6 Towns In The Great Lakes With Thriving Local Businesses
The Great Lakes region is one of the most picturesque in the United States. The charming coastal towns that dot the shores of the five lakes are renowned for their charm, scenery, and local businesses. The quaint downtowns have numerous vendors, merchants, and eateries that are worthy of a visit by themselves. The small towns and villages are full of character, along with waterfalls, heritage sites, and farms.
Though the scenery is jaw-dropping, many people come for some retail therapy. The towns are small in size but big in local shops. One can spend an entire weekend visiting art galleries, boutiques, and local diners offering local fare. These are six towns in the Great Lakes with thriving local businesses.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck, Michigan, has charming neighborhoods with local shops, and the downtown Saugatuck/Douglas is known for its abundance of local merchants. Among the many boutiques is Unique Roasters, a local coffee shop that roasts its beans in-house. For a tranquil time, head over to Summerhouse Lavender Farms. Over 1,200 lavender plants are on site, and lavender products galore are available, including bath soaps, candles, and lotion.
Along with exceptional shopping, Saugatuck has an amazing art scene. Public art displays, murals, and galleries dot the quaint town, and art classes are offered at Oxbow Scholl of the Arts and the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Saugatuck Gallery and J. Petter Galleries are among the many galleries in the downtown area. This shore town is an exceptional shopping destination with plenty to see and do along the way.
Lexington, Michigan
Lexington, Michigan, is a pleasant village along the shores of Lake Huron, with elegant shops and a fun atmosphere. It is known for its golf courses, vineyard wine tastings, and live theatre. The shoreline shopping district includes 3 North Vines and offers a vineyard, tasting rooms, a taphouse, and a wedding venue. Antique lovers will enjoy Gatherings Antiques on Main Street, which offers everything from vintage knick-knacks to full-size counters and tables.
The village is also a prime locale for foodies, with an artful culinary scene and many local eateries offering diverse cuisine. The Cadillac House offers cozy lodging with elegant accommodations and is a perfect place for lunch or dinner. It opened in 1860 and is one of the most historic inns in the district. The restaurant also offers a new private space, The Hidden Cavern. This is an ideal shopping location with a blend of coastal charm, historic buildings, and elegant dining options.
Galena, Illinois
Galena, Illinois, is rich in culture and history and includes a historic downtown with cozy shops. Historical structures like the Ulysses S. Grant Home, the 1826 Dowling House, and many other historical sites paint the landscape. Historic Downtown brims with brick facades, many over 100 years old, and includes local merchants. Among the 125 shops and venues are Amelia's Under the Lamplight Theater and Bella Rosa Boutique.
The historic town and surrounding areas are also known for their wineries. Visitors can choose wineries on Main Street or take a short drive through the scenic vineyards. Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery has spectacular views from its wrap-around porch and an iconic Red Barn that has been family-owned for three generations. There is also a booming nightlife with bars and clubs like the Birch Lounge Bar and Lounge.
Stillwater, Minnesota
Stillwater, Minnesota, is a charming and scenic small town on the banks of the St. Croix River. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, with brick facades and historic buildings like the Brunswick House on Chestnut Street. The house, built in 1848, is the oldest in town. The downtown district offers over 50 local shops and restaurants, 20 of which have patios or rooftop dining.
The Stillwater Antiques Mall has over 60 dealers selling lighting, furniture, sports collectibles, and more. The Brick Alley on Main Street started as a gas plant in 1904 and today is a shopping mall hosting local merchants. Brix Music Cafe is located in the mall and is the biggest live music venue in Stillwater. This is a perfect town to spend a leisurely day strolling among the vintage buildings, shopping, and dining.
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
The resort town of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has elegant Gilded Mansions built by Chicagoans, state parks, and beautiful beaches. It also has unique shopping opportunities at stores like The Space, a well-being studio, and Cornerstone Shop and Gallery with home furnishings. The shoreline has places to unwind, like The Bottle Shop, with over 800 wine varietals.
Lake Geneva has world-class museums, historical homes, and elegant shopping and dining options. The Lake Geneva Museum highlights decades of history with furniture, boats, clothing, and other historical artifacts. The Black Point Estate, built in 1888, is one of the oldest on the Great Lakes and is available for guided tours. Lake Geneva is one of the prettiest towns on the Great Lakes and offers a wide variety of culture, history, and shopping.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is a charming village near Cleveland. It is named for the waterfall that feeds the Chagrin River. The walkable historic village wraps around the falls and has architecturally significant structures and shops. The Chagrin Falls Shopping Plaza is in the heart of the downtown village and includes shops like Nouveau Vie and Town and Country Gifts.
There is a great dining scene, including Flour-Italian Kitchen and Batuqui, an authentic Brazilian restaurant. The Farmer's Market is open throughout the summer, a perfect way to bring back local gifts after a day of shopping and dining. This is one of the most unique towns in the area because of the waterfall and dam, but the boutique shops and eclectic restaurants make it a memorable destination.
The Great Lakes region is beautiful and charming, and the small towns along its coasts embody the coastal spirit that makes it unique. Historic towns like Galena, Illinois, offer landmarks like the Ulysses S. Grant Home as a backdrop to the downtown areas. The Chagrin Falls, Ohio, shopping district centers around a natural waterfall and dam, providing tranquil scenery while walking around.
Lexington, Michigan, has an amazing culinary atmosphere at restaurants like The Cadillac House, which also offers pleasant lodging. These six towns also have vibrant cultural and artistic sites that add to their natural charm. The thriving local businesses are the fabric of the communities and make them a joy to visit.
