Think you’ve seen everything Kalamazoo has to offer? Think again.

From a “school” where alligators learn their names to a hidden garden where you can rent your own private hot tub, Kalamazoo’s got no shortage of offbeat adventures. Today, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie rounds up some of the city’s quirkiest, most delightful finds.

P.S. It’s Election Day! Don’t forget that you have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to head to the polls. For a list of polling places and more information, head here.

Michigan AG: SNAP funding, timing still unclear (MLive): Following court rulings, the Trump administration agreed to partially fund November’s SNAP benefits, covering about 58% of the usual amount using emergency funds. But Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said it’s still unclear when or how much residents will receive, warning that delayed partial payments may not be enough for struggling families.

FBI says church shooter was motivated by hatred against Mormons (AP News): The FBI confirmed that last month’s deadly church shooting in Grand Blanc Township was motivated by the gunman’s anti-Mormon beliefs. Former Marine Thomas Sanford killed four people and injured nine before being shot by police, in what investigators called a targeted attack against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Death toll in West MI weekend crash rises (Wood-TV): A 17-year-old Portage Community High School student has died following a wrong-way crash on US-131 in Allegan County, bringing the death toll to four. Deputies say the wrong-way driver, who may have been intoxicated, collided head-on with another car early Sunday, killing three people at the scene.

From attending alligator “school” to a store that specializes in LEGO, there are tons of unique things to do in Kalamazoo. (Nicholas J Klein/Shutterstock)

By Chaunie Brusie

Did you know that alligators can learn their names? I admit, this was news to me, but if you pay a visit to the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary south of Kalamazoo, Mich., you can attend Alligator “High School” with the gators and observe how these smart creatures can learn their names, colors, and even basic commands.

The town of Kalamazoo is full of quirky and off-the-beaten-path activities to enjoy (even if hanging with alligators isn’t necessarily your thing). You can soak in your own personal hot tub for the day in a secret garden, visit the town’s only video game bar, or get inspired with nature, cooking classes, or a downtown art walk. Here are some ways to enjoy Kalamazoo that may not appear in a visitor’s guide.

Here is just a small sampling of outside-the-box activities you can do and experience near Kalamazoo:

Downtown Kalamazoo during a winter night (Getty Images Pro/Canva)

1204 Bank St., Kalamazoo

Sure, you’ve heard of farmers markets, but how about a Night Market? Running every third Thursday of the month through the summer until 10 p.m., the Night Market is a lively community gathering with music, food trucks, and a festival feel.

And don’t worry—there’s also a winter farmers market that runs from December through April if you miss the nightcap events over the summer. You’ll get a chance to meet and interact with over 100 local farmers for that truly local shopping experience.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a story from Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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