By the time you read this, the festive lights should be glowing across downtown Monroe, which are proof that the holidays are here. With Thanksgiving just about as late as it can be, it feels like a surprise. But there is a wave of new businesses and new faces downtown bringing fresh energy to our community and giving me reason to take note and celebrate.
If you attended the wine walk a couple of Fridays ago, you likely stopped in at least one new store:
Beyond Crafty had its official unveiling during the wine walk. The owners, Sean and Natalie, have breathed new life into the former Ruf’s Confectionary on the south side of the square. The marble bar has perhaps never looked better and is serving dirty sodas. (You get to mix and match flavors!) You will soon also be able to find coffee and beer and wine along with a food menu and crafts night every Wednesday.
Just a couple doors down, in what was once Miller Jewelry, the doors will open again as an art gallery: Color and Light Art Gallery, owned by local artist Tina Duemler. A part of Main Street since she helped create the art walk in 2022, she was drawn to the space by its natural light. It will be open on the weekends and I cannot wait to have a proper art gallery downtown!
A little farther east, there’s The Home Decor Shack which has breathed life into its space. It’s a cozy space where home decor finds vintage. It offers new, used and upcycled home decor and furniture. There are also seven featured regional artists: prints and postcards from Jeanne Ausmus, jewelry by Shannon, paintings by Jimmy Dundee and the sketches and drawings are Josh Pink, Razia Tabrezi and Alyssa Wyss, and ceramics by Doreen Babler and Ava Baumann.
Jumping back to the north side of the square, El Mazatlan Authentic Mexican Restaurant features a variety of Mexican dishes and desserts, specials on the weekends, and, of course, margaritas! They’re open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week, and the booths are nice and tall which makes the atmosphere nice and private.
Elsewhere downtown, I’m elated to share that in the last year Chocolate Temptation, JoAnne’s Dress Shop, The Artful Gourmet, and 608 The Factory, which relocated to Monroe in the spring, all have new owners.
608 The factory is filled with feel good home decor. You’ll find everything from custom metal work — which the new owner is continuing from the previous — to seasonal items. And be sure to check out the lower level! There are 17 vendors in the shop which includes soaps and candles to antiques and consignment clothing. You’ll recognize booths from longtime downtown business owners, JoAnne Leuenberger, Rosemary Forcade, and Kareesa Wilson.
Chocolate Temptation has expanded into the connecting storefront, which many of you may remember as H&R Block. There is new and expanded seating, a new color scheme, exposed brick, and Remi’s Corner which is stocked with self serve candy.
The Artful Gourmet is unveiling gift ideas, with the goal of making Christmas as easy as possible. Their olive oil and vinegar bar continues to be a can’t miss spot.
JoAnne’s continues to be a staple with new merchandise coming in for all the upcoming weather. If you’re looking for something unique, Lisa, the new owner, just brought in handmade metal earrings that are just different enough.
All of these businesses, plus another 44 are participating in this year’s holiday retail promotion. When you spend $10 or more at any of the participating business (including the Cheese Days Store!) or bring in a nonperishable item for the Green County Food Pantry, you get a stamp. When you get 10 different stamps, you’re entered in for weekly and grand prize giveaways which will total over $3,000.
You can submit multiple cards, combine cards, and the promotion goes through the end of the year. Weekly winners are entered in for the grand prize giveaways.
It’s our way of saying thank you to all of you who shop and support all of our local businesses at Christmas and throughout the year. And, we also want to showcase the depth of all the businesses. And we hope it encourages you to check out what’s happening in the old and pop into the new. There is much to discover in both.
— Jordan Nordby is the executive director for Main Street Monroe. He can be reached at MonroeMainStreet@tds.net. Complete details on Main Street Monroe and its efforts can be found at
mainstreetmonroe.org.
