Teri's take: Sanjay's whole life, he's dreamed of being a hipster (which is something a hipster would NEVER say). While searching for a wedding band, he found a group of amazing artists (and amazing people!) on Kickstarter and we decided to help fund the recording of their first album while also getting a wedding band out of the deal. From the moment our contract was secured, Sanjay's handlebar mustache began to sprout and the neckline on his shirt began to V. Seriously though - the band is amazing! Check out Barn on Fire in the links below.

Sanjay's take: My wedding band is from Kickstarter - you've probably never heard of it.

Listen to this!

6 Breweries in 1.3 Miles?!

Kalamazoo is home to some of the best breweries in the US. Try 1 of the 13 breweries in Kalamazoo (or better yet - try all 13). If you're up to the challenge, come in Friday and do the walking tour to visit 6 different breweries. Not feeling that crazy? Just head to Bell's brewery which was named the best brewery in Michigan. It's home to Two Hearted Ale - the best IPA in the world according to RateBeer.com!

Don't Leave Hungry

Kalamazoo Beer Exchange - $$ - Voted best bar in michigan - Up-to-the-minute popularity determines pricing for each brew and in the most exciting moments, a Market Crash plunges prices lower than you ever thought possible! OPening bell rings daily at 6:00 PM.

Rustica - $$$ - rustic european style, locally grown - Try the roasted michigan chicken

Just good food - $ - Soup and Sandwiches, good for kids - Try the spicy chicken sandwich

Food dance - $$ - Bistro - Try the Grilled cheese specials - Cindy and Teri both had it, and talked about it for the next month

The Wine Loft - $$ - Wine and Tapas, Happy hour 4-6 daily - Try the Flat breads - teri and sanjay had the steak flat bread and nearly licked the plate

Farmer's Market

From 7am to 2pm, sample some of Kalamazoo's local produce, complete with a food truck alley! Don't forget to bring cash if you plan on sampling - some of the vendors are "too hip to use a square." Click the link below for location and a preview of the goods.

Apple Picking / Pumpkin Patch

Feel like the farmers market just isn't fresh enough? Coming in from a big city and want to see how the rest of the world lives? Just a few miles outside of Kalamazoo, you can visit these locations:

Verhages fruit farm and cider mill - Starting Labor Day weekend, VerHage’s Fruit Farm and Cider Mill has a variety of fall activities planned. You can find U-pick apples, hayrides, and a tractor school for children.

Gull Meadow Farms - Look for U-pick apples, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, a corn maze and more. Stop by the bakery for fresh donuts and cider.

Museums

Kalamazoo Valley Museum - LOCATED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE FROM LOFT 310 - GENERAL ADMISSION TO THE MUSEUM IS FREE DURING ALL REGULAR OPERATING HOURS (9-5 MON-SAT, 1-5 SUN). FAMILIES OF ALL AGES CAN SPEND A DAY--RAIN OR SHINE--AT OUR AMAZING, AWE-INSPIRING, AND EVER-CHANGING EXHIBITS. PLANETARIUM SHOWS, HANDS-ON CRAFTS, LECTURES AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES ROUND OUT THE OFFERINGS.

Air zoo - LOCATED NEAR THE AIRPORT, AIR ZOO WAS VOTED THE "BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS" AND "BEST PLACE TO SPEND A DAY WITH YOUR FAMILY" THREE YEARS IN A ROW. THE AIR ZOO FEATURES MORE THAN 50 RARE AND HISTORIC AIRCRAFT, AMUSEMENT PARK-STYLE RIDES, FULL-MOTION FLIGHT SIMULATORS, REALD 3D/4D MISSIONS THEATER, AS WELL AS HISTORICAL EXHIBITS AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES.