A unique and artistic barbershop in Marshall is drawing clientele from around Southwest Michigan. In the front, CAMP, a family-friendly barbershop, and in the back, Huntsman's Hound for the "distinguished gentlemen" where clientele can expect to be shaved with razors containing Japanese Feather Blades and with a "teaspooon more of exclusivity," says owner Noah Saber who had plenty of help in bringing his vision to life.
Is trying mead on your bucket list? The world's oldest known alcoholic beverage (not a beer, not a wine) made with honey and yeast is available at Kalamzoo meadery Valhalla, a BYOF, open hall with all the Viking feels – longtables, Runes, and Valkyries serving flights of artisan mead. When you visit Valhalla, Hunter Dodge, CEO of Norse Nector Meadery, says "time stands still." Just ask Second Wave's Mark Wedel.
When making ramen, the noodle is an essential ingredient. A serendipitous meeting of a West Michigan ramen soup restaurateur and a Mattawan pasta maker has created a premier ramen that is gathering rave reviews online. Second Wave's Food Writer Channon Mondoux brings you the story along with her mouth-watering accounts of both pasta and soup.
Open since November, Dabney and Co., Kalamazoo's only current Black-owned bar, was created to be a safe space for that showcases the “elevated beauty of Black culture” through food, music, drinks, and art. "For me, it's really important, in every aspect of Dabney and Co., you feel exactly how you would when you come into a Black household. We treat you just like family,” says owner Daniel May.
Battle Creek's Tiffany Blackman is beating the odds with her small downtown business, Bread & Basket, while supporting, encouraging, and mentoring other Women of Color with their businesses. Her business plans got an unexpected gift during the pandemic, she says. “When you have the responsibility of raising and supporting a family you don’t have time to dream. The pandemic gave me the time to dream.”
As the affordable housing crisis continues, some Kalamazoo organizations are finding new ways to provide downpayment assistance to help first-time home buyers purchase a new home.
A Whirlpool Corporation housing initiative named after Benton Harbor’s former mayor, The Emma Jean Hull Flats, a Whirlpool Corporation housing initiative named after Benton Harbor’s former mayor, are available to rent for Hometown Heroes first – teachers, police officers, firefighters and others who serve the city. And applications are open now.
Mastodon has arrived in Kalamazoo! Is it a large extinct mammal or a local ‘instance’ that’s part of the fediverse? Correspondent Mark Wedel will help you decide.
For a living taste of history, visit Marcellus’ Spirit Springs Farm started by the late John Claridge. The 70-year-old orchard features over 80 heirloom apple varieties. A new generation of the family is keeping the spirit alive in the orchard. And those who tour the land appreciate its unique offerings.
Battle Creek has secured its place as a national and global food innovation leader in part because former Kellogg Co. employees decided to stick around and create their own food businesses once they parted ways with the cereal maker.
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