Transforming an Old School Bus into a Charming Resale/Gift Shop

At Hideaway Tiny Acres, we’re always looking for ways to create unique and memorable experiences for our guests. That’s why we’ve embarked on an exciting new project: transforming an old school bus into a charming resale gift shop. This creative renovation combines our love for upcycling with a desire to offer locally crafted products and souvenirs for visitors to take home a little piece of the Upper Peninsula. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the journey of transforming this nostalgic vehicle into a one-of-a-kind gift shop on wheels.

The Vision: A Shop on Wheels

The idea of turning an old rusty school bus into gift/resale space came from our commitment to sustainability and tiny living. Rather than building a new structure, we wanted to repurpose something unique—an old school bus that had been sitting unused on the property. By giving it a second life, we not only reduced waste but also created a space that reflects the rustic charm and adventurous spirit of Hideaway Tiny Acres. Our motto is “repurpose with purpose”. On purpose.

Step 1: Exterior Renovation

The first step in the transformation is to revamp the exterior of the bus, making it inviting and reflective of the local environment.

• Fresh Coat of Paint – We decided we’re going to repaint the bus in earthy tones that blend into the natural surroundings. Think forest green, soft beige, or a dark shade of grey to blend in with the bark on the trees, all colors that complement the woods and fields surrounding Hideaway Tiny Acres. To add a personal touch, we may have a local artist paint our logo on the side of the bus, perhaps with some playful illustrations of the Upper Peninsula’s famous wildlife.

• Rustic Signage – To guide visitors to our new shop, we’ll craft a beautiful wooden sign made from reclaimed local wood custom cut on Don’s homemade sawmill.  Hand-painted with the shop’s name, it reflects the natural, down-to-earth aesthetic of Hideaway Tiny Acres. Smaller directional signs will be placed throughout the property to ensure guests can easily find the shop.

• Outdoor Seating & Displays – Outside the bus, we plan to set up a cozy seating area with Adirondack chairs, so guests can relax and enjoy the atmosphere before stepping inside. We’re also adding outdoor shelves and stands where we can display select items like local crafts, quirky sourced items, seasonal goods, and fresh produce from our garden.

• Canopy or Awning – A retractable awning will provide shade and protection from the elements, making the space welcoming even on a rainy day. We’re choosing a neutral canvas material for a clean, timeless look.

Step 2: Interior Layout and Design

Inside the bus, we want to create a warm and inviting space while maximizing the limited square footage.

• Flooring Upgrade – We installed durable wood-look vinyl flooring to give the bus a rustic yet polished look. It’s easy to clean and adds a cozy cabin feel to the space, making it the perfect fit for our tiny living theme.

• Custom Shelving & Displays – Since space is at a premium inside the bus, we’ll build custom shelving units along both sides. These shelves will house an assortment of products, from locally made crafts to tiny living accessories. We’ve also added hooks for hanging items like clothing and bags, and woven baskets for smaller goods. Floating shelves, crates, and rustic wooden boxes will allow us to create dynamic displays that change with the seasons.

• Checkout Counter – At the back of the bus, we’ll set up a compact yet functional checkout counter. Using reclaimed wood, we’ll craft a small counter where guests can make their purchases. To keep things simple, we’ll use a tablet-based point-of-sale system, which allows for easy transactions without taking up much space.

• Ambient Lighting – Lighting is key to setting the right mood in any retail space. Inside the bus, we’ll install warm string lights and a few small pendant lights that hang from the ceiling. These lights create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, encouraging guests to linger and explore.

• Smart Storage Solutions – Since storage is always a challenge in tiny spaces, we’ll utilize every nook and cranny. Under-seat storage compartments will hold extra inventory, while we’ll also include hidden shelving and drawers under the checkout counter for supplies.

Step 3: Curating the Products

What’s a gift shop without unique, locally-sourced goods? The shop inside our school bus will offer a carefully curated selection of products that reflect the Upper Peninsula’s culture, tiny living lifestyle, and the spirit of Hideaway Tiny Acres.

• Locally-Made Crafts – We’ll partner with local artisans to showcase handmade items like candles, pottery, and jewelry. These one-of-a-kind pieces are perfect souvenirs that reflect the craftsmanship of the area.

• Tiny Living Essentials – For our guests who are interested in the tiny living lifestyle, we’ll offer products that align with the minimalist ethos—collapsible kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, and eco-friendly items that fit perfectly in a small space.

• Regional Souvenirs – Visitors can also take home souvenirs like custom Hideaway Tiny Cabin T-shirts, postcards, or Upper Peninsula-themed items such as local jams, maple syrup, and handcrafted soaps.

• Seasonal and Rotating Stock – The shop will evolve with the seasons. In the fall, we’ll feature cozy scarves, beanies, and handmade ornaments. In the summer, we might offer picnic baskets and camping essentials.

• Locally Sourced Treasures – We’re old pros at thrifting and hitting up local estate sales, garage sales and grabbing curbside throwaways.  We especially love to grab someone’s discarded items and fix them up and give them new life.  We’ll be sharing our finds with you at our humble little bus shop.

Step 4: Enhancing the Guest Experience

Beyond the products, we want the bus gift shop to be a part of the Hideaway Tiny Acres experience. Here’s  one way how we’ll create a more interactive and memorable visit:

• Special Events and Workshops – We hope to host small crafting workshops or seasonal events inside or around the bus. Think wreath-making in the winter or painting workshops in the summer. These activities would draw more visitors and create a richer experience for guests.

Why We Love This Project

This bus gift shop represents everything we love about tiny living, sustainability, and creativity. By repurposing an old vehicle into a charming retail space, we’ve created a place where guests can shop, relax, and take home a little piece of the Upper Peninsula. The bus itself, once a simple means of transportation, now tells a story of reinvention, much like the tiny home movement itself.

Of course all ideas here are subject to change as the project unfolds.

We’re excited to open the doors (or rather, fold-out stairs!) of our bus gift shop soon, and we can’t wait for you to see the finished product. Whether you’re visiting the Hideaway Tiny Cabin for a relaxing getaway or just stopping by for the day, be sure to swing by the bus gift shop and explore all the locally crafted and sourced treasures it has to offer!

We’re not sure what we’re going to name it yet – we’re interested in your feedback so please share in the comments what you think we should name our old rusty school bus turned gift shop.

Have you ever visited a unique gift shop like ours? What are your favorite types of souvenirs? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow us for updates on our bus renovation journey!

More Later

Nancy and Don