[ladyblue09]

I used to live in Portage and I liked it there. It is very safe and peaceful. In the part of Portage where I lived, you could be out in the country in just a few minutes, or in the middle of Kalamazoo in just a few minutes if you went the other way, so it was a great location. Since your family likes chain stores I think you would be perfectly happy with what Portagehas. I recommend shopping at Meijer over Walmart though. I had no problem finding an apartment that accepted my 2 cats in Portage.

[thesearch]

Why Meijer over Walmart?

[darstar]

Originally Posted by thesearch

Thanks. I was talking about winter jackets, boots, that type of thing. Any brand suggestions?
There is skiing in Michigan?

Yes there are several Ski areas in SW Michigan. Timber Ridge is the closest to Kazoo, about 15 miles west, just inside Van Buren County. There is also a newer slope , Bittersweet in Otsego..... I do most of my clothes shopping on line, so, can't help there. You can get about everything you want at the Westnedge mall, also a great " fresh market" just south of the Mall. I think it was called Market Fresh. Not your everyday place maybe, but lots of fresh produce, aged meats, specialty foods. Everyone goes to Mejiers for their daily needs. Great Michigan chain, I wish we had one up here in the U.P. Forget Wall mart.

[jeeg]

You don't really need "winter gear" down here in southern Michigan for general living. I've lived here most of my life and I still don't have "winter gear" other then a good Carhart jacket, a hat and gloves...... all of which you can get at just about any chain department store. This last winter I only used my carhart jacket a few times, mainly just wear a oversized lined flannel shirt.
If you're talking about Ski gear...... any sporting goods shop can set you up.

We've spent the previous four years up in Michigans Upper Peninsula, most our lives down here in the Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo area where our families are........ and we don't know a single person in real life who has ever bought snow tires! Other then a couple folks on these forums who say they are a must
Never been in a ditch, have a perfectly clean driving record (no accidents), and neither of us own 4X4's either (FWD is best IMO).

We do agree tho, that Meijers is MUCH better then Walmart! But make sure you check out all of the local Farmers Markets and Farm stands too!

[jeeg]

Originally Posted by darstar

also a great " fresh market" just south of the Mall. I think it was called Market Fresh. Not your everyday place maybe, but lots of fresh produce, aged meats, specialty foods.

Are you talking about D & W, the chain supermarket?? Was just driving down there last night and I'm trying to figure out what you are referring too....... if it's something I haven't been to, I would like to check it out myself

[darstar]

Originally Posted by jeeg

Are you talking about D & W, the chain supermarket?? Was just driving down there last night and I'm trying to figure out what you are referring too....... if it's something I haven't been to, I would like to check it out myself

Yes, thats it. I got confuse, when D & W sold out most of their stores.I guess its still D & W. Was a great place to shop a couple of times a month. ... I never had winter tires before ether before I came to the U.P. Now , I would have them anywhere there is lots of ice and snow. Not necessary, but a lot safer, especially for people who may not be used to winter driving.

[1coolcustomer]

Originally Posted by thesearch

Anybody's opinions are great! But espescially someone who lives/lived there! Thanks for your in put!
If not portage where would you recommend? My family likes to be near like: Walmart, pizza hut, that type of stuff.

I'd recommend Oshtemo.......there's a Super Wal-Mart on 9th St. and W. Main with a Meijer kitty corner across the street. Further East on W.Main about a mile there is about every pizza joint , fast food, Lowe's, Target, etc, you can think of.

I agree with a previous poster about Portage lacking character, just a bunch of row houses and same old, same old subdivisions. I prefer Mattawan, Paw Paw, Lawton but if I had to live closer to K-Zoo it would be Oshtemo, Texas Corners or Alemena.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by 1coolcustomer

I'd recommend Oshtemo.......there's a Super Wal-Mart on 9th St. and W. Main with a Meijer kitty corner across the street. Further East on W.Main about a mile there is about every pizza joint , fast food, Lowe's, Target, etc, you can think of.

I agree with a previous poster about Portage lacking character, just a bunch of row houses and same old, same old subdivisions. I prefer Mattawan, Paw Paw, Lawton but if I had to live closer to K-Zoo it would be Oshtemo, Texas Corners or Alemena.

Then there is Alamo...best thin crust on the planet.

[jeeg]

Originally Posted by darstar

Then there is Alamo...best thin crust on the planet.

I'm normally not a fan of thin crust pizza (we like our pizza thick and chewy)........... but if you say it's the best thin crust on the planet, then I'm definitely open to new experiences! Can you tell me where this "Alamo" is located so I can try it while we're still in this area?

P.S. We so dearly miss Aubree's pizza!! We're actually planning a trip to Ann Arbor in a couple weeks just so we can eat at the original Aubree's (his dad's place)!! LOL

[darstar]

For a Guy who claims to be a local ? Lol. Fricano's opened in Grand Haven in 1949...invented pizza in west Mi..... their Alamo store is very popular, celebrities even "fly" in for the thin crust. Hard to miss in the little village of Alamo.. just south of ave D on 6th st. and you can watch the deer out the windows while you eat...Take the kids, they will enjoy it. ( warning, some nites there is a mob, especilly if a group has booked in for a private party)

Aubree's has good wheat crust, but , the Calzones at Up Front are better. The best pizza hands down comes from my oven ! ( about once a week).