Top Things to do in Michigan
Top Hotels in Michigan
10 Gift & Specialty Shops in Michigan That You Shouldn't Miss
Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan
1. Confections with Convictions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Kalamazoo's only shop making hand crafted truffles and other confections exclusively from Fair Trade, organic certified chocolate. Chocolatier Dale Anderson's original recipes contain fresh local fruits, honey, and maple syrup. Vegan and gluten free options are always available. Closed Sunday and Monday. Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Reviewed By learning12 - Kalamazoo, United States
I like to buy these creative, delicious handmade chocolates as gifts. The business supports a good cause featured in the article "Dale Anderson Shows Young Offenders a Path to a Sweeter Life" in the Christian Science Monitor
2. Gustafson's Smoked Fish
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By msm5286
This is shop inside a gas station, not the most promising of locations. It has, though, wonderful smoked fish. (A friend who really knows smoked fish said it was the best she'd ever had.) It also has jerky (which we didn't try) and other items. Among the many items in the shop are bags with a variety of trenary toast flavors. I loaded up on the cardamom flavored, and wish I'd picked up more! (If you haven't tried it--trenary toast is a twice-baked bread imported by the Finns who settled in the U.P. It's a local specialty, and wonderful!) Unfortunately, unless the store has changed policies recently, it ships only the jerky, not the smoked fish. The shop/gas station is on highway 2 (the road that skirts Lake Michigan), roughly halfway between St. Ignace and Naubinway. Going west, you will pass Little Brevoort Lake on the right. Approx.2 miles further, watch for Wildwood Lane going off to the left. The gas station will be the next thing you see on the south (left) side of the highway. If you come to Ozark Road on the right, you've gone too far. There is a largish sign for the store.
3. Chillermania!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
World Headquarters for books by Johnathan Rand! Michigan Chillers, American Chillers, Freddie Fernortner, Dollar $tore Danny, and MORE!
Reviewed By ginakarasek
We've been coming here for years- my oldest (now 24) started reading the Michigan Chiller books when she was very young and since her Grandpa lived only a mile away from the store - we have come here pretty much every time we come to Indian River over the years. All 5 of our kids love the Chillers series, and I love the adult books (written as Christopher Knight). We have all the adult books, the teen books, and both the Michigan and American Chiller series (still collecting the rest of the American Chillers books, as he is still releasing new ones). Found out today he started a new series "Nightmare Nation" - so I got the first book of that. "Jonathan" and his wife are almost always here- we always enjoy talking with them- they're very personable and funny. He signed the books I purchased today for me as well- he always does if he's here. I always read the kids books as well- written for kids or not- they are always interesting and a fun quick read for me. I wanted to also say that his adult books are as good as Stephen King's (I think even better honestly because King has a tendency to make some "underlying evil force" be the cause of every bad thing in his books- Christopher "Knight" has very unique stories that are absolutely nightmare inducing.) I'm still hoping a new one will come out one of these days ;) Stop in and visit- you won't regret it. And in the summer you are very likely to meet the author and his wife and at least one of their dogs.
4. Northern Latitudes Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
Come in to the distillery and check out all of our fantastic NLD spirits, including our newest The Narrows Barrel Aged Gin and Bernie's Brandy! We strictly follow CDC safety guidelines. We wear our masks and all customers do too except when doing a FREE tasting of our spirits. Our tasting room is open, at a smaller capacity. With the new law we are having fun with our cocktails-to-go. We do have our outdoor seating area open and our fabulous cocktails are to-go. Our indoor bar seating area is not open yet due to Covid-19 but we look forward to opening it in the near future! Stop in and check out our chamber gift shop where we have all of our spirits in stock and you can shop our barware, fun signs, great cocktail napkins, and NLD clothing! We look forward to sharing the NLD experience with you!
Reviewed By GretchenB143 - Phoenix, United States
Everything we had here was delicious! Head to their website, too, for some amazing cocktail recipes. They do an amazing job with the physical distancing and points of touch contact in the shop, too. Will return every time that we are in the area!
5. Horrocks Farm Market
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 550 reviews
Reviewed By marierF4236WB
Horrocks has just about everything from soup to nuts, cheeses to deli meats, fresh fruits and veggies, fresh POPCORN, good dairy offerings, and beautiful fresh flowers and plants. A warm and inviting place to spend quality time especially right now when it's a tad cold outside.
6. Fustini's Oils & Vinegars
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By lindaket - Traverse City, United States
We did a Thai cooking class (virtually) last evening with Chef Christie and had a terrific experience. She was very engaged and approachable throughout the 1 1/2 hour class. We made a fabulous meal which we then, sat down and enjoyed virtually with daughter and SIL (they also did the class in their home). Thanks Fustini’s for putting together a wonderful event that was fun, different and brought us together during a pandemic winter evening!
7. The Pink Patio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 84 reviews
Home and Garden Store with some fun and whimsical twist, its a must see.
Reviewed By crose75 - Montague, United States
A must stop on any trip to the area for fun and funky gifts, beautiful garden items and amazing architectural details for the home. The gentleman running the show is definitely a highlight! Can't wait to come back for some more amazing finds and great conversations.
8. Pure Detroit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 194 reviews
Welcome to Pure Detroit - the original local culture shop - since 1998. Spreading the love for Detroit through our brand of apparel and other exclusive artisan goods and gifts. We offer free architectural history tours every weekend at The Fisher and Guardian Building. Visit us at one of our 6 locations in Detroit or visit us online for more tour/retail information!
Reviewed By O3956QQcaseyc
Great tour today with Jake! Very knowledgeable and great interaction with the crowd. Highly recommend you take a tour, it’s a great building to see!
9. Little Luxuries of Mackinac Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 589angiem
Every time I am back this store is a MUST! I always find a little treasure to bring back home! There is something for everyone!
10. The Jam Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 103 reviews
We are a 40 acre working family farm with a licensed kitchen that makes sweet and or savory Jams, Preserves, Bread and Dip Mixes and yummy Granola. Plenty of samples available. Everything is made with the fruit we grow or our neighbors grow. We have tractors for people to sit on and take pictures and they are welcome to walk around the farm buildings and grounds. We have a quilt block on the barn and are part of the Mason County Ag Trail. Both have recorded information you can listen too. We are open 7 days a week in the summer and 4 days a week in the fall. We close just before Christmas and open again in the spring. Come and visit the Jamlady!
Reviewed By Nista7
We stopped by the jam Farm today. The ladies inside were so nice… They even brought a treat for our puppy (who was waiting outside). My husband took photos of the puppy on the tractor - which are adorable. I was inside sampling in buying six or seven jars of jam. Everything is super tasty and nicely packaged. The women who work there could not be nicer. Was a good way to start the day.
