By Lana Pierce
“We didn’t even know about Ouachita Avenue!” The phrase is repeated by tourists and locals lately. Those who’ve been familiar with the stretch of Sidetown over the years often note, “It’s so … different!”
Yes and no. Ouachita, the historic commercial corridor connecting Central Avenue to West Grand, reminds me of what downtown used to feel like: nostalgic, friendly, free of chain stores and chintz. But as new and unusual stores creating the “Weird on Ouachita” aesthetic move in, not much has evolved outside those storefronts. Until now.
Shop-owners whispered this fall as trucks arrived to repave the cracked and faded street. Rumors swirl with the falling magnolia leaves that new sidewalks are on the horizon. A dozen shop-owners look forward to the upcoming facelift. Building owners are stepping up, too, with sandblasting and painting bringing a fresh visage to old structures. Dare we say, the area will soon be postcard worthy!
On every business owner’s wish list this Christmas: signage to point the way to tourists, who often think that town ends at Como Square. But a few steps beyond, they’re delighted to find restaurants (notably SQZBX and Colorado Grill), Splash Wine Bar, La Bruja’s Dulceria, and the historic KUHS studio.
Three blocks of unique shopping venues, collectively calling themselves “Weird on Ouachita”, enjoy a steady stream of locals year-round, but hope to see more tourists winding their way from Central Avenue.
City Director 1, Erin Holliday, says she enjoys seeing Ouachita’s vibrancy grow, citing that “Business owners are not only investing in their own endeavors, but they are working together for a better experience up and down the block.”
In keeping abreast of those shop owners’ needs, she says, “I appreciate when business owners reach out to me if they see something that needs to be addressed; likewise, I am grateful for how city staff responds. Just recently, one Ouachita business owner texted me about a tripping hazard on the sidewalk, and the city had it handled quickly. Fortunately, we will have new sidewalks soon!” Kudos to Holliday’s hard work and the City’s quick response!
Visit these stores on social media or downtown: Retro Fit, Jane’s Curiosity Shop, Just Swanky, Raven, The Attic, and Mood Floral and Décor.
Lana Pierce is a captain with the NLRFD who lives in Hot Springs and owns RetroFit.
