Rooster is responsible for our recent spontaneous Kalamazoo adventure since he came up with the trip out of thin air. We put no planning or preparation into this journey. You can’t keep a Rooster cooped up for long before they go free-range. I don’t know if he has a case of spring fever or the urge to travel came on him because the construction guys are back in the neighborhood. Maybe Rooster developed a simple case of spring fever. All I know is it was a surprise when he asked me, “Do you want to go to Kalamazoo.”
Why Kalamazoo
Before I get started, I should explain that Kalamazoo is one of our favorite cities in Michigan. The community is a high-energy college town. Rooster and I have gone to many blues concerts at the State Theatre. Plus, I read about The Heritage Company Architectural Salvage before one of our previous Kalamazoo trips. Since we have been scouring antique stores and junk shops on our weekend ramblings, we thought The Heritage Company Architectural Salvage would be fun to add to our adventures. The rumor mill suggested things had opened up to our north. Easing the COVID restrictions would make finding a hotel and eating less of a challenge. We didn’t see a reason not to go.
Our experience in Kalamazoo
A tenseness filled the air during this visit to the college town. People seemed obsessed with the virus and nervous about opening up again. We overheard a conversation in the local diner where we ate about who was and wasn’t going to take the vaccine. There is a strong opinion out there about this rushed solution to the Covid-19 problem. The virus has been so politicized, making it hard for the typical person on the street to know what to do. Did I trust Trump with his advice during the pandemic? No, but I trust Biden even less. I don’t believe I’m alone in this belief.
After breakfast, Rooster and I headed for 150 N. Edwards Street and The Heritage Company Architectural Salvage & Supply. We could tell by the darkened windows the unique shop wasn’t open. The stuff displayed in the window spoke loudly of the treasures waiting to be discovered inside. It made us disappointed we didn’t do enough research before we made the trip. We would have planned our adventure around their business hours if we’d have known.
The Kalamazoo Antique Market
Our disappointment didn’t last long. It took three seconds for us to see a sign on the sidewalk advertising antiques. We walked into the Kalamazoo Antique Market and discovered a treasure trove of local Kalamazoo trinkets. Rooster and I spent the morning meandering through the isles of the store. The arrangement and grouping of many of the items resembled a work of art. I knew Rooster couldn’t resist the old camera begging to be bought. It would make the perfect addition to his small collection.
In conclusion
Rooster and I got back on the road by 12:30. I still had physical therapy later in the afternoon. On the way home, we talked about how different Kalamazoo felt than the last time we visited. There was a little talk about going to Illinois to see if people are doing any better over there. Plus, we’ve had a strong desire to make Springfield one of our adventure destinations. Visit all the things Lincoln in the Illinois state capitol would make a great blogging destination.
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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I enjoy following you on your adventures…so many places I’ll never see otherwise!