Did you know Downtown Kalamazoo is home to the first outdoor pedestrian mall in the United States? The Kalamazoo Mall is just one aspect of what makes Kalamazoo’s downtown scene so vibrant. After reading this blog, you'll want to plan a day - or a few! - to visit Kalamazoo.
Start the Morning Right
Whether you are a coffee on the go person or a sit-down for a hearty breakfast meal, or somewhere in between, Downtown Kalamazoo is home to so many breakfast options.
Factory Coffee and Caffé Casa are classic downtown coffee shops. With monthly specials, cute interiors, and delicious baked goods, both coffee shops will have you fueled and ready to go. Matcharia is also a great option for your morning coffee! Serving non-dairy, vegan, and gluten-free options, Matcharia focuses on providing high-quality drinks and dishes that are good for both your soul and stomach.
If you’d rather sit down and enjoy a meal, the Crow’s Nest and Studio Grill are two breakfast hot spots. The Crow’s Nest is a local favorite – so be prepared to wait for a seat! The wait will be well worth it though – hearty potatoes and omelets, sweet, large pancakes, and everything in between, you really cannot go wrong with any dish at the Crow’s Nest.
Studio Grill is known for its generous portions and amazing stuffed burgers. This is the perfect place for those brunch seekers – give the Brunch Burger a try! A delicious beef patty stuffed with jalapenos and covered in sausage gravy.
Shop the Kalamazoo Mall
One of the best parts about Downtown Kalamazoo is how walkable it is. The Kalamazoo Mall takes advantage of this! Home to dozens of locally-owned and operated businesses, it is an amazing shopping and walking experience.
Shop local artist designs at Earthly Delights by Amy Zane, grab Kalamazoo merch at the Spirit of Kalamazoo, find a new tea flavor at Spice & Tea Merchants, and so many more.
If you are looking for a unique, hands-on experience, head to the Kalamazoo Candle Company to create your own candle. The Aroma Labs also lets you create your own unique scent, and Colors and Cocktails offers painting classes. With all these handcrafted experiences, you can take home a personalized piece made just by you.
After all that fun, you’ll want to grab a sweet treat at Cherri’s Chocol’Art. Decadent chocolates, specialty treats, and Monster milkshakes, Cherri’s is a chocolate lover's dream.
Explore Downtown Attractions
No matter your interests, Downtown Kalamazoo is home to a multitude of attractions that will peak your interests.
The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is an entirely FREE museum that is perfect for a family day out. Walk through three stories of exhibits that feature Kalamazoo’s history and then some. Be sure to say hi to the mummy on the third floor!
For an arts experience like no other, head to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Between traveling exhibits and permanent art pieces, the KIA showcases the beauty of local and international artists.
Downtown Kalamazoo is also home to a multitude of theatrical experiences. Catch a show at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre or the Farmers Alley Theatre. Looking to laugh your heart out? Crawlspace Comedy Theatre hosts improv groups and comedy shows every week!
Dining Options
Downtown is home to a variety of cuisine types. On the Kalamazoo Mall, you’ll find The Hub Tavern + Grill for your American pub fix, ROCA for Latin American fusion, Rustica for fine-dining European cuisine, and a few more that are all amazing.
Additionally, you can experience vibrant flavors at Brick and Brine, pizza slices as big as your head at Benny DiCarta's, exceptional Egyptian cuisine from Cairo’s Kitchen, and so many more options. With so many flavors circulating Downtown, you’ll want to come back again to try them all!
Finish Off with a Drink
There’s nothing like ending the perfect day out with a crafted cocktail. Green Top Tavern and Dabney & Co. are great places to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail while listening to live music. Catch a game and enjoy a drink at Burdick’s Bar & Grill, or simply enjoy the atmosphere at Alley Cat and the Old Skool Bar.
Are you more of a mocktail person? No problem! Zero, located within the Kalamazoo Candle Company, is a fully NA bar, offering the highest quality mocktails.
Where to Stay
There’s so much to do in Kalamazoo! You might want to turn your day into a weekend stay.
The Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites and the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Kalamazoo are great hotel options in the heart of Downtown Kalamazoo. With parking structures connected through skywalks for both properties, traveling is made simple.
For a bed and breakfast experience, The Kalamazoo House Downtown Hotel & Suites is the perfect place! Stay in this gorgeous Victorian home, enjoy a delectable breakfast experience, and embrace the walkability of Downtown Kalamazoo.
We will see you in Kalamazoo!
