1. Yes there is a Kalamazoo
Being from Kalamazoo, you’ve probably had more than one person ask if it’s a real place, especially people from out of state. It is a real place, a great one at that!
2. Kalamazoo = Kzoo
“Kalamazoo” is a bit of a mouthful so most people shorten it to “Kzoo” or “the zoo.” Saying this has also earned you a few weird looks from people who don't know you aren't refering to an actual zoo.
3. Home to the best donuts in Michigan.
Krispy Kreme donuts don’t have anything on the award-winning donuts from Sweetwater’s Donut Mill. Making donuts that taste like Snickers, New York cheesecake, and Reese’s, these gourmet donuts are the best you’ve ever had.
4. Lake Michigan is a short drive away
A day on the beach of one of the largest lakes in the country is less than an hour’s drive away. If you’re from the area, there’s no doubt you’ve spent a good number of your days throughout the year (yes, even in the winter) in South Haven.
5. Many local lakes that are even closer.
If you don’t feel like making the trek out to Lake Michigan, the Kalamazoo area is home to many small lakes, most of which have public access. These lakes are very popular fishing spots during the summer.
6. Locals love their beer.
With Kalamazoo being home to many local breweries and bars dedicated to just beer, it’s no wonder craft beer is so popular. In fact, spring is many local’s favorite season, not only because of the warmer weather, but because it’s the season that Oberon is finally back in stock.
7. We also love our root beer.
Not just any root beer though, homemade root beer. Scattered around Kalamazoo and the surrounding area are many drive-in style restaurants that serve hot dogs and homemade root beer that become especially popular during the summer months.
8. Chinn Chinn
You may not have eaten here, but you’ve probably heard of this famous Chinese restaurant. Chinn Chinn is known for its amazing food, so much so that at times, there could be a four-hour wait for carry-out orders. Eating at this restaurant can’t be a spontaneous decision, especially if you want to eat on time.
9. Cereal capitol of the world.
One of the world’s most famous cereal brands, Kellogg, is located in Battle Creek Michigan.
10. You share a hometown with Derek Jeter and Greg Jennings.
Both Yankee’s player Derek Jeter, and Green Bay Packers Star Greg Jennings both resided in Kalamazoo before their professional sports careers started.
11. Binder Park Zoo
If you grew up in Kalamazoo, chances are you’ve spent quite a few of your days at Binder Park, especially on school field trips. It’s always a great day when you get to feed the giraffes in the Africa exhibit.
12. Air Zoo
Kalamazoo is home to another “zoo,” however this zoo doesn’t house any animals. Instead visitors are able to explore the ins and outs of many different airplanes. With many simulations and rides inside, it’s a favorite place to visit in the area, and most locals have at least once.
13. Land of one-way streets
If you’re from the Kalamazoo area, you know that downtown can be a little tricky to maneuver because after a certain point almost every road is a one-way.
14. Crow’s Nest
If you frequent downtown Kalamazoo, this is probably your favorite place to eat breakfast, if you don’t mind the line. Crow’s Nest is a very popular breakfast joint that is known to have out-the-door lines, especially on mornings during the weekend. This is also probably your favorite breakfast spot if you consistently feel a little "under the weather" from nights before.
15. VerHage Fruit Farms
VerHage is the place everyone goes to pick apples in the fall. From its famous apple cider, delicious apples, and fun-filled hayrides, VerHage is always a hotspot during the fall months!
16. Gene the Pumpkin Man
If you’re from Kalamazoo, you’ve heard of Gene the Pumpkin Man, almost entirely because everyone in the area buys pumpkins from him in October. Dressed head-to-toe in orange and driving around in his bright orange car, Gene is nothing short of a local celebrity.
17. Western Michigan University
Being from Kalamazoo, you know that in the heart of the city is one of Michigan’s larger universities. Even if you aren’t alumni or an enrolled student, you still find yourself “rowing the boat” and rooting for the broncos.
18. Entertainment District
Known for their very popular foam parties, Entertainment District’s Wild Bull is always poppin’ on Thursday night, which is college night.
19. You avoid Westnedge during Christmas at all costs
Westnedge Ave is one of the busiest streets in the area, stretching from portage all the through downtown Kalamazoo. Already extremely busy throughout the year, traffic quadruples during the holiday season. If you have to venture out on this treacherous road, you make sure you’ll only have to do it once.
20. Kalamazoo K-wings
Most Kalamazoo residents have gone to a K-wings hockey game, or at least have been to the arena itself. Many local high schools graduate here, and the arena is host to many events throughout the year. Living in the area, it’s pretty hard not to have been there at least once.
21. Kal-Haven Trail
The Kal-Haven trail is a path that leads from Kalamazoo to South Haven. It is a very popular biking and walking trail, especially for the athletic type.
22. Festivals galore
Kalamazoo is host to many festivals during the summer; including Greek fest, Blues fest, Ribfest, and Irish fest. Many summer days for kzoo residents are spent downtown eating amazing food and listening to great music.
23. Waterstreet coffee
Waterstreet coffee might be the most popular locally owned coffee shops in the area. Even if you aren’t a coffee fan, you’ve probably visited the coffee shop at least once with friends.
24. Friends Good Will
While this name might not ring a bell, almost everyone who’s been to South Haven has seen this famous pirate-like ship leaving and entering the channel throughout the day. Some people are even lucky enough to have ridden this iconic boat on Lake Michigan.
25. You can experience all 4 seasons in 24 hours
Michiganders in general know that weather can change within a second but in Kalamazoo, this is especially true. Being the perfect distance from the lake, rain or snow can pop up out of nowhere. And it isn’t uncommon to experience 70 degree weather in March and wake up to a foot of snow the next morning.
26. Big city with a small-town feel
Kalamazoo is not a small city, but the tight-knit community definitely makes it feel that way. Whether it be a tragic shooting, or a childhood cancer fundraiser, I’ve never seen so many strangers band together to help those in need. And in general people are very nice. There isn’t a lot of the “hustle and bustle” that many other large cities experience. I’ve lived in Kalamazoo my entire life, only leaving to attend college. I love my city, and all of the things that make it unique and I wouldn’t have wanted to grow up anywhere else!
