Christmas Bazaar

Perhaps you've already finished up your Christmas shopping.  Me?  Not so much.  Yikes!  

We've got Thanksgiving coming up and then Christmas.  How is it that the older I get the faster time flies?  Oh my!  Anyway, here's a way to help the Siloam Springs Museum and find some fun and unique gifts for those on your to-buy-for list.

 

On Saturday, December 1 make plans to attend the 2nd Annual Country Christmas Arts & Crafts Bazaar at Community Fellowship Church located at 525 South Lincoln in Siloam Springs.  The event is an annual fundraiser for the Siloam Springs Heritage Festival hosted by the Siloam Spring Museum.  It features traditional arts and crafts, home baked goods, musical entertainment, hot soup and chili and drinks.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Christmas Ornaments

Did you have a nice time at the Holiday Open House this weekend? It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon just perfect for kicking off the holiday season. 

At my family's Thanksgiving celebration we enjoy a yummy dinner and then take some time to pass out a few new Christmas ornaments.  If  you're looking for something original and fun to put on your tree this year, consider the latest ornament in the Downtown collection.

This year's ornament is a celebration of the historical Crain Motor Company building, now the home of 28 Springs Restaurant.  You can find these for $15 each at the Main Street office or at Downtown retailers.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

It's Christmas at Occasions!

They've got a little something for everyone!

My favorites are the traditional reds and greens.  :-)

There are lots of other Christmas goodies besides ornaments for trees.

Such a festive time of year!

Ho, Ho, Ho!

What will Santa be bringing you this year?

Please join us for the Annual Downtown Siloam Springs Holiday Open House.

On Sunday, November 4th, local boutique retailers & salons welcome you to celebrate the holiday spirit. Unique treasures, holiday decor and gifts await you and your holiday gift lists!

From 1pm -5pm, participating retailers will serve refreshments and stay open for a Sunday afternoon of local holiday shopping.

Make sure to get a Holiday Open House Stamp Card during your afternoon, and turn it in to any participating store before 5pm to be entered in a drawing to win gift certificates or
a Main Street Gift Basket of ornaments and a Siloam Springs afghan!

Click here for more information.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Down Town Trick-or-Treat

The shops on Broadway Street are decorated and ready for Downtown Trick-or-Treat!

Siloam Springs Printing is always festive for the holidays.

Houston Enzymes has a wreath!

And Heather Hill is displaying pumpkins.

Tomorrow afternoon the street will be filled with kids instead of cars!

Please come join us!

Downtown merchants will offer treats to costumed children (ages 12 and under only, please) on Wednesday, October 31st from 3:30pm-5:30pm. This popular annual event provides a fun, safe environment for trick or treating!

New Costume Contest! Great Prizes!
City Park at 5:30PM
3 Age Groups
Categories:
Most Original
Cutest
Spookiest

Thank you to our event sponsors!
Presenting:
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Broadway Contracting
Bag Sponsor: Arvest Bank
Costume Contest Sponsor: Main Street Studios

Click here for more details.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Leaves

 Fall is my favorite time of year.

I love watching the leaves turn from green to beautiful shades of yellows, oranges, and reds.

There are some great trees Downtown.

Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the beauty!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Signs

The other day while on my morning walk, I noticed a few new signs up around Downtown.

Windgate Foundation

Bridges to Wellness

Main Street Siloam Springs

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Crazy!

Things have been crazy around my house lately. 

Between lots of overnight guests and painting projects, the only reason I've been Downtown is to grab Fratelli's to go!

Yummy, fresh, hot pizza is the perfect dinner on nights where the cook is overwhelmed!

What are your favorite pizza toppings?

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Gardening 101

Here's some information about an upcoming event taking place Downtown.

(Info copied from here.)

Gardening 101 Workshop

Saturday, October 20th, 9:00 am to 12 noon

Siloam Springs Parks & Recreation will be sponsoring another Gardening Workshop at our Community Building at 110 N Mt Olive in the historic downtown. Dawn Denton, owner of Gardens by You & Me, has arranged our fall workshop again this year with three speakers:  Jacob Hart, Susie Gilbert, and Doug Yoho.  Jacob Hart of NWA Plants, Inc., will speak on “What Plants Survived our Summer”.  Susie Gilbert’s topic will be “Iris I knew how to grow bulbs”.  Susie will have a demonstration on care and planting of bulbs.  Doug Yoho from the University of Arkansas Poultry Science Division, will be speaking on “Backyard Birds and Small Flock Owners.”    Door prizes will be awarded and refreshments will be served.  No registration is needed for this free event.  For more information, contact the Parks & Recreation office at 479 524-5779.

