The Wonderful World of Kalamazoo

A day in the life of a young student who recently put Kalamazoo on her map
By Dallas Spiecker

Let me introduce myself: I am a twenty-something, young married, world citizen who has had a diverse mix of cultural encounters, some more pleasant than others. I’ve lived in a different city every two years since I was in high school: a couple years on the west coast of Canada, another year just east of the Rocky Mountains, a few years over the pond in Europe and most recently, I’ve found myself in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo. I had to convince my family and friends that the city I am in really does exist. I explain that not only does Kalamazoo exist, but that it is a noteworthy city as well. Other than offering a world-renowned music program, the fact that Tim Allen of “Home Improvement” attended Western Michigan University was a major selling point. I now have a waiting list for my futon.

When I live a new city, I like to surpass the role of tourist. I prefer to get involved and play the role of citizen. Before I even arrived in Kalamazoo, I had signed up for a soccer team, located the Farmer’s Market and mapped out the nearest mall—with a complete analysis of the store directory. For me, the adventure of travel begins in unraveling the roots of local tradition and discovering the heartbeat of a city. The beginning of the journey usually starts with observations.

I have never been one for the razzle-dazzle of big city flair. The London-Eye was, well, tall. The Lago di Garda was vast and people in Amsterdam spoke better English than Dutch. Kalamazoo’s downtown area has somewhat of a European feel between the brick buildings, the parks and the arcade-style mall. I like that history has been maintained and rejuvenated in this city. On Sunday afternoons, I like to run downtown to explore new sights and continue my observations—from cozy benches to piano bars and street-side cafes.

The Farmer’s Market is the greatest jewel I have found so far. If I were to give a tour of Kalamazoo, this would be one of the first stops on the map. I try to get to the market at the crack of dawn on Saturday mornings before all the pies and cinnamon buns have sold out. The warmth and neighborliness of the vendors draws me back with anticipation each week. I’ve already made a friend. His name is Fred, and he has the best apples in town.

As I have learned to embrace cultures rather than qualify them, I have collected invaluable experience and knowledge along my journey. I realize that I still have a long way to go in understanding the inner workings of Kalamazoo. But I have enjoyed my initial immersion and look forward to what I will discover next.

The "Green" Tea Drinker

Dressed up and ready to go out for an evening, I tucked my cell phone into my purse before knocking on the heavy oak door. I had one obligation to fulfill before a night on the town, and approximately one hour to spend in quiet observation. Or so I thought.

I was invited to a tea party. And as I looked up at Tudor House Tea, a charming home nestled atop a hill in a Parchment neighborhood, I was prepared to sip a steaming cup of something brewed for a mature, rather serious palate.

To my surprise the heavy door opened to roaring expressions of awe and laughter. Nearly a dozen women hovered over a tray of tea canisters in an enchanting but regal living room. I was hardly seated before a small container of strawberry-kiwi loose-leaf tea was held before my face. As its fragrance drifted at me I briefly escaped to childhood summers filled with popsicles and Orange Crush.

Orange Crush was the “tea of choice” at my last formal tea party. But that was almost 20 years ago, when soda was an appropriate tea substitute for children dressed in nightgowns playing with grandma’s miniature tea sets. My adult experience would prove just as fun.

We were seated at tables with fine china, tiers of freshly baked scones and dainty jars of whipped lemon curd and flavored honeys. Tudor Tea House owner and tea expert, Lady Jeri Holcomb, poured our tea as she explained its history and health benefits. A lace scarf draped delicately around her neck, I was as taken by Jeri’s refinement as by her facts and stories.

We first sampled Organic Romantic Rose, a white tea with high notes of peppermint and hints of lavender. Later we were poured cups of Organic Masala Chai and Sweet Cranberry, two black and very versatile brews. I learned that while white, green and black teas originate from the same bush, it is how they are processed that develops their color and flavor.

As Lady Jeri listed the health benefits and anti-oxidant properties of tea, I took notes and leafed through a catalogue of flavored teas, teapots and china. I realized that my elbows were on the table—I may not have been as polished as I envisioned the tea drinker. But at that tea party, I became fascinated with the healthy beverage and the camaraderie that evolved as our cups were lifted and returned to their saucers. Two hours had gone by and I was late for my night on the town.

