Whenever writer’s block materializes, I gather a small notebook from my writing studio and head outside onto the streets of Downtown Petoskey. It is here I find a jewel. With its many facets and sparkles, Downtown Petoskey has become a diamond in December.
The mission for the day is to visit two new businesses who have recently opened. And as I make my way down Lake Street, I revel in the ornamentation of the Holidays. The roping around the gaslight streetlamps, the window treatments of the various shops, stores and restaurants, and of course, the dusting of snow provide for a perfect Currier & Ives photo. The city quietly hums with holiday shoppers and sightseers taking a deep breath into the comfort this small town provides. A relaxing respite from the rush and scurry of the Season. A walk where pressure evades the soul and tranquility washes the spirit.
At the first stop, I visit PEcado. A new custom clothing and accessory boutique offering women’s wear, accessories, and designer leather goods. In this case, custom and designer are paramount, because the owner of Pecado, Alona, makes the product you may order right there in the store.
Walk the red carpet into PEcado with your best Oscar’s runway approach. You may not enter looking like a celebrity, but you will certainly exit as one. The shop opened at 402 East Lake Street on October 16th to rave reviews, and Alona’s been sewing ever since. She has even dabbled in the exotic by making python horse halters.
Winding my way up Howard to the corner of Petoskey and Mitchell Streets, the other newbie in town, The Quiet Moose, has just relocated from its old address out on US-31. The building has been completely refurbished, yet the “Moose” continues its prominence with a designer rich environment catapulting the visitor into a splendor of decorating for the home. They tout, the “finest quality furniture and home décor in Northern Michigan.”
Bidding farewell to The Quiet Moose staff, I step back onto the sidewalk and turn up Mitchell, imagining the next few weeks prior to Christmas morning: The smiles, warm greetings, and the diamond facets of Downtown Petoskey. And I am thankful.
