One Day to Experience Autumn in Kalamazoo to the Fullest
Autumn is undoubtedly a prime time to explore Kalamazoo, making it perfect for a memorable day trip. This itinerary showcases a plethora of unique activities that allow you to fully appreciate the vibrant fall scenery while traversing nearly every corner of Kalamazoo County.
Begin your adventure with stunning lake vistas in the morning, elevating the experience of leaf peeping. Next, immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s hiking trails. Afterward, indulge in the local flavors by sampling fresh Michigan apples, cider, and beer, offering a true taste of the region’s harvest and craftsmanship.
Brunch at Cove Lakeside Bistro
Cove Lakeside Bistro is a modern eatery with a lake house feel on West Lake in Portage. If you’re looking for a greasy spoon lunch spot, Cove is not the place for your brunch experience. That being said, their brunch menu is unique, fresh and creative, and you can’t beat the floor-to-ceiling views of West Lake. Plus, if you’re going to be out all day, you’ll need top-notch food to fuel your afternoon activities!
Kalamazoo Nature Center for a hike
This must-visit outdoor and indoor experience will connect you to the natural world. The Kalamazoo Nature Center offers miles of trails through woods, wetlands, and prairies. While you walk around the trails, listen for owls, songbirds, woodpeckers, and more. Keep your eyes open for wildflowers, deer, turkey, butterflies, insects, turtles, and other creatures!
Inside the nature center, there is also a year-long, three-story tropical rainforest. This is a great place for a winter excursion to see beautiful greenery! In the spring, enjoy the butterfly and hummingbird garden, which is filled with plantings and flowers that feed and provide shelter for the delicate creatures. Everyone (and every animal) can find something to enjoy and discover at the Kalamazoo Nature Center!
Afternoon at a Gull Meadow Farms
Gull Meadow Farms is a fun destination for the whole family. They offer UPick apples, pumpkins, a corn Maze, fresh baked goods, barn animals, and more! They’re open from August through December and host multiple festivals, arts and crafts fairs, vintage markets, and various other unique events throughout the season.
This place is highly kid-friendly, but if you’re planning a visit without kiddos in tow, plenty of things to do here make for a perfect date, an afternoon with friends or your in-laws; you will find something worth your while! Our favorite adult-friendly activities are the wagon rides out to the orchard for apple picking or the pumpkin patch to find your one-of-a-kind pumpkin for carving that perfect Jack-o-lantern.
And while you might still be full from your brunch at Cove, you can’t leave without grabbing some fresh donuts, cider, and kettle corn to go!
Dinner at Cosmo’s Cucina
Not only do the old tree-lined streets of Kalamazoo’s Historic Vine Neighborhood provide for some great fall views, but you can also attend one of the many Haunted History of Kalamazoo walking tours that take place just a few blocks away in Bronson Park! If you’re not into the spooky thing, then we’re confident that you’ll love the warm and cozy vibe at Cosmo’s Cucina.
Cosmo’s Cucina is locally and family-owned. It works with local farmers and sourced the best, freshest ingredients available long before it was the in, trendy thing to do! Meals are created to order, from scratch, in its kitchen on the cozy second floor of a beautiful historic building.
End the night with drinks and dessert at Texas Corners Brewing Company
Just outside of the hustle and bustle of Kalamazoo is the Texas Corners Brewing Co. Housed in a repurposed chapel, folks still gather here to savor handmade craft beers and ciders. They’re famous for their bison burger but also serve a delicious kids menu with options as lowas $4. Families can also sit outside on their patio to look at the beautiful lawn and lush trees!
After a long day of fall fun, you’re probably ready to call it a night. Why night extend your stay at one of our hotels or B&B’s?
