A VW bus-turned-coffee shop. Fragrant black garlic. Local thrift shops. Here’s what our editors are loving this month.
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Allison’s Swooning Over …
The Dream Bean
As summer fades into fall, I’m dreaming of watching the colors shift along the Lake Superior shoreline—specifically, in the quaint burg of Grand Marais. Travelers come here for waterfalls, rock hunting, and of course, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. But my new favorite stop is The Dream Bean, a wonderfully whimsical 1966 Volkswagen bus-turned-coffee shop.
Libby Whittington and her bus, Stella, have found their dream team (pun intended) in Grand Marais, and made it their permanent home base back in 2020. Today, they serve up a wide array of treats; I recommend the cinnamon roll and a breakfast pasty, paired with a pumpkin maple latte or a hot apple cider.
Round out your trip with a Sable Falls hike, a fall color drive along Lake Superior and some seriously good rockhounding (my favorite beach, Perry’s Landing, is about 12 miles east of town). Before beachcombing, make sure to stop by the Agatelady Rock Shop to see Karen “Agatelady” Brzys and her swoon-worthy collection of minerals and gems.
Read Next: Breakfast All Star: A Retro Dining Car-Turned-Eatery in Grand Marais
Photo by Allison Jarrell Acosta
Cara’s Swooning Over …
Black Garlic
There’s no better time of year to hit a Northern Michigan farmers market—apples and tomatoes by the bushel, fragrant stalks of dill, sunflowers, gourds and squash and pumpkins and onions and beets in colorful piles. So last week when I was shopping, this gray-ish, dinky little discovery didn’t exactly stand out visually, but man oh man, what a treat I found: Cured black garlic from Little Long Ears Provisions.
This adorable farm and fermentation operation on Old Mission Peninsula primarily makes gourmet vinegars but were handing out samples of their garlic, too. They cure it until cloves are soft and spreadable and the flavor is rich, sweet and wine-y. The garlic becomes soft and creamy with a balsamic vinegar quality—it looks and tastes more like a date than a member of the allium genus. I brought mine to a secret summer beach hangout, and we smeared it on a baguette with brie and it was pure perfection. Find Little Long Ears Provisions at the Sara Hardy Farmers market or buy their garlic online by the half pound at donkeyprovisions.com/shop.
Photo by Little Long Ears Provisions
Carly’s Swooning Over …
A Fireside Retreat at Takka Superior
Perched on the rocky edge of Lake Superior, Takka offers a modern take on a traditional Finnish sauna with guided experiences followed by (optional) cold plunges in the big lake if you’re feeling frisky. Afterward, guests can sip herbal tea and relax around a fire. The expansive lake views are magnificent—especially while you unwind at sunset. A second location in Hancock is opening soon along the Portage Canal with three public saunas and a deck with a fire pit and fireplace overlooking the waterway. Takka Portage will offer shared social saunas and private reservations, too.
Make it a weekend: Takka Superior in Eagle Harbor is also the home of Fresh Coast Cabins, available to rent from May–October. Nine sweet spaces, ranging from a rustic, cedar log cabin to a mid-century modern charmer, dot the property—some with epic lake views and, on special occasions, even the aurora. Cabin 6 has a prized screened-in porch worth its weight in gold when black flies come out to play. I’m daydreaming of Cabin 8, fully remolded with a cozy sleeping loft and rain shower.
Photo by 47 North Photography
Ashlyn’s Swooning Over …
Secondhand September
September is one of my favorite months for many reasons. It’s the official start of autumn. Everything feels so much cozier with fall colors dotting the trees and pumpkin spice making its long-awaited return. And of course, it’s Secondhand September.
In case you haven’t heard, Secondhand September is a movement raising awareness around the impact of fashion on our small blue planet. It encourages us to think about our habits and seek alternatives to buying firsthand whenever possible, not only in the closet but in other spaces of our daily lives.
In spirit of the month, here are three of my favorite shops in Traverse City offering up a selection of preloved goods.
Slip Vintage | 121 E. Front St. Suite #108
Here you’ll find a fresh, curated collection of vintage clothing and accessories. I’ve found many staple items that I know I’ll wear for years to come. Plus, next door there’s a studio and community space, Secondhand Social Club, which hosts a myriad of creative and lifestyle workshops.
Cherryland Humane Society and Thrift | 1253 W South Airport Road
As an animal lover, this thrift shop’s mission is close to my heart. There’s a great selection of brand-name clothing, furniture, pet items, and home goods. Plus, proceeds directly benefit the cats and dogs living at the shelter.
Penny Lane | 449 E. Front St
This funky consignment shop is all about community. Rent a booth and sell your goods, or shop from a variety of local sellers offering clothing, shoes, home goods and more. You might even find an upcycled or handmade gem on the racks. It’s truly a treasure trove.