Antwerp has open land and fishing holes
Antwerp Township, in Michigan, includes the villages of Mattawan and Lawton, and the area outside those two communities mostly consists of rural and forested land with a few farms, vineyards and service businesses. The township also has protected habitats and several small lakes and creeks that make for convenient fishing holes. Ryan Miersma believes the location and outdoor activities are among the township’s appeals. “It’s a great place to raise our kids. We live just outside of Paw Paw on 16 acres, and we love it,” says Miersma, owner of EZE, a business that provides services for the home. “We like the community, and the commute to Kalamazoo is very manageable on a day-to-day basis.”
Ranch-style and modern traditional homes are available in the area
Across the township, narrow country roads pass by spacious properties with dense woods. Prospective buyers should anticipate extra space, as many lots are over half an acre, including those in denser subdivisions. Ranch-style homes and farmhouses are common, while the few subdivisions consist of Colonial Revivals and traditional homes built between the 2000s and today. A few homes in Antwerp are over a century old, and some have been remodeled. Homes here mainly go from about $200,000 to $550,000.
Outdoor activities include wildlife viewing, fishing and golf
The 189-acre Portman Nature Preserve has 2 miles of trails and welcomes snowshoers during the winter. The Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve also draws nature enthusiasts. The 106-acre site’s inhabitants include the box turtle and Massasauga rattlesnake. The nearby Paw Paw River and Eagle and Bankston lakes are a few places to find various bass and other species like bluegill and crappie. “On some lakes, they have larger fish like muskie and pike,” Miersma says. “And some of the lakes, rivers and streams that connect to Lake Michigan will get salmon.” The public Heritage Glen Golf Club has an 18-hole course surrounded by forest.
Tea Pot East’s breakfasts and the Backyard of Kalamazoo
Paw Paw, Mattawan and Lawton are the usual shopping and dining destinations, but the rural areas outside the villages also have some eateries. Tea Pot East is a laid-back cafe serving breakfast fare like omelets and waffles. The Backyard of Kalamazoo has burgers, brunch and cocktails, and a field where patrons will find bounce houses, pool tables, cornhole boards and other games. The Cody Kresta Vineyard and Winery offers tastings on a scenic 19th-century homestead. Other Antwerp area staples include The Modern Well, a coffee shop in Lawton. “I’m a connoisseur of good coffee,” Miersma says. “I’ve traveled a lot, and I really love The Modern Well.” Paw Paw’s Walmart has groceries.
Within three Van Buren County districts
Three public school districts serve Antwerp. The Mattawan Consolidated School system gets an A-minus from Niche, while the Paw Paw and Lawton Community school districts both get B-minus grades. Depending on where they live, students may start at Lawton Elementary School, which gets a B-minus from Niche. Other schools serving the area include Mattawan Middle and Paw Paw High School, the latter of which is located in the township. Mattawan Middle gets an A-minus, while Paw Paw High receives a B-minus.
Celebrating the region’s wine culture
Popular events include September’s Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival, which celebrates the area’s wine culture. In addition to tastings at the St. Julian Winery, attendees may participate in a 5K run or walk, a grape stomping contest and a kayak race. The entertainment also includes carnival rides and live music. Many come out to the Nightmare Realm Haunted Attractions to celebrate the Halloween season. The site opens each weekend in October and features costumed performers and a variety of horror-themed decor.
I-94 commute to Kalamazoo
Interstate 94 runs across Antwerp, connecting the township to Kalamazoo. Downtown Kalamazoo is about 25 miles east. The Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport is the region’s hub for commercial flights. The Bronson LakeView Hospital provides one of the nearest medical facilities.
