I have referred many clients to this builder, always great service and any issues are always quickly resolved to the buyer’s satisfaction.
Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 29, and it’s the perfect chance to explore the local businesses that make Southeast Michigan such a special place to live. From charming boutiques and handcrafted art to delicious bakeries and cozy gift shops, these small businesses give each community its character.
At Norfolk Homes, we’re proud to be a local home builder in Michigan, creating beautiful new homes in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas of Dexter, Jackson, Marshall, Albion, Saline and Ypsilanti. We believe in celebrating the shops and owners who strengthen our neighborhoods, and this year, we’ve curated a guide to some of our favorite local stops you won’t want to miss.
Begin your Small Business Saturday with a visit to some locally owned boutiques that offer carefully chosen pieces, handcrafted jewelry and plenty of gifts with personality. A standout in downtown Ann Arbor is Ferne Boutique, as it delivers a modern, approachable shopping experience with a curated mix of women’s clothing, accessories and seasonal must-haves. Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe for the winter season or searching for a gift with effortless style, Ferne’s collection blends comfort and sophistication in all the right ways.
Just around the corner in Ann Arbor, Abracadabra Jewelry brings artistry to life with its handcrafted pieces and custom designs. Their in-house jewelers specialize in both modern and timeless styles, sourcing unique gemstones and crafting pieces that feel deeply personal.
Whether you’re fueling up for a day of exploring or picking up treats to share in your home, these local shops offer delicious, handcrafted flavor. Bright, airy and irresistibly charming, Le Bon Macaron in Ann Arbor creates handcrafted French macarons in flavors ranging from fruity and floral to rich and indulgent. Their gift-ready boxes make holiday gifting simple and sweet.
At true community treasure, Dexter Bakery greets shoppers with the warm scent of freshly baked donuts, breads and pastries. From classic glazed donuts to seasonal specialities, their handcrafted baked goods set the perfect tone for a day of local shopping around your new home in Dexter.
Just steps away, you can also stop by Dexter Creamery with options for frozen yogurt, ice cream, shakes, smoothies and more. Even on a chilly November day, it’s a cheerful spot to stop and enjoy something sweet before continuing your local tour.
If you love browsing for decor, art, antiques and handcrafted goods, these Michigan shops offer unique finds you’ll want to bring home for yourself or gift to someone special. The Blessed Nest in Jackson is a cozy boutique that blends home decorations, artisan creations and charming seasonal gifts. Thoughtfully staged displays create the feeling of walking through a beautifully decorated home, making it easy to imagine how each piece might look in your own space.
A must-visit for treasure hunters, Jackson Antique Mall features floors filled with vintage furnishings, retro decor, collectibles, artwork and unexpected gems. Whether you’re decorating your new home in Jackson, MI, or searching for a nostalgic holiday gift, it’s a destination full of discovery.
Alice and Giles in Marshall is another great stop offering a modern, design-forward shopping experience with curated home goods, textiles, accessories and art. Their aesthetic strikes the perfect balance between minimal, cozy and contemporary, ideal for adding personal touches to a new home.
Also in Marshall, the Eastend Studio & Gallery is a community-driven space that celebrates Southeast Michigan’s artists through rotating exhibits and handcrafted work, including pottery, paintings, jewelry, sculptures and more. It’s a beautiful way to bring local creativity into your home or give a gift that feels incredibly meaningful.
As a local home builder in Michigan, our team at Norfolk Homes is deeply connected to the Ann Arbor area and the surrounding communities that we serve, including Dexter, Jackson, Marshall, Albion, Saline and Ypsilanti. We not only build homes in these cities, but we are also invested in the long-term strength of each neighborhood, and we know that supporting small businesses is an important part of that commitment. They are the heart of our communities, and their success is essential to creating connected, thriving neighborhoods where our homeowners love to live.
From bakeries and boutiques to galleries and gift shops, our communities are filled with hardworking small business owners who make Southeast Michigan vibrant and unique. Every purchase, big or small, helps strengthen the places we call home. From all of us at Norfolk Homes, thank you for choosing local, supporting Michigan creators and helping our neighborhoods continue to thrive.
If you’re interested in learning more about finding your own home in one of these wonderful new home communities, give us a call at (734) 336-1912 or fill out our online form today to get started.
I have referred many clients to this builder, always great service and any issues are always quickly resolved to the buyer’s satisfaction.