On the Shores of White Lake

Mark had meetings in Grand Rapids and decided to stay in the neighborhood for the weekend. You know what that means don’t you? A day of fun and exploration! The last time we were out and about was during Thanksgiving weekend. We were overdue and decided to head north along the lakeshore.

Mark hails from Muskegon and is quite familiar with the environs just north of his old stomping grounds. I had only made a brief visit to the Whitehall-Montague area once during our Lake Michigan circle tour back in the fall of 2009. Today it was finally going to get the poking around attention it deserved.

When we left home fat fluffy flakes (try saying that three times really fast!) were just beginning to tumble from the sky. As we got closer to Lake Michigan and headed north on US 31, the roads become more snow covered and visibility had greatly diminished.

It wasn’t until we returned home later that evening that we learned the area had received 10.7 inches of snow that day. Hmmmmmmm … maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. Ah well, we were already on our way. What’s a few flurries?

We arrived at the sister communities on the opposite shores of White Lake late morning. Having done a bit a research prior to commencing our trip, we learned there were about half a dozen antique shops in the area. Sure enough, as soon as we hit downtown Whitehall, we saw a sign for “Art and Antiques.” Our first stop was at the Colby Street Shops. The art gallery of the shop was actually in the bathroom! Too fun! Mark scored a couple pieces of enameled dinnerware here.

On the north shore of White Lake is the world’s largest weather vane. Measuring 48 feet high and 14 feet long, and weighing in at a whopping 4,300 pounds, it features the White Lake lumber schooner Ella Ellenwood, which was built in 1869 and wrecked in 1901. The weather vane is dedicated in commemoration of the spirit of the Great Lakes sailors who opened this part of the country to the advancement of civilization.

But rather than stand outside in the frostiness to admire Montague’s claim to fame, we decided to check out more of its quaint shops.

One of our faves turned out to be Wildflower II. It is a spinoff of Wildflower Furniture Refinishers we’d see later that afternoon and was tended by the most charming of characters. Art may have been a bit hard of hearing, but his quick wit was amusing. I just love a man who can banter! Mark found a black McCoy pitcher and antique sifter that had to go home with him, especially after Art offered him a 20% discount. And no calculator for this guy … he did all of his mathematical computations the old fashioned way with pencil and paper. Who said that the long division we learned in school way back when would never come in handy?

Even if we wouldn’t have made any purchases, this place was definitely worth a stop. Art told us to be sure to visit his daughter’s furniture showroom, and we promised to do just that after checking out the other stores and grabbing lunch.

(Wildflower II; 4575 Dowling; Montague; 231.903.8705)

Abiding by our preference to avoid chain restaurants and instead rub elbows with the locals, we went with the suggestion of Pekadill’s. With a menu featuring soup and sandwiches, as well as a toasty fireplace, it was the perfect place to take a break from antiquing and the winter weather.

The Canadian cheese soup was delish … though I had to apologize to Mark in advance. I LOVE cheese soup, but it doesn’t always love me, if ya know what I mean. We’d likely have to crack the windows open on the way home!

(Pekadill’s; 503 S. Mears; Whitehall; 231.894.955)

Our last stop in the area was Wildflower Furniture Refinishers and Antique Shop. This big, warehouse-type facility offers antiques in the front, but it’s real claim to fame is its furniture business out back. While I admittedly didn’t have high hopes for this place, it turned out to be my favorite of the day. That was due in large part to owner Sharon Fisk (Art’s daughter) and her welcoming demeanor. As soon as we entered the building she poked her head out, told us to take our time looking around, and to c’mon on back when we were done.

She was in the middle of restoring a beautiful wooden door (I apologize for the fuzzy photo), but took the time to show us around and tell us about her business. What an amazing place! With 33 years in the furniture repairing and refinishing biz, her workmanship and experience were evident in what she showed us. She gave us a tour of the stripping room (furniture, not lap dancing … get your mind out of the gutter!) and the spraying room while she explained her clientele.

Most of her work caters to those looking to restore family heirlooms. Unfortunately the beautiful game table and chairs I had immediately spotted after stepping into the back room belonged to one such client and wasn’t up for grabs. I hate when that happens.

Sharon told us, though, that she also purchases estates and refurbishes the pieces for resale in her antique store. Interestingly, she lost everything to an electrical fire in 1999, but has obviously successfully rebuilt from the ground up. As a girl whose taste tends to lean toward the contemporary, who knew this kind of beauty could be found in old furniture? And, as luck would have it, while we were chatting back in the antique showroom, I spotted two hanging metallic snowflake sconces that had my name written all over them. With a wink Sharon said she must have forgotten to pack them with her other Christmas merchandise and offered them to me for only $4 each. Sold! After we exchanged contact info and I promised to blog about her shop (Hi Sharon!), we headed for home.

I love exploring little towns and discovering what they offer. Time and time again, though, I realize that the best finds are their people. Whether it’s during full-fledged tourist season in the summer months or smack dab in the middle of blustery January, the Whitehall-Montague area is definitely worth a visit. When you’re there, make sure to stop by and see Sharon. She’s one of their greatest treasures!

(Wildflower Furniture Refinishers; 875 Industrial Park Drive; Whitehall; 231.894.9016)