisan spirits, personable and candles are made, but you get to interact directly with the staff who run the show over Course friendly staff who take the time to get to know there. It’s a really fun and laid-back 110 Galesburg their customers and the best Manhattan I’ve atmosphere, and a unique way to spend an 269.382.6212 ever had. – Renee N. evening with family or friends. Hidden Kalamazoo K-Zoo Skate Zoo Tours Skatepark 111 HiddenKalamazoo.com 119 Kalamazoo This is a lovely opportunity to tour all of the 269.345.9550 hidden spots around Downtown Kalamazoo! Kal-Haven Trail Kalamazoo & Historic Adventist 120 Van Buren Counties Village 269.674.8011 112 Battle Creek When I have a whole day free I enjoy biking 269.965.3000 the 33.5 miles of the Kal-Haven Trail; a Learn about the Adventists who settled in Battle serene trail spanning two counties. Then after Creek 150 years ago (open through Labor working up a sweat during the three-hour trip Day; by appointment after that). I can unwind and cool down in the waters at South Haven. It’s the perfect way to refresh before starting the three-hour trip back home. – Jeremy B.

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Kalamazoo Cat Café Kalamazoo Nature Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Kalamazoo Center Pow Wow 125 269.775.1388 131 Kalamazoo 137 Dowagiac Close to WMU campus, this cafe is all about 269.381.1584 269.462.4325 people coming to spend time with adoptable The literal translation means “I have quit picking rescue cats. After paying a fee for entry, there huckleberries.” This is a celebration of a good is free WIFI, drinks, snacks, and adorable cats! harvest, family and friends. – Audrey P. It is a great place to de stress and meet the sweetest cats in need of a home. They offer Kellogg Forest variety of special activities like Cat Yoga every Augusta Sunday from 4-6pm. There is no pressure to 138 269.731.4597 adopt a cat upon entry, but if you fall in love Hiking. – Steve E. with one of the residents you can submit an application! Kids Quest New Buffalo Kalamazoo Garden 139 269.926.5460 Tour 126 Kalamazoo Kingman Museum kalamazoogardencouncil.org Battle Creek Kalamazoo 140 269.965.5117 Kalamazoo Growlers Philharmonia This museum has an extensive natural history Kalamazoo 132 Kalamazoo collection, Digistar Planetarium and hands-on 127 269.492.9966 269.337.7070 learning opportunities. An outdoor party deck wrapped down the left Led by music director Andrew Koehler the field line at the downtown ballpark, the Party Zone Philharmonia brings together students, faculty, Klassic Arcade 20 amateur and professional musicians of all ages to is like an all-inclusive vacation at the ballpark. Gobles perform great music at the highest possible level. 141 269.628.9079 Kalamazoo Hot Dog A wonderful family friendly place called Klassic Walk Kalamazoo Public Arcade 2.0. You can play all the classics like 128 Kalamazoo Library Pac Man, Donkey Kong, Galaga, Space 269.hotdogwalk.com 133 Kalamazoo Invaders and more. But their speciality game is Celebrate the delicious frankfurters found 269.342.9837 Pinball, with over a dozen to choose from the around the city and benefit the Kalamazoo Gaze at the holographic rainbow shining 1960’s to the 1990’s . The best part is it only Loaves and Fishes in their fight against hunger! through the downtown library. – Randi A. costs $7 per person to play.

Kalamazoo Institute Kalamazoo Restaurant of Arts / Art Fair Week 129 Kalamazoo 134 Kalamazoo 269.349.7775 269.344.0795 This is a great time to try out the restaurants Kalamazoo Living you’ve been wanting to try…offered in winter History Show and summer. 130 Kalamazoo 765.563.6792 Kalamazoo State Juried living history show devoted to pre-1890 Theatre original or reproduction living history supplies, 135 Kalamazoo accouterments and related crafts. 269.345.6500 “The State Theatre always has a great line up PC: Klassic Arcade 2.0 of shows!” – Ron W. Krasl Art Fair Kalamazoo Valley on the Bluff Museum 142 St. Joseph “New Year’s Fest downtown Kalamazoo, 136 Kalamazoo 269.983.0271 sipping chocolates at Chocolatea in 269.979.1351 Really talented artists with Lake Michigan Portage. One One Run through Spring Valley Park.” – Maria S. You can learn about forensic science from serving as a gorgeous backdrop. – Shelly V. a 2,300 year-old mummy and explore the universe in the planetarium. – Elizabeth B.

