Shop in a quaint setting
Very near the southern border of Michigan lies the historic town of Blissfield.
This quaint village is full of great Victorian homes and buildings, many of which now house downtown businesses. It was founded in the 1820s by Harvey Bliss, who was also the town’s first postmaster.
The First Presbyterian Church on Franklin Street once held services in the Blisses’ log-cabin home, and the church was the site for the founding of one of the first anti-slavery organizations in Michigan.
At one time, the town was known for its three bridges that crossed the Raisin River, named after the French “Riviere des Raisin” or “River of Grapes.” The bridges (two for cars, one for trains) which stood side by side, were thought to be the only “triple bridges” in the world. Although two of the original bridges were replaced, a third pedestrian bridge was added to continue the heritage of “The Triple Bridges.”
Throughout Blissfield, great shopping can be found, and the area is noted for its fine antiques and gift shops. From the newly handcrafted to the decades-old, there is something for everyone. Blissfield General Store, Victorian Garden, Blissfield’s Old Country Store, Royal Expressions and Southward Custom Wood Products are just a few of the shops that are located downtown or nearby. The Victorian Garden gift shop is in the former Blissfield Hotel, which was built in 1875.
