Traverse City Shopping

I was actively looking for a gift for my soon-to-be five year old granddaughter, Sabrina Dee because later that week, she was going to graduate from pre-school. When we walked into Murdick's Fudge Shoppe, I was not even thinking about a gift for Sabrina; that is, until I saw this beautiful PINK butterfly attached to a small pole for placing in the ground. She loves the color PINK and also adores butterflies. It also had some jewels on it, which I knew she would enjoy. It was only $4.95 [which I could not believe because it was so well made]. Of course I had to purchase it!

Even though we went into this store to look at the fudge and candy, we did not buy any. You just never know what you are going to find when you go into a tourist shoppe.

Open:
April-October

What to buy: This store is known for "the best fudge in Northern Michigan". They specialize in homemade chocolates, caramel corn, peanut brittle, cherry products and specialty gifts.
You are able to sample the candy, fudge, and other food products.

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Aurora Borealis Designs is a lovely shop in Leland, Michigan that features custom designed jewelry made from beach glass. The artist uses Petoskey stones and Leland bluestone which are gathered from the beaches of Leland and elsewhere in Leelanau County, Michigan.

This store/studio is located in Leland, Michigan, and it is the red building overlooking the Leland Harbor and Fishtown.

Much of the work here is custom work. Although the jewelry is expensive, it is some of the most beautiful work I have ever seen. To see some of Annie's work, go the the website or to the Chamber of Commerse site: http://lelandbeachglass.com/studio/..

Photographs:

1. Photo of the owner/artist in front of her workshop in the "Aurora Borealis Designs"

2. The Sign outside her store

What to buy: The jewelry is mostly sterling silver and beautiful beach glass in different shapes and sizes. Every piece is one of a kind, and you can order specially custom made pieces.

What to pay: EXPENSIVE

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Chateau Grand Traverse Wine Tasting and Gift Shop is located on Old Mission Peninsula. It is a modern wine making facility; yet, it is the oldest and largest winery on the Old Mission Peninsula.This is a family wine making establishment [the O'Keefe family] that was started in 1974. Through the years, they have won many medals for their world-class wines. They are especially well known for their fine Rieslings. Since Rieslings are my favorite wines, I was delighted.

There is also The Winery Inn with six guest rooms that overlook the vineyards and Grand Traverse Bay.

Two generations have worked here. Their Old Mission Peninsula store is lovely. They have unique and beautiful gifts pertaining to wine; they also have wonderful candies.

The view from the wine tasting facility is breathtaking. The people who work here are so friendly, quite knowledgeable, and helpful. We tasted five different wines; I found them quite delicious.

What to buy: I purchased two items from the gift shop:

1. a foursome of Assorted Absorbent Tumbled Stone Coasters in a set. The ones that I selected have various grapes on them [See main photograph]

2. I purchased a delicious candy bar with Dark Chocolate, dried cherries, and nuts.

I had been looking for the coaster for a few years because they are absorbent and don't let the glasses leave rings on furniture or desktops. They are cork-backed to protect furniture. They will work well with either hot or cold beverages. They are easily cleaned with a damp cloth and a touch of mild soap...they must air dry.

My husband Allan loves dark chocolate, and it is difficult to find dark chocolate with nuts [his favorite]. Fortunately for me, he let me taste it...Wow and Wow again....truly delicious.

What to pay: The coasters cost $15.95, and the candy cost $3.95. Wines range from $10.00 to the upper $20's

The first store that Mickey and I went to in downtown Traverse City, Michigan. We both love Extra Virgin Olive Oil in flavors and traditional Balsamic Vinegars. This is the perfect place to shop because you are able to taste as many as you wish.
The shop offers both "infused and Fused" extra virgin olive oils. Some that are available are:

Basil
Cilantro Onion
Chipotle
Meyer Lemon
Persian Lime
Tuscan Herb

The Balsamic Vinegars come in Plain or Fruit/herb infused.
Plain includes 12 year old dark or white as well as 18 year old dark

Some of the fruit/herb infused are:
Blueberry
Cherry
Chocolate
Cinnamon Pear
Coconut
Jalapeno
Lavender
pomegranate

Their specialty Oils and Vinegars are:

Pinot Noir
Walnut Oil
Champagne Vinegar
Sesame Oil
White Truffle Oil
Sherry Vinegar
Lemon Sicilian
vanilla

What to buy: Both Mickey and I purchased something at this store.
Both of us enjoy the lemon olive oil and the 18-year old dark vinegars.
This time, I purchased the "Better than Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar", which is quite delicious. My husband loved it.

Mickey purchased the Lemon olive oil, which her husband loves.

What to pay: These products range from $10.00 to $20.00. I belief the White Truffle Oil is much more expensive than that.

Horizon Books has a great reputation as a gathering place, evening entertainment, the best smoothies and excellent customer service!

What to buy: Books! Magazines, Smoothies - really, try one!

What to pay: Teachers have a nice discount!

I'm a big fan of well-run resale shops - it's a nice change from your average shopping mall. This little house is home to a great one - clean, organized and I found the items to be of very good quality. The shop is pretty as well with all available space used for display - yet it doesn't seem overly cluttered.

What to buy: I loved looking for clothes with the tags still on priced at far lower than retail.

What to pay: This truly depends. Books were about $5 for a slightly used paperback. Shoes were $15 and up. There's a sale room upstairs where a number of items are 50% off their marked price.