Being basically a Kalamazoo native, I like to pride myself on knowing some of the best food, drink, and even activity places in the area. I thought I'd also share it with everyone, since I'm a really good human being.
1) East Egg on West Michigan (food)
This place is a godsend for hungry students. Generally it is not busy if you go before noon, but once noon hits on a Friday or Saturday it is full of hungry, hungover college kids. The stuffed chocolate chip french toast is the best.
2) Simple Treasures on Westnedge Avenue (thrift store)
This thrift store is one of the best places that actually works with people on the prices! I've gotten wine glasses here, a glass tray, a kitchen table with six chairs (for $65!!), a bookshelf, a set of martini glasses, and a dresser here. They're willing to work with you on dropping the prices because it's a nonprofit that donates the money to an organization. Definitely worth the trip here.
3) Main Street Pub on West Main (food)
This place is fairly local, but they do have several locations. The food is great, from jalapeño poppers to their burgers (they have veggie burgers), and the build your own sampler is actually cheaper and you get more food than Applebee's appetizer sampler.
4) The Union downtown Kalamazoo (food and drink)
This is a bar downtown (not even sure the name of the street its on to be honest) but they have really good drinks! Their green tea shot is delicious, and their mojitos (my absolute favorite drink) are delicious. I had my first chocolate martini here. I had food here too, which was pretty good, but I can't remember what I ate so I won't bother trying.
5) The Old Goat on West Michigan (food and drink)
They have great veggie burgers here, and if you order a mojito and they make it too strong, just ask your server for strawberry syrup and it will make it so much better! Within walking distance to all the parties, too.
6) Niskers off of West Main (food)
Think of this place as a subway but for burgers... you build your own based on what you'd like. I get the veggie burger, and layer it with plenty of veggies and pepper jack cheese. They have great milkshakes from Plainwell ice-cream, and also great curly fries and sweet potato fries. They have other food as well, not just burgers. They renovated recently and have a cool hockey bar.
7) Gene the Pumpkin Man down West Main/M43 (pumpkins)
Technically not in Kalamazoo, but it wouldn't be October without him. On the way towards South Haven, you'll spot his orange car parked up on his hill, and he'll have plenty of customers parked in the driveway.
8) Sweetwater's Donut Mill on Stadium Drive (food)
The best donut place in existence, Sweetwater's offers more than enough donuts for anyone. My favorite is New York Cheesecake, but they have anything from key lime to peanut butter and jelly (another favorite) to smores to reeses. Not even ten minutes from campus, this place is a must for donut lovers.
9) Airway Lanes on Portage Road (fun)
A little farther than Kalamazoo (located in Portage) it's a fun place to just be a kid. They offer a ropes course, mini golf, escapology (room escape games), laser tag, laser mazes, an arcade, and more. Prices vary but they have packages as well, and it's worth the trip with a group of friends.
10) South Haven in South Haven (city)
Out of the ordinary, but I wanted to add this picturesque town to the list. South Haven is the best for when you want to look around the shops or eat here (I recommend Taste). The shops are all cute, and you can find candy stores, clothing, and toy stores here. Generally it's best to go in the summer, but it's such a beautiful town, and if you are okay with skipping the beach then I would go now.
