A Morning at the Mercato

Explore more than a dozen shops at the Commons

Beneath the yellow brick and red spires of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is The Mercato, the Italian word for “market.” Tucked into the lower level of Building 50—the main building of the hundred-year-old former asylum—are 15 small stores selling treasures you won't find anywhere else. We spent a day exploring the Mercato to help you find the best places to find gifts for everyone on your list (including yourself).

B50 The Village Store & Sweet Asylum Candy

Start your journey though the Mercato here. You can get souvenirs, information, and tickets for historic tours of The Village at B50—highly recommended for that hard-to-shop-for friend who loves history and experiential gifts—along with snacks, beverages, and candy from the adjoining Sweet Asylum Candy shop. Pick up a map from the rack in the hallway; it shows the entire Village property on one side, with a detailed map of the Mercato on the other.

Underground Toys

If you only have time to visit a few stores, this should be one of them! This store contains plenty to delight fun-loving adults as well as kids. (Who wouldn’t want a pink axolotl nightlight or a 3-D shape-shifting puzzle game?) Many of the unique items for sale at Underground Toys reflect the store’s focus on offering “sustainable, independent brands and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)-focused items.”

Bohmey Lifestyle Boutique

Bohmey’s shop in the Mercato has a curated collection of chic accessories like scarves, sweaters, socks, and purses, as well as beauty products like perfume and body butter. This would be a great place to find a gift for the fashionable, self-care focused person in your life. If you can’t find the perfect gift in the shop, Bohmey’s online store has an even bigger selection, including clothing, homegoods, and makeup.

Baby Dill

Need a baby shower gift or something for the newborn in your family? This store has a handpicked collection of soft and sustainable gifts for babies, new parents, and even grandparents! Peruse the cutest baby books, toys, clothes, and perinatal items. Founded by a proud mom and grandma, Baby Dill is a “modern baby brand grounded in simplicity, care, and purpose.”

The Refillery

The Refillery is an inviting space filled with products to help you move toward a healthier, zero-waste lifestyle. Give the gift of eco-conscious living to your own home: You can bring your own containers to fill with personal care and household cleaning products like laundry and dish soap, shampoo, and body wash. You can also shop for products to bring as host gifts throughout the season (or unique stocking stuffers!).

Silver Fox Jewelry

For the jewelry lovers on your list, visit Silver Fox. This shop has a wide selection of artisan jewelry for every budget. Peruse their many display cases for the perfect sterling silver bracelet or copper earrings. They also have an impressive selection of semiprecious stone jewelry, like amethyst, opal, larimar, and even Petoskey stones. They even offer a small section of accessories like purses and scarves in a cozy adjoining room.

Haven

Haven is a dreamy shop with women’s clothing and accessories—like their motto says, “modern clothes for modern people.” The owners’ interest in fashion is apparent in their lovingly curated selection of stylish wardrobe staples like jeans, dresses, and sweaters. This boutique’s prices are surprisingly approachable, with most items falling in the $60-$120 range and quality pieces that will be worn for years to come.

The Haberdashery

When shopping for distinguished gentlemen, head to The Haberdashery. To quote Ron Burgundy, this shop smells like leather-bound books and rich mahogany (if you know, you know!). It offers a selection of men’s hats, satchels, scarves, and jewelry, as well as home décor like Huichol beaded art pieces and bar accessories. There are also military and outdoorsman themed gifts like laser cut steel signs.

High Five Threads

High Five Threads has all the state pride gear any gift recipient could need. They offer apparel for adults and kids featuring their signature “Land Shaped as a Hand” design, which they say is a “testament to all those who have gotten dirty and helped, with their own two hands, to make Michigan the greatest place on Earth.” This shop is a celebration of our home state, with Ope! stickers and pins, Faygo scented candles, and Petoskey stone printed socks.

Crystal Lake Alpaca Boutique

For the person on your list who is always cold, or just loves cozy things, go alpaca. Alpaca fleece is supposedly warmer than wool and softer than cashmere. Though they are native to South America, alpacas are raised right here in northern Michigan by the proprietors of this boutique at their farm in Frankfort. Choose the perfect gift for the coming winter, from shawls, socks, and hats to stuffed animals and even yarn to create your own alpaca knitwear!

Moonstruck Gardens

Magic, whimsy, and houseplants can all be found at Moonstruck Gardens. We found this store delightful, as it is filled with flowers, fairies, and woodland creatures displayed on stickers, pins, stationary, art, and more. Bonus: Many of the items sold in this cottagecore boutique are from small, women-owned businesses. A quick walk through this shop will not be sufficient; it takes much longer to explore than you first expect!

Landmark Books

This bookstore specializes in classic literature, poetry, modern fiction, and “Michigania.” You can find everything from $1.50 pulp fiction novels to autographed and rare books. Landmark also offers appraisals and sells and services vintage typewriters. The interior is a narrow maze of packed shelves, inviting visitors to discover the illusive book they’ve been looking for…or one they never knew existed.

Sanctuary Goods

If you haven’t found the right gift yet, we think you’ll strike gold at the next-to-last stop on our tour of the Mercato, Sanctuary Goods. This store lures you in with its massive (but not life-sized) triceratops skull featured front and center. Here you can shop items from nearly 150 makers, including jewelry, bodycare products, toys, knives, art, and much more.

Premier Floral Design and Gift Emporium

Last but not least, what better gift than a bouquet? (Did you know having fresh flowers in your home can boost your mood, reduce stress, and spark creativity?) Premier Floral Design creates gorgeous arrangements for any occasion and also has a huge selection of cards, candles, and home décor, plus a build-your-own felt flower bouquet station. This aptly-named emporium is a true feast for the senses.

Find all of these shops—along with other nearby Commons businesses and shops—at 800 Cottageview Dr. in Traverse City. thevillagetc.com

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