I think iris are pretty, and I've considered getting a few chickens...

I think I'll put this date on my calender and plan to attend!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Grand Opening!

There's going to be a Grand Opening on Saturday.

Vintage Accents is opening their doors!  There shop on Broadway Street is almost ready for customers!

I'm excited to see what this new shop has to offer.

For more info, click here to follow them on facebook.

And click here to check out their blog.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

PS:  Rumor has it the table pictured above will be given away!  Come to the grand opening for more details.

New Kitchen

Have you stopped in at The Cafe On Broadway recently?

Their new kitchen looks great!

I even got a mini tour.

And then I had some of this.  :-)

Oh my!

Thanks to the new kitchen, there are tons of new treats to try.  YUM!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Weekend Happenings

There's lots of stuff going on Downtown tomorrow morning.

First up is the One Heart for Justice event.  Activities begin at 8am in Twin Springs Park.  (Click here for more info.)  One of the activities taking place is Siloam Springs very first half-marathon!  I've got a couple of friends who will be running, so I'm planning on heading out to cheer them on.

Farmer's Market will be in full swing in City Park from 8am-1pm.  I'm eager to pick up some fall veggies to roast and put in soups!

Enjoy this fall-ish day!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Farmer's Market

Do you follow Siloam Springs Farmer's Market on facebook?

It's a great way to find out what's happening at the market.

This week I learned John Brown University's campus newspaper featured an article about our Farmer's Market.

The link to the article can be found here.

And the link to Siloam Springs Farmer's Market's facebook wall can be found here.

The market is open today and rumor has it they've got pumpkins and apples and mums!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Relaxing

After all that posting on the Downtown construction projects, I think it's time to relax. :-)

The other morning I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat on a bench near the Gazebo along the creek bank.  What a beautiful view!  And what a great way to spend a bit of time on a fall-ish morning.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

New Stairs

Pour Jon's is almost finished with their construction project.

(photo credit)

The stairs are now complete (this is an old picture--but isn't it a neat one?) and they're getting ready to spin records upstairs!

Grab a cup of coffee and see how things have progressed since this picture was taken.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

New Bridge

I think the biggest new construction project going on at the moment is the University Street Bridge.

I'm excited for this project to finish up!  It's kind of a hassle now, but it's going to be great when it's finished.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

PS: Farmer's Market is still going on even with the bridge construction.

I've heard fall produce is making its appearance.

Coffee and Books

Next up in our construction series... 

 Have you noticed the flurry of activity happening at Cafe on Broadway?  Have you been hearing the sounds of drills and saws?

They've merged with Books on Broadway and are making all kinds of great changes!

There will be two espresso machines, two cash registers, and two kitchens!

I'm excited!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Tonight!

I wanted to take a minute to re-highlight an event taking place Downtown tonight.   

Girls' Night Out is a fun quarterly event that celebrates the joy of shopping locally. Enjoy the fall weather with many offerings from our local boutiques: Find a new outfit, get a bite to eat, a drink or cup of coffee. Get a massage, get your nails done, find unique gifts, and connect with local merchants. 

And (this is the part I wanted to highlight) make a craft!

Here's how it works:

September Girls Night Out Special:

Progressive Craft!

Create a vintage magnet board (for under $10 total) during Girls' Night Out utilizing creative accents from these shops:

Two Gals' Junk (start here): Frame and Tin Backing

Creative Corner on Broadway: Paper backing cover, magnet making station

Siloam Flowers and Gifts: Ribbon Hanger

Heather Hill Clothing: Fabric Flower Accent

Doesn't that sound like fun?

Here are some things other Downtown Merchants have going on this evening:

Local merchants welcome you to their shops Thursday, September 20th from 5-8pm for REFRESHMENTS, SPECIALS, and EXTRA OPEN HOURS!

Cafe on Broadway
- See the progress on their expansion into 127 N. Broadway,
including a large selection of books from the former
Books on Broadway.

Creative Corner on Broadway
- This scrapbook store has everything you need for making
memories last a lifetime. 122 S. Broadway.

Dogwood Junction Recreational Rentals
- This new shop is running a promotion on ALL bike rentals!
204 S. Broadway.

Four Corners Frame Shop
- Visit them in their NEW location - 205 S. Broadway (formerly
Inner City Salon).

Heather Hill Clothing
- This awesome children's clothing store was recently featured on
zulily.com. 122 N. Broadway.

Moosabella's
- Carries locally handcrafted items, upcycled home decor, and
more! 116 S. Broadway, Ste. 1.

Occasions
- If you haven't been in recently, YOU ARE MISSING OUT! This
shop is full of style. 109 W. University.

