GLAMoms was welcomed by the St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce to take part in their first-ever Content Creator Retreat where 10 content creators from across the state of Michigan met and learned more about one another and even more about St. Johns.
It was a day full of community and collaboration and this close to home gem rolled out the welcome mat and showcased a variety of local makers, food and community partners and We were honored to take part.
As we share about our visit you will notice a general theme. History. There is something about each place we stopped – either about the building before it was what it is today or the history of the business itself that serves as a true testament to the commitment of St. Johns’ business owners.
Now a recap of our day!
Waypoint Coffee is where we met up and the vibe was set for the day. This coffee shop is airy and plenty of space to sit and chat – or work – and in a previous life it was a bank and I think it is safe to say a restroom with a bank vault door is surely a first. As we fueled up for the day we learned about the Michigan Retailers Association Buy Nearby Weekend from Vic Veda.
And keep in mind, Buy Nearby Weekend is the first full weekend in October annually.
Then we boarded the Clinton Transit Blue Bus and went to The Nordic Pineapple. It welcomed us with a historic charm, vast wrap-around porch, spacious rooms and some pineapple inspired treats, i.e. pineapple lemonade and pineapple upside down cake but in the form of a cookie. This longtime St. Johns residence has quite the including their name that came from owner’s Norwegian roots and a symbol of hospitality, the pineapple.
Next stop, The Heist Grill where we didn’t know we were hungry for what was a delicious lunch. The gameday friendly spot has a full menu with lots of quick bites. There is a full bar and plenty of TVs to catch the game.
While at The Heist Grill we learned more from one of the event sponsors, Journey Federal Credit Union and a financial literacy program they are currently offering at Alma College for all incoming 2025 freshman. We hope to share more about Journey Federal Credit Union soon.
The Heist Grill was also a bank in a previous life. And the larger room towards the front not only has the old bant vault but a large table to accommodate a bigger party.
We hopped back on the Blue Bus to Andy T’s Farm Market and we met with Andy himself. He explained about the parts of his business, sources of some of his produce (within the state of Michigan) and gave us quite a tour of the surroundings. Did you know there is a pumpkin variety that originated at Andy T’s? And speaking of, he had so many pumpkins and mums ready to go!
To see what Andy wanted us to see, our group of 10+ boarded a Andy T’s Farm Market wagon for a ride to their event area (think weddings, proms, small concert venues and other celebrations).
Next stop, Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria in nearby Maple Rapids. We were met by one of the owners, Gregg Smythe and learned a bit about all of the Phillips locations (St. Johns, Lansing and Maple Rapids) and how each location offers something a bit different while all are very unique to Phillips Orchards.
Then we walked in and pizzas were waiting for us. Delicious pizzas. And a few samples of cider, one of which is the Phillips Cider Bar & Pizzeria take on a pickle back which was very popular over Labor Day weekend when DALMAC riders stopped in as they traveled north.
Uncle John’s Cider Mill was a signature stop on the retreat and the definition of a fall in Michigan moment.
Fresh cider, warm donuts, market browsing, and photo-worthy views at every turn. We got a peek at the start of the cider-making process, explored a well-stocked gift shop full of unique gift ideas, and wrapped it up with donuts, cider, and maybe even a cider flight. It was an absolutely delicious stop.
And finally, Hannover’s Chocolate. This behind the scenes experience ended up being a delicious visit as they sent us up with some treats to go but not before giving packaging chocolates a try (think some sort of mix between a Laverne and Shirley and an I Love Lucy production line moment). And the visit smelled delicious.
We finished out our visit with Hannover’s Chocolate with a peek next door where they are currently renovating to what was last in the 1970s. We will surely check this out when it is ready and plan to return for some upcoming holiday treats too!
One last trip on the Blue Bus back to Waypoint Coffee where we went our separate ways with so much to share about St. Johns. Plan a day trip – or a night over at the Nordic Pineapple and if you need help mapping out your visit, we would love to share more about ours.
Later we were welcomed back to the Night Hike with Abrams Planetarium. They shared night sky maps and what to look for over the next month.
Unfortunately it was a bit too light outdoors because the time of year the hike was not quite as dark as those later in the fall and winter.
While we made a couple of laps, we were able to see a complete rainbow (photo below) as we walked the trail at Motz Park.
Thank you to Danielle from the St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce! What an opportunity and unlike anything we have participated in the Greater Lansing area! What a day!
If you would like to learn more about St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce, membership or just more about this area treasure visit their website here: stjohnsareachamber.org/
Interested in seeing more from St. Johns Content Creator Retreat?
Below are links to other wildly talented Michigan-baed content creators from Alma, Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and beyond!
Cassondra Wanders https://www.instagram.com/p/DO3S6DRkd0m/
Midwest Local and Choose Lansing https://www.instagram.com/p/DO9fPuWkfId/
Sayah and Kails Coffee Chronicles https://www.instagram.com/p/DPHJNr2jlf1/
