During the year 2023, Marion added 13 new businesses. Among them are a popular downtown bakery, a complete health spa and an upscale restaurant/events venue in a historic and elegant mansion. Existing firms also moved into new and eye-catching buildings.
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Year in Review
Marion added 13 new businesses during the year 2023
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During 2023, the city of Marion continued to make progress on renovating the old Fifth-Third bank building in the center of the downtown. This historic building, opened in 1903, will become the new Marion City Hall. Its distinctive and unique cupola has become the symbol for Marion. City officials expect to move their offices and the City Council meetings into the landmark structure sometime in 2024.
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Smoke A ‘Lil Smoke on East Henderson Street in Marion. At the ribbon-cutting were, from left, Natalie Bell, events coordinator for the Marion Business Association; co-owner and business partner Jerry Higdon; City Manager Bob Boyette; Jordyn Phipps, sister of co-owner John Phipps; co-owner John Phipps; Donna Mueller, business partner and mother of John Phipps; Emily Brow, sister of John Phipps; and Chamber President Kim Effler.
The Pickle Barrel is the newest shop in Marion’s downtown and it is at 242 N. Main St., Suite B, in the building that formerly housed Scoop Marion. It is owned and operated by Philip Long and wife Ammie Long. Together, they are embarking on a new venture with the Pickle Barrel, which covers around 1,200 to 1,500 square feet.
The Pickle Barrel will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
In October, Marion hosted a special concert by Oliver Anthony, the country-folk singer-songwriter whose smash hit “Rich Men North of Richmond” has topped numerous charts and has become a YouTube sensation.
Aaron Dula, owner of Time Traveler’s Trading Co., stands in front of the wide assortment of action figures and collectibles from the “Star Wars,” “Stargate” and “Terminator” franchises. Dooley’s Trading Co. moved to 34 Logan St. and was renamed as Time Travelers Trading Co.
The iconic Harvest Drive-In on the five lane acquired a new owner in 2023. This owner started renovation work on the 61-year-old sit-down and drive-in restaurant property.
On Saturday, March 25, The Bake & Shake opened for business at 62 Logan St. The new eatery and bake shop is owned and operated by, from left to right, Amy McPeters, Teresa Krause and Shannon Lowery.
The Bake & Shake is located at 62 Logan St. in downtown Marion.
The Blanton House Restaurant & Venue offers upscale dining in an historic mansion at 239 S. Main St.
The outdoor patio for the Blanton House Restaurant is a venue for special events, parties and live music concerts.
One of the unique offerings is the Elemental Whole Body CryoRecovery. This is a treatment that involves exposing your body to extremely low temperatures to promote healing and recovery. The client stands in a chamber filled with cold nitrogen gas for a short period of time. This therapy has numerous benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting metabolism and increasing energy levels. Owner Carla Tompkins stands beside the cryorecovery chamber.
On Friday, June 23, La Guarecita Mexican Food opened for business at 998 E. Court St. in Marion. This family owned restaurant is located in a small building at the corner with Baldwin Avenue.
The new business has also brightened up a section of East Court Street. The paved area next to La Guarecita has a new parking lot and a colorful mural advertising the eatery.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the new location for McDaniel Insurance on Tuesday, Aug. 22, with representatives of the McDowell Chamber of Commerce, the city of Marion, Mayor Steve Little, state Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson and other local officials in attendance.
The McDowell Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new downtown location of Smoke A ‘Lil Smoke, which can be found at 28 E. Henderson St. At the ribbon-cutting were, from left, Chamber President Kim Effler; Natalie Bell, events coordinator for the Marion Business Association; Mike Phipps, father of co-owner John Phipps; Donna Mueller, business partner and mother of John Phipps; Emily Brow, sister of John Phipps; John Phipps; Shannon Odom, director of McDowell County Tourism Authority; Jordyn Phipps, sister of John Phipps; Terry Valentino of McDowell Technical Community College; co-owner and business partner Jerry Higdon; and City Manager Bob Boyette.
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The driver of an electric bike was declared dead at the scene, according to highway patrol.
Upon arrival, crews found one patient with critical injuries. Paramedics took the person to Mission Hospital McDowell.
As of Tuesday morning, the fire is 185 acres in size and 20% contained.
“Folks are paying attention, and they’re ready to head to the polls in the midterms and vote for leadership that respects all Americans.”
Multiple departments from across McDowell County are on the scene of a wildfire off Locust Cove Road in the Buck Creek community of McDowell.
