The Desenberg just opened early October 2023 after a huge renovation. It really is…read moremodern-meets-vintage. Their open house was beautiful and it was cool to get an early peek at the space. They allow a wide range of caterers which helps. Check out the high-tech mouthwash dispenser in the bathroom! Definitely want to have an event here!

If you're looking for a swanky place to go in Kalamazoo, SkyDeck is your place. I always feel like…read morethe drinks are a good $2 more than the other bars in the Entertainment District, and there's only the 1 bar so you may have to wait if it's busy. Oh, but it's never been busy when I've gone. Background music was playing, and yes you can get a view of the city, but there's a lot of cranes and building going on now, and you're only really 7 stories up. I wish they'd move the smoking section (or get rid of it altogether) since you have to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to the bathrooms...

Upon moving to Kalamazoo, Skydeck took somewhat of a mythical status in my mind. Who wouldn't want…read moreto live it up on the tallest bar in Kzoo? The fact that you can't see it's layout from the ground floor lends to the allure. All this is to say that I created a legend in my head that sadly wasn't true. Skydeck was interesting, fun for a night, and not much more. Perhaps it's for this reason that I gave it an average rating. But I also think that there were a few flaws regarding the space and I'll lay them out here. First and foremost, you pay a premium to be in this space, both in the form of a cover ($10, nothing insane) and an apparent tariff on the drinks (maybe it's handling fees for hauling it all up so high?). Either way, you should expect to be a bit gouged for cash. Not all of the drinks are insane, but mixed drinks are pricey, and some of their "signature" drinks top $12. Now, initially, this might seem like a fair trade: a bit extra for high quality drinks and a higher quality view. But here's the rub: it's a small space, it's packed, and the edge seats go first. For me and my group to enjoy the breathtaking view of Kalamazoo, we would have to stand or share tables. It's difficult to blame them for being popular. That being said, I don't really feel like we received the main feature of the venue. A friend of mine put it sagely: it's a great date spot, or celebration, but you don't go their to drink. You go there for the experience. Therefore, this won't become one of my "regular spots." Here are some positives to end on: -Amazing view of the city -Great ambiance, especially at night -Wonderful service -Elevator!

This place continues to be a winner for me. For those of who are like me and need to "wine" down…read moreafter work, they open at 4 :-). I went with a friend and when I tell you that I love when you know what I want when you see me...I do. The service particularly at opening is top notch, The music is always beautiful matching the vibe of the place. By now you know I am addicted to the black eye pea hummus. It's so so good. The no more drama is newly added into my rotation of drinks.

One of my favorite bars! I try to make it to Kalamazoo a few times a year, but restaurant week is…read moredefinitely my favorite. I went this past week and their blues fest was also happening. Live performances, good food, AMAZING drinks, and wonderful staff makes the drive worth it every single time! The cocktail bar has a cool story and I love that every menu item has a feeling to it. My favorite drink for the night was from their limited edition summer menu, the electric slide was perfect and refreshing (sign my petition to get my drink on the regular menu lol), my boyfriend had an old fashioned by one of the bartenders that another couple near us said makes the best, and he indeed said it was made perfectly! (Idk what that means cause I think they're gross, but ‍), the mint julep is also a must try as their signature drink, ooo and the my prerogative is pretty tasty too. Big drinker clearly, we also tried the competition cocktail made with corn!! Sounds insane, but it was actually really good!! Okay onto the food, I have no pictures of the food because I literally inhaled it all. So here's my list of must try's as the cost is pretty reasonable, so you can really try them all. Sweet heat chicken flatbread Collard green dip Honey lemon pepper chicken salad (SOOO GOOD!!!) Peach cobbler cornbread Get my exact order and maybe a few other items and I promise you'll have love them too, can't wait to go back!

I love art museums, so I was excited to check out KIA while in town recently. Entry is only $5 for…read moreadults, $2 for students, and free for members, children through age 12, and active military personnel. There is free parking available in parking lots across from entrances on South and Lovell streets. The museum wasn't busy when we were there, which was nice as we were able to leisurely wander the galleries. It's not a huge museum, but I loved the Kyungmi Shin: A Story to Finding Us exhibit (through May 12, 2024). The artworks were stunning and I loved trying to find hidden images in each. The other main exhibit was American Realism: Visions of America, 1900-1950, which didn't resonate with me personally as much, but it was still interesting to see. The permanent collection downstairs was nice - I especially liked the Tiffany lamps and jewelry. There is a Chihuly sculpture hanging in the entryway, which is really cool to see. The gift shop is nicely curated with lots of great books, gifts, and more. Nate got a cute little cat shaped ceramic chopstick rest!

This is an impressive small city museum, and I love that it is community-focused and has an art…read morelibrary and school along with the gallery space. My favorite of the current exhibits is the 'Cobalt to Indigo' Asian display. The high school pieces are impressive too. The museum is free on Thursdays and has a free parking lot across from the back of the building.

The Station is a dance mom's dream come true! They get it! Jennifer was so helpful and their…read morecustomer service is top notch! I live in Chicago and will be reaching out to The Station for my daughter's pointe shoe needs in Kalamazoo again for sure! They have so much in stock and are so helpful!

My daughter needed pointe shoes for her summer intensive. We were looking online and called many…read morestores that showed having her shoe, only to find they did not have them in stock. We were super happy to find The Station! Not only did they have what they advertised, the friendly and helpful staff member went out of her way to make sure we had the pointe shoes in time for the intensive. She was also helpful in reminding us to order ribbons and elastic. We will definitely be shopping at The Station again!

What am amazing space! I appreciated the signage as a first time visitor (though google maps…read morecould've helped a bit more for parking). The rooms were beautiful, and it was nice to wander about a little. So grateful for the Kitchen Witch workshop I attended and glad to learn there is so much more happening there!

Such an incredible music venue, featuring local and national talent. This woman-owned venue is…read morestrong in the community and the space is divine. Look for all kinds of concerts and special events!

Have actually only gone for a private party, which was really nice. The music was great, at a nice…read morevolume. We could easily converse, and just chill. The appetizers were very good. THEN, 10:00 hit, and it opened to the public. Yikes. Horrible DJ started and it turned a completely opposite direction. It lost its cozy and warm atmosphere to the typical 21 year old college crowd. It truly was awful. The entire party left. Keeping it a more low-key bar is SUCH a better choice. There are already enough dance clubs, but NOWHERE to sit and talk, have good drinks, and just BE with your friends. This place has far better potential. FAR.

It's a place to have some fun and if you feel like dancing, you can do it! Bar has many choices if…read moreyou feel like drinking. The ambiance is relaxing and soothing that you can dance on your own or with someone else and have fun! Nice play to relax and have some dance!