Looking for an out-and-about fall afternoon packed with delights? Northern Michigan’s antique shops are filled with untold treasures. Our final stop: Walt & Susan’s Old Barn Antiques on Old Mission Peninsula. (More stops below.)
This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our magazine library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
– A is for Autumn and Antiques –
Photo by Allison Jarrell
Destination: Walt and Susan’s Old Barn Antiques // 2513 Nelson Rd., Traverse City
This husband-and-wife pair has run the out-of-the-way antique biz for more than 50 years—a passion project that began when they acquired a circa 1910 barn and its contents, which they attempted to clean out and sell. But instead of making way for space in the barn, it sparked a love of antiques and collectibles that resulted in growing their stash into a business, with Susan becoming an appraiser and Walt creating a separate offshoot to house his automotive antiques in “Walt’s Garage” just up the hill.
Photo by Allison Jarrell
Photo by Allison Jarrell
Fun finds: Look for Victorian and Gatsby-era hats, dresses and shoes in the barn attic, as well as vintage tools, kitchenware, textiles and terrific local postcards.
Don’t miss: Walt’s Garage. Just up the hill from the old barn is Walt’s collection, a near museum-level homage to all things automotive. Car buffs will swoon over the antique gas pumps and globes, as well as the huge stash of vintage leather Michigan license plates.
We fell in love with: Fur mittens. Rabbit? Bear? Coyote? Fox? Who knows? Senior Editor Lissa Edwards knows they will keep her mitts (wrists and elbows!) toasty warm on a winter walk.
Related Read: Antique Day Trips: Find Vintage Treasures in Elk Rapids
Photo by Allison Jarrell
Stop for: September and October on Old Mission Peninsula means the air is awash in the scent of ripening grapes and fresh apples, and a host of wineries and cideries beg to be explored. With an eye for the vintage vibe, head to Peninsula Cellar’s one-room-schoolhouse tasting room and kick back with a hard-cider sampler before committing to a pint of your fave—the maple bourbon is subtle, dry and delicious on a bluebird day.
Peninsula Cellars is one of 10 tasting rooms on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail. Pro tip: Check out the Michigan Brewvine Passport for deals at local wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries.
Photo by Allison Jarrell
Photo by Allison Jarrell
Photo by Allison Jarrell