“Our most frequent customer is from the Chicago area,” says Dave. Now Dave Carlson, 37, a Marine with degrees in political economics, English and 20th Century American poetry, and Debra Carlson, a practicing optometrist, are continuing the tradition of offering specialty gifts to Gaslight District shoppers-but combining that with a forward-thinking market sensibility. She finds inspiration for innovation in the surge of young people she sees downtown and the fresh infusion of style from longtime resorter families: “I love having two or three generations purchasing items from the same boutique.”įormerly the home of Saks Fifth Avenue, the Toad Hall building has stood as an anchor in downtown Petoskey for generations. “The presentation of the businesses downtown really shows the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit here,” she says. Chris, 40, is known for her store’s knockout displays that draw people in without using a single sellable item-like a ball gown made of red plastic cups. She’s inspired by the creative storefronts in downtown Petoskey, and her own window arrangements have people gathered in front of Threads boutique each time the window art changes. Owner, Threads in Bay Harbor and Petoskey & R3 Clothing ExchangeĪ good window display can make headlines all by itself, and Chris Jaconette knows it, so she hires the talent to make it happen. This isn't just luck-it's smart people who really work hard to create this sort of atmosphere." It's an easy detail to forget in a small town. "We're lucky to have some really smart people here. "I'd love to close off the streets on Friday nights like Traverse City does, keeping shops open later and creating a really fun environment," he says.Īs a member of the planning commission, zoning board and YMCA Board of Directors, Noah says he's learned that the shops and restaurants downtown share an important element. Noah is inspired by the good turnout at gallery walks and open houses, and anticipates more events like movies in the park for making the district a true pedestrian destination. When we think about doing new things, like gelato, like the cafe and beyond, we think about doing them in Petoskey." "We began making preserves in the basement of Kilwin's. This is a unique alternative."Īnchor merchant stores go back generations and ground the city's Gaslight District, and Spoon Foods took root here. The big city and suburban experiences have worn thin. "In a lot of way it's Old World, and right now it's really affordable. The son of local notables (Dad is the founder of American Spoon Foods, and Mom was Petoskey mayor), Noah Marshall-Rashid, 31, attended the James Madison College at Michigan State University, then moved on to Chicago and Los Angeles. Given his inquisitive spirit, it's only natural that this Petoskey native ventured away from his hometown. Noah Marshall-Rashid, Brand Manager, American Spoon Foods That means that the people who spend time downtown know they’re going to have an experience that they can’t get anywhere else. “There’s a fierce sense of independence that’s coming with it, and everybody is breaking the mold. “In the same way that there’s been a return to local and organic foods, the appreciation of a downtown is coming back,” Jessilynn says. Proof they’re on the right track: Winning major industry awards for bookselling and customer events and a praise-filled column in the New York Times by author Ann Patchett last May. This summer’s lineup of book signings is already packed with lit celebs. Since 1996 the store has given over $100,000 to Petoskey schools, and gives readers face time with favorite authors. So McLean & Eakin stays open seven days a week, with evening hours. “We want our downtown available to people when people are available for downtown,” Matt says. The Norcrosses, both 34, cite modern business principles and a sense of giving as keys to catering to an ever-evolving clientele.
The two were “blindsided by the fact that we loved the store,” Jessilynn says. He never thought he’d own the family store, but between undergrad and grad school, Matt Norcross was home working with books at the shop, and he hit it off with Jessilynn, a teacher who had moved to Petoskey to work at her favorite book nook.
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