WHY KALAMAZOO MAKES FOR THE PERFECT COUPLE'S WEEKEND GETAWAY IN MICHIGAN
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be the only time for romance. Every time is the best time to show your partner just how much you care. From private tours and outdoor adventures, to the coziest bed and breakfasts, Kalamazoo is the ultimate place for a couple’s weekend getaway in Michigan. Here is how to best experience the Kalamazoo area for the perfect couple’s getaway.
Grab a Romantic Table For Two
Whether you’re looking to start your day with some delicious fuel, or end your day of adventuring Kalamazoo, grab a table for two! There’s a wide range of diverse spots to curb everyone’s food cravings. From top brunch spots to the best burger in the county, there is something for everyone here!
Brick & Brine
Brick & Brine isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a full experience centered around craftsmanship and connection. The seasonally inspired menu highlights locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients, with familiar flavors reimagined in unique and thoughtful ways. If your couple’s getaway in Michigan calls for a true taste of local flavor, this is the perfect stop.
BOLD
BOLD’s warm, romantic atmosphere invites you to cozy up during your couple’s getaway. From small plates and hand-cut steaks to fresh seafood and daily features, there’s something for everyone. Pair your meal with a thoughtfully selected wine or a fresh, handcrafted cocktail for the perfect dining experience.
There really is no shortage of places to eat during your romantic trip, as Kalamazoo is known for its locally owned restaurants, farm-to-table eats, and eclectic tastes. Grabbing a bite from Michigan’s own growers and artisans is a must while on your couple’s weekend getaway. Whatever kind of food you’re craving, Kalamazoo and its surrounding areas have you covered
Sip and Savor
Whether you’re a wine lover, cocktail connoisseur, or craft beer enthusiast, Kalamazoo has plenty of spots perfect for you and your boo. Grab a drink and unwind before or after cozying up for a romantic dinner together.
Take a Tour at Bell’s Brewery
If you and your partner are beer lovers, a tour at Bell’s Brewery is a must. Bear witness to the history of Bell’s Brewery - and drink it too with free beer samples! Get out on the production floor and see behind-the-scenes at Bell’s Comstock Brewery, or walk through the different brands and see where Bell’s all started at the Eccentric Cafe & General Store. With four different tour options, Bell’s Brewery makes it easy for you to find the perfect tour that works with your schedule and matches your interests.
Sit and Stay Winery
Experience the perfect blend of passion and community in the heart of Downtown Kalamazoo. Sit and Stay Winery is owned by a husband and wife duo - what’s more romantic than that? This charming space is perfect for an intimate wine tasting experience. Plus, if you want to travel with your furry friend, there is an outdoor, dog-friendly patio waiting for you! So, sip, savor, and create fond memories during your weekend getaway in Michigan.
Zerø : Non-Alcoholic Bar
If you and your loved one are looking for the atmosphere of a bar without the alcohol, Zerø is your place to be. Located inside the Kalamazoo Candle Company, Zerø is Kalamazoo’s first alcohol-free bar, featuring handcrafted, zero-proof cocktails, beer, and wine. This means you can sip, soak up all the good vibes, and have fun without the alcohol. You and your partner can also enjoy your drinks while creating your own candle or participating in one of Zerø’s weekly event nights, which include bingo, live music, and more.
Explore the Murals of Kalamazoo
Did you know that Kalamazoo is filled with vibrant, colorful walkways and walls that shape the city and surrounding areas? With 25 different mural sights and different ways to explore them, this is the ultimate day-date idea on your romantic getaway! Learn about these Insta-worthy murals by following our complete guide. Or, if you’re feeling more ambitious, you can take a mini self-guided wall crawl through a scavenger hunt!
Lace Up Your Boots – Go For a Hike
For the active-and-outdoors-loving couple, lace up your hiking boots or grab your bike and explore the trails of Kalamazoo! No matter what season, Kalamazoo features hiking and biking trails with different terrain and difficulty levels. After all, the best way to experience and explore the area while on your couple’s weekend getaway is to head outside!
