“From Timbuktu to Kalamazoo”
Kalamazoo has become a metonym for exotic places, as in the phrase “From Timbuktu to Kalamazoo.” Today t-shirts are sold with the phrase “Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo.” The city itself is often referred to as the bedding Plant Capital of the World, Celery City, Kazoo (or K’Zoo), Mall City, or The Paper City. Kalamazoo has many local breweries and brewpubs that produce a variety of beer styles, the city hosts many events to celebrate the growing craft brew community including the annual Kalamazoo beer week and, Kalamazoo Craft Beer Festival including the Give a Craft beer trail and passport. A shuttle bus (Kalamazoo Brew Bus) service and party bike tour service are available options to enjoy the many breweries. The city has an Arts Council. On the first Friday of each month, the council organizes the ‘Art Hop’. Art Hop is a free event, during which downtown businesses and galleries display works by local artists, and patrons ‘hop’ from venue to venue, enjoying art, live music, and the chance to interact with local artists. Next to Milham Park is the Milham Park Golf Course. During winter, sledding and cross-country skiing are popular activities at the golf course (free of charge). The Kalamazoo Nordic Skiers club has groomed and maintained skate ski and classic ski trails for community use. Most notable to the city, The Air Zoo museum features vintage aircraft, flight simulators, and rides. Kalamazoo is also known for the Gilmore Car Museum featuring vintage cars and historic diners. The city is the hometown of New York Yankees all-star shortstop Derek Jeter.
