While the sun warms the bricks lining Main Street, warm yourself with a cup of organic jasmine peach white tea from Galley Gourmet Espresso Cafe (231-439-2660) before heading into its sister shop, Galley Gourmet (231-439-2665). Here you’ll find wines, exotic grains and spices and an amazing deli case with beautiful takeout – don’t miss the key lime pie.
Saunter down to decor boutique Savoir Faire (231-439-2614) where silk paperwhite flowers and vintage botanical prints share shelf space with creamy stationery, filigreed dessert plates and antique serving sets for your dining room. Proprietor Karin Abel’s pugs, Sophie and Murphy, lounge in the dog-themed nook where you’ll find bejeweled collars and cheeky tees for dog mommies.
If your babies are the two-legged variety, head to The Rocking Horse Toy Company (231-439-2680) for rainy-day classics like pick-up sticks and marbles, and summer staples galore: sidewalk chalk, face paint, water balloons and butterfly nets. With everything from stuffed bears to sea monkeys, there’s plenty to spoil little ones silly before heading over to Threads (231-439-2626) to spoil yourself with chunky hand-knit sweaters, buttery leather handbags and gauzy tops for the beach.
Up the street at Gallery On Main (231-439-2745, galleryonmainbh.com), browse through a lovely collection of paintings, sculpture and photography by local artists. Lastly, settle in to a meal at Latitude Restaurant (231-439-2750, latituderestaurant.com). Seared scallops, a glass of wine and a water view are precisely the elements you need to end such a fantastic day with a flourish.
Emily Bingham is assitant editor at Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine.ebingham@traversemagazine.com
Note: This article was first published in April 2007 and was updated for the web February 2008.