The Area

Kalamazoo may at first seem like a small town with a funny name that's stuck between Chicago and Detroit, but it is in fact a city of over 250,000 residents, two large universities, and many writers and artists who have found a home with plenty of character and a supportive community. Stryker, Pfizer, and National City Bank are just a few examples of the well-known companies that have headquarters in Kalamazoo. The large number and diversity of restaurants and nightlife recently helped it earn Michigan's 'Cool City!' award.

It's not uncommon to go out on any given Friday night to the red-bricked Burdick Street in downtown--the world's first outdoor mall--to find people trekking from one event to another in the city's Art Hop. A monthly event that showcases local artists, the Art Hop features musical performances at the Epic Center, and visual art exhibits at the several galleries downtown. The bright marquee at the downtown State Theater, a renovated old opera house, could at any time bear the names of performers ranging from David Sedaris to Wilco, from Loretta Lynn to Ween. And for lesser known touring bands, there are venues like Kraftbrau and Bell's Brewery, both of which feature their own beer and beer gardens.

For drama, one might catch a show at the Civic, New Vic, Knockabout, or Whole Art theaters, campus offerings at WMU or Kalamazoo College, or a touring production like Les Miserable or Miss Saigon at Miller Auditorium, where WMU students get 1/2 off the price of admission on all seats. Students also enjoy discounts at The Little Theater (the same venue that hosts the Gwen Frostic Reading Series) on the Western Film Society's weekend showings of independent films.

During the summers people drive forty-five minutes west on M-43 to Lake Michigan to experience the beaches and laid-back communities in South Haven and Saugatuck, or take I-94 to Dune State Park where they find trails to explore, dunes to hike, and beaches to relax. Of course, people also stick close to home and enjoy the local lakes, parks, and biking trails throughout Kalamazoo. During the week, after classes and readings, students often gather at the University Roadhouse, a restaurant located two blocks off campus, and during the day they congregate around town at coffee shops as diverse as they are numerous.

For more information about the town and a comprehensive listing of businesses, schools, sports information, and entertainment please visit the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce website at:: Kalamazoo City.