my kalamazoo

So, Leanne and Diana both did this, and I thought it looked fun. I did mine on my home town Kalamazoo because even though I could probably fill a lot of this out about Williamburg, I only lived here two years and don't really feel like an "insider". Plus, not a lot of people outside of Kalamazoo know about it and a lot of people that read this blog are from (or spent a good chunk of their 18-30 year old years) there and could add to anything I forgot. Now, for those of you still living in Kzoo, I understand that some things may no longer be there, but I'm basing this on what was there when I lived there.

My Kalamazoo: Alison

My age: 25

Occupation: Teacher

I lived here for: 23 years

I lived here because: I was born there and then went to college there.

My neighborhood: Westnedge Hill, then Vine (aka, the Student Ghetto, but I hate when people refer to it that way because there are not only students there.)

My favorite restaurant: So many! Saffron for Indian food, Big Burrito for Mexican (especially late at night), Crow's Nest for breakfast, Shawarma King for Arabic food, Food Dance for organic/farmer-friendly food.

If you go to this restaurant, be sure to order: Saffron: saffron rice and garlic naan. Big Burrito: their nachos and tacos. Crow's Nest: The Old Standby. Shawarma King: anything!! Food Dance: anything they have on special, anything off their breakfast menu and do not miss their desserts!

My favorite museum: I'm pretty sure there's only one major museum in town, and it's pretty cool. Does anyone remember when the museum was above the library? That was awesome except that I was always so freaked out by the mummy (For those of you that have never been to Kzoo: our museum has a mummy and she was featured on Reading Rainbow. I know! We're so famous, right?)

My favorite tourist destination: For that,you'd have to go outside of Kalamazoo and go to some of the amazing campgrounds, some of the millions of smaller lakes or cities/towns on Lake Michigan. I always liked South Haven because it was the closest and least like a big yacht club. Plus, there's this one bakery we always went to... oh, I miss that bakery.

Best insider spot: The bars and coffeeshops. Bell's for Bell's beer (duh! and their outside area--beautiful!), Green Top for cheap beer and amazing bartenders (it's like being served by your grandparents!), O'Duffy's for lambic and the BEST margaritas EVER for a good price, Metro for a gay friendly, diverse atmosphere where the non-dance floor area is nice & quiet, Kraftbrau (I don't think it's open anymore, but whatever) for good beer, sangria, wine, and a show, Shakespeare's for trivia while you're drinking. I'm probably forgetting one. I'm leaving Bilbo's off of this cause I haven't been to the new one yet, and I loved the old one, where you had to drink in the basement. Anyway, the coffeeshop scene in Kzoo is ridiculous. Screw Starbucks, we have Fourth Coast (best coffee and Crow's Nest right upstairs), Water Street (best desserts!) and, of course, Rocket Star (I just love it because I worked there for so long).

My favorite area: The Vine neighborhood, downtown.

Best place to go shopping: Downtown in the "pedestrian" mall.

When you visit, don’t forget to pack: At least one thing you can use for any type of weather: a sweater, snow boots, umbrella, swim suit. It can switch on you, don't be fooled.

But leave room in your suitcase for: Great vintage clothes from Poly & Ester's and retro candy and sodapop from Tommy's, Bell's beer, and TONS of used books from Kazoo Books I & II (I have not found another used book store like it).

The one local cuisine you should try when you’re in town is: Food from Shawarma King. Michigan is lucky enough to have one of the largest Arabic populations in the U.S., Kalmazoo has a good international student population and I miss the food soo much.

The best way to get around: Moped, bicycle or feet!

If I had to describe this city in one word, it would be: Surprising.

I tell my friends to stay at: My parents house! :)

The one thing most outsiders don’t know about this city is: even though it seems small, it has an amazing array of things to do. The Art Hop, all the different fests in the summer (Greek, Island, Rib, Blues...), the Doo Dah parade, the different groups of people you can get to know, the dance companies (okay, okay, I'm only referring to one: Ballet Arts!), the different coffee shops, the music scene, the bars, the brewerys, St Julian wine... so much to do! And it is NOT cold all the time.

They say “Virginia is for lovers.” So fill in the blank: This is difficult, I can't really think of something good. Kalamazoo is for people who want to explore what a smaller city can offer?

Did I forget anything?

This made me kinda homesick. I was hoping to find a way to Kalamazoo this summer (because nothing beats a few summer days in Kalamazoo/Michigan), but I'm not sure if it's going to happen because of the move to Richmond. Flying would be way too expensive. I could take a train, which would be pretty cheap, but that's 20 hours by my self. I could drive, but no one to drive that 12-14 hours with, because David would be working. Poop. I guess I'll just have to wait until Christmas.