Mr Meerkat and I LOVE living in Michigan (minus when we get huge snow storms) and to be able to share it with you… *squeal* Yea, I am that excited. I promise to try my best to keep each category to my top three choices otherwise this could get really long, really quickly.
Things to see
The Air Zoo is #1 on my list of things to do in Kalamazoo. Basically it’s a interactive museum that has AMAZING displays of transportation from the first hot air balloon to present day. It has some old hot air balloons and bi-planes:
WWI and WWII planes:
and even some of the most modern and amazing planes/jets you will ever see:
And while your there don’t forget to give the flight simulators a test!
Michigan has some of these most amazing wineries in the country. You can visit the tasting rooms, take a long walk around the beautiful grounds or even hire a private tour to take you from winery to winery. If you want to see what Michigan country side is really like the wine trails are the place to do it.
Michigan is also renowned for some amazing beaches. If your looking for a nice relaxing day head on over to Silver Beach in Saint Joseph. (I grew up just 15 minutes from the beach so I have a warm, fuzzy spot for it.) When your tired of laying in the sun walk on up to the bluff to browse some eclectic shops. Don’t forget to stop and get some fudge and ice cream at Kilwin’s. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Where to eat
For the sushi lover in you! *grin* Mr. Meerkat and I both have a affinity for sushi. Seriously we probably go out a few times a month for it. While my heart belong to Sakura, Sushiya is also an amazing place. They also have amazing hibachi if someone in your group doesn’t like sushi. (I am looking at you Mama-In-Law Meerkat!)
2. Erbellis
TO DIE FOR PIZZA! Erbellis is a local favorite and every time Mr. Meerkat’s family comes into town they request to eat here. Everything from the pizza to the calzones to the salads are amazing. For real—the best Italian food I have ever had.
If you like spicy food like Mr. Meerkat, this is the place to eat (but don’t worry, they have mild versions too). The menu is pretty authentic as the family who owns it closes down for a month each fall to visit family in Thailand. You can order any of the food with your choice of spiciness: no spice, mild, medium, medium plus, Bangkok hot. I always go for mild or no spice, while Mr. Meerkat goes medium plus.
4. Smash Burger
Sometimes there is nothing like a greasy burger and fries. Smash Burger is actually a chain but they make one of the most amazing burgers I have ever had. Pick the make your own combination so you can add blue cheese and cherry BBQ (which you can only get at Michigan Smash Burgers). *drool*
Where to stay
This B&B would be my number one choice for where to stay in Kalamazoo. Even thought it was built in 1895 the grounds are amazing and all the amenities are very modern! Not to mention, the people who run it make you feel special. My favorite thing is that each room is decorated in a different theme from around the world, which of course, the traveler in me loves.
2. Radisson in Downtown Kalamazoo
It’s right in downtown Kalamazoo and probably one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever seen. What I love most about this hotel is that you are right in walking distance of many restaurants and the Arcadia grounds where each weekend during the summer there is a festival of some type going on. You check out all the things to do in downtown Kalamazoo here.
Ok, ok I am going to stop here because if you let me I would go on and on about Kalamazoo. We really do love it here because we have the best of both the countryside and city life. After reading this I know you’re dying to book your trip to Kalamazoo. So when you get that all set, let us know so we can all go to dinner! 
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See all the posts in the Honeymoon in my Hometown Series here!
Aw, I never thought I’d see a “Honeymoon in My Hometown” post about Kalamazoo. Nicely done, Meerkat! And now I want some Smashburger…
I LOVE Silver Beach! we used to go there every summer in high school…fond memories of jumping off the pier 
While I have to politely disagree about some of your top restaurant picks, it’s nice to see Kzoo getting some love on Weddingbee!
If money wasn’t a concern, my dream wedding would be at Henderson Castle – I forget the name of the room, but I love the one with light up constellations in the ceiling mural!!
It wouldn’t feel like summer without all the downtown festivals – I never miss Island Fest or Woofstock!
@Pwitty: I would love to hear some of your choices for food!! We are heading to the downtown Sunday before Wicked and I still have not settled on where we are eating. 
This post has me excited to go home to Kzoo for the Holidays!
I love eating at Olde Peninsula, Food Dance, and Epic Bistro in the downtown area. The root beer at Olde Peninsula is scrumptious!
Oh man, my sister went to Western so we spent many a weekend in Kzoo. Good job on sending out the love!
Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo! I just like saying it I would definitely wanna stay at the castle!
I was just in Battle Creek for Thanksgiving and we ventured to Kalamazoo for dinner one night. I wish I had seen this post sooner so we would have known about the food recommendations and wineries!
i spent my thanksgivings and easters in battle creek/kalamazoo during college. my favorite thing about the trip west [from ann arbor] was seeing the billboards: “kalamazoo…sounds like fun!” good times
Just sending out a little more Kzoo love! It’s great to see someone else who loves the zoo as much as we do
Thanks to your post, we decided to honeymoon in Kalamazoo! Thank you for the great ideas!
Update: Apparantly the castle almost went out of business and may or may not close before my wedding date (May 14). So we’ll book both there and the Radisson, and then we can cancel Radisson if the castle is still in business in May.
@Watergirl4ever: Oh no! Henderson castle is such a big part of Kalamazoo history I am so sorry to see it in trouble. 
I love reading about other people who from Michigan. Im from Saginaw (now in Louisiana). Not that has to do with Kalamazoo in anyway. But.. anywho. This post makes me wish I would have visited once or twice!
Mrs. Meerkat, Kalamazoo, MI/Riviera Maya Age and Occupation: 30, Application Engineer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, IT Consultant Engagement Date: July 26, 2008 Wedding Date: December 2010 Venue: Al Cielo / La Laguna About Me: I’m a tech-savvy tomboy with an affinity for hot tea and good sushi. Us Meerkats are just a couple fun lovin’ geeks from Michigan. We love anything having to do with movies, books, video games or technology and we hold a special place in our hearts for our two very spoiled shih-tzus, Wicket and Bravo. We also LOVE to travel. We love it so much it only took us 12 hours after we got engaged to decide to have a destination wedding. We are working our little Meerkat tails off planning a rustic-chic, travel themed destination wedding in the Riviera Maya with a semi-formal, vintage-turned-modern, outdoor at home reception back here in Michigan.
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