Sturgeon River Pottery in Petoskey

Karen and Steve Andrews have been running Sturgeon River Pottery for 30 years in the Petoskey area. Karen make dishes and bowls in her studio on the grounds. You can tell they have a passion for what they do. They also love nature and the great outdoors and offer lots of unique bird feeders and garden décor. The SRP motto is "May you always have a petoskey stone in your pocket and sand in your shoes."

Grandpa Shorter's in Petoskey

If you are hanging out in Petoskey, be sure to stop at Northern Michigan's favorite gift shop: Grandpa Shorter's.  It has been there since 1946 in a building within the historic gaslight district since 1880. They have an assortment of Petoskey stone kitsch--cheese knives and bottle stoppers, beads, jewelry, magnets and of course, the stones themselves. They also carry the largest number of in-house comfy Minnetonka Moccasins. The store is still run by the descendants of Grandpa Carl Shorter and we think it's a keeper.

Ludington Gallery and Gifts

Once upon a time, the owner of Ludington Gallery and Gifts moved to Alaska. Nancy came to her senses and moved back home and opened a lovely shop featuring local artists and Michigan made products. Here you will find many possible Christmas gifts that include photography, woodworking, glassware and many attractive artifacts. They are open every day except Monday.

Sawyer Garden Center

We had to rub our eyes when we entered the Sawyer Garden Center down in Michigan's southwest corner.  Is this place for real? They offer gourmet foods, gorgeous Christmas decorations, live greens, unique gifts and there was even a wine tasting going on.  It was like an oasis in the middle of a desert! Pure fun.

Laughing Loon in Copper Harbor

It's summertime when hordes of tourists invade Keweenaw Peninsula and make the trek all the way to Copper Harbor.  Everyone stops in at the Laughing Loon to buy their souvenirs. You can pick up a copy of Amanda Wais' book Little Slices from Da Harbor, to read about the colorful life of real Yoopers.  Looking for bear statues? Carved loons? Sweet smelling balsam fir products? Tree spirits?  They have it all.