I left Tudor House Tea with two bags of loose-leaf tea. Because the varieties I chose can be brewed more than once, my high quality tea is surprisingly more affordable than the “leftover” tea that is sold in bags at the supermarket. What was more affordable was the tea party itself—it cost nothing to host or attend.

Scheduling a tea party with your friends at Tudor House Tea means no preparation or clean up and the chance to earn free products and discounts. Private Tea Parties that include three teas and four courses of hors d’oeuvres may be scheduled by reservation at the Tudor House for a small per person fee that is donated to the YWCA Domestic Assault Shelter in Kalamazoo. To learn more about Tudor House Tea, the benefits of “taking tea” or to schedule a tea party with friends, visit www.TudorHouseTea.com.

Fall FUN

From hayrides to pumpkin-picking, celebrate the fall season at these family-friendly and festive locations:

Verhage Farms

Throughout the year, Verhage Farms is best known for its apples, cherries, peaches and pumpkins. Each fall, Verhage Farms becomes a popular destination for seasonal activities, such as pumpkin picking, apple picking and hayrides.

More than 100 years of delicious history sit on the property at Verhage Farms. An old cider mill produces homemade, unpasteurized cider. In the mill there is also a small bakery that makes a creative variety of fresh donuts and caramel apples.

Verhage Fruit Farms and Cider Mill is located at 8619 W ML Ave in Kalamazoo. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until November 5. Hayrides around the orchard at Verhage’s are available on the weekends. Group tours are available during the week. For details, call 269-375-0153.



Husted Farm Market and Cider Mill

Enriched in family tradition, the Husted Farm Market has been in operation for more than 45 years. Located a 9191 West Main Street in Kalamazoo, Husted’s Farm Market features a cider mill, bakery and an array of fresh produce.

The Cider Mill at Husted’s Farm Market produces fresh apple cider weekly. The Husted’s grow more than 20 varieties of apples and offer u-pick to its patrons. The Cider Mill also features homemade donuts and caramel apples. Tractor-pulled hayrides are available on the weekends. Private group hayrides are available during the week, and may be arranged by calling 269-372-1237.

Husted’s Farm Market is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Thanksgiving. For directions and details, visit http://www.hustedfarmmarket.com/Home_Page.php.



Gene The Pumpkin Man

Known as the “land of orange” and featured in Michigan students’ textbooks, the homestead of Gene the Pumpkin Man is a bright, Southwest Michigan landmark.

The 130-acre farm is located at 22637 M-43 in West Kalamazoo. You can’t miss the orange barn, tractors and farm vehicles belonging to Gene the Pumpkin Man, who typically dresses in, you guessed it, all orange.

Gene the Pumpkin Man grows a variety of winter squash and pumpkins. He offers natural Halloween decorations, including straw, sunflower heads, Indian corn and corn stalks. He harvests more than 250 tons of pumpkins and 40 tons of squash annually.

Gene the Pumpkin Man will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until November 1. Call 269-668-2952 with questions.



Gull Meadow Farms Fall Fun & Corn Maze

Gull Meadow Farms offers a variety of fall-themed family-friendly activities. Whether picking apples, touring the apple barn and market or visiting the pumpkin patch, Gull Meadow Farms is a place where family traditions are made.

Open seven days per week, Gull Meadow farms also features wagon rides, a pumpkin lane train, a zip cord and an obstacle course. Its most popular attraction is the corn maze. Sprawled across five acres, the corn maze is packed with clues and stories of perseverance to encourage the participant to reach the finish. Corn maze prices are $5 for children and $6 for adults.

Scenic group tours are available at low rates and provide a structured visit to Gull Meadow Farms. From simple pumpkin picking self-guided tours to wagon rides and apple picking, all tours include a cup of cider and a fresh donut. Group tour rates vary from $3.50 to $6.50 per person, with a minimum of 8 – 15 participants. For group tour details, visit http://www.gullmeadowfarms.com/tours.html.

