A happenin' place
When is the last time you spent a weekend in Marion? Seems like a silly question doesn't it? But think about it: When is the last time you spent time enjoying the attractions this area has to offer?
Are you wondering what attractions? Are you wondering if there is a Wal-Mart or Applebee's tucked away in a corner of Marion that you haven't visited?
This past weekend was chock-full of activities. The Florence Labor Day Celebration committee planned a weekend full of events and entertainment not available in bigger cities.
Hundreds of people attended the fund-raiser Sunday evening for Marion County fire departments at Marion County Lake. Even more attended the spectacular 40-minute fireworks display later that evening.
Marion has been a busy place this summer. There have been statewide ball tournaments and other sporting events.
Marion is the envy of bigger cities because it boasts not one, but three huge festivals/events each year — Chingawassa Days, Art in the Park, and Old Settlers' Day.
This year, the CCC statue dedication is sure to attract a number of people to the area, as well.
But, what happens when the crowds go home and life slows down in Marion? What do we do then?
Just a walk down Main Street can turn into an adventure. A walk through Central Park can wind along the nature trail and end up near the spring at Brooker Plaza.
Next to the park, Marion Historical Museum is full of displays and information chronicling the history of Marion.
Cross the street and get a soft-serve ice cream cone at The Big Scoop. Continuing west, there are places of interest on both sides of Main Street — Kraft Korner, Duckwall's, Marion Pharmacy — all offer something unique to Marion.
Antique lovers can while away the day at Central Park Antiques and Bearly Makin' It Antiques.
Get a Clintonian burger at Stone City Café. Hearty eaters can order the mega-burger smothered with chili and covered with cheese and onions.
Across the street McGillicuddy's Restaurant offers a variety of entrees. Top it off with homemade cream puffs or strawberry pie.
Stop for coffee at the newly-opened Daily Grind Coffeehouse. Enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and conversation, or just sit and watch the world go by.
If you're in the mood for pizza or something with an Italian flare, cross the street again and stop for a meal at Gambino's Pizza.
On down the street a couple of blocks, Lloyd Meier at the Wagon Wheel entices customers with smoked ribs and brisket.
Marion City Library also is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. The library is a great research facility with knowledgeable, helpful staff. An up-to-date selection of books, magazines, and newspapers is available as well as a wide variety of videos. The library has sponsored some interesting programs lately, including a visit by Meriwether Lewis and an Indian pow-wow.
Think about it
In addition to being a "town between two lakes" and "the best place I've seen" maybe the powers-that-be ought to consider adding a new slogan to the list: "a happenin' place."
— DONNA BERNHARDT
