Tip of The Day

Don't forget to take advantage of the amazing hiking trails in the Kalamazoo and Portage area, such as the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail or Al Sabo Preserve!

It's a great way to stay active and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Southwest Michigan.

The Park Trades Center at 326 West Kalamazoo Avenue transforms a century-old manufacturing building into Southwest Michigan's most vibrant creative community.

Over 100 artists and creative entrepreneurs now occupy 95 studios across 140,000 square feet of this historic space.

Originally home to the Kalamazoo Loose Leaf Binder Company starting in 1906, the building welcomed its first artists in 1971 after industrial tenants moved out.

Today's makers practice diverse crafts including glassblowing, metalsmithing, ceramics, woodworking, photography, painting, textiles, and printmaking.

Monthly Art Hop events on first Fridays draw hundreds of visitors who explore open studios and witness live demonstrations.

Six special 2025 Art Hop celebrations will feature after-hop concerts, guided tours, and community projects.

The facility maintains a decade-long partnership with nearby Kalamazoo College, providing studio space where senior art students work alongside professional artisans.

Students report this experience shifts their mindset from art student to practicing artist while exposing them to exhibition opportunities and professional networking.

Available studio spaces continue welcoming new artists, ensuring this arts incubator remains a living, growing creative hub.

New Leadership Dynamics Emerge on the Portage City Council

Portage is entering a new chapter as the 31st City Council is seated, bringing together three returning members and one newly elected voice. Incumbents Victor Ledbetter, Jihan Ain Young, and Mayor Patricia Randall will continue their roles, while newcomer Kathleen Olmsted joins the council after securing over 5,300 votes in the November election.

The shift marks the end of an era for longtime council member Terry Urban, who served seven terms across 28 years. Urban’s departure represents a significant loss of institutional knowledge, a point he emphasized before the election, noting that his historical perspective often helped guide discussions. Despite his experience, Urban placed fourth, with just over 4,400 votes.

The election also brings a historic first: a female majority on the council, signaling a potential shift in tone and priorities. Voter turnout was approximately 23%, meaning a relatively small segment of residents shaped the outcome.

As the new term begins, the council will immediately dive into a full agenda—starting with updates to the city’s sanitation code and ongoing discussions around housing and community development. With new energy mixing with seasoned leadership, residents may see both continuity and fresh perspectives guiding Portage’s future.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK

Events for Singles & Families in Kalamazoo/Portage (Now through Nov 15 + Thanksgiving Planning)

Below is a curated list of activities perfect for singles, families, and holiday planners around Kalamazoo and Portage.

🔶 Singles-Friendly Events

Mid-Day Mingle — Portage Singles Meetup (Ages 50s–60s)

A relaxed social mixer for local singles looking to meet new people in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere.
When: Saturday, Nov 15
Where: The Cellar Wine Bar, Portage

Speed Dating for Ages 25–40

A structured but fun speed-dating evening designed to spark new connections among young professionals.
When: Monday, Nov 3 at 7:30 PM
Where: Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo

Holiday Socials & Meetup Groups

A variety of upcoming singles and social gatherings including the Holiday Market Meetup (Nov 23) and the lively Thanksgiving Eve Pub Crawl (Nov 26) in Kalamazoo.
Where: Various venues
Perfect for: Singles looking to expand their social circle

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Events

Winter Workshop at Kalamazoo Valley Museum

A festive afternoon featuring hands-on crafts, planetarium shows, science activities, and family-friendly entertainment — all free.
When: Saturday, Nov 22 from 11 AM–2 PM
Where: Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Cost: Free

Kids’ Holiday Season Kickoff

Early holiday events such as craft stations, mini-markets, and tree-lighting warmups begin around mid-November.
Highlight: Bronson Park Tree Lighting Ceremony — Friday, Nov 28

🎄 Holiday & Thanksgiving Season Planning

Maple Hill Holiday Parade

Kalamazoo’s 62nd annual holiday parade featuring marching bands, giant balloons, community groups, and Santa’s arrival downtown.
When: Saturday, Nov 22 at 11 AM
Where: Downtown Kalamazoo Parade Route

Click for more info

Thanksgiving Weekend Activity Guide

Family farms, holiday craft markets, light shows, and Thanksgiving weekend outings across West Michigan begin ramping up Nov 22–30 — great for planning ahead.
Perfect for: Families, couples, or visiting relatives

Alpaca Open House – CanDo Acres Alpaca Farm

What: A family-owned 30-acre farm just outside the village of Paw Paw featuring alpacas, sheep, pygora goats, and other friendly animals. At the open house, visitors will have the chance to tour the farm, meet the animals up close, visit the gift shop with handmade fiber goods (socks, scarves, blankets), and learn about sustainable farm practices.

When: Saturday Nov. 29 10am-3pm

Where: CanDo Acres — near Paw Paw, MI (address listed on their website)
Why go:

• Great outing for families, couples, or singles who enjoy nature and hands-on farm experiences.

• Special photo-friendly and relaxed setting — perfect for capturing a memorable moment.

• Opportunity to pick up locally made fiber goods, or try a workshop for llama/alpaca fiber crafts.
  Tip: Dress for the outdoors (boots, layered clothing), check for reservation requirements, and arrive early for best experience.

Local Guides:

Holiday Events in Downtown Kalamazoo — covers tree lighting, Santa’s Workshop, etc.

14 Fun Holiday Traditions & Events in Kalamazoo, Michigan — a curated guide for the region.

Newer Restaurants

Tequila's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is expanding with a new location in Portage.

The restaurant will be at the former Shaking Crab location on 700 M L King Drive.

Details about the opening date are not yet available, but a recent social media post hinted that it is coming soon.

The menu will include street tacos, seafood, tortas, steak, fajitas, and margaritas.

Tequila's in Roseville currently offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The restaurant is now hiring staff, and updates on the menu and construction progress are expected.

For more information, visit their Instagram@tequilas_portage.

Spotlight on Simply Sweet Desserts Bake Shop

Serving up “love at first bite,” Simply Sweet Desserts Bake Shop (visit the website to explore the menu) crafts irresistible baked goods made just for you.

From cheesecakes, cakes and pies to cookies, brownies, pastries, cinnamon rolls and specialty coffee, there’s a treat available for every craving. 

If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth (or treat someone special), this is a local stop worth adding to your list.

Click for their website

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