I'm not from the area but always check out local bookstores when I visit other cities. This is a…read moreBookstore was a must visit. Wide selection of books, and gifts. Cute, comfy spots to read and relax. Factory coffee cafe is located inside This is a Bookstore - they serve bagels, sammies, coffee and adult beverages. Walked across the sidewalk and visited Book Bug which is a children's book store. Again, a wide selection of books, comfy sitting space and a playhouse for the kiddos. Service was quick and everyone was friendly. I plan on visiting again next time I'm in the area.

I usually stop by and browse when I'm over in the area. Combined with a spin off of Factory Coffee…read moreon one side. Great book selection along with other knick knacks, socks, puzzles, etc.

Rio was a life saver at Dokidokon.  They have plenty of energy drinks, cold bottles Starbucks,…read moresnacks, beer/wine and some KZoo souvenirs.  It was nice to have a place to buy a quick snack or drink without paying Starbucks prices.  The staff is friendly and I liked the lack of lines so I could get my items quickly. I personally was drinking gaterade and eating their cheese sticks like I would die without them.  I liked the novelty items although I didn't buy any because I would rather spend my cash in the venders room.

As gift shops go, this one's not bad. They really do focus on local and Michigan products which is…read moresuper cool. You can build your own six pack of local beers, try out locally made popcorn, or grab an apparel or jewelry gift featuring the hand-shaped state. They also carry Kalamazoo Candle Co. Candles and damn handsome brand beer soap, which is also made in Kalamazoo. I really wish they still had Sydney Boutique across the way from them. I feel like Hotel of this caliber really ought to have a stellar flagship store like that.

I have been coming here since the early '90s when I was a student at K. Tons of beautiful paper…read moregoods, wrapping paper, cards, notebooks, etc. Beautiful and unique selection.

They have a stunning selection of paper goods, wrapping paper, cards, and notebooks, beautiful and…read moreunique finds every time.

I grew up in Kalamazoo until I moved away at 25 years old, and though I knew of this store, I don't…read moreremember ever going into it before I moved. I very well may have as a child but wouldn't remember. Once I moved, going home came a very big deal to me and embraced Michigan, and more importantly, Kalamazoo became so much of a bigger deal to me. Each time I have been home since 2007, I have stopped into The Spirit of Kalamazoo to check out what new items they may have that I feel I "need." I have gotten things over the years that now I wished I got two of, specially the "Just Another Animal in the Zoo" cup that I bought in pink, but broke and I cannot find anywhere online to replace. The store has lots of odds and end art pieces from local artist, some of which I pick up as I go for when I can make an amazing room filled with things from home and sports, especially since I am a die hard Michigan sports fan. The staff are always friendly and helpful but also let you shop without hovering over you. I am very glad that I can help this local business each time I am home, as it has become part of my journey now.

Stopped by for a scoop of the Cotton Candy ice cream which was super yummy and had chocolate chips…read morein it which I've never seen before. The girl who took my order was very friendly and pleasant.

A pink neon sign screams: "You go girl" above a pink couch with a heart shaped pillow in the back…read morecorner of the shop. Everything here is so exquisite and beautifully displayed that I kind of want to move into that corner and live here. The shop is mostly tailored toward moms with some money to burn (or those shopping for to-die-for baby shower gifts: great gift items for mom plus the most adorable baby clothes, shoes, books, and decor. They also host monthly workshops. In June, guests can paint pennants/flags, and in July they've got a terrarium workshop that sounds amazing. They're also open late on Art Hop Fridays (the first Friday of each month) and they had an ice cream food "truck" (actually a bike-based business) visit in May. Yummo!

From the owner: Lifestyle & gifting store with unique finds for all occasions.read more

My favorite candle store in town. Smells great, lots of nice choices and a fun class to make your…read moreown candles.

What a cute little store! Don't let the name fool you, there are more than candles to be had here…read more This is a treasure trove of trendiness. Little planters, trinkets and posters are just a few of the purchasable goods found here. Obviously, they have a ton of candles with incredible scents, but you can also make your own with a candle-making workshop! This shop is worth a stop!

Bell's General Store is next door to the brewery. Here's where you can find plenty of to-go beer,…read moremerchandise, apparel, and more - they even have a mini bar pouring different beer than in the brewery! If you take the free brewery tour, it ends in the store and your final sample is whatever you'd like from the taps. I tried a Thai basil porter that was really unique. Our tour guide told us any bottle you see in the coolers without a neck label is an exclusive. Super fun for beer lovers! They have tons of merchandise, pretty much anything you can think of, branded with Bell's logos. It was almost Oberon day when we were there, so we saw lot of Oberon stuff. I loved the clearance section of clothes - I didn't get anything this time but I'll check it out again next time I'm there. We ended up buying a six pack of beer that was perfect to enjoy throughout our weekend. Love that you can pop in and pick up something special and unique!

Always worth stopping. Check the hours first. Check the online deals. Each month has a good deal-…read morethis month Oberon merch. I love representing kazoo when I go back home.