Northwoods Hardware Glen Arbor
That’s Georgia Gietzen and Dee Shuker from Northwoods Hardware.

I’ve always had this thing for hardware stores. My dad used to take me shopping with him when I was a little girl and hardware stores were a favorite stop. But, Northwoods Hardware in Glen Arbor is not one of your typical hardware stores. Sure, they have all of that manly stuff that guys expect, but you’ll also find a place with natural, environmentally friendly cleaning products, great gifts, wonderful gardening products, art supplies, office supplies, fax and copy service and even FedEx shipping and packaging. There’s also camping and recreational gear. I just love great locally owned places like this that make you feel welcome and appreciated the minute you walk in the door.

Here’s a link to the Northwoods Hardware website. And, a link to a google map of their location at 6053 S Glen Lake Rd, Glen Arbor, MI 49636 .

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Wildflowers in Glen Arbor is a must if you love gardening and are in the area.
Wildflowers in Glen Arbor is a must if you love gardening and are in the area.

Up until this summer, I had never checked out Wildflowers, but had driven by the shop on my way to Syncronicity in Glen Arbor. My friend Lisa had told me this was one of her favorite places to go when she was up north with her mother-in-law.

Now I can see why. Inside, the shop is filled to the brim with unique specialty items, from home accessories to personal gifts. Outside, the garden area showcases lush shade gardening with plants, statuaries, fountains, birdbaths, furniture and more for sale. It’s located on M-22, here’s a google map link.

Leland, MI HDR Photo
Leland, MI HDR Photo

For those of you who have never been to Leland, maybe you should plan it in your agenda. It’s very unique, and I mean that in a nice way. There’s a bunch of interesting shops along this waterway, which leads to Lake Michigan.  I took this HDR photo while I was standing on the dock. If you look close, you can see a dam that bridges the local hotel and The Cove, a fabulous seafood restaurant.

chimeramss.jpg
I found out about Chimera Design after at least ten friends over the course of about six months told me there was this great, unique shop in Lowell that I just had to see.

When I finally went I discovered incredible custom jewelry, pottery and art that was very reasonably priced. Chimera is right across the street from the Flat River Grill (which is a great place to eat), there is a little sign out front that says “Lowell Fine Jewelers.” Julie Claire DeVoe and Cliff Yankovich have been selling my fine art there ever since I went in and met them. I want to be supportive of the galleries with my work and limit how many locations I put it in, so Chimera is the only gallery in metro Grand Rapids with my fine art for sale. The next closest place is the Timmel Collection in Saugatuck.

If you decide to visit Lowell, you’ll find awesome shops and will want to spend some time looking around. I love it that almost all of the shops are locally owned and operated, which results in finding unusual items and receiving outstanding customer service.