Paw Paw: Big city convenience and small town charm.
On our way into the Van Buren county seat, Paw Paw, we drove past the
centerpiece of the community, Maple Lake. As we parked the car, we spied
an old man sitting on a picnic cooler in the shade of a huge tree, fishing
off the bank of the lake. It made an idyllic scene.
That first impression of Paw Paw remained throughout our visit. Village
Manager, Bradley Noeldner and Village President, Roman Plaszczak, told
us all about Paw Paw’s progress, industry, recreational opportunities,
schools, and business, but the memory of the peacefulness that old man
was experiencing on the banks of Maple Lake remained. Very few small
towns offer both the conveniences that a larger town might have with
the safety and closeness of a small village.
Paw Paw truly has big city convenience. Lakeview Hospital has served
the community for many years with top-notch doctors and emergency room.
A new medical center specializing in rural medical care will soon be
opened to add to the prestige of the medical community. Village manager,
Noeldner, says that Paw Paw even has a locksmith, something small villages
seldom have.
The Strand Theatre, which has been in business for many years, offers
first and second run movies in a delightful atmosphere. Brian and Denise
Nugtren have made a lot of recent improvements to the theater, including
a new projection system and new seats (new to the Strand, that is.) The
movie theater is a local gathering spot, and people are quick to point
out that the community is safe enough to let teenagers walk to the movies
in the evening.
Across the street from the Strand is Bistro 120, one of several restaurants
that draw people to Paw Paw. Staff t-shirts note that they are in the “heart
of the theater district.” Kevin’s Tavern occupies a beautiful
spot along the river with a magnificent deck that is filled with locals
and visitors dining alfresco on warm summer evenings. Brewster’s
has just recently moved into the beautiful old hotel building that has
stood on the corner of Michigan Ave. and Kalamazoo Street for over a
century. La Cantina is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2006 and is
the oldest running restaurant in the area.
Agriculture plays a big part of Paw Paw’s economy because the
community sits in the middle of the fruit belt. Grapes and the wine industry
have a huge economic impact in the community. People flock to Paw Paw
during the Wine and Harvest Festival, which this year occured on Sept.
8-10. Roadside produce stands abound in the area and bring many visitors
during the harvest season. Processing plants are major employers for
the community.
It is, however, the small town appeal that brings families to live in
Paw Paw. Because it sits beside I 94, people can live in Paw Paw and
work in Kalamazoo. The schools are great, shopping is good, churches
are plentiful, and the grass is greener. 
The village council and other community entities are working to make
the village amenable to foot traffic. There are plans to make a walkway
and bike path all the way around Maple Lake. Additionally, the century-old
storefronts are being restored to include modern condos and apartments.
The post office and the grocery stores are all within walking distance
of the beautiful homes around Maple and Akley lakes. Playgrounds abound
and children can safely ride their bikes and walk to school and play.
Village President Plaszczak says that Paw Paw is Southwest Michigan’s
best-kept secret, and frankly, he would just as soon keep it that way.
Yet he invites you to visit Paw Paw; sip some wine, eat a great meal,
see a play at the Paw Paw Village Players or a movie at the Strand. Share
with him this beautiful little community in Southwest Michigan.
