■ 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.