Positive Touch Massage
- Vanessa Norrell, massage therapist, will be open at 210 N.
Broadway (the cute yellow house just north of Cafe on Broadway
on the left). Gift certificates make great gifts!

Siloam Flowers and Gifts
- This shop always has GREAT Girls' Night Out door prizes! What
an amazing shop, too. Come see their new fall storefront display!
201 A. S. Broadway.

Style Studio
- Looking for a great new salon? Sharilyn and the girls at Style
Studio are fantastic! The studio is just east of Pour Jon's at 111
A. W. Ashley Street.

The Painting Place
- Diana has folk arts and crafts at this quaint cottage on 107. N.
Maxwell St. (Across from the Siloam Springs Museum).

28 Springs
- If you haven't been yet, now is the perfect time! Chef Miles
James serves his signature Ozark Plateau cuisine. There will be a
special just for Girl's Night Out participants! 100 E. University.

Two Gals' Junk
- Start here to make your progressive craft. Owners Terry and
Shari have been busy "picking" all over the NWA region to fill this
shop with antique treasures! 120 S. Broadway

For more information, call Main Street Siloam Springs at 479.524.4556.

Let's Talk Local

Just a quick note...

Are you subscribed to Main Street Siloam Springs' Let's Talk Local?

If not, it's a great way to have Downtown details delivered right to your email box.

Click here for more info.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Save the Date

*Never fear, we'll get back to our New Construction Series.  I've got three more construction sites to share with you.  In the meantime, grab your calendar and...

 

 Girls Night Out Downtown!

• Thursday, September 20th, 5-8pm at Downtown Shops
• Extended Open Hours!
• Refreshments!
• Door Prizes and Specials!

Fall Preservation Lunch

• Tuesday, October 9th
• 11:30-1:00pm
• Lunch provided!
• Valuable seminar for business and property owners downtown

Downtown Trick or Treat

• Wednesday, October 31st, 3:30pm - 5:30pm
• Downtown Merchants will offer treats to costumed kids

Holiday Open House & Christmas Tree Auction

• Sunday, November 4th, 1-5pm at retailers throughout Siloam Springs
• Refreshments!
• Door Prizes and Specials! 

Library Meeting

 I love that our Public Library is part of Downtown Siloam Springs.

My family spends quite a bit of time there looking through books and trying to decide which stories we'll borrow for the week.

Please come to one of the following meetings and do your part to make our library the best that it can be.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

 

Connelly Harrington House

Rather than new construction, this post is more about re-construction.

Back in January, I woke up to learn this beautiful, historical building was damaged by a fire.  Sad as that event was, I'm happy to report the Connelly Harrington House (home of Drake Renovation & Construction) is almost back to it's beautiful self!  In fact, I think it's safe to say it's even more beautiful!

(Picture credit)

The Drakes (and their team) are doing a wonderful job with this building.

My favorite part?  The charming windows on the top floor.

I'm so very eager to see the finished project.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

PS: Follow DRC on facebook to see pictures of the inside renovations and restorations.

A Tribute

Just a quick break in what's becoming The Weeks of New Construction...

Pour Jon's is paying tribute to NYC and 9/11 all this week.  Here's what they had to say over on their facebook page: 

"All next week is our tribute to NYC and 9/11. In memory we are serving our tiny drinks in tear iconic New York cups, and taking donations for the FDNY charity! See you at PJ's!"

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

A Move and an Addition

Next up we have a move along with a new addition.  Four Corners Frame Shop is moving from University Street around the corner to Broadway Street and will be joined by Aus10 Photography.

(Thanks to Christina's facebook page for the picture.)

These two businesses will be located in the building that used to house Inner City Salon.  Opening day is scheduled for September 17th.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

PS: Remember to head to the Farmer's Market this morning!

Vintage Accents

We'll kick-off The Week of New Construction with a brand new business coming soon to Downtown Siloam Springs.

(Thanks to Meredith at Main Street Siloam Springs for the picture.)

Vintage Accents is "opening in a space that was previously vacant.  The building used to be home to the law office of our Siloam Springs Judge Steven Thomas. It had beads in the window and lots of neat plants and trees. To the left in this photo is an alleyway, then the Main Street office, to the right is John T. Lee's office."

I'm super excited about this new store.  What's not to love about a place that has "antiques and architectural salvage" printed on the window?

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Under Construction

My family and I have been out-of-town on vacation.

We returned surprised to find lots of Downtown construction happening.

It's exciting!

So exciting, in fact, that I hereby declare this the Week of New Construction!

(Sheesh!  :-)  Declarations make me feel powerful!)

We'll start with the Word on Main Street Blog.

