I’m really a sucker for “cute.”  Cute stores.  Cute houses.  Cute chicken coops.  I don’t want “cute” stuff in my house necessarily, but I get a kick out of seeing how people can take an ordinary building or item and make it cute with a bit of creativity and ingenuity.

Recently while on a color tour up north, I found some pretty cool examples of genuine cuteness.

For example, this darling store in Suttons Bay.  The owners took a perfectly ordinary storefront and make it pop.  The wild green and black against the white background attracted me from several blocks away.  Yes, trendy.  Sure, a bit gimmicky, but it made me smile and pulled me  out of the main business area to amble down a few blocks to see what was inside.

Another shop that drew me in was set way back from the street.   The enterprising and creative retailer created a rainbow of colors in an arch that beckoned me to check it out.

I also loved this sign.  A bit audacious but, what the heck…..

Then there were some lovely spots on Old Mission—the Peninsula that sticks out into Grand Traverse Bay.

I thought this farmhouse  so charmingly painted that if it had been a restaurant or a B & B I would have gone there just because of  the decor .  Perfect Red.  Marvelous trim detail.  Wish I could see the inside.

Loved the old church.  Who ever came up with this classic design is to be applauded.  I may need to research this at some point.  Religious or not, its great.

And my favorite of all: this chicken coop.  Certainly made me smile. Trumps them all for cuteness.