Soak Up the Last Days of Summer with These Incredible Local Businesses
As summer winds down in beautiful Northwest Michigan, there’s still time to savor long days, warm breezes, and the small businesses that make our region so vibrant. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these are the places that offer not only great products and experiences but also the stories of hardworking entrepreneurs building something special in their communities.
Here are just a few of our clients you should check out before summer slips away:
Mission Proper (Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City) - Beautiful Old Mission Peninsula is somehow made even better with a visit to the stunning Mission Proper Café, where expertly crafted coffee drinks and their Sunrise Granola Bowl (among many other treats) will start your Northern Michigan day off just right.
Beulah Outdoors (Beulah) - “Everything scuba”... and so much more! Stop into this great downtown shop featuring apparel and accessories for skiing, hunting, and beach-going. While you're there, ask about their scuba instruction, camps, and guided diving adventures in Crystal Lake, Lake Michigan - and even the Florida Keys!
The Salad Fork (Charlevoix) - On-the-go days call for fresh, fast and flavorful. Enter The Salad Fork! This local favorite offers signature salads, fresh-pressed paninis, açai bowls and more - all perfect for keeping you fueled (and feeling good) for the rest of your Northern Michigan adventures.
J.bird Provisions (Charlevoix) - Those right on the water (perhaps pre- or post-boat tour!) can’t go wrong with a stop at J.bird Provisions. Delicious grab-and-go options - including your soon-to-be-favorite dip - mean you won’t miss a bit of the beautiful day!
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate (Empire) - No summer - or “Best Of” list - is complete without Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate. Their dark chocolate gelato is the stuff of summer dreams, and their handcrafted truffles and caramels are available year-round. Pro tip: a small box makes a perfect hostess gift!
Art’s Tavern (Glen Arbor) - Wipe the sand off your feet and settle into a northern Michigan classic. Art’s Tavern has been a Glen Arbor staple since 1934. From famous burgers to whitefish sandwiches, plus a cozy, welcoming “Up North” vibe…you’ll want to make it part of your tradition, too.
Owl Eye Coffee Roasters (Cadillac) - If you need a little mid-day “boost” to fuel you outdoor adventures, Owl Eye Coffee in downtown Cadillac is the perfect pitstop! Coffee aficionados swear by their expert-roasted coffee blends - pick up a bag or two along with that iced latte!
Elberta Pizza Co. (Elberta) - After a day of biking, swimming, antiquing, or just soaking in the beauty of Benzie County, let the Fast family take care of dinner. Elberta Pizza Co. serves up delicious, handmade pizzas, perfect for a no-fuss night in or a beachside picnic.
Pickle U (Traverse City) - Some August days are just too hot. Ditch the humidity and head indoors to Pickle U for a fun, air-conditioned intro (or return!) to pickleball. You might still break a sweat, but at least it won’t be while you’re tying your shoes in the heat!
River Street Marketplace (Manistee) - If your travels take you to Manistee, make time for River Street Marketplace, downtown’s newest gem with multiple businesses under one roof. From women’s fashion and nautical-themed housewares to spa treatments and no-bake goodies, there’s something for everyone.
Coastline Cycles (Frankfort) - Thinking of biking the beautiful trails near M-22? Coastline Cycles has you covered with rentals (including e-bikes!), gear, and expert service to get your wheels ready for the ride - from now through fall.
Roll Model (Frankfort) - After (or before!) your Frankfort ride, roll over to the Roll Model food truck. Their fresh, flavorful dishes won’t weigh you down, and their Agua Fresca is just the thirst-quencher you’ll be dreaming about on your way back to town.
Remember! Every time you support one of these businesses, you’re not just making a purchase - you’re helping sustain local dreams, local jobs, and a thriving Northern Michigan.
We’re honored to work with these passionate entrepreneurs. They are the heart of our mission and the soul of our region.
