by Cassandra Lybrink

Cheers to Another Year Shopping and Exploring in Downtown Oscoda

Thinking about visiting Oscoda in 2022? The greater Oscoda area is home to dozens of unique, exciting businesses — perfect for year-round shopping and stocking up for a relaxing vacation. From artwork to fresh flowers to breakfast sandwiches, the downtown shopping district draws thousands of visitors each year.

In light of the new year, we’ve chatted with three downtown business owners about their storefronts, and what keeps visitors coming back over and over again.

Shoppers at To the Moon and Back

Shoppers pose for a photo at To the Moon & Back in downtown Oscoda. The business opened in May 2021 and now features a new mural.

To the Moon & Back: Lain and Jackie Mackenzie

Q: When did you first open for business?

A: We opened May 2021.

Q: What is the best part of being in downtown Oscoda?

A: The best part of being in Oscoda is the people. The community here is so welcoming and we feel very supported.

Q: What are some of your most popular products?

A: Some products we have are local art, pottery, Oscoda specific merch, crystals and other unique gift items.

Q: What makes your business unique?

A: We hold events that help us and our community expand and learn. We are also a yoga studio and our goal is to make a space where all who come into the shop feel welcome and safe.

Q: What recommendations do you have for those visiting Oscoda for the first time?

A: There are so many beautiful natural places in Oscoda to explore, along with the new Oscoda Art Walk coming to the downtown area, which our beautiful mural is a stop on. Plenty to explore, along with places to shop for the perfect gift. You can’t go wrong coming to visit here!

Address: You can find To the Moon & Back and their exciting new mural at 119 S. State St. Visit their Facebook page to learn more.

Sunrise Kava Cafe sign

Sunrise Kava Cafe, an espresso bar in downtown Oscoda, specializes in beverages, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soup and more.

Sunrise Kava Cafe: Bethany Grace

Q: When did you first open for business?

A: We’ve been here since 2018.

Q: What is the best part of being in downtown Oscoda?

A: We’re right by the beach, so there’s a lot of traffic between the beach and all the tourists in town checking out the shops.

Q: What are some of your most popular products?

A: We’re an espresso bar, so we sell a lot of different speciality coffee drinks, plus pastries, breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches and soup.

Q: What makes your business unique?

A: We’re the only business of our kind in the area. We’re all about the experience when you come here, from the flowers on the table to our staff to the high quality food and beverages.

Q: What recommendations do you have for those visiting Oscoda for the first time?

A: Definitely check out Lumberman’s Monument and the Highbanks Trail and the Eagle Run Loop. And, of course, the beaches.

Address: You can find Sunrise Kava Cafe, formerly Garden View Coffee Mill, at 120 E. River Road. Visit their Facebook page to learn more.

Bouquet from Enchanted Blooms
A flower subscription bouquet from Enchanted Blooms in downtown Oscoda. The shop also carries unique garden gifts.

Enchanted Blooms: Debora Hamlin

Q: When did you first open for business?

A: We started the business in 1994.

Q: What is the best part of being in downtown Oscoda?

A: I think the beach, because it draws so many people. I think it’s good here because there’s a lot of foot traffic and, at least for us, we’re pretty much in the center of town. It’s easy to drop by and pick something up.

Q: What are some of your most popular products?

A: People come in and get fresh flowers. We also have garden gift items in the shop.

Q: What makes your business unique?

A: We try to find unique gift items, and I think we’re also different as far as the outside of our shop, because we have display gardens that serve a dual purpose. It adds interest and color as a display, but it also proves to people that the plants we sell here grow in our zone.

Q: What recommendations do you have for those visiting Oscoda for the first time?

A: The beach, for sure. As far as I know, we have the best beach on this side of the state.

Address: You can find Enchanted Blooms at 111 E. River Road. Visit their Facebook page to learn more.