Guest post contributed by Kelsey Howard, Executive Director at Main Street Siloam Springs, Inc.
There’s a reason why the locals say downtown Siloam Springs is a hidden gem; when you discover it you’ll experience a bit of child-like impishness, feeling like you’ve stumbled upon something so delightful that you want to keep it secret and all to yourself. But please don’t. Tell everyone you know that Siloam’s got it. Got what you ask? Well I’m so glad you asked:
Quaintness
Gilmore-Girls’-worthy Quaintness
This nostalgic and thriving downtown is arguably even better than the fictional town of Gilmore Girls’ “Stars-Hollow”: beautiful historic buildings that come to life with an array of unique shops and restaurants connected by brick sidewalks and nestled in parks and the flowing windings of Sager Creek. It’s a sitcom-worthy setting even though it’s just the backdrop for your morning coffee at Cafe on Broadway.
Family-Friendly
Charming Family-Friendly Events
There’s always something to discover in downtown Siloam Springs, hence the city’s new tourism website DiscoverSiloamSprings.com. Downtown is featured quite prominently and it’s no wonder why. Maybe you’re in a spontaneous mood to come over for cornhole at Creekside Taproom or trivia at 28 Springs, or maybe you look forward to Girls Night Out or the Homegrown Festival all year. If you haven’t been to Girls Night Out before, the next one is September 13th, when hundreds of gals will descend on downtown for a fun night of free refreshments, entertainment and of course shopping and dining with friends and family. The Homegrown Festival is all about what’s local; it boast over 75 booths of high quality handmade goods and curated vintage, food trucks, and live music. Discover what’s going on downtown all year!
Farmers Market
Farmers Market
As if this area wasn’t charming enough, Saturdays sparkle with community-life to the tune of bluegrass and the smell of freshly picked tomatoes and cinnamon rolls out of the oven. Every Saturday from 8am-1pm, April through October, the Farmers Market has something for everyone. There’s live music, chef demos, and a monthly Kids Day every second Saturday of the month with free crafts, activities, and a bounce castle. The market accepts SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) benefits, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers, Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers, and participates in the Double Your Dollar Program.
Amenities
Impressive Amenities in Place and on the Horizon
Have you seen Broadway Street lately? The sidewalks and crosswalks are not only safer but even more beautiful with new landscaping and future sites for public sculpture. The four acres surrounding the new Siloam Springs Public Library is getting quite the face-lift this year and next; after lots of public input and hard work, this space will transform into a thriving downtown community space complete with a splash pad, amphitheater, new Farmers Market promenade, and lots of open green space for play.
In February of 2018 Downtown Siloam Springs was named a Top 5 Finalist for Season 3 of the show Small Business Revolution: Main Street. Come discover why, and before long you’ll be saying “Siloam’s got it!” See you downtown.