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Ladies Library Linear Park Mary’s City of David Battle Creek Benton Harbor 143 Kalamazoo 151 269.966.3431 158 269.925.1601 269.344.3710 Ride the Battle Creek Linear Park. – Alastair T. The tour is a one-of-a-kind. – Kathleen The Ladies Library influenced the development of women’s organizations throughout the upper Lion’s Park Beach St. McKenzie’s Bakery Midwest and promoted the cause of equal Joseph Kalamazoo education for women. 152 269.sjcity.com 159 269.343.8440 They have a lot of really good sweet treats if Lake Michigan Shore Liquid Therapy Canoe you’re looking to step outside of the box of Wine Festival & Kayak Rental chocolate norm! – Erin K. 144 Bridgman 153 Three Rivers 269.925.6301 269.273.9000 Memorial Day Parade The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival has to Canoe or kayak the St. Joseph, Portage or Hickory Corners be at the top of any list in southwest Michigan. Rocky Rivers in the Three Rivers area. There’s a 160 We had a blast tasting the excellent wines, livery right downtown at Conservation Park! – Mezzo Coffee Shop talking with the wine makers, swimming in Deb H. Otsego Lake Michigan and enjoying the beach. Our 161 269.694.1545 most popular topic of discussion was probably Little Theatre Mezzo Coffee Shop, super friendly and who we were going to bring with us next year! Kalamazoo interactive with the community! They have – Nick N. 154 269.387.2320 delicious drinks and an amazing new food menu!

Latitude 42 Brewing Louie’s Trophy Michigan Maritime Company House Grill Museum 145 Portage and Kalamazoo 155 Kalamazoo 162 South Haven 269.459.4242 269.385.9359 269.637.8078 Louie’s Trophy House Grill’s Tuesday Night Lavender Hill Farm Comedy. Every Tuesday at 9pm there is a free Niles stand up comedy show in Louie’s Backroom, 146 269.684.0123 stand up from local and tri state traveling This 30-acre lavender and sheep farm has comics, open spots for people who want to try more than 4000 lavender plants and produces standup. There is no cover, and excellent drink lavender honey. specials $2.50 wells and domestics, $5 taco baskets and $2 tequila shots. Lawton Ridge Winery Kalamazoo Markin Glen Park/ 147 269.372.9463 Maple Hill Mountain Sweetheart Red wine label reads “Sweetest Gal 156 Bike Trail in Kalamazoo” - now that’s cool! – Brenda H. Kalamazoo 269.381.7570 Leduc Blueberries Paw Paw 148 269.657.3871 Picking blueberries. – Kelly S. PC: Michigan Maritime Museum

Lexington Green Park Portage Michigan News 149 269.329.4518 Agency Discover the world of Pickleball. – Barry B. 163 Kalamazoo 269.343.5958 Lillian Anderson Cruise the Michigan News in downtown Arboretum Marshall Ghost Tours Kalamazoo. The News is your one-stop for 150 Oshtemo Township Marshall books, magazines, and newspapers! 269.337.7012 157 269.781.8818 It’s magical. You just have to find it. Take a leisurely 90 minute stroll or carriage Miller Auditorium ride by some of Marshall’s most haunted Kalamazoo and downtown . Hear the stories of a 164 269.387.2300 past untold…until now!

