Every Monday, Heart on Main Street’s Executive Director Patrick Keiser visits a different community to feature the downtown area and its retailers through their social media channels. Here is a selection of some of the towns he has visited and some of his favorite retailers there. If you would like your town to be featured, email
contact@heartonmainstreet.org.
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
In downtown Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, you can find stores of all varieties that cater to the locals as well as those who vacation there.
One standout retail store that has called this area home since 1990 is called Wilkins & Olander. This gift, children and apparel store celebrates Door County, the state of Wisconsin, and the lake lifestyle of the area.
Whether you need a summer outfit, a onesie for your little one, or a gift for someone else, Wilkins & Olander has everything that you need to remind you of your time in Sturgeon Bay.
Bishop Arts District, Dallas, Texas
The Bishop Arts District, part of Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood, is a unique section of the city that feels unlike anything else. Filled with vibrant wall murals, tree-lined streets, and public art projects, Bishop Arts District has much more of a small-town feel than being part of a metro area.
The area, which was once forgotten by many in the city, has undergone a revitalization over the last several decades to boost commerce. A great example of this is the Mosaic Makers Collective. This store specifically focuses on goods made by female Texans in order to make sure that these artisans are able to get their wares into the market.
The wide variety of makers represented allows for Mosaic Makers Collective to have a little bit of everything. You can find jewelry, home decor items, women’s and children’s apparel, greeting cards, stickers, Texas-themed items, and bath and body products. The retailer’s concept of bringing handmade and artist-driven products to the forefront aligns perfectly with the culture that you find within the Bishop Arts District.
Lincoln, Illinois
Located along historic Route 66, you can find the town of Lincoln, Illinois. Lincoln has the distinction of being the very first town in the U.S. to be named after Abraham Lincoln. Restaurants and retail stores such as Top Hat Creamery, the Spirited Republic, and Abe’s all derive their names from Lincoln as well.
Small Town Creations is aptly named for this small town. This gift store specializes in one-of-a-kind finds that make every shopping experience unique. From flavored coffee beans to handmade wooden home decor pieces, there is something for everyone.
Noblesville, Indiana
This past April, visitors flocked to Noblesville, Indiana to view a total solar eclipse. Many of the storefronts throughout the downtown got creative during that once-in-a-lifetime event, including Logan Village Mall.
As an artisan market, the store is set up with different sections for each artisan. It even created a mini main street within the store. Walking into the store takes you from suburban Indiana to a Dutch village in an instant. The creativity of Logan Village Mall creates a customer experience no one is likely to forget.
Ada, Oklahoma
Over the last several years, there has been a focus on renovating the downtown area of Ada, Oklahoma, by refurbishing the facades of buildings. One business that has benefited from this revitalization is Serendipity on Main. This boutique has called Ada home since 2013. From workwear to casual clothing, from bath and body products to children’s toys and more, Serendipity on Main has the right mix of products.
