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Up North–Suttons Bay and Old Mission

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I’m really a sucker for “cute.”  Cute stores.  Cute houses.  Cute chicken coops.  I don’t want “cute” stuff in my house necessarily, but I get a kick out of seeing how people can take an ordinary building or item and make it cute with a bit of creativity and ingenuity.

Recently while on a color tour up north, I found some pretty cool examples of genuine cuteness.

For example, this darling store in Suttons Bay.  The owners took a perfectly ordinary storefront and make it pop.  The wild green and black against the white background attracted me from several blocks away.  Yes, trendy.  Sure, a bit gimmicky, but it made me smile and pulled me  out of the main business area to amble down a few blocks to see what was inside.

Another shop that drew me in was set way back from the street.   The enterprising and creative retailer created a rainbow of colors in an arch that beckoned me to check it out.

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I also loved this sign.  A bit audacious but, what the heck…..

Then there were some lovely spots on Old Mission—the Peninsula that sticks out into Grand Traverse Bay.

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I thought this farmhouse  so charmingly painted that if it had been a restaurant or a B & B I would have gone there just because of  the decor .  Perfect Red.  Marvelous trim detail.  Wish I could see the inside.

Loved the old church.  Who ever came up with this classic design is to be applauded.  I may need to research this at some point.  Religious or not, its great.

And my favorite of all: this chicken coop.  Certainly made me smile. Trumps them all for cuteness.

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Post Author
Susan J. Smith
Susan's career includes writing for newspapers, lots of community work and a wonderful family life. Now she is enjoying traveling, photography and writing for DesignDestinations and Grand Rapids Magazine. She welcomes you on her journey and appreciates your comments.

Comments

3 Comments
  1. posted by
    D’Ann
    Oct 28, 2009 Reply

    This post made me miss the fall colors. Living in Florida I don’t get to experience a “true” fall anymore. Thank you for sharing all these cute and attactive places!

  2. posted by
    Lani
    Oct 29, 2009 Reply

    What a cleverly written piece about a “touchy” subject for so many “nothing but chic” readers. I love our north country’s iconic cuteness that is found all over the 2 peninsulas, and there is indeed a big line between cute and tastelessness. (Think the rainbow painted house at the north end of Suttons Bay).
    Next time you are up there, be sure to find, if you haven’t already, the Japanese house in the northwest section of Suttons Bay, only 3 blocks or so off M22. It is one of the most beautiful derivatives of a Japanese “fortified” home I have ever seen, complete with waterwheel! Thanks for taking me there in my mind again!

  3. posted by
    smithsj
    Oct 31, 2009 Reply

    Thanks for the lead. I haven’t seen this house but will check it out the next time I’m in the area. I hope to get all the way up to Northport some time in the next year and will enjoy more time in Suttons Bay.

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