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"My adopted hometown" a Kalamazoo Travel Page by FletchInEuropeYahoo

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"My adopted hometown" a Kalamazoo Travel Page by FletchInEuropeYahoo

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FletchInEuropeYahoo    
To boldly go where I have never gone before


Real Name: Fletch
Lives In: Kalamazoo, US
Member Since: Aug 19, 2004
VT Rank: 6935

 

Page Views: 782            Last Visit to Kalamazoo: September, 2004      

My adopted hometown

by FletchInEuropeYahoo - last update: Sep 9, 2004

Bronco band

College town

I moved to Kalamazoo in 1978 to attend college. There are four in this city: Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Davenport University, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. It's a lot of fun if you're that age as there's always a party somewhere and the bars are full of college-age kids.
Civic Theater looks the same today as in this phot

Arts and culture

When you're done partying, there's the Kalamazoo Institute of Art. Changing exhibits keep this facility interesting. A Chihuly chandelier hangs in the foyer.

Bronson Park, just kitty-corner from the KIA, has some wonderful scupture, too. In the middle of the park is a fountain with a sculpture "The Children May Safely Play" by Kirk Newman.

On the same corner as KIA is the Civic Theater. This beautiful old building hosts a lively season of entertainment by both adults and youth. There are several other theaters in the downtown area.

For summer stock, the Barn Theater in nearby Augusta fits the bill.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum downtown explores the area's history and industrial base.
Arcadia Creek downtown

Downtown area

When I moved here 26 years ago, downtown hosted hookers on the street corners, a strip bar, a run-down Hilton, and a dying shopping area. Today I'm happy to say the area is being resurrected. There are new and renovated buildings, including the Kalamazoo Center, now housing a Radisson as well as several upscale shops, restaurants, and outside dining areas. The Arcadia Creek area includes the new festival site and bandshell, where multiple fests are held every summer.

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Pros:"Always something to do, even after 26 years here."
Cons:"Traffic on south Westnedge is thick."
In A Nutshell:"Great place to raise your children"
FletchInEuropeYahoo's Kalamazoo Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
Restaurants
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
TransportationLocal Customs
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

Comments for FletchInEuropeYahoo about Kalamazoo
ernie01 Thu Nov 8, 2007 14:53 UTC
 Thanks for the tip. I grew up just a couple of miles north of the Museum and I guess we all took it for granted. After reading your tip I think I'll go out there.
KalamazooJohn Thu Sep 23, 2004 22:56 UTC
 We love Cosmo's, too. Breakfast on Sunday, with a Bloody Mary is the Bomb!

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