Michigan Valentine's Treats 2017

Michigan is home to many wonderful dessert artisans that make Valentine's Day such a wonderfully difficult holiday-how do Michigan Family Travelers choose where to get amazing treats for their family and friends?

Here are a few ideas, in no particular order of some of our favorite dessert locations that can help make heading to your favorite dessert shop a fun, family travel adventure. 

Village Chocolatier- East Tawas. Located at 104 E. Newman Street right in quaint downtown East Tawas, this chocolate shop features a wide variety of chocolate treats. From pretzel rods dipped in chocolate to the "Mega Chocolate Caramel Apple" this wonderful shop will not disappoint the chocolate lovers in your family. Spending time in East Tawas is always enjoyable and the shop is clean, bright, and has attractive, tantalizing displays-but if you can't make it up to East Tawas, don't worry. They ship! Check out their website for more details.

The House of Pies- Alanson. Located at 4577 N. US 31. This charming pie shop in the Northern Lower Peninsula features an amazing assortment of pies and treats. Their blueberry pie is mouth-watering, eye-popping, tummy-filling yummy! We first encountered this shop after a morning of hiking a moderately hilly segment of the North Country Trail. We were tired, hungry, and looking for something different for a snack. I love their charm and satisfying desserts. Their hours are limited in the winter, so be sure to check ahead before stopping in. But please do stop in during your travel adventures!

Sunflour BakeHaus-  Farmington. Located at 33250 Grand River Avenue. This downtown Farmington favorite has been serving members of the community for decades. From their moist banana bread, to their vegan chocolate chip cookies, it is no wonder why they are a local favorite for desserts. We are fortunate to live nearby and enjoy sharing a delicious treat on certain Saturday mornings. To taste warm baked goods served fresh from the oven is such a simple, soul affirming pleasure. Enjoy!

On the Rise Bakery- Detroit. Located at 8900 Gratiot. This bakery, is a non-profit, sponsored by the Capuchin Franciscans. Founded by Brother Ray Stadmeyer, it supports previously incarcerated individuals who are participating in a program of rehabilitation. The bread, the cookies, the muffins, are all delicious. Knowing that your purchases are helping to create a virtuous cycle of redemption ties in quite nicely to the tradition of St. Valentine, who reportedly healed a blind girl's sight. I can't say enough good things about the wonderful work that Brother Ray and the Capuchins do for the Detroit community. If you are in metro Detroit and are seeking tasty treats and an inspiring story, definitely put On the Rise Bakery on your "must-do" list. 

Mindo Chocolate- For sale at multiple locations throughout the state. I first encountered this wonderful, artisanal chocolate at Great Lakes Coffee on Woodward in Detroit and the memory of the delicious, delicately nuanced flavors of this chocolate have definitely stayed with me. They have a stylish website that features an online store and a lovingly detailed description of their labor intensive chocolate making process. A wonderful story and  wonderful chocolate. 

Healing through love, sharing a delicious treat with family and friends, what more could someone want in the gray, cold days of Michigan winter? Happy Valentine's Michigan Family Travelers!

Enjoy- and Travel Local!

More information on great Michigan food? Please click here to go to our food page!