I left my heart on Main Street...
I've always loved "Main Streets".
Of course, sometimes they go by different names, but I've always loved a walkable little downtown, bonus points for historic buildings.
When my kids were small and we didn't own a second vehicle, packing up the stroller and walking a few blocks over to the little village main street was my community lifeline.
A cute cafe, a second hand shop, the post office and library, and so many pop up events filled our days when we needed to stretch our legs and get out of the house.
My husband has taken the "scenic route" on many road trips through many main streets because he knows I enjoy it, even if we don't always have time to get out and explore. It brings me joy to see them flourishing and breaks my heart to see so many struggling with boarded up businesses. Most are somewhere in the middle.
People would show up more to support if there were more shops, and there would be more shops opening if there were more people there supporting... It's a tough position to be in as you're striving to create a place that feels vibrant and alive.
Shopping small isn't something we just sell tickets to a few times a year, it's a world we want to live in...
In a day and age where we can find so many things in a big box store or have Amazon purchases delivered straight to our door, it takes a deliberate choice to support the small businesses in our community, or in the next town over.
I've seen a mom and pop gift shop close and a cell phone company open in the same spot, replacing all the character and charm with corporate colors and branding.
There's a lot of "main street" left to save and support and when we help these small businesses thrive, these are the logos you see as sponsors on your kids' baseball uniforms, these are the people donating to local families in need.
They ARE your neighbors and community, and sometimes, your life line.
Shopping small isn't something we just sell tickets to a few times a year, it's a world we want to live in.
We strive to create that connection and whether you're with us shopping at a market or just checking out the local coffee shop we mentioned...it all makes a difference and if enough of us choose small businesses just a little more often, we WILL see an impact on Main Street.
Looking for small businesses to support?
check out our vendor lineups and upcoming events.
