The latest from Southwest Michigan.
$65M Hard Rock Hotel project rolls forward in Kalamazoo, but behind schedule
Hard Rock Hotels has announced plans for development of a new hotel at the historic Gibson guitar and mandolin manufacturing site at 225 Parsons St., which is the founding location of Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. in 1917.REVERB by Hard Rock Kalamazoo would be a destination location for visitors and is set to be completed in the fall of 2023.
Rock Star Buys Michigan Vineyard and Winery
OneRepublic guitarist Zach Filkins and his wife, Lindsay, bought Karma Vista winery in Coloma after a recent visit. The vineyard and winery boasts sweeping views of the countryside and is located about 45 minutes from Kalamazoo. The winery has been renamed Filkins Vineyards.
See Binder Park Zoo’s Adorable New Zebra Foal and Its Proud Mom
Binder Park Zoo has welcomed a new addition to its family of zebras. Born July 15, the unnamed foal is the first-born of mother Debbie, the zoo’s last foal that was born in 2018, according to Marketing Manager Allie Stoddard. Zookeepers are expected to announce the newborn’s name once it is chosen.
USTA Boys National Championships Begin This Friday
The United States Tennis Association is coming to Kalamazoo for its Boys 18s and 16s National Championships from Aug 2-11. Get ready for 10 days of intense competition as nearly 500 outstanding juniors arrive from all over the US to compete to win an automatic bid to the US Open Tournament.
Chalk the Block to Return to St. Joseph in August
Get ready for an art-filled weekend as Chalk the Block makes its colorful return to downtown St. Joseph from Aug. 2-4. Amateur and professional artists will showcase their creativity as the community strolls Broad Street and votes for their favorite piece.
KRESA’s $100M Education Center Aims to Open for 2025-2026 School Year
Progress is being made on the $100 million Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) Career and Technical Education Center. This project is important for the region as it will prepare area students for high-demand career opportunities.
There is ‘Something for Everyone’ at This Year’s Battle Creek Garden Tour, July 20-21
Love to garden? Leila Arboretum Society will showcase a variety of different gardening styles during its 31st annual Battle Creek Garden Tour. This year, the garden tour will feature seven gardens in the Battle Creek area with a diverse array of gardening styles on display. Tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20 and 21, rain or shine.
Battle Creek Welcomes Summer with Inaugural McCamly Park ‘Truckin’ Tuesdays’
Looking for something to do in Battle Creek? From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other Tuesday, community members can stop by McCamly Park for pro DJs and food trucks near the Kool Family Community Center.
Wax Wings Brewing’s Special IPA to Aid SPCA of Southwest Michigan
Animal lovers and beer fans came together this past Sunday for a good cause. Kalamazoo-based Wax Wings Brewing Company hosted an adoption event in collaboration with SPCA of Southwest Michigan as part of their sixth-anniversary celebration. They created a custom beer called “For the Dogs,” a hazy IPA made with New Zealand hops. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to SPCA of Southwest Michigan.
Berrien Community Foundation Awards $81,000 Grant to Silver Beach Playground Project
Silver Beach County Park has been raising funds to replace the 30-year-old playground with something more modern and accessible, and the fundraising goal is $1.25 million. With the For Good Grant announced recently, the Berrien County Parks Department is now at 86% of its fundraising goal for the playground.
South Haven Launches Pure Michigan Trail Town Challenge, Offers Prizes
The South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau has launched its inaugural Pure Michigan Trail Town Challenge. The challenge, which runs through the end of October 2024, invites locals and visitors to explore South Haven trails through a gamified experience. Those who participate even have the opportunity to win prizes!
Lunchtime Live! Returns to Downtown Kalamazoo
Lunchtime Live is a weekly event that offers live music, food trucks, and games in Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo. A new, local musician will be featured every Friday this summer from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as a welcome break in the middle of the day.