With beautiful scenery, an abundance of arts, culture, activities and great food, Kalamazoo offers countless ideas for the perfect date night! And, because we know that the best date nights begin or end with either drinks or dessert, you'll find places for craft brews, cocktails, mocktails and ice cream in each of the six itineraries below. So, grab your significant other, your closest girlfriends, your mom, dad or whoever you want to treat to a fun night on the town, and use one of our itineraries below to inspire your next date night!    

 

 

Downtown

Activity

Make a custom Kalamazoo Candle at the Kalamazoo Candle Marketplace Drop by Marketplace anytime during store hours and you can craft your very own unique scented candle! No reservations required! (If you have a group of 10 or more, a call ahead of time is encouraged.)  

Food and Drink

Grab a drink and/or small plates at Principle Food & Drink Principle Food & Drink features craft cocktails and scratch made cuisine in a casual yet elegant vintage atmosphere. The Principle kitchen presents an array of 'medium' plates, comprised primarily of ingredients sourced within 50 miles of Kalamazoo.  

Dessert

Eat Ice cream on the historic Kalamazoo Mall from The Spirit of Kalamazoo  The Spirit of Kalamazoo is the only downtown source for a wide selection of delicious Plainwell Ice Cream (up to 24 flavors!) and local college clothing; as well as the city of Kalamazoo and the state of Michigan souvenirs.          

 

 

 

Portage

Activity

Go to Lakeview Park Lakeview Park is a beautiful 26-acre park located along the shores of Austin Lake.  

Food & Drink

Grab a beer at Presidential Brewing. The taproom features a variety of beer styles on tap, including a rotating cider for your gluten-free pals. They have a full menu with burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and more.  

Dessert

Indulge in some delicious Bella Creamery. It is a great experience for people of all ages to enjoy delicious ice cream, cakes, and even pies!

 

 

       

Augusta

Activity

Catch a show at the historic Barn Theatre School Enjoy a show at one of the nation's oldest Equity resident summer-stock theatres!  

Food & Drink

Grab a drink in the Rehearsal Shed after the Barn Theatre performance After the main show, enjoy drinks and entertainment by the cast in a smaller, more intimate setting.  

Dessert

Start your night off with dessert at Fat Mike's BBQ & Ice Cream! Fat Mike's is a Texas Style Bbq and Michigan Made Ice Cream joint in Augusta! You can stop by and expect slow smoked meats and chilled treats at their new window service location. Outdoor and covered seating is available.          

 

 

 

Richland

Activity

Visit the Gilmore Car Museum The Gilmore Car Museum is North America’s largest auto museum with over 400 vehicles on display and over 190,000 square feet of exhibit space.  

Food & Drink

Dine or grab drinks at the Kitchen House Locally Focused and Italian Inspired, Kitchen House serves up rustic American fare that celebrates Michigan and honors the culture of breaking bread. According to Yelp reviews, we suggest you order the Crispy Chicken Thighs.  

Dessert

Head up the road to the shores of Gull Lake and grab some dessert at the Chicken House

In March of 2020, Chicken House opened its funky little chicken and ice cream shop nestled in the bay at the South end of beautiful Gull Lake.  Inspired by some of the true and original Nashville Hot chicken joints, their menu boasts fantastic chicken sandwiches, carve-able smashed burgers, some fun and unique tacos, and all your favorite ice cream treats.  You will see Chicken House pay homage to some elements from Nashville and the South in a few of the ingredients they use, like Crystal Hot Sauce and Duke’s Mayonnaise!
 

         

Texas Corners

Activity

Experience a cheese lover's dream at The Cheese Lady Taste, discover, learn, and purchase cheese! Even better, further your cheese education with one of their classes or events; from Cheese 101 to Grilled Cheese Night, to wine and cheese pairings.  

Food & Drink

Enjoy dinner, brews and hard cider at Texas Corner's Brewing Indulge in a wonderful food and beverage experience in a 100 year old historic church, now renovated into a beautiful tap room! Sip on familiar beer styles and hard cider made from apples grown in the Schultz family's orchards.  

Dessert

Treat yourself to Lafayette Creamery ice cream which you can find at Rykse's & Co. An ice cream experience truly unique and unlike any other! You'll find delicious and impressive seasonal flavors here like Cinnamon Peach, Raspberry Ricotta and Lavender White Chocolate. Other unique options include Sea Salted Olive Oil, Lemon Curd and Habanero Caramel!          

 

 

 

Vicksburg

Activity

Visit Vicksburg's Historic Village The Historic Village currently consists of a Caboose and Boxcar, Cemetery, Farmstead, Gazebo, Newspaper Office and Print Shop, Railway Express, Strong School, Township Hall, Union Depot Museum, and Village Garage. Download the free village map.  

Food & Drink

Grab a beer or cider at The Distant Whistle

The Distant Whistle Brewhouse offers delicious fresh craft beers and cider produced on-site, weekly musical performances, and an open door food policy allowing you to bring food in from many of the local restaurants.

 

Dessert

Get your sugar fix and more at Apple Knocker's Ice Cream Parlor  Apple Knocker's features over 50+ flavors of ice cream as well as an array of homemade family recipes, like their Mean Jean Pasties and Mamma's Mac & Cheese, to good ole fashion comfort food, like 1/4lb all beef hot dogs and hamburgers.