When it comes to the beautiful bounties of Mother Nature, Michigan, which is divided by two peninsulas and surrounded by four different lakes, has more than its fair share. With that in mind, there are plenty of unique souvenirs that tap into that deep connection to nature and all it can offer. Here, we offer 6 not-to-be-missed shops in which to find them.
American Spoon, Petoskey
The delectable treats found at American Spoon on East Lake Street in Petoskey’s historic gaslight district are handmade with heartfelt dedication and filled with ingredients taken straight from Northern Michigan fruit growers. Mouths will water at the tasting tables where products can be sampled. They offer the classics – fruit butter, preserves and marmalades; the savories– salsas, vinaigrettes and condiments; and specialties such as dried fruits and nuts, gelato and baked goods. American Spoon is also a Gold Award winner for best jam, jelly or preserve by the NationalAssociation for the Specialty Food Trade. There are two American Spoon stores just in Petoskey. The other one is located in Saugatuck.
Bronner’s CHRISTtmas Wonderland. Photo Courtesy of Bronners.
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth:
Located in “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” this is the world’s largest Christmas store. The 90,000-square-foot building, bigger than one-and-a-half football fields, is on Christmas Lane andhouses more than 50,000 holiday items, fromChristmas ornaments, nativity scenes, outdoor and home décor to Christmas stockings and hangers, Santa suits, garlands and wreaths. Bronner’s was founded in 1945 and is open 361 days of the year. Shoppers also can visit Bronner’s Silent Night Memorial Chapel and see its half-mile-long Christmas Lane sparkling with holiday lights.
Cherry Stop, Traverse City
On East Front Street in the “Cherry Capital of the World” is a store with the world’s largest selection of cherry food and gift items. At the Cherry Stop people will find almost anything with cherries in it, on it or all over it. Their most popular cherry is the tart Montmorency, and they add these cherries to almost any recipe. From Cookies, muffins, breads and salads to jams, jellies, chocolates and candies – there is something for everyone. They offer cherry-themed kitchen products , bath and body items, cook books, clothes and pictures. The newest edition to the Cherry Stop is a wine bar that carries more than 260 wines from22 local wineries.
Found, Ann Arbor
In the Historic Kerrytown District of Ann Arbor on North Fifth Avenue is an unusual store filled with quirky and whimsical art and vintage treasures. The store has a mix of old and new – vintage finds, works from local artisans, handmade crafts and jewelry, art supplies, candles, paper goods and much more. Found’s owners travel around to auctions and antique shows to purchase vintage and unique merchandise to sell and what isn’t found is hand-crafted with a variety of recycled materials – from old buttons, license plates, game parts to typewriter keys.
Doodle’s Sugar Bush, Blanchard
After purchasings everal maple trees in the area, Doodle’s Sugar Bush began creating first-class maple syrup treats in 1998. Aside from their 100% Pure Maple Syrup straight from the sap of northern sugar maple trees, Doodle’soffers homemade maple candies, maple sugar, creams, jellies and butters as well as granola, spicesand seasonings.
Saugatuck, MI
Visitors are sure to enjoy a leisurely walk through this harbor village as they poke their heads into one-of-a-kind shops and find something unique to take home. Artists have long been attracted to this quaint town on Lake Michigan’s Eastern shore and have opened up an array of specialty shops filled with custom and hand-crafted items of all kinds. Saugatuck, known as “The Art Coast of Michigan,” is consistently named one of America’s top 25 arts destinations.
