You wouldn't think that the hardware store would become a reoccurring vacation destination, but for…read moreus that's absolutely what this place is. We have loved watching it grow and expand its offerings over the years. my husband being in the maintenance and carpentry fields at times found himself needing things and North Woods hardware has always been there to assist with a cheerful smile. Service has always been friendly and helpful. I love perusing the HomeGoods and I've enjoyed exploring the expanded garden areas no stop to Glen. Arbor is complete without a pop into our favorite northern hardware store.

I've spent money and time here in the past, but never again. Today I went in to buy some paint…read more There was a woman at the paint desk. She said "I'll be right back." She went to the front of the store and started chatting with a coworker. I waited. And waited. Finally, I went up to the front of the store, and on my way out the door I said "Thanks for your help." She replied very contemptuously, "You're so very welcome." I don't know, maybe they feel they have too many customers. If that's the case, I'm happy to help alleviate that situation.

We were up north with my inlaws for a week and stopped by here a few times to browse all the…read morebeautiful, colorful pieces. My SIL & BIL just bought a new house so they were excitedly exploring all the decor, particularly garden decor, for their new abode. My husband's niece also recently got her first house and she excitedly picked out several cute things for her yard like the stone owls and a couple of other pieces. While everyone was browsing outside I popped inside and saw the most gorgeous embroidered chair. It was blue with orange birds and flowers all over it. I showed it to my husband who also loved it and urged me to get it. "That is an Annette chair if I've ever saw one" he said. Alas, we are due for getting some repair work done around our house so I balked at the price and said "maybe next time!" And stepped away from the chair with a longing look. Hah. I didn't leave empty handed tho! I picked up a cute solar grasshopper figurine to add to my garden and a golden fox statue for indoor decor. Anyway, I left the shop to go browse down the street and long story short, my in-laws were sneaky and bought me the chair as a surprise gift!! I was floored by their generosity and tried to argue, but the deal was done so I accepted the gift with the kindness intended. Now, between me, my husband, my mom, three dogs and all our luggage we had zero room in our car for the chair so my sneaky in-laws also arranged delivery with the shop. A day or two after we got back home I got a call and text from the gallery letting me know the owner himself was going to be in our town the next day and had the chair with him for delivery. I was surprised and impressed that they did their own delivery (not sure what I expected but wasn't white glove service by the owner to our house 4.5 hours from them!) My husband greeted him at the door and the chair was delivered in all its beautiful glory. So yeah, this store is great for unique decor both small (cute stone owls) to large (a beautiful embroidered chair) and everything in between. Now I just have to figure out the right place to put it bc this is a chair that demands to be seen!

Always a stop on our excursions to upper Michigan. Love their unique selection of garden artwork…read moreand have also given as gifts to many. Looks great in our Chicago back yard patio.

Liz has an extraordinary eye for designing with natural stones from northern Michigan. She is…read morewilling to work with the customer to create the perfect piece for them. She has a great selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rosarys in her shop for a reasonable price. She is a valued friend and a lovely person.

Liz Saile is one of the most talented artists in Michigan. She transforms local stones (petoskey,…read moreLeland blues) into gorgeous designs suitable to a wide range of tastes and styles. She also sources precious gems from around the world to add to her local offering and creates one of a kind masterpieces. Her prices are very reasonable and her store on the main street in Cedar is open and bustling with activity. She is a gem expert and you can learn a lot by just asking about the stones (and she is just so Nice!!). Every summer I visit 2 or 3 times to purchase special pieces from her, then I wear them and receive compliments from people all over the country (and the world!). Check out her website: www.lsaile.com and see some examples of her work. She is truly a Michigan treasure!!

Such a great spot with amazing art. Really great variety of artist styles and media - lots of…read morehandmade ceramics!

We happened upon this gallery because the window display was so intriguing and we went inside. The…read moreartwork here is really excellent with a lovely variety of paintings, sculptures, etc.

The succulent greenhouse is OUT of this world. I couldn't believe my eyes when I walked it.read more

They have excellent customer service the most beautiful flowers. You can find the most unusual…read moretypes of flowers you can't go wrong.

This little store had some unique items from all over the place. We saw michigan agate coasters…read morethat a friend of hers makes in Minnesota. I ended up purchasing a cute wooden penguin that she got from someone who purchased them at a show in Chicago. They do require masks and only allow ten people in at once. You must stop in at the front desk and get hand sanitizer before touching items to keep everyone safe. I think this is a smart idea. You habe to be careful woth children too because there are a lot of glass and fragile items.

This is my favorite gift shop in Empire. The owner has exquisite, light-hearted taste with some…read more beautiful handmade items, cards by local art, gifts.

Laughing Fish Gallery is what my DREAMS are made of! I wanted to buy one of everything in here and…read moreI was so immediately overwhelmed by how everything in there was exactly my aesthetic! I can't believe I exhibited such self-restraint and only bought one thing. (Although, a couple days after visiting I went onto their website a bought a few more items :P!) I love that this store is a mother/daughter duo owned store! The daughter (EchoFoxx) does all these incredibly stunning watercolor artworks, prints, stickers, etc. of Michigan & nature that feel plucked right out of the inside of my brain, and the mother does adorable fish & other creature sculptures that are so whimsical. Do yourself a favor and check out this store in downtown Suttons Bay. It's absolutely breathtaking!

So. Over. Due - this review! Laughing Fish Gallery is THEE cutest little place! The artwork is…read moreabsolutely adorable, the staff super-friendly, and the artists - well, I hate them; they're SO stinkin' creative! Their work is - well, trouble. It's trouble. We have spent lotsa dollars with the LFG folks - and not because it's pricey. Rather, each time I see new items they *must* come home with me. Ugh. So. Stinkin'. CUTE! If you like doggos, fish, port town replications, canoes, fox, moose...whimsical, colorful variations, friendly folks, and pleasant browsing/shopping experiences - AND/OR the option of having something commissioned, AND/OR a "blank slate" in which to try your own hand at painting a template/cut-out - Laughing Fish Gallery is for you!

I had the privilege of visiting Benjamin's studio 2 1/2 years ago while visiting in MI. I was in…read moreawe of the beautiful and unusual work he does, and bought several dozen items which he efficiently shipped to OR for me! I would have loved to have anything and everything in his store. It is worth the trip to Leland just to see his work.