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Nikos Landing Old Car Festival Plainwell Coffee Mill Comstock Vicksburg Plainwell 165 269.342.8626 171 269.649.1312 180 269.685.9411 “Niko’s on King highway has great food and This festival takes over the town of Vicksburg! A neat little coffee, wine and breakfast/lunch service. Live music on the weekend!” –Dean M. spot in a renovated old feed mill. The mill’s Old Jail Museum huge car-size weight scale still works too. The Niles Scream Park Allegan mill also a metalworks art gallery and Niles 172 269.673.8292 an events . – Ann K. 166 269.687.3327 Visit on a Friday or Saturday in downtown I love going to the Niles Scream Park in the Allegan - and it’s free! – Brad F. Pop City Popcorn Fall. Great time for the whole family and Kalamazoo it helps support several local and national Olde World Village 181 269.382.5770 charities so bonus. Augusta Pop City Popcorn is your destination if you’re 173 269.580.1290 looking for the best gourmet popcorn downtown Niskers Char-Grill The Olde World Village is host to many events Kalamazoo! They pop in trans-fat free coconut Burgers throughout the year such as Buccaneer Bash, oil and their seed is GMO free! They offer a 167 Kalamazoo BlackRock Medieval Fest and the Winter wide variety of both sweet and savory popcorn 269.903.2427 Holiday Festival! and a new flavor of the month each month. I moved here recently and love Niskers on West Main Street. It’s the best place for a One Well Brewing Prairie View Dog burger and different games are on the TV`s if Kalamazoo Park you’re into that. I can get my lottery tickets there 174 269.459.9240 182 Vicksburg too! The little things in life :-) My go to place to One Well Brewing produces hand-crafted 269.383.8778 take visitors. beers and provides a place for like-minded Kalamazoo County’s first dog park with seven folks to share ideas, art and culture in acres of off-leash area for dogs and their Nonla Burger Kalamazoo. owners to socialize. – Mandy E. Kalamazoo 168 269.443.2270 Oshtemo Township Principle Food + Drink Park Kalamazoo 175 Oshtemo NSRA Street Rod 183 269.743.6563 Nationals North 269.216.5224 A casual yet elegant atmosphere that features 169 Kalamazoo A great park to play, relax or gather with craft cocktails and locally sourced cuisine. 269.488.9000 friends! It has a playground, paved loop trail, picnic tables and an 18-hole disc golf course. Public Art Project St. Joseph Painting with a Twist 184 stjosephpublicart.com Portage Check out the statues on display in downtown 176 269.488.3700 St. Joe. Each year they feature statues painted by local artists. – Ken S. Papa Pete’s Kalamazoo Railroad Café 177 269.388.2196 Bangor Pizza and a few games of pool at Papa Pete’s 185 269.427.1605 Tavern. – Jeremy You can watch the trains come and go while enjoying lunch. Parkwyn Village Kalamazoo 178 kalamazoocity.org Take a stroll through the neighborhood featuring period and Frank Lloyd Wright homes near the Winchell area.

Pear’s Mill O’Duffy’s Pub Buchanan Kalamazoo 179 269.695.3844 Ramona Park 170 269.381.9771 A restored 1857 flour mill open and usually Portage O’Duffy’s offers a laid back neighborhood vibe operating on Saturdays through Labor Day 186 269.329.4522 and has a really awesome ornate bar. – Cherri weekend. It features occasional demonstrations Going swimming at Ramona Park on Long of historic trades. Lake. – Sean S.

10 269 COOL THINGS TO DO IN AREA CODE 269 ®

Rawson’s King Saffron Saugatuck Dune Rides Mill Park Kalamazoo Saugatuck 187 Leonidas 197 269.381.9898 202 269.857.2253 269.467.5500 Best lunch buffet in town. The palak paneer Take a cruise - it’s a blast! – Cori K. and gobhi kaju are the best I’ve ever eaten. Ray Ray’s Italian Beef – Yvonne Z. Schoolcraft Kalamazoo 4th of July Parade 188 269.381.6138 203 Schoolcraft “Ray Ray’s on Miller for Chicago Dogs!” 269.679.4896 – Nancy D. This is small town Americana at its best.

Redamak’s Burgers Schuler’s Restaurant New Buffalo & Pub 189 269.469.4522 204 Marshall Growing up in Indiana it was always a treat 269.781.0600 to “cross the state line” and enjoy a Redamak burger. – Scott H. Shakespeare’s Pub Kalamazoo RedBud MX Track 205 269.488.7782 Buchanan This local favorite offers 44 draft beers on tap 190 269.695.6405 that change almost daily, a full menu, over 30 big screen TV’s, darts, pool tables, and a large Salt of the Earth Reindeer Ranch outdoor ! Kalamazoo Fennville 198 269.561.7258 191 269.375.2448 Shifter’s Bar & Grill This restaurant has a seasonal menu of house- Come see reindeer all year round! You can Kalamazoo made entrees, shared plates, wood-fired oven learn more about reindeer, Alaska and the 206 269.544.4500 tundra by booking a tour through the farm. pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and creative desserts. They have an impressive selection of Siegfried H Horn worldwide wines and craft beers. Salt of the Richmond Center Museum Earth also has live music with no cover charge for the Visual Arts 207 Berrien Springs every Friday night at 8:30 pm and hosts 192 Kalamazoo 269.471.3273 special Sunday house concerts on a regular 269.387.2455 Part of the Institute of Archaeology at basis. – Steve M. Go to the art gallery on Western Michigan Andrews University, the museum has more University’s campus. – William D. than 3,000 clay tablets dating back to neo- SantaCon Kalamazoo Babylonian times. Kalamazoo River Oaks County 199 santacon.info Park + Splashpad Silver Beach Carousel The hysterical running of the Santas down the 193 Galesburg St. Joseph Kalamazoo Mall and then riding the Holly Jolly 269.383.8778 208 269.982.6500 Trolley in downtown Kalamazoo. New to River Oaks in 2014, the splash pad features fun in-ground and above-ground water Sky Zone Trampoline Park Saugatuck spray elements and is great for kids! This park Portage Antique Pavilion includes playgrounds, a dog park, fishing 209 269.459.9243 200 Saugatuck opportunities and features 20 beautiful soccer Trampolines stretching from to wall! fields ranging in sizes. 269.857.6041 One of the Midwest’s largest antique malls with Skydive 175 dealers and a wide variety of antique Riverview Launch and vintage items. Close to Lake Michigan art Allegan Kalamazoo 210 269.998.7747 galleries, restaurants and shopping in Douglas 194 269.216.9667 and Saugatuck. Snow-Shoeing & Rocket Fizz Cross-Country Skiing Saugatuck Brewing Kalamazoo 211 at the Lynx Golf Course Saugatuck 195 269.888.2588 Otsego 201 269.857.7222 269.694.5969 You can take a on how to make your Rupert’s Brew House own beer. – Karen W. Kalamazoo 196 269.337.9911

11 269 COOL THINGS TO269 DO COOL IN THINGS AREA TO DOCODE IN AREA 269 CODE ®269 ®

South Haven Lighthouse Stray Dog Bar & Grill The Alligator South Haven New Buffalo Sanctuary 212 269.637.5252 219 269.469.2727 226 Athens The best time to visit is when the winds are 269.729.4802 high enough to send the waves crashing over Stubby’s Smokehouse Mr. C. is hilarious and kids love being able to the tower and catwalk. – Derek S. Vicksburg ride the giant tortoise, hold the bearded 220 269.649.2499 dragons and baby alligators, and feed the giant alligators! Highly recommended! My pre-K classes have gone there for four years now! Grill – Shannon Kalamazoo 221 269.341.4100 Studio Grill is high on my list. Well, let’s be honest, it’s tops on my list. A little recognition is in order for this friendly, quirky favorite in Kalamazoo! –Missy M.

