5 Kalamazoo Area Must Haves for the Next Weekend Snowstorm

Being new to snow in general, I was very diligent in making sure our at-home preparations were up to code, if you will. I have bottled water, non-perishable foods, flashlights and candles ready to go just in case. But, then it occurred to me...Michiganders probably prepare for snowstorms like Floridians prepare for Hurricanes. Non-perishables? PFT! We stocked up on liquor and snacks and threw parties right before the storm came ashore. So, with that in mind, let's update our preparation list.

Based on my experience in southwest Michigan so far, here are 6 things I think every Kalamazoo area Michigander should have for the next time we're stuck at home.

1. Donuts 

The fact that southwest Michigan has more than one option for these tasty confections is a beautiful thing. Whether you're stocking up at Sweetwater Donut Mill or Peace, Love, and Little Donuts, I think this kind of comfort food would be a must if you're stuck inside.

2. Coffee

Pairing perfectly with the above donuts, coffee seems like it would be a must. Confession time: I didn't start drinking coffee until four years ago. Which mostly means I'm terrible at making coffee. Thankfully, we have a couple places right here where we can snag coffee made by someone else - Biggby and Water Street.

3. Beer

On the other side, if you're trying to relax instead of perking up, it seems like a no-brainer that beer would be on the list. And, man, does the Kalamazoo area have a lot to choose from. There's Bell's, Saugatuck Brewing, or One Well Brewing just to name a few. Many local breweries have online shops and options to pick up beer at their location if you can't find your favorite at your local Meijer.

4. Ice Cream

Does eating ice cream when it's freezing outside necessarily make sense? No. Will I do it anyway? Most definitely. Look...I'm probably going to get some hate for this. I know a lot of Michiganders have told me that I have to have Hudsonville Ice Cream, which definitely belongs on this list. However, I cannot stop shoveling Meijer's Purple Cow Extreme Chocolate Moose Tracks Ice Cream into my face. Pair that with Mackinac Island Fudge and I'm in heaven. This will absolutely be in my freezer if I'm to be stuck inside all weekend.

5. Pop

Personally, I'm not a soda drinker. Excuse me, a POP drinker. But, I think this should be on the list too. While Faygo isn't unique to southwest Michigan, it's a must have. Or so people tell me. Side note, the speed at which a person's head will snap towards me when I admit I've never had Faygo is impressive. And we might as well add Vernors to this list too. Again, I've never had it and I don't think this counts as 'pop' but, it's good to have around. Especially when my stomach ends up hurting from all the ice cream and donuts that I, inevitably, have consumed.

*Bonus addition:* 

6. Double Stuffed Oreos

They're not locally made and they're not good for me. But, no doubt, this is at the top of my "stuck inside" junk food list. It's also why I don't buy them often. Because when I do....they don't even last 2 days. #nocontrol #noshame

I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of all of the amazing things that the Kalamazoo area has to offer. I'm sure this list is far from complete, but it feels like a good start.

By the way, if you need tips on how to actually prepare your home for an incoming snowstorm, weather.com has a long list for your home, car, even work. Check it out here.

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