Okay, I never thought I'd say this but I can see why people move to Michigan. I think this beautiful state gets a bad rap because of Detroit, the auto industry and union labor. I'm not about to discuss my thoughts on any of these as I do not want to turn any readers off! That being said I've spent the last two days in southeastern Michigan and have thoroughly enjoyed my time.
I've visited Spartan and Meijer ... hmmm both interesting store concepts and both should hopefully be featuring an outstanding selection of product by January 2012. Great meetings! Next up would be the independent blitz. Here we go ... I always like to give a little shot out and recognition to those stores that are just too cool for words.
If you find yourself in Saugatuck you should definitely visit The Butler's Pantry (www.thebutlerpantry.com). What a marvelous kitchen shop, complete with Stonewall Kitchen goodies and a gift basket area where you can create your own or they'll do it for you! It is right next to a confections shop and the fudge is oh-so-good! While in Saugatuck I would definitely check out The Hickory Pit. Outstanding BBQ and the family just moved from Kentucky. Show a little love to welcome these folks to the neighborhood.
From Saugatuck we headed down to Kalamazoo. Cutest stores ever! First up was actually my dream kitchen store. 5,000 square feet and room for a demo kitchen. Absolute perfection. A great balance of all brands and the ability to brand block was amazing. Not to mention Kalamazoo is an adorable town. Probably not even really a town but a city! So first up was The Mercantile (http://www.mercantile-kitchenware.com/) and about the nicest set of owners with their adorable dog. He was a bit shy but boy oh boy did I have fun in their baking section! Second up in Kalamazoo was Sticks & Stones (you can find her on Facebook) which is quite the amazing housewares shop. Adorable storefront in downtown Kalamazoo, beautiful home accents and essentially only our gadgets! The owner is a kick in the pants and had me laughing the second I walked in.
We had one more stop back in Grand Rapids at an Ace store that was unlike any I'd ever been to, and I've seen quite a few Aces'. This store had a kitchen that I'd dream for in my own home. An awesome housewares section with just about every tool, gadget, small electric, etc that a person may ever need. Check this out ... www.ryleesace.com and select Ace's In The Kitchen. Amazing.
We headed out to Holland this morning visited a beautiful old fashioned general store downtown and had a delightful conversation with a few of the ladies that run the store. Incredible amounts of tools and gadgets and literally EVERY single color of KitchenAid mixers available. The row just kept going and going and going! Visit Teerman's (www.teermans.com) next time you're in Holland. Once you are finished shopping be sure to walk across the street to Crane's and grab a slice of cherry or apple pie. AMAZING!
Back at home, sitting here watching a bit of television. I realize that my job is pretty darn cool and I get to meet some amazing people. I come home and my family is thrilled to see me and while I was gone these two days my daughter learned how to blow me kisses. Life is pretty darn sweet right now.
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