Want to forego the typical dinner date? Why not start the night with rock climbing in the heart of downtown? If you want to channel your creative side, hit up the Aroma Labs to concoct a custom fragrance, or stop by Kalamazoo Candle Company for a DIY candle-making experience! Whatever your interests are, plan a heartwarming surprise for that special someone with one of these unique date ideas.
Itinerary One
Stop 1:
Enjoy cocktails and charcuterie at Stamped Robin
Stamped Robin is a fun and funky casual space to drop in for craft cocktails, appetizers, great vibes and a guaranteed good time. Reservations are strongly encouraged!
Stop 2:
Make personalized fragrances together at the Aroma Labs
The Aroma Labs is a unique, creative, gender-neutral experience that allows the community to develop their own custom fragrances, soaps, sugar scrubs, and more.
Stop 3:
Enjoy dinner at Brick and Brine
One of the newest hot spots in Kalamazoo’s restaurant scene is Brick and Brine.
Located inside the Radisson Hotel, Brick and Brine is the perfect place to to meet up with friends for happy hour, treat family to dinner, or end a night out with drinks and dessert.
Itinerary Two
Stop 1:
Challenge each other at Climb Kalamazoo
Climb Kalamazoo might be one of the most unique date night activities you'll find around! They're Southwest Michigan's premier indoor climbing gym with over 10500 square feet of climbing surface.
Stop 2:
Shop at Gazelle Sports
Gazelle Sports is a run specialty & active lifestyle store - plus so much more! They're proudly Michigan-based, locally owned and operated and in the Mitten. For active couples, shopping at Gazelle's is basically paradise!
Stop 3:
Grab a drink and dinner at Old Burdick's Bar & Grill
End the night with grub from Old Burdick's Bar and Grill! Burdick's is located inside the Radisson Hotel and serves American comfort food and spirits. Catch the big game that's on or enjoy their outdoor patio that sits right on the historic Kalamazoo Mall.
Itinerary Three
Stop 1:
Dinner at Rustica
Rustica's foodie experience emphasizes fresh, sustainable, and local products. They blend influences from France, Italy, Spain, and other European countries and regional Michigan fare. The food at Rustica is simple, fresh, and delicious. Watch the chefs as they prepare your food in their open-show kitchen!
Stop 2:
Candle-making at Kalamazoo Candle Company
Kalamazoo Candle Company handcrafts candles in the heart of Kalamazoo with 100% natural soy wax, paper-core cotton wicks, and ZERO added dyes, so they’re about as natural as it gets. Each candle burns cleanly and evenly, releasing fragrance throughout the entire burn. They offer walk-in DIY candle-making, which makes for the perfect date night activity!
Stop 3:
Grab drinks to-go from Principle to enjoy in the Social District and walk to Bronson Park
Located on the historic central Kalamazoo Mall, Principle Food & Drink features craft cocktails and scratch-made cuisine in a casual yet elegant vintage atmosphere. Cozy up to to the bar and enjoy your cocktails among the lively atmosphere, then make sure to take one to-go as well!
Stop 4:
Stop by Pop City Popcorn to grab snacks to enjoy later
Pop City Popcorn offers gourmet popcorn that's popped fresh daily! Stop by to sample a few flavors to help you figure out which flavor to take home with you!
Itinerary Four
Stop 1:
Dinner at ROCA
ROCA is the latest creation from the renowned management and culinary team of Principle Food and Drink. Based on the foundational elements of locally sourced ingredients, classic scratch cooking, a unique dining environment and exemplary service, ROCA presents an exciting and unforgettable fusion of flavors inspired by Latin American culture and cuisine.
Stop 2:
Walk to WL Social House for a post-dinner drink or two
WL Social House, formerly The Wine Loft, is the perfect place to sip, eat and gather with friends! You'll find everything from fine wines to stellar handcrafted cocktails on their menu!
Stop 3:
Walk down the Kalamazoo Mall and enjoy the various shops
In case you didn't know, the Kalamazoo Mall has a unique history and story. It was the first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall in the United States! And while we have a lot of pride in it all year round, the way it's dressed up for the holidays makes it extra special in the winter months.
Stop 4:
Stop by Mason Jar Plant Shop
The Mason Jar Plant Shop is located just off the Kalamazoo Mall on South Street. They are an independent plant shop offering house plants, a DIY terrarium bar, and a fabulous selection of curated gifts and decor.
