Things To Do

Hands-down this is our favorite. Owner Gloria Tiller opened her first Kazoo Books location in 1988 which she described as “a simple little paperback used bookstore.” The original store was expanded in 1999 and the Parkview location added four years later to keep up with growing demand for new and used books. Kazoo Books is now an Amazon.com affiliate and Tiller orders directly from publishers and distributors. Tiller still sells used books — but only those in excellent condition; patrons are welcome to bring in second-hand titles to be considered for trade. Additionally, Tiller deals in highly collectible books and is trained to appraise valuable literary works. She is among a staff of seven, including husband James, that work together to hold a multitude of special events with a particular focus on local authors and the cultivation of literacy. A knowledgeable staff, large inventory and personal service are all components that contribute to the longevity of Kazoo Books.

407 N. Clarendon St. (just 1 mile from Stuart Avenue Inn) and 2413 Parkview Ave. Don’t be misled – both buildings look deceptively small from the outside, but provide plenty of book shelves, wandering room, and reading nooks inside.

Hours: 10 – 6 Monday through Saturday.

Lawton Ridge Winery’s grapes are grown in the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area located in the oldest grape region in the state. Lawton is one of Michigan’s newer wineries, offering 11 different selections. Close to Kalamazoo with easy access from 131 or I 94, and a great place to start or end any winery tour.

A short drive from the Inn. O.k., we’ve only had their pizzas which vary from traditional pizza and cheese to a fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes and a light topping of mozzarella – delicious.

O.k. this is not a traditional bookstore – but it is a tradition in Kalamazoo. This downtown Kalamazoo icon has been “Bringing the World to You Since ’47.” Operating 6am to 8pm 365 days a year, this store stocks 6,500 different magazine titles, 16,000 paperback books and about eight different newspapers. A trip to Kalamazoo is not complete without a trip to the Michigan News.

308 E. Michigan Ave. (less than a mile from Stuart Avenue Inn – really – you can walk there!)

Over 35 years after its grand opening in 1968, Miller is still ranked as one of the top ten facilities in the United States, and is the third largest theatre in Michigan, and the premier center for performing arts not only in Kalamazoo, but also in all of Southwest Michigan.

a thirty minute drive from Kalamazoo in Augusta Michigan. It is excellent Tex/Mex food worth the trip. This is true hole-in-the-wall cuisine. For true south Texas taste – try the Enchiladas Verdes. The satisfaction of a good meal is only surpassed by the reasonableness of the bill.

Michigan’s first winery to produce wine with No Sulfites added, and one of the few wineries in the world that makes wine without chemicals or preservatives. Peterson wines have won 9 awards in the International Eastern Wine Competition held at Watkins Glen, New York, including a gold in 1985 for their rhubarb-raspberry, a gold for their cranberry at the Indiana State Fair as well as two bronze in New York and a bronze at the 1990 National Orange Show in California. Winery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. From exit 85 on I-94 east of Kalamazoo, go south on 35th Street and follow the signs.

The Riviera in Three Rivers. O.k. this one is a 30 to 40 minute drive, but well worth it. The Theater, located in historic downtown Three Rivers, Michigan, originally opened on December 23, 1925. In 2000, after a long run of events and films, the theatre closed its doors. In 2005, the theatre came under new ownership, and work began on the long and meticulous renovation. The Riviera re-opened for business in summer 2008. It has been beautifully restored, and offers many films not shown elsewhere. We recently watched the 2010 Oscar Nominated Short Live Action and Animated Films. What a treat! Complete with complimentary appetizers! To see what’s playing at the Riviera this week, click here.

This is our new favorite restaurant for a nice evening out. The Apple Braised Pork Shank, Grilled Arctic Char, Grilled Hanger Steak are all terrifically tasty. But the Cassoulet with Michigan shell beans, duck confit, homemade garlic sausage, lamb carrots and an herb crust is divine – really. The prices are reasonable, and chef focuses on fresh, sustainable, local products. Only one drawback – they don’t take reservations. But they do have a call-ahead system explained in detail on their website.

If you like Indian Food – this is the place. We tried the lunch buffet with a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes. Food was hot, tasty, and filling. The salad (a cross between fruit and savory lettuce) was fresh and different. The vegetarian options were varied with their own particular tastes.