Lake to Lake Trail
Located in the Western Region of the Lake to Lake Trail that runs 275 miles across Michigan are the Kal-Haven and Kalamazoo River Valley (KRV) Trails. These trails make up 60 miles of the Lake to Lake trail and run from Kalamazoo to Grand Haven!
Bow in the Clouds Preserve
This is a hidden gem located in the heart of Kalamazoo. It's a short, 1-mile loop that leads from the parking area to a viewing platform with breathtaking views of the marsh and all the wildlife it hosts. There are a few options you can take when walking this trail, so be sure to view their map and find the best one that suits you and your partner’s needs.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
Located just 10 minutes from Downtown Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo Nature Center is where wonder grows wild. With 15 miles of trails, a multitude of exhibits in their Visitors Center, and plenty of weekly events, KNC makes for a perfect date for nature enthusiasts. So, whether you are exploring the beautiful trails on your own or taking a guided group hike, the Kalamazoo Nature Center allows you to relax with your loved one during your romantic getaway.
Cuddle Up at a Bed & Breakfast
There’s no better way to spend quality time with your loved one than to be cozied up at one of Southwest Michigan’s premier bed and breakfasts! Here, you can truly have a slow, relaxing morning and take your time starting the day. Check out the full list of charming places to stay for you and your loved one:
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The Kalamazoo House Downtown Hotel & Suites: Each room features either a jetted air tub or a soaking tub, along with a private bathroom. This is a rarity amongst Kalamazoo Hotels!
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Stuart Avenue Inn Bed & Breakfast: Breakfast is served each morning using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You can also enjoy evening treats to cap off your night before resting your head.
Kalamazoo also offers specialty hotel packages and other lodging options, if you would prefer to stay elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for some peace and quiet on the outskirts of town, or to be right in the heart of it all, we have options for all desires!
Hit the slopes with your skis or sleds
If you’re the adventurous type and visiting during the winter, Kalamazoo is within close proximity to so many winter thrill-seeking activities! For skiing and snowboarding, we suggest either Timber Ridge Ski Area or Bittersweet Ski Resort. We also offer plenty of other winter activities, whether you prefer the adventurous outdoors or staying warm inside! Activities like snowmobiling or snowshoeing, or going on a coffee crawl or museum tour!
Don’t have an entire day to dedicate to the slopes? Tubing or tobogganing at Echo Valley might be more your thing! Echo Valley is open on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, throughout the winter season. There’s a dedicated hill just for tubing, as well as an Everslide tobogganing hill where you’ll speed up to 60mph!
Make Memories – Learn & Discover History
While on your couple’s weekend getaway in Michigan, there are so many opportunities to create long-lasting memories while learning the rich history of the Kalamazoo area. Here are the area’s top attractions for the inner artist, historian, or scientist in you:
Seasonality and Events
There’s something to enjoy during your couple’s weekend getaway in Kalamazoo, no matter the season. If you love water activities and the outdoors, spring and summer are the perfect times to visit. For a cozier escape filled with vibrant foliage and apple picking, fall is ideal. And for those who embrace the cold, winter offers frosty adventures on the slopes.
Kalamazoo also hosts a variety of annual events throughout the year, depending on when you visit. From the iconic PRIDE and Caribbean festivals to Bell’s Oberon Day and Craft Beverage Week, there’s always something happening to help you connect with the local community.
Start Planning Your Couple’s Weekend Getaway in Michigan
We can’t wait to host you on your next romantic weekend getaway in Michigan. With so many hidden gems and landmarks in Kalamazoo, there is no shortage of adventure to be had on your next visit! To plan your visit, be sure to check out our variety of trip itineraries or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest happenings. You can also download our guide for a full list of resources and planning tips. To have information at your fingertips, be sure to download our app to have your itinerary on the go.