Gull Madow Farms is located at 8544 Gull Road in Richland. For directions and details, visit http://www.gullmeadowfarms.com/index.html.

Kalamazoo's Scariest Places

Haunted Houses across Kalamazoo

West Michigan Haunt Park

In it’s 8th year, the West Michigan Haunt Park returns to the Kalamazoo Speedway with two attractions for the price of one. Located at D Avenue (Exit 44) off US-131, the West Michigan Haunt Park is open Friday and Saturday nights in October, including Thursday, October 29 through Saturday, October 31.

Brave patrons may visit the Psycho Ward VIII, hosted by the infamously deranged and twisted butcher, Floyd Cranston. Cranston and his posse of lunatics will make even the sanest visitors feel committed—to fear, by the end of the night.

Get lost in West Michigan Haunt Park’s second attraction, the Dark Maze & Zombie Bayou. With blood thirsty zombies lurking in the shadows, patrons must meander through a horrifying maze, searching for the end. Or is it just the beginning?

The West Michigan Haunt Park is open from 7:30 – 11:00 p.m. on select dates. Admission is $15 for both attractions, with special group rates available. This attraction was designed for teens and adults, and is not recommend for children under the age of 12.

Participate in the themed evenings and be eligible to receive $3 off admission:

Friday Oct. 9 - Aid the Homeless Weekend – Bring a non-perishable food donation
Saturday Oct. 10 - Aid the Homeless Weekend – Bring a non-perishable food donation

Friday Oct. 16 - Student Night – Bring your college, high school or middle school ID
Saturday Oct. 17 - Law Enforcement, Fire & Military Night – Discount available to law enforcement, fire officials, military & veterans and their families

Friday Oct. 23 - College Night – Bring your college student ID for discount
Saturday Oct. 24 - High School Night – Bring your high school student ID for discount

Thursday, Oct. 29 - Youth Sports & Scout Night – Wear your team jersey or scout uniform for discount
Friday, Oct. 30 - Costume Night – Wear you Halloween costume for a discount!

For additional spooky details, visit http://www.hauntpark.com/.



The Phobia House

Voted one of the best haunted houses in Michigan, the Phobia House has been recognized by the public for its maximum scare factor in respect its monsters, originality, detail, theme and special effects.

This year, the theme at the Phobia House is “Torment and Torture.” Tour 13 centuries of pain in the facility’s painfully massive 16,660 square feet of terror. Those brave enough to enter will be given a free pair of 3-D glasses to help bring even the worst phobias to life.

Located at 921 Portage Street in Downtown Kalamazoo, the Phobia House is open every Friday and Saturday in October, including Thursday, October 22 through Saturday, October 24, and Tuesday, October 27 through Saturday, October 31. Tickets are $15 and are sold at the door from 7:15 – 11:45 p.m.

Don’t miss Suspension Night on Friday, October 16! Members of the suspension team show will be hanging out all night for extra torment and torture at no additional cost.

The Phobia House was designed for teens and adults, ages 14 and up. It is not recommended for pregnant women and those with heart conditions.

For details, spooky reviews and a complete list of phobias, visit http://gerardenterprises.com/phobiahouse.html.



The Haunt on KL

In its opening year, the Haunt on KL is ready to reveal to its patrons what lurks in the woods in a secluded forest on Kalamazoo’s West Side. According to legend, an abandoned farm located at the far side of the property served as headquarters for a butcher who kidnapped students from nearby college campuses. Visitors are asked to come see for themselves if the rumors are true!

As a family-friendly alternative, the Haunt on KL is offering not-so-scary hayrides. Haunted Hayrides on a picturesque fall trail are available every Wednesday through Sunday in October.

Located at 7532 West KL Avenue, the Haunted Forest is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in October, starting at 4:00 p.m. Admission to the Haunted Forest is $15. Haunted Hayride tickets are $10. Both attractions are available at a discounted price of $20. For group rates, call 269-760-5966. Visit http://kalamazoohauntedhouse.com/ for directions and details.