Sunday Brunch at Old Dog Tavern 222 Kalamazoo 269.381.5677

PC: The Alligator Sanctuary Sweetwater’s Donut Mill The Beaches of 223 Kalamazoo South Haven 269.388.4613 227 South Haven Saturday morning donuts at Sweetwater’s Donut 269.637.5252 Mill. My brother-in-law from New York insists Southern Exposure on visiting every time he’s in town. – Linda M. Herb Farm The Distant Whistle 213 Battle Creek Brewhouse Taste of Heaven 228 Vicksburg 269.962.1255 Kalamazoo Check out their speciality dining and workshop 269.475.5447 224 269.349.0849 schedule! – Dave M. The chocolate drizzled caramel popcorn is The one of the items I always make sure visitors to Spirit Springs Sanctuary Sports Center Kalamazoo enjoy! – Megan M. 229 Schoolcraft Marcellus 214 269.324.1600 269.679.2090 Tempo Vino Winery Just north of Schoolcraft on U.S. Highway 131, Kalamazoo Spring Valley Park The Dome Sports Center is the only indoor 225 269.342.9463 sports dome within 125 miles! Take your pick Kalamazoo I loved making my own wine at Tempo Vino! 215 269.337.8191 between practicing on the indoor range, a From choosing the kind we wanted to make, to Spring Valley Park is a 185 acre park that has golf simulator or, new this season, a golf studio designing our labels, it was an awesome date for precise analysis of your swing! In addition a beautiful lake and abounds in natural beauty night activity. and wildlife. Many recent updates make the to offering golfers a year-round place to golf, park popular for family picnics, walkers/ The Dome is a great place to hold off-season runners, as well as people interested in fishing! sporting events and tournaments!

The Entertainment St Joseph River Park Niles District 230 Kalamazoo 216 269.683.4700 269.312.7246 “Snow angels, snow forts, snow crafts The Entertainment District brings dining and Stetson Chapel and more! Plus ice skating, skiing and sledding.” – Jill at KzooKids nightlife options to Downtown Kalamazoo - Kalamazoo Monaco Bay, Sky Deck, Wild Bull, District 217 269.337.7047 Square, The Gatsby. Each venue is unique in setting and offer great options to bring your Stokes Homestead family and friends to celebrate any occasion! Grand Junction 218 269.427.7777

12 269 COOL THINGS TO DO IN AREA CODE 269 ®

The Front Porch The Stamped Robin US 131 Motorsports Park Galesburg Kalamazoo Martin 231 www.facebook.com/ 239 269.734.7744 246 269.672.7800 The-Front-Porch-of-Galesburg Most Friday nights anyone can go and drag The Union race down the “Fastest Track in Michigan.” The Heritage Kalamazoo – Stephanie P. Guitar Inc 240 269.384.6756 232 Kalamazoo Savor the delicious Portobello mushroom fennel- US Postal Museum 269.385.5721 seeded fries with mustard sauce dip while Marshall “You can tour the old Gibson Guitar Factory. listening to great local music talent. – Ken F. 247 269.979.2719 I used to work there in the early 70’s. Used to It’s open by appointment only but it has a great listen to B.B. King in the sound booths. It was a great job!” – Dean M. Three Rivers collection of memorabilia. Water Festival 241 Three Rivers US-12 Sale 269.278.8193 US12heritagetrail.com 248 Tibbs Brewing Stretching from New Buffalo to Detroit the road Company becomes one giant garage sale! – Patty S. 242 Kalamazoo 877.762.7397 USTA Boys’ Located on the corner of Lovell and Burdick, 18 & 16 National Tibbs Brewing Company is a great local place 249 Championships to hang out in downtown Kalamazoo! Kalamazoo ustaboys.com Tillers International USTA Championships (in August)…they take Scotts over the city! – Laura K. 243 269.626.0223 There are classes available and some fall The Kalamazoo festivals. Tillers is a very special place to learn Improv Festival about sustainable farming. – Heidi S. 233 Kalamazoo 269.599.7390 Timber Ridge Ski Resort The Michigan Festival 244 Gobles of Sacred Music 269.694.9449 234 Kalamazoo Timber Ridge offers instruction at all levels, 269.382.2910 racing for all ages, a terrain park and snow Annual event that brings the best musicians tubing for everyone! from around the world to perform the music of their sacred traditions. – Betsy S. UKC Premier Dog Show The Old Rugged Cross 245 Kalamazoo Memorial Garden 269.343.9020 235 Pokagon Van Buren State Park I love watching the dock-jumping! 269.683.4540 South Haven 250 269.637.2788 The Round Barn The campground is just a short walk through Winery Brewery & the dunes to the beaches of Lake Michigan 236 Distillery and in the fall you have the place practically to Baroda yourself. – Richard C. 269.716.9463 Venetian Festival The Sangria Shop Saugatuck Portage 251 saugatuckvenetianfest.org 237 269.330.5841 Enjoy a fun filled weekend of good music, great food, fireworks, a boat parade & much The Spirit of Kalamazoo more. Fun for the whole family! Kalamazoo 238 269.382.6249 13 269 COOL THINGS TO269 DO COOL IN THINGS AREA TO DOCODE IN AREA 269 CODE ®269 ®

