New to the area? Me too. I know how difficult it can be away from your typical to-go spots, so definitely check out these local places that I've already fallen in love with & leave a comment for places I should try!
Map
Sections
3
Eateries
Small shops
Local Organizations
Eateries
It’s got a great vibe & I love their avocado toast with vegan aioli sauce!
HopCat
Their baked goods are made in house and they have vegan options!
Factory Coffee
Great space to do computer work! Large area inside and I’ve never seen it busy.
Matchhead Coffee
They have nut milks, vegan cream cheese, & a great hummus toast!
Fiddle Leaf Cafe: Neighborhood coffee shop
Small shops
Michigan’s official first refill shop! Not only do they offer fun workshops, but they are also a drop-off center for compost & eco-bricks!
Bee Joyful Shop
Delicious chocolates- they even have vegan options🍫
Confections with Convictions
An indie alternative to Barns&Noble. And yes, there’s a local coffee shop inside.
Bookbug & this is a bookstore
They have the most beautiful lamps & cool trinkets for gifts!
Terrapin Worldwide Imports
Fun to look for unique gifts 📦
Garden House Vintage and Antique Market
Great selection of carefully picked clothing
tulips little pop up shop
Love the art pieces & stickers here!
Amy Zane- unique finds
Local Organizations
Great place to earn community hours! Lovely staff💛
Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners, Inc.
Fun space for local artists!
Jerico
They offer free admission and operate as a community-supported space, reducing economic barriers and encouraging low-impact, educational tourism!
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
They restore aircraft instead of scrapping them, which extends lifespans of materials and reduces waste—plus they promote STEM education focused on future-forward innovation.
Air Zoo
Their exhibits often feature local artists, reducing the environmental impact of transporting large international collections, and they invest in community-centered programming.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
This is a powerhouse of sustainability—habitat restoration, conservation education, renewable-energy projects, and miles of trails that protect local ecosystems.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
They focus on small-batch, locally sourced grapes, supporting lower transportation emissions and sustainable regional agriculture.
Tempo Vino Winery | Michigan
This is a sustainability gem—direct-to-consumer produce, reduced packaging, local growers, and community resilience through food sustainability. Plus, they have an indoor location for the winter!
