Much has been written about Three Oaks, Mich. — and for good reason. It’s less than 80 miles from the city and exudes a perfect balance of quiet, Midwest-village character and shopping sophistication. Rather than run down the usual mix of shops, galleries and restaurants that dot the town’s main drag, Elm Street, we’re going inside businesses to show off some great finds. Elm Street’s treasures are like the town itself: one of a kind. So while these particular treasures may not be there when you pop in, you’re guaranteed to come across something equally fun.
— Shaila Wunderlich, [email protected]
Glass decanter ($149.99)
Froehlich’s, 26 N. Elm St., Three Oaks. 269-756-6002; www.shopfroehlichs.com
Your first purchase at Froehlich’s should be a brownie or piece of apple streusel pie. Only then is it appropriate to move on to the bakery’s selection of tableware, linens and picnic gear, such as this apple-red ceramic glass decanter (holds 1 gallon), perfect for filling with fresh-squeezed lemonade and toting to the beach.
‘On Walden Pond’ book binding ($675)
B Books, 202 N. Elm St., Three Oaks. 269-756-9722; www.ricktuttle.com
On the north end of the Elm Street shopping drag sits B Books, where Rick Tuttle, self-described “painter, writer, graphic designer, carpenter, lover of literature” — and actual poet laureate of Three Oaks — sells books, holds readings and turns out uniquely hilarious book bindings and book cases, such as this one of Henry David Thoreau’s “On Walden Pond.” A handful of works are for sale in Tuttle’s shop, but he also works on commission. Prices vary according to the level of work involved.
Vintage Paul Frankl-style rattan chair ($888)
Springdale, 19 S. Elm St., Three Oaks. 269-756-9896; www.springdalefurnishings.com
This late-1940s chair was exquisitely restored by Springdale’s expert refurbishers with an era-appropriate tropical print. It is just one of hundreds of similar pieces for sale in the shop; Springdale is one of the United States’ premiere dealers of vintage Heywood-Wakefield furniture.
‘Sharing the Story’ acrylic-on-canvas painting (call or stop in for price)
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Dawning, 22 N. Elm St., Three Oaks. 269-756-9940; www.dawningart.com
We loved the contrast of the creamy yellows and bright oranges in artist Kim Pruitt’s “Sharing the Story.” Her Elm Street gallery, Dawning, is rife with similar paintings, in addition to Pruitt’s clay sculpture, jewelry and cards. Best of all, much of the art at Dawning is affordably priced.
Antique anatomical poster ($388)
Ipso Facto, 1 W. Ash St., Three Oaks. 269-756-3404; www.ipsofactoantiques.com
If you’ve got the stomach for it, this 1886 anatomical poster, titled “The Structure of Man,” is big (26 1/4-by-41 1/2-inches) and vibrant enough to hold its own as a bona fide work of art. This antiques shop has several medical items in its inventory of eclectic furniture accessories and oddities, which owner Brandon Nelson assembles based on “presence over pedigree.”