June, 2011 Trip to the Midwest from Kansas to Kalamazoo - Kalamazoo, Michigan

I-80 East

The road to Kalamozoo was no fun at all.  Road construction in Illinois was everywhere
and a major pain. It probably added a good 2 hours to the trip.

Karen's House

The purpose of the trip was to visit Karen, who was throwing a graduation party for her son.
This is her home.

Downtown Kalamazoo

Downtown Kalamazoo totally surprised me.

Radisson

I had a stereotypical impression of  Kalamazoo as a rust belt town, run down and on  its last legs.

I never would have thought there was a Radisson hotel anywhere in Michigan.

The Radisson

Looking out from the Radisson hotel to the north.

There must be something marginally interesting to do around here.....

The Kalamazoo Beer Exchange

KBE

How about visiting the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange!

KBE

This is a  lively place.  There is a bar and lounge downstairs,  and a restaurant upstairs.

Upstairs

Upstairs in early afternoon.  

But what  about the beer exchange,  what's that all about?

KPE

The hundreds of beer brands are  displayed on the Beer Exchange screen.  Beer prices vary throughout the day, depending on what is popular or not, at the time.

This is a unique marketing concept, to say the least.

Beer Receipt

Here is my restaurant receipt.  The last glass of  of Lion Stout was two bucks cheaper than the previous glass.



Downtown

City Park

City Park

The park downtown is clean and well kept.

Sculpture

There were several sculptures and water fountains.

Church

Churches

Church

Across from the park were churches on all sides.

Dogs

Lots of well behaved dogs.  The man here has twins.  What follows is probably one of many exhausting days:

Twins

Twins

Trying to get both into the stroller was a challenge.

Twins

And while one was getting a drink..

Twins

The other would go exploring.  He was sweating by the time he finally got both in the stroller.

City Hall

City Hall

Mall Area

The Mall Area

Shopping

East side of the Radisson Hotel.

Kalamazoo is a nice place to visit and when you do, check out the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange!