By Gari Voss
Allegan, Michigan offers much more than just food and drink. There is no need to be disappointed about missing the sold out Comedy Night at Tantrick Down Under or the January Pub Quiz or the beginning of Pinball Leagues at Tilt or their first Tilted Tuesday Free Play & Free Ice Cream or the Create Your Own Pet Face Shirt at Sassy Olive or the some of the winter specials at Allegan Event or… because there are more opportunities on the horizon.
The weather outside has been frightful, and it seems that staying home under a warm blanket is the only way of spending below freezing, snowy days and nights, but there is much happening around Allegan. Whether it is just picking up materials for a project at home or taking time for a class/workshop or game night, each opportunity gives residents and visitors time to chat and catch up on the latest news, have some fun, and enjoy a meal or snack.
Entertainment is always an option at the warm Regent Theater (269 673-2737) that shows current movies every evening of the week plus matinees on weekends. Check in at Sherwood’s Cove (269 673-6977) to see who is on stage or sign up for a game of pool. Also, check at Tantrick Brewing (269 512-7016) to ask about talent that will be stopping in or special evenings like Music Bingo.
For those who would rather be creative in relaxing ways, check in with Sharon at Sharon’s Quilts & More (269 686-9579). There are numerous possibilities for not only quilting but doing handwork from cross stitch to embroidery to knitting. Speaking of knitting, The Bear & Fox Yarn Den (269 355-1011) offers classes for beginners to experts in knitting and crocheting or just stop in, sit on the couch or chair and work on a project. Tucked back along the river is Baker Allegan Studios, Textile Arts, Weaving, Spinning and Yarn Shop (269 903-6883) where novice to advanced weavers create beautiful pieces or engage in other soft arts.
If considering other art projects, be sure to check out the workshops at Sassy Olive (269 512-7117) where fabric becomes the “canvas” of choice. Cottage Arts & Eats (269 512-7001) is taking a break from regular hours, but private classes are available. Allegan Floral & Gifts (269 355-1953) offers creative sessions. On February 28th from 2-4pm, Eccentric Garden (eccentricgardenplantshop@gmail.com) will engage plant lovers in Plant Bingo at Tantrick Brewing. Be sure to check in just south of Allegan at Amazing Grace Floral & Gift Shop (269-355-1141) to see what they have on their menu. Going north of town, Brave Art Studios & Gallery (269 264-4150) offers classes each week either during the day or in the evening.
Moving away from the softer art, there is Essenburg Arts (eric.essenburg91@gmail.com) where pottery rules. Check in on the classes in wheel throwing, come for Glaze Days, or just settle in to work on a project.
For the more adventurous, once a month Tantrick Brewing hosts the Allegan District Library’s Trivia Night. Just bring a team and test your memory. Fly high at Allegan Event (alleganevent@liggettville.com) but be sure to check online for the best prices. Engage with pinball machines and other games at Tilt 118 (269 512-7030) where open play or leagues are available. Tilted Tuesday features free play all day plus a free scoop of ice cream with meal purchases.
Also on the gaming side, Allegan has Hidden Alley Gaming (269 941-3619) at the back of the Regent Theater. In addition, Tardy’s Underground Comics (269 355-1720) is across from the Regent Theater.
The Fairways Downtown & Back Deck Axe Throwing can prepare the avid golfer for days when the golf courses lose their snow cover. The brave at heart can also build muscle and accuracy with an ax. On the milder side, the Dart League in Tantrick Down Under (https://www.tantrickbrewing.com/downunder) might improve hand-eye coordination.
If shopping for antiques or unique pieces piques one’s interest, Allegan has several choices. Just east of town on M-89 is the Rock-N-Horse Antiques & Collectables (269 355-1782). The vendors offer a wide variety of items. Downtown, Just a Second (269 355-1660) requires more than a second to wander the store to digest every item in the nooks and crannies. Heading north, the RESALE Place (269 673-6061) is more than an antique shop and can take away the winter doldrums. One of the best places to find antiques and not spend a penny is the Allegan County Historical Society Old Jail Museum (269 673-8292) that is open on Saturdays from 10am-4pm but also offers time during the week for just a phone call.
Then there is the Allegan District Library where all offerings are free and provide opportunities for all ages. Examining opportunities during the last week of January, Wednesday evening offers Always Forward which is a talk by local author Cecilia (Adele) Garcia, and Thursday evening hosts the Puzzle Race which is friendly competition that pits teams of 1-4 members against each other to be the first to complete the puzzle. Moving into February, offerings include Firearm Restoration, Changing Negative Self-Talk, Pintesting: Cupid’s Arrow Wall Hanging, Watercolor Pet Portraits, Relaxing with Cats, the monthly book club, and more.
The dreary weather will pass, but in the meanwhile, take advantage of the many opportunities offered around Allegan, Michigan to conquer Cabin Fever.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
