What to see in BC, What to do in Kzoo

From Battle Creek to Albion and Marshall to Kalamazoo, there are tons of things to do while visiting this area.

Theater

This area is home to the state's oldest summer stock equity theater, the Barn Theatre in Augusta. Names such as Tom Wopat, Jennifer Garner, Marin Mazzie and Leif Garrett have all graced the Barn's stage. Cornwell's Turkeyville USA in Marshall boasts a dinner theater that provides both the entertainment and a full course meal with all the trimmings. Local talent also offers entertainment by participating in Battle Creek Civic Theatre, Marshall Civic Players, Tibbits Opera House and other community theater troupes.

Cereal

Battle Creek is known as the Cereal City for a reason. W.K. Kellogg was born here and the company that became a global, $10 billion food empire. Now a cereal museum, Kellogg's Cereal City U.S.A., celebrate's that legacy and retraces the history of cereal manufacturing here. It's here, too, that Charles William Post began Postum Cereal Co. and envisioned "The Road to Wellville." Each June, a Cereal Festival is held in downtown Battle Creek to celebrate the town's legacy in cereal.

Cars

Car enthusiasts will love the shiny Jaguars, old MGs, and popular Corvettes and Porches at Gilmore Classic Car Museum in Hickory Corners. Particular weekends are held when vintage and sports car owners gather and display their prized possessions. In Battle Creek, classic car owners line the downtown streets each August to showcase their machines. Each September, Kalamazoo becomes host to thousands of hot rods, classic cars and their owners with the meeting of the National Street Rod Association.

Nature

Go on an African safari during a trip to Binder Park Zoo. Visit Leila Arboretum where hundreds of plant and flower species are displayed and a new Children's Garden will open in June. From bats to botanical gardens you'll get your fix of nature at other places such as Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Kellogg Biological Station its Forest and Bird Sanctuary, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Otte Preserve, Fort Custer Recreation Area and Willard Beach.

Breweries

Grab a pint of one of Arcadia Brewing Company's award-winning ales in Battle Creek while munching on a wood-fired pizza. Dark Horse Brewery in Marshall holds live entertainment and several different varieties of its homemade brew. In Kalamazoo, you'll find Bell's and Kraftbrau breweries.

Festivals

What's summer without festivals? Starting in June, Battle Creek's hosts the Cereal Festival. Thousands of hungry people take their seats for free breakfast. In July, the Fields of Flight Hot Air Balloon Competition and Taste of Battle Creek will be held. Other events are scheduled throughout the area, including Apple, Rib, Blues and Ethnic festivals.

Sports:

Take in a game at C.O Brown Stadium where the Battle Creek Yankees, the AAA affiliate of the New York Yankees, look to be the Midwest League Champions. The boys of summer can also be found in Kalamazoo, home to the Kalamazoo Kings, a Frontier League team. Of course, recreational activities including golf, boating, fishing, hiking and more are available.