Please take a few minutes to click on the tabs just above this post.  There's all kinds of new and updated information to be found.

And then stay tuned...

...for more posts on all things Under Construction.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Dog Days of Summer Recap

My family really enjoyed the Dog Days of Summer event earlier this month.

Siloam Springs' canines headed Downtown with their owners for a morning of fun!

We liked the parade best of all!

But the rescue dog demonstration was a close second.

Have you ever seen a dog climb up and down a ladder?  Me neither.  And, yes, I was impressed!

Make plans to attend next year's event.  It's always the first Saturday in August.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

New Bikes

With the weather being a bit cooler, it's the perfect time to check out Dogwood Junction's latest additions.

You can now rent a Terra Tandum Trike and spend an evening biking through our fun Downtown.

Dogwood Junction has a fridge full of cool drinks, so head on down and take a ride!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Races to Run

Are you a runner?  I can't decide if I am one or not.  :-)  

Anyway, for the first time ever, this fall Siloam Springs will be a location where you can participate in a half marathon event!  There are a ton of runners in town, and my guess is this will be a fun event.

One Heart for Justice is sponsoring the event.  More information on the organization and race details can be found here.

The races (5K and half marathon) begin and end Downtown.  There's only one thing left for you to decide...  Will you be running or will you be standing on the sidelines cheering on friends?

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Hot Days

It's been a hot summer. 

The other day I heard it just might be the hottest on record.

I hope things are starting to cool down.

 In the meantime, Books on Broadway has great air conditioning.  :-)

It's one of our favorite places to spend a hot end-of-summer afternoon.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Quilting Class

Remember when I took that beginning quilting class?

It was such a fun day spent crafting with friends!

Sager Creek Quilts has scheduled some more beginning classes.

It's so much more than a quilting class.  It's simply a good, basic intro to sewing.  Using a Yellow Brick Road pattern, you'll be learning the basics of good piecing, rotary cutting, pressing and proper seams while making a great project. There will be two sessions on Thursday evenings starting Aug. 23 with a second session Aug. 30. Call 524-5244 and talk to Cliff or Pam for more details.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

School Supplies

With the start of school, my mind can't stop thinking about school supplies.  

I love them.

And while I don't exactly attend school anymore, I still seem to be able to justify a new notebook or two each year in honor of others starting daily classes.

Four Corners Frame and Design has the most adorable notebooks!

The only question is which one will you choose?

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

What to do on a Tuesday evening...

It's the last Tuesday of the summer with school starting on Monday.  Are you looking for one last activity to end the summer on?

Well, Creative Corner on Broadway might have the perfect way for you to end a very hot summer.

Kim Mock, Owner of Keller's Creationis (www.acidfree.com) will be a GUEST TEACHER at the store. She will be teaching a class on how to "Scrap on a Dime!" You will create 12 - 12x12 layouts! Yes, TWELVE LAYOUTS!!! The cost of the class is $30. You MUST RSVP, as supplies are limited. You will have your choice of Disney, Travel, Beach or Friendship for your album. Class will be Tuesday, August 14, 6:30pm-9:00pm. 

Like Creative Corner on Broadway on facebook to get the info on how to RSVP.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Second Saturdays at the Farmer's Market

There's all kinds of stuff going on Downtown on Saturday.

It's Kid's Day at the Farmer's Market.  Main Street Siloam Springs is happy announce that the Benton County Master Gardeners at the Farmers Market group is expanding their programming to the Siloam Springs Farmers Market!  Come to Kids Day Saturday, August 11th to participate in their excellent programming! There will be a butterfly craft, information about the drought/heat wave, and much more!

 After (or before) the kiddos have fun, check out what you could win!  You could win a beginners canning kit complete with water bath, a set of jars, a jar lifter and an instruction booklet. Just spend $5 dollars at either Busy Bee Farms or the Bread Basket to have your name entered in the Raffle! A name will be draw at the end of August.

Things should be a bit cooler this weekend, so make plans to head to the Farmer's Market.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

It's a sign!

The other day I headed Downtown for one simple errand.  The bank.  And then I noticed a new sign.

That sign lured me in to its building despite my original determination to stick with my one, quick errand, and before I knew it, I was enjoying a piece of Betty's Quiche at The Cafe on Broadway.  Yum!  This batch was made with heirloom yellow tomatoes fresh from the Farmer's Market.

As if the quiche wasn't enough of a spur-of-the-moment indulgence, I may or may not have brought home a new teapot.

Yes, folks, it's true!  Not only is the Cafe on Broadway sportin' a new sign, they also have tons of new teapots in beautiful colors.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

PS: Remember to head to the Farmer's Market this morning.  I'm hoping they'll have more tomatoes.