Discover Kalamazoo looking for under-the-radar fun in area code 269

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) February 17, 2012 -- Kalamazoo, Mich. – Have you ever seen a two-headed lamb? How about cows being milked by robots? Made your own wine?

These off-the-beaten-path ideas are exactly what Discover Kalamazoo is looking for. Discover Kalamazoo launches its second campaign “269 Cool Things to do in Area Code 269” Feb. 20 through March 18.The campaign encourages residents and visitors alike to submit their “off-the-map” favorite things to do within area code 269. In other words, if it’s cool, Discover Kalamazoo wants to know. After compiling the list of hidden gems, Discover Kalamazoo will publish the 269 Cool Things To Do list in May.

Discover Kalamazoo distributed its original 269 Cool Things To Do list in 2010, and Renee Newman, director of marketing and communications for Discover Kalamazoo, said people are using it as their “mini bucket list.”

“People are pulling out the 269 Cool Things To Do list to create weekend plans and vacations – or if they have a couple of hours to spare,” Newman said. “Realtors are putting it in their relocation packages, and major corporations are using it to help bring potential employees to Kalamazoo.

“It’s a fantastic resource and recruitment tool that has really resonated with both our residents and visitors,” Newman continued.

Beyond helping bring tourism and new residents to Kalamazoo, the 269 Cool Things To Do list also has shared a few secrets with locals.

Laurie Russell, owner of Nature Connection in downtown Kalamazoo, has lived in the area most of her life, but she was “surprised” to learn about Veni’s Sweet Shop in Niles — thanks to the 269 Cool Things To Do list.

“I thought it sounded really cool that Veni’s makes its own candy canes for Christmas,” Russell said, whose store is known for selling Michigan products. “We checked it out, met the owner, and now we carry some of their products and have an ongoing business relationship because of the 269 list.

“It’s great to see how it (the 269 Cool Things To Do list) has helped support and grow the local Michigan community and economy,” Russell added.

To submit your cool ideas or for more information, visit Kalamazoo Feb. 20 through March 18, 2012. People also may submit their and view other peoples’ ideas through Facebook www.facebook.com/269CoolThingsToDo and Twitter www.twitter.com/269CoolThings.

Discover Kalamazoo markets and sells the destination as a distinctive visitor experience to positively impact the county’s economy.

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