Continuing yesterday’s post on random antique stores with one in Michigan that I recently visited. Located on the Blue Star Highway near South Haven, Sunset Junque is, like, stepping onto the set of some horror movie. For those who do not know, this little stretch of the old state road is right next to Michigan’s bustling Interstate 94. The little road winds its way along the lake, curving past the picturesque resort town of South Haven, through the unincorporated community of Glenn (or as my mom likes to call it, “Creepy Glenn” in honor of the character from Mad Men), and then up towards the cities of Saugatuck and Douglas. Along this rambling road is Sunset Junque Shop, a very chaotic slice of American nostalgia and vintage paraphernalia waiting to be explored by all the tourists who happen to drive by (no, not that kind of drive by).
The “antique store” is really more of an outdoor junk shop with a bunch of old barns spread over an acre of land. You feel like you’ve stepped into someone’s backyard, and you’re not really sure if any of it is for sale. It feels like some of the stuff has been sitting here for years. Neoclassical statues lean against old cabinets, retro farm equipment, and fun house props. The treasure trove of eclectic junk also includes old wood doors and signs, random art work, glass jars, old beds, antique tools, scrap metal, old sheet music, old vinyl LPs…and random heads sitting in tree branches staring back at you. I have no idea where these heads come from, why they are there, and if they are actually for sale. Like my friend said, “Run away while your legs are still attached!!!” Although I don’t know the story behind this place, I highly recommend a stop if you’re ever in the area. Take a break from the monotony of the Interstate and check out this little slice of America’s roadside past.
