About Grandpa Shorter's Gifts
Grandpa Shorter's has sold souvenirs at the corner of Lake and Petoskey streets in the Gaslight District since 1946, and calls itself Petoskey's original souvenir store. Carl and Ruth Shorter opened a 192-square-foot shop that year with a $1,500 loan, and it is believed to be the first Michigan store to sell polished Petoskey stones. Their son Bill and his wife Mari renamed it Grandpa Shorter's in 1983, and their daughter Jennifer later took over the business.
Petoskey stones are still the reason many people walk in, sold loose, in jewelry and as polishing kits so you can work on your own beach finds. Moccasins have been on the shelves since the first year, and there are wool blankets and goods, mixed-stone jewelry, and plenty of Petoskey and Michigan souvenirs. Gift boxes can be ordered through their website and shipped.
The shop is open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday 9 to 6 and Sunday 10 to 5, as listed with the Petoskey chamber. It sits in the middle of downtown among the other Gaslight District shops, including the family's own J.W. Shorter & Son Mercantile.
Lavender Hill Farm near Boyne City is about 25 minutes southwest. Lavender Hill Farm on Horton Bay Road North is free to walk on your own daily from 10 to 5 during its 2026 season (May 6 to late October), with u-cut lavender after peak bloom in July and a boutique and tasting room. A morning hunting Petoskey stones downtown and an afternoon at the farm make a full day.
What to do
- Pick out a polished Petoskey stone or Petoskey stone jewelry
- Buy a polishing kit for stones you find on the beach
- Try on moccasins, a store staple since 1946
- Send a Michigan gift box home through their website
- Walk the rest of the Gaslight District shops
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open seven days a week; no seasonal closing is listed
- Hours
- Monday–Saturday 9 AM–6 PM, Sunday 10 AM–5 PM (Petoskey chamber listing, October 2026)
Tips for your visit
- If you plan to hunt for Petoskey stones yourself, pick up a polishing kit here
Pair it with a lavender farm
Lavender Hill Farm · about 25 minutes away
Lavender Hill Farm is about 25 minutes southwest, so pair downtown Petoskey shopping with the farm's fields and boutique.
Getting there
Questions
How long has the store been open?
Since 1946; it is still run by the Shorter family.
What are the hours?
Monday–Saturday 9 to 6 and Sunday 10 to 5, per the Petoskey chamber listing.
Do they sell Petoskey stones?
Yes, loose and in jewelry, plus polishing kits.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Boyne City & Lake Charlevoix, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
