LINK TO FULL ARTICLE:
https://www.ledgertranscript.com/Fall-wander-through-Wilton-held-this-weekend-43381670
Despite pandemic, Wilton Main Street welcomes new businesses, revives
Main Street in Wilton has not only survived the pandemic but welcomed several new businesses, filling more storefronts than in the past several years.
By ASHLEY SAARI
Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Published: 11/8/2021 11:18:45 AM
In the midst of a pandemic is an unusual time for a revitalization, but Wilton’s downtown Main Street has succeeded in just that – filling shops that previously languished and ticking longtime wish-list boxes for those advocating for the town’s economic development.
Last weekend, visitors were invited to explore the Main Street shops during the third “Wander Through Wilton” event.
Alison Meltzer, president of the Wilton Main Street Association, said since March 2020 and the start of the pandemic, Main Street hasn’t flagged but instead flourished, filling empty storefronts that had been creating a “lost tooth” look on the thoroughfare.
“We’re definitely in a good place right now, and that’s down to the shop keepers who took that leap of faith,” Meltzer said.
New shops on Main Street include Gigi’s Country Store, Gallerie Ouiseaux, the Copper Kettle and Winding River Antiques. A new commercial office building, renovated by Wilton House of Pizza owner DJ Garcia at 15 Main St., also welcomed three new businesses: Lost Siren Hair Studio, Where Eagles Dare Custom Tattoo and a photography studio.
“We filled Main Street, during a pandemic,” said Economic Development Team Chair Jennifer Beck.
Recently, the former train depot, last used as offices for Monadnock Survey, was sold, one of the last remaining empty storefronts adjacent to the main shopping district.
Only one building on Main Street remains empty, the former Santander Bank at 27 Main St.
“We’re fortunate that many people have recognized the great bones that Wilton has, and it has attracted people from out of town with their businesses,” Beck said. “The town has a great vibe, and I have heard over and over again, that they just fall in love and want to be here. That’s what we want – people who want to invest in their own businesses here, and in the town, rather than remote landlords.”
The Copper Kettle, which includes food for takeout as well as a downstairs tap room, joins Gary’s Harvest Restaurant as a food-and-drink stop downtown, something those hoping for a Main Street revitalization have characterized as key to attracting visitors.
“We want to marry dining, retail, entertainment and just places to gather, for people to enjoy our small, walkable downtown,” Beck said. “We want to make it an experience.”
Upcoming downtown events in Wilton include the Holiday Stroll on Dec. 3, which includes live music in the Main Street Park, and a visit from Santa Claus to light the town’s Christmas tree. On Dec. 19, the town will hold its annual Luminaria event, with hundred of candles lit on Main Street in conjunction with the Town Hall Theatre’s annual showing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and fundraiser for the Open Cupboard Food Pantry.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or [email protected]. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.