Are you a procrastinator? Is your M.O. to wait until the last minute to take care of something on your to-do list, or perhaps your Christmas shopping list? Do you secretly hope that Santa’s elves will sneak into your house at night and finish the decorating, wrapping, and tagging that must take place before the big day or the big night?
We get it — the holiday season is a blissfully busy time of year with events and obligations that tend to pile up. From elementary school programs and work holiday parties to gift exchanges and multiple family get-togethers — it can be an overwhelming time of year. Dare we say, even stressful at times?
However, before you start grumbling about all there is to do, please hold your humbugs in check. Downtown Petoskey is here to save the day, and count the ways our quaint shopping district can give you a hand. You may not have 12 days left before Christmas, but we have 12 suggestions and ideas to help you wrap up your shopping and prepare for the holiday!
Still, trying to decide what to serve on Christmas morning for a post-present treat? Why not pick up twelve cinnamon rolls from Tillie’s Tafel?
Need a brief respite and some libations? Stop for a drink at one of these eleven locations at the end of a long day of errands and shopping — Beards Brewery, Ernesto’s Cigar Lounge and Bar, High Five Spirits, City Park Grill, Tap Thirty, Palette Bistro, Duffy’s Garage and Grille, Mitchell Street Pub, Beacon Bistro, Pour Kitchen and Bar, and Chandlers.
Want to Zen up your home before company arrives? Snag ten natural stones from Poetess and Stranger to promote peace and goodwill toward men, women, children, neighbors, mothers-in-law, etc.
Not loving the clothes in your closet? Check out these nine fine clothing shops to find just the right piece for any holiday gathering — Threads and Après by Threads, Boutique Boisson, Craig Ryan Fine Clothing, Cutler’s Clothing, Haystacks, J. Phillips, Mettlers American Mercantile, PEcado, and V2V
Need an outlet for some Clark Griswold-Esque Tannenbaum tension? Try throwing eight axes at Northern Michigan Axe Company!
Want to give a one-of-a-kind gift? Visit any of these seven galleries filled with original art — Somebody’s Gallery, WARD Gallery, Ward & Eis Gallery, Crooked Tree Arts Center, NorthGoods, Glass Lakes Photography, and Random — to find a piece that speaks to you!
Still have some tikes on your shopping list? Find toys, trinkets, and tatters and trappings at one of these six kid-friendly options — Bearcub Outfitters, Cheekade Meekade, Circus Shop Children’s Apparel Center, Fox and Hound Boutique, Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, Rocking Horse Toy Co.
Does your home need something special to help you entertain this holiday season? Or does a gift for someone else’s home fit the bill? Stores all over town offer unique and quality items. And these five wonderful stores offer a diverse selection of gifts for every corner of the house – Reid Furniture, Flora Bae, Ciao Bella! Home, Quiet Moose, and, yes, Meyer ACE Hardware.
Feel like you’re running out of places to go? There are four major streets (and six actual blocks) to shop and explore in Downtown Petoskey — East Mitchell, East Lake, Howard, and Petoskey — plus you can get your steps into pre-emptively combat all the delicious food you’ll soon be eating!
Time for a caffeine boost before heading home for a gift-wrapping marathon? Snag a warm beverage at any of our three fantastic coffee shops for an extra boost — North Perk, Populace, Roast & Toast.
Want to give the gift of sparkle this season? Visit either of these two fine jewelers – Arlington Jewelers and Reusch Jewelers — Downtown and pick a gift that dazzles even more than the freshly fallen snow.
And finally, there’s one amazing bookstore chock-full of books and gifts for anyone on your list — McLean & Eakin. Shop this local, independent, and award book gift store for everyone on your list.
So, whether you’ve put off all of your shopping until now or just need to treat yourself, bundle up and take a walk down Petoskey’s five golden streets, err, Petoskey’s five streets and check out all the unique brick-and-mortar small businesses. From food to axes and toys to books, the diverse Downtown Petoskey businesses have you covered. After all, we’d prefer you have a true holly-jolly Christmas, not a blue one!
And don’t forget — Downtown Dollars and gift certificates to specific stores are always great gifts too!
Need to find a parking spot? There are seven designated parking lots in the downtown vicinity — check them out! Want your parking to be free? Check out this list of spaces sponsored by local merchants here.
Happy Holidays to all……!
