Come down to Uptown

At the heart of Norwalk lies a historic, yet small, area known as Uptown Norwalk. It's an area with a rich history, one that has served as the epicenter for businesses across all industries. From eateries to specialty shops to fitness options, Uptown Norwalk has a lot to offer. Primer on Uptown The Huron County Growth Partnership is a local organization dedicated to supporting local business growth and development and improving the quality of life for residents and prospective residents of Huron County. Andrea Welfle, the partnership's marketing and community outreach coordinator, said that although this area is technically called downtown Norwalk, the term "Uptown" is due to its central role in commerce and community life. While there's no official definition of the boundaries of "Uptown Norwalk," Welfle said that it's generally considered to encompass the area around Main Street, where the vast majority of area businesses and government buildings are located, making them very accessible. "The district's history dates back to the early 19th century when Norwalk was established and served as a hub for trade, transportation and local events," Welfle said. "Uptown Norwalk benefits the community by providing a vibrant area for shopping, dining and cultural activities, enhancing local economic growth and community engagement." Uptown serves as the home for many of Norwalk's most notable businesses. Here is a look inside two of them: Common Good Collective Uptown Norwalk has a variety of businesses, many of which are family-owned mom-and-pop shops, various restaurants and boutiques that are sure to be something for everyone. One of those businesses where people are sure to find something they love is the Common Good Collective, located at 11 W. Main Street (Ohio 61). This gift shop and boutique features unique products from local vendors, including home decor, baked goods, clothing, natural home and beauty products and more. Common Good Collective owner Allison McDonald and co-owner Sarah Smith, both Norwalk natives, opened the expansive gift shop in November 2022 with a shared passion for promoting sustainable practices and supporting local vendors. Prior to renting the building that became Common Good Collective, McDonald and Smith pursued a business venture known as For Their Future, which produced personal care products — like laundry detergent, hand soap, body wash and more — that could be refilled, a reflection of their shared passion for sustainability. For Their Future is one of several vendors people can find today at Common Good Collective. McDonald said that she acquired Common Good Collective's location after her father decided to buy some buildings in Uptown Norwalk. After the building sat vacant for some time, her father asked if they would like to move their business into the building. McDonald said she hopes to continue seeing the Uptown area grow, bringing more people down to Norwalk and showing them what it has to offer. "This area has a lot to offer, and we hope to see it continue to grow," McDonald said. "I'm very excited to see what is in store for our little area." Other vendors offering products at Common Good Collective include: • Holly's Hobbies • Little Town Creations • Ohio Crafty Mama • Painted Flower Art • Relove • Something Else • Stein's Honey • Sweet P Designs • Twisted Threads with TayMama's Macrame The Common Good Collective is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Marama Yoga Studio There's more variety in Uptown Norwalk business now, with more than solely restaurants and boutiques making the area their home. Look no further than Marama Yoga Studio, located at 46 E. Main Street. The yoga studio's owner, Matthew Wilde, a Norwalk native and certified yoga teacher, wellness and nutrition coach, said that his main intention for making the studio was to help make health and wellness more accessible to the community. Wilde said his yoga journey began after he experienced problems due to a bad back and found it as a way to alleviate discomfort. Wilde added that the other reason he wanted to open the studio was that Norwalk's initial yoga studio closed before the COVID-19 pandemic. "Even small towns tend to have something like a yoga studio, so it was a no-brainer for me to open one," Wilde said. "I wanted to help people find the same relief that I felt and help them lead healthier lives." To fulfill this vision, Wilde said that those interested in trying yoga could take their first class for free and that from then on, it would be only $12 a class, and membership plans are available. For those who wish to start yoga, Wilde said that his studio currently offers completely beginner-friendly classes. He hopes to offer other classes in the future once there is more demand. People can schedule themselves for classes by calling 419-681-0296 or emailing Matthew@maramawellness.com. Wilde said one of his favorite things about having a business in Uptown Norwalk is the family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of unique shops and eateries. "I would encourage people, if they come here, to make a day out of it instead of just stopping at one place and calling it a day," Wilde said. "I'm excited to see Uptown Norwalk continue to grow and evolve."