Veni’s Sweet Shop W K Kellogg Weko Beach Niles Bird Sanctuary Concert Series 252 269.684.1323 256 Augusta 264 Bridgman The best chocolate in the region. I should know 269.671.2510 269.465.5144 - I’ve been a Veni’s customer since the 1960’s! The Sanctuary has over 3 miles of trails for Concerts are held select Sundays through the Another satisfied customer recommends the guest to hike and is lucky enough to border summer at 7pm. The best part - besides the handmade candy canes. – Garry A. a stretch of the North Country Trail. It offers entertainment - it’s free! up-close viewing of game birds like bobwhite quail and pheasants, rehabilitated raptors West Lake Drive-In including bald eagles and owl species, and native waterfowl. Guests can purchase corn to Portage 265 269.327.5985 feed the waterfowl in the store for a $1 and it is a lot of fun. My sons love visiting and I feel Grab a legendary olive burger at the retro West safe letting them explore at a small distance Lake Drive-In all while watching a beautiful away from me. I highly recommend it! sunset. – Amy S.

W K Kellogg West Michigan Manor House Beer Tours 257 Hickory Corners 266 Throughout the 269 area code 269.671.2400 269.205.4894 Buffet Brunch inside the Kellogg Manor House West Michigan Beer Tours is your backstage - they have tables set up all over the house pass to one of the fastest growing and PC: Veni’s Candies including Mr. Kellogg’s office! – Heather inventive industries in the state! Visit numerous breweries throughout the 269 area code Walldorff Brewing through the bus, biking, or walking tours! VerHage Fruit Farms Hastings Kalamazoo 258 269.945.4400 253 269.375.0153 Go near Halloween for apple cider and Warren Dunes pumpkins. – Jeff P. State Park 259 Sawyer Vibe@5 Concert Series 269.426.4013 Battle Creek Hit Warren Dunes State Park for great cardio 254 269.963.4800 exercise while you’re running the dunes; cool Vibe @ 5 concert series downtown Battle off in the water when you’re done. – Jaren M. Creek. Fridays July - August 5pm - 8pm. Featuring outstanding local and regional acts. Watermark Brewery Drinks and food available. Stevensville Wine & Harvest 260 269.281.0872 Festival Vine Neighborhood 267 Paw Paw Kalamazoo 269.655.1111 Water Street 255 269.349.8463 Offers something for everyone including music, Coffee Joint I love strolling past all the old homes. – Lauren sports, and of course wine! 261 Kalamazoo 269.373.2840 Grab a coffee,chocolate espresso shake or eat Wolf Lake Fish a fresh waffle for breakfast. – Lucy B. Hatchery 268 Mattawan 269.668.2876 Wax Wings Offers hiking trails and free programs. Brewing Company 262 Kalamazoo 269.459.9494 Zooroona Kalamazoo Wayland Commons 269 269.382.4444 City Park Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine with belly 263 Wayland dancing performances. You can even join in! 269.792.2265 – Kelly S. TO PLAN YOUR NEXT VISIT

14 269 COOL THINGS TO DO IN AREA CODE 269 ®

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