In 1967 the Beatles released “Magical Mystery Tour” on a soundtrack of the same name. The lyrics that McCartney and Lennon penned encouraged people to move from the mundane into the fantastic. It was a call to encourage people to explore areas they might never have thought of – to move from the expected into the exciting.
That is just what the Superior Business Improvement District is asking you to do: to join them on a magical mystery tour as you discover the many businesses that encourage creativity as well as carry the creations area artists and crafters have made.
A must-stop on the tour is Rebel Threads, located at 1401 Tower in the rear of the building. Rebel Threads, as the owner describes it, it a fashion maker space built for misfits, makers and magic. They teach bold classes, rent out wild costumes and provide pro-level tools for people who want to make something real. You are encouraged to come as you are, make something messy – something that matters.
Next on the tour is Kindred Heart. Located at 802 Tower Avenue, it is a blend of arts and spirituality. Owner Mikinzie Schilling said they have work for sale by 65 artists. There is a big event held each month to honor area artists. On Fridays during the summer they hold Summer Makers Market, sales both inside and outside of the building. They also hold a craft swap.
Your next venture should be F-3: Fabric, Fiber and Fancies. Located at 1201a Banks Avenue, owner Steely Meyer offers a blend of items created by local artists as well as craft donations that she has received and makes available at a reduced price. Peppered throughout the store are hidden treasures – unexpected items for you to discover. All her artists have a Twin Ports connection, emphasizing her importance of keeping things local.
As you continue your tour, you will discover a new addition to SBID, Superior Yarn & Creations. You will find them at 1320 Tower Ave. Owners Rhonda and Sophitia Monarque carry yarn, embroidery and macrame essentials – everything you will need to complete your project. They also carry 3-D prints, perfect gifts for the young ones in your life. They offer Community Craft Nights on Tuesdays from 6 until 9 p.m. Just bring your portable craft project and make connections with other crafters.
The owners of these four businesses collaborate, working together to promote each other’s business as well as crafting and art. You will never know what they will think of next!
Another stop is Creative C.A.T.S. at 1116 Ogden Ave. They offer classes that combine creativity and education focusing on local and global environments. They offer adult classes, creative activities for kids, and local and global celebrations. They offer space rental for birthday parties, yoga space, club space, teaching a class, guest speakers and a creative space. Some of the classes they have offered include making an ugly sweater ornament or a Lake Superior Ornament.
Empire Coffee, located at 1204 Tower Avenue, offers a unique opportunity for one of your stops. Joe Polecheck, a local photographer, shows some of his work in the shop. You can sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy Polecheck’s artistry. His work is available for purchase.
The next stop offers a chance for you to get in touch with your artistic side. Brush & Co., located at 1207 Tower Ave., has all the supplies you will need to create your perfect ceramic piece. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but are open the rest of the week. Here is a chance to amaze yourself at what you can create!
A surprise stop on your tour is Superior Waffles at 1412 Tower Ave. Here is where you can stop to enjoy a delicious waffle and look at the art work that is for sale. They are open Wednesday through Sunday.
Other stops include Kindred Stone & Co., at 1404 Tower Ave., which offers felting classes. They also offer information for Pet Portraits by LaPine Design. The artist, Jana LaPine, will create a unique painting of your treasured pet. Framing By Stengl, a gallery located at 1720 Tower Ave., is a custom conservation framing shop designed to preserve and protect your family’s treasured memories.
As the Beatles wrote, “Roll up for the Mystery Tour, is waiting to take you away – waiting to take you away!.”
Experience the magic of creativity the Superior Business Improvement District has in store for you as you take your tour!
