■ the buzz
Shop, Travel, Eat
And where to do it all ...
The Best Of Michigan
The best way to support Michigan's economy? Get to know our state — with
help from a new Web site, launched last April. GreatFoodandTravel.com
makes Michigan travel easy and inspiring, by highlighting favorite inns,
hotels, restaurants, wineries, farmers markets and more. Suggestions for vaca-
tions — whether a hot spot or off the beaten path — what to do while you're
there, natural scenic beauty locations, fantastic farm-to-table restaurants (like
Traverse City's Trattoria Stella, shown), even recipes, are at your fingertips.
Says founder of the site Sally Zarafonetis, "This Web site was inspired by
my love of fresh food and the beauty of Michigan. It helps busy people plan
a vacation or a short getaway and has the best restaurants and places to stay
where local food is abundant."
— Lynne Konstantin
Have Hope
Amid a down-turned economy, opti-
mist Pam Primak offers hope. Her
new boutique,
Hope's Chest,
which opened its doors in Berkley in
November, offers accessories of all
kinds to inspire and update a ward-
THERE REALLY IS SOMETHENS FOR EVERYONE
spring term is April 12-June 13
registration starts March 8
BBArtCenter.org
robe — from funky tights, wraps and
jewelry to watches and bags, most of
which sell for between $10 and $100.
a furniture chain and her mother owns
Customers also will find greeting cards,
the Detroit Gallery of Contemporary
made-in-Michigan merchandise and
Crafts in the Fisher Building — Primak
more. "Hope is my middle name, and
also has a keen eye for what people
to browse classes & workshops
a chest from a local salvage spot was
want: Personalized service, unique
my first acquisition for my boutique,"
and chic offerings (like Precila G.'s
or phone 248.644.0866 for more info
explains Primak. "I actually purchased
handcrafted Charms of Life collections,
it on a leap of faith, before I had signed
shown, which range from $50-$85)
a lease. I wanted a name that sug-
and, best of all, a clear price point to
BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD
kri
II
A
gested a treasure trove of goodies,
please all shoppers. (248) 439-0426;
without pinning myself down." With
hopeschestboutiq ue.com .
retail in her blood — her father owned
P 8
• MARCH 2010 •
IN platinum
—
L.K.