Marion? Is that you? What happened to the empty store fronts and peeling paint on your Main Street? The tired, old-ish feel in town?
I will admit to being shocked at the changes since my last walk about town! What??? New breweries? Live music? New restaurant – that I actually want to go to? New shops, including a clothing place that could be in Asheville? New fabulous ice cream shop? Whoa!
Take a gander at what’s happening in Marion:
McDowell Local – casual, locally sourced (when possible), small plates, salads, burgers and sandwiches.
Flavors on Main – olive oils, balsamic vinegar, spices, teas.
Artesana Ice Cream – Third generation artisan ice cream, made with sourced from Mills River Creamery and fresh fruit sourced at a farmers’ market. This is their 4th shop. The other three are in and around Mexico City. This ice cream is some of the best I’ve had. Extremely fresh and flavorful!
Mica Town Brewing Company – Super inviting brewery and cozy deck! Tanks and the business end of brewing all happen in sight inside.
Spillway Bridge & Company (Tap House & Music Hall) – This place has it all. Hang out with your pals, listen to great live music, sip your favorite brew, bourbon, spirits & liquors, and wine.
Image: Spillway Facebook Page
Refinery 13 – Family friendly taproom right on Main Street, featuring NC Craft Beer.
If you haven’t been to Marion, or haven’t been back in a while, get yourself to town and have some fun exploring. Be SURE to get some ice cream at Artesana! 🙂
Love Marion! There is also The Big Orange Hoagie Factory and Burrito Bros. on Main Street too that have opened within the last two years.
… and you’re missing some of the shops that have been here for years … like City Barbershop, remade into an old-fashioned barber shop, Killough’s Music & Loan and Bruce’s Fabulous Foods. Just because we’re old doesn’t mean that the other shops are the only ones around!!!
… and don’t forget Mr. Bob’s Donuts!!! Home of award-winning Apple Uglies!!!
There are so many other places you didn’t mention!
BURRITO BROTHERS on Main is delicious. Also fresh ingredients.
MULLIGAN MACK’S has a full bar and their chef is pretty darn awesome.
MR BOB’s DONUTS are amazing. And that Apple Ugly is famous!
BIG ORANGE HOAGIE FACTORY! Fresh made hoagies and cheesesteaks.
BRUCE’S FABULOUS FOOD! It’s been here quite a while and is the Baskin Robbins of cheesecake. Too many flavors to count!
CROOKED DOOR COFFEE HOUSE. Who needs Starbucks?
No worries- there are still TONS of old, falling in, empty buildings. Tons.
Thank you all for your comments! I’ve been to Crooked Door Coffee many times. And been to Bruce’s Fabulous Food a couple times. As Renee says, Bruce’s has been around quite a while. Looks like another downtown Marion walkabout is in order. 🙂
Jessica, I’m hoping the improving economy and growth trends continue until there are fewer old, falling in, empty buildings in town.
Some folks are just glass half empty! Wow!
Marion is making great strides. Go out support all of the local business. There are many great opportunities. Take pride in our sweet town. Be a part of the change and not the criticism.
Thank you for visiting and writing Carolina Epicurean.
Wonderful article!
Thank you, Jen and Kim! I’m definitely excited for Marion. I’m currently on an extended road trip across the country and am seeing refurbishing, construction, and growth everywhere. I really hope it’s a trend that continues!!
If Old Fort leadership had their heads someplace other than where they seem it could see some growth.
Double D-lighted to read this article. Love my hometown’s main street with Mt. Ida looking down on it & think this is great!
I love the way Marion is progressing! It’s finally the friendly progressive city they said it was in the 90’s. We must not forget that MACA and Foothills Community Theatre have been surviving and now thriving right on Main Street for quite sometime. The Micropolitan Film Festival, Live Theatre, Art Camps, and educational entertainment have boosted the economy and the quality of life for many of our citizens.