Entering the Sobran gallery on the west side of Glen Arbor one is offered a feast for the eye. There one comes face to face with impressionistic paintings of local scenery marked by their brilliant colors. Tropical Key West and images from France and Italy also adorn the walls or are found stacked on a table.
For owners Tom Brodhagen and Kate Presnell, owning a greenhouse is a year-round job, and one that peaks in May. “Personal and family life are put on hold from February through the end of May, when we are tied down to our greenhouses,” says Kate.
Diane’s Hairstyling Studio is a familiar destination for many of us living in southern Leelanau County. Owned and operated by Diane Aylsworth, the studio provides a friendly and informal environment. Diane herself is a modest professional who has gained the business and respect of countless clients.
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate was started in 2004 and is owned and operated by Mimi Wheeler. It is a family-owned business, perched on a dune in the quaint village of Empire. Mimi’s love for rich, dark chocolate and a deep connection to her garden inspire her truffles and other chocolate creations.
After many years of dealing antiques, Miser’s Hoard in Empire recently expanded its business to include new items. Paul and Heidi Skinner’s expansion included giving up almost their entire first floor of living space — what dedication!
To simply describe Phil Deering as a life-long local grocer and civic leader in Empire seems too matter-of-fact, too understated.. But that’s just the way this humble man would have it. Phil was born in 1947 and attended the old Empire school.
Margaret Hodge has found her dream job. “I get to hang out with men all day long and then not have to clean or cook for them when I go home at night!” jokes the owner of Anchor Hardware, a small, jack-of-all trades store on M-22, just north of the Empire village.
The venerable Burdickville destination, on the east side of Big Glen Lake, has been owned and operated by Richard Hargreaves since 1987. The white-haired, slender proprietor, familiar to two generations of ice cream lovers, served up his final cone in 2008, before handing his well-worn scoop over to Laker Shakes’ new owners, sisters Ellen and Mary O’Neill.
Sherri Lynn Richard, a well-known stylist at Pavlova in Traverse City, purchased the Glen Lake (Beauty) Salon on Christmas Day last year following months of serious consideration. “I thought it was a dream come true but, initially, too expensive,” she says. Richard opened on New Year’s Eve and exalts at how well Glen Arbor has treated her. “Happy, sunny people,” she calls us. Richard has inherited many of former owner Marilyn’s clients, and also drawn her former patrons from Pavlova.
Invited to a Baby Shower? Having a Baby? Want to pamper a new mother? Or maybe you have aspirations to be the best aunt or uncle, grandmother or grandfather around and need the perfect present? If you’re affected by the recent Baby Boom, look no further than Glen Arbor’s own “Imagine That. Eclectic Arts & Gifts” shop to help you fulfill your gift-giving needs. You’re sure to find something memorable, whimsical and personal.