Let’s Get Lit!!4 min read

My friend Amy and I had so much fun making candles and new friends at Manitou Candle Co.When you pull up to Manitou your interest will be piqued! It is absolutely adorbs! Then you’ll go inside and meet the owner Kate Fey and her staff, and you will––right then and there––decide “I want to hangout here!” Now, if you don’t have time to make one, you can also purchase pre-made candles.

It all began when Kate had so much fun making candles for all of her wedding guests, she then had friends asking her to make some for gifts, which led to little get-togethers at her house… the store was the natural next step.

What’s in the name? Some of you that head “Up North” to Michigan for the summer might recognize the name Manitou. Kate said her family has been going to Leland her whole life, and they love the nearby Island of Manitou (which means “positive energy that is within everything”). So I expect a lot from my new candle ;)

Amy and I were mixed with a fun table of three work cohorts including guys and girls (just so you know this is not just a girl thing), a creative gal who sells hand-painted cards and more and a group of young girls (well, that’s relative, but let’s just say they were fresh out of college).

Kate makes this such a fun time right from the start. You go around and introduce yourself and tell what scents you like as she fires off the number of that scent without hesitation … mind you, that there are 100 scents to choose from so this was very entertaining.

Then you go back out to the main room to smell all the candles and decide what you want to mix up to make your own smell-goods. I chose white tea, mimosa and mandarin…such a summer smell. I love it! After this, we go back in the “chem lab” … well, that’s what I call it. We started pouring the liquids and making labels…and before you know it, you’re a “Chandler” which I now know is “one who makes and sells candles”.

Eastern Ave. is starting to blossom so when you are in the area check out POP Bar(Post Office Place) 3923 Eastern Ave. Kid friendly adorable spot with pool tables and a cool outdoor area in the back. Good bar menu available
Streetside Brewery– 4003 Eastern- Lite bites and food trucks. I loved the Tea Bags a honey green tea blonde ale great summer beer! FYI they open at 8:00 am Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri. and they serve a breakfast sandwich
Pearls– 3520 Eastern- lite bites and full bar. Cute old house converted into a cozy bar with a fun outdoor patio.
Blank Slate Brewing Co. – 4233 Airport Rd. No fuss spot with great beer and fantastic knowledgeable bartenders!
These are great stops on your way down to Riverbend to catch a concert!

Fun Info:
• The candles are 100% soy and burn for 80 hours
• You can rent Manitou for parties
• Hours: Sunday 12-4, Monday closed, Tuesday-Saturday 10-6
• You must give time for the candles to settle so you can pick it up the next day
• Sign up online for classes (Wednesday at 6:00, Thursday-Sunday 2:00 & 6:00)
• The store has other cute items such as jewelry, men’s ties and more
• $40 to make two candles and takes about 1 ½ hours BYOB (or pick up a growler at Streetside Brewery next door!)
• If you happen to stop in Manitou on the day that LeCreParis is making crepes in front of Streetside Brewery do yourself a favor and get one! You will be so happy you did.
• To just come in and buy a candle, it’s $25 ea., 2 for $45, 3 for $60, and they have small tin candles $8 each, 2 for $ $15, 3 for $22