Discovering Kalamazoo: A Memorable First Stop in Michigan
Our journey through Michigan began in Kalamazoo, where we had the pleasure of reconnecting with a dear friend and her sweet Beagles. She graciously showed us around, and the town exceeded all our expectations. Here are the highlights of our visit:
Delicious Eats and Local Charm
Buddy’s Pizza: Our first taste of Detroit-style pizza did not disappoint! The thick, crispy crust and flavorful toppings were a big hit with everyone. The buttery edges were my favorite!
Exploring the town
Bronson Park: We had so much fun discovering the topiary display they had set up around the square, which the boys loved exploring hand-in-hand with our friend (super sweet!). It was heartwarming to watch them race between the sculptures. Meanwhile, I enjoyed marveling at the meticulously arranged flower beds at a slower pace. One of my favorite things about travel is soaking in gardens in other locations, getting ideas and inspiration on flower bed design, and, of course, taking lots and lots of pictures - gardens bursting with flowers is definitely my happy place!
Kalamazoo Mall: This pedestrian-friendly shopping area offered a charming mix of window shopping and unique stores. We stopped into an art store where I was tempted by so many handicraft kits, and ultimately left with a new pair of rainbow sunglasses.
Kalamazoo Valley Museum: After a stroll down Kalamazoo Mall, you’ll reach this free museum, which turned out to be a highlight for our family. We were greeted by a surprisingly captivating fly swatter collection on display, and knew we were in for a fun day. They had a large children’s area with hands-on activities, crafts, toys, and even a jukebox, which the boys loved! It was an engaging experience for all, and we all left with a new appreciation for the ordinary turned extraordinary.
Where we stayed
Markin Glen Park: Our campground was fantastic! Flat, concrete pull-through sites with grassy patches and concrete fire pits made for a comfortable stress free stay. The kids enjoyed the well-maintained playgrounds with slides and climbing structures, and we loved exploring the scenic walking trails. There was a large lake surrounded by well manicured walking trails and benches dotted throughout, making it ideal for sitting and observing nature. One of our favorite playgrounds overlooked the lake and was right next to a sandy beach with a partitioned swimming area. The water was so inviting that one day the boys jumped in fully clothed! The joy on their faces reminded me of why we were doing this really hard thing of working and travelling for long periods of time. That was a core memory and seeing them happy and splashing in that moment meant everything to me.
Day Trips and Scenic Trails
Saugatuck Dunes State Park: A day trip to this park was a highlight for me and Manny - a rare mommy doggy date! The hike through the forest leading to towering dunes that open up to the vastness of Lake Michigan was breathtaking. The transition from shaded woods to expansive sand dunes felt magical. The windy day added a sense of adventure, as we watched the waves crash against the shore. Manny and I enjoyed a peaceful walk along the beach, dipping our toes in the cool water and soaking in the serene beauty of the lake. We met up with some new colleagues and their doggy’s for a fun day out together, getting to know one another, and enjoying this beautiful state.
Asylum Lake: This loop trail was perfect for kids and dogs. Despite feeling burnt out at this point in the trip, the boys’ joy in discovering signs of a beaver and exploring stick huts lifted my spirits. These little moments reminded me of the beauty of shared experiences, even during challenging times.
More Kalamazoo Fun
Kalamazoo Nature Center: Just minutes from our campground, this gem offered a cozy mid-century modern vibe indoors with hands-on exhibits and an engaging wildfire display. The outdoor trails provided plenty of opportunities to immerse ourselves in nature and were just the right length for little legs. The kids enjoyed spotting wildlife, while I found the serene surroundings restorative. It was the perfect place to reflect on our time in Kalamazoo and appreciate the natural beauty of Michigan.
Our time in Kalamazoo was a wonderful blend of reconnecting with friends, exploring nature, and enjoying family-friendly activities. It set the perfect tone for our Michigan journey. If you’ve visited Kalamazoo or have a favorite Michigan destination, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
