Food, Coffee and Shopping: What to do in Downtown Alma

Nestled in its namesake city of Alma, Alma College is steps from everything you need to relax and absorb the local vibes. Our vibrant downtown offers places to eat, grab a coffee, shop, exercise and even play video games, with big-box stores and a movie theater just down the street. There’s plenty to keep you busy during your time away from school!

Here are three types of businesses that our Scots head downtown to find:

Good Food

Head to Blockhouse with your friends for dinner and stay for a game of Mario Kart … or five. Don’t have time to dine in? Call Great Wall for tasty Chinese take-out. Hosting a pizza party? Pizza One or Pizza Sam are great choices. Go to Main Café for brunch with a diner feel and great service.

Save room for dessert and visit Serendipity for their homemade frozen custard and sweet treats (I recommend the s’mores sundae — and if you have a late night of studying ahead of you, the cold brew custard shake will be your new best friend).

Caffeine Fix

Starbucks is just a short walk from Alma College’s campus. Make the trek for a hot or iced coffee. Pair it with a breakfast sandwich or pastry like our Scots like to do. You can venture to Highland Blush for a signature latte and a feel of the Scottish heritage that drives the Alma community. New to Main Street, Ballyhoo Books is expected to open a coffee shop inside soon and seating to study or chat with a friend while you enjoy your drink.

Retail Therapy

There are many options downtown to get a little retail therapy. Aside from coffee, Ballyhoo Books offers a wide variety of titles from different genres and friendly employees who are eager to help find your next favorite read. The Alma College Bookstore sells all of the Scots apparel you could want. Olive & Co. is a cute clothing boutique and two downtown florists, Michael Richard and Tom Billig, are true artists of their craft.

Visit Alma College in our hometown of Alma, Michigan. Our friendly community and small, welcoming campus will profoundly enhance your college experience. Schedule a visit at alma.edu/visit and see all that downtown Alma has for you.

Connect with your admissions counselor or call 1-800-321-ALMA with any questions regarding a visit to campus.