Tunes & Art
Read time: 4 minutes
Fall is in the air, and the at the Parker house, we love this season.
Cooler weather means more time outside and longer evening walks. Last night, our walk led Graham and me to Turnbow Tunes. The atmosphere was magical. In a world that so often seems to be on fire, it felt really special to be outside, watching my kid play while casually enjoying music with my community.
Kids playing. Couples holding hands. People selling art and crafts. It made me smile.
Turnbow Park feels like downtown’s living room.
Last night also reminded that a community’s sense of place is much more than real estate and buildings.
Events like Turnbow Tunes create a welcoming, positive energy — the kind of experience that makes people want to keep coming back downtown.
Another event my family looks forward to is the Fall Art Walk—and it takes place tomorrow! This signature downtown event is supported by local artists, business owners, and the Tyson Family Foundation.
If you’re not familiar: attendees purchase tickets, check in to receive a wristband, map, and a guide to the participating locations and installations. The “gallery crawl” includes wine and seltzer samples at each stop. Its a casual stroll through downtown, and if the weather cooperates, it makes for a wonderful evening.
Caitlin and I have hosted artists at Mano’s for the last three years and will again this year. If you’re free, stop by and say hello!
It’s not too late—grab Art Walk tickets for tomorrow night!
Top Notch Buys!
My friends and local entrepreneurs, Daryl and Jenny Ottaviano, recently purchased a 0.35-acre vacant lot off Holcomb St through Top Notch Rentals, LLC. They bought it from Matthew Silano for $132,500.
The Ottavianos been investing heavily downtown since December. This latest purchase brings their total to nearly $2.2M:
12/6/24 - 329 Berry St - $1,255,875
4/3/25 - 605 / 607 W Center Ave - $227,000
4/14/25 - 621 Holcomb St - $168,000
5/13/25 - 526 Spring St - $176,000
6/25/25 - 217 S Cleveland St - $240,000
Springdale Library Expansion Nears Completion
The $1.8M Springdale Library expansion is nearly finished and scheduled for completion by November 1st. This 10-month project has added 2,600 square feet of new indoor space—the library’s first major expansion in 25 years.
Key highlights:
Expanded space for family and children’s programming (including classic story time)
More room for regular library programs and special events
A new community room for outside groups
Expanded early voting space to support more opportunities in the future
Light the Night
A large crowd turned out at Luther George Park on September 19th for Light the Night, supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Bea & Bleux Grand Opening
We’re excited to welcome Bea & Bleux to 117 W. Emma Avenue! Owners Andrea and Molly bring their love of painting and cooking into a shop filled with unique essentials for every gathering.
Grand Opening Celebration
October 3–5 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Stop by for sips, samples, and daily giveaways while you browse their collection of thoughtful, gift-worthy finds. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone special, you’ll discover something for everyone on your list.
Meanwhile…
Fall Carnival October 3-12 at Parsons Stadium
I have it on good authority that a new neighborhood Italian restaurant is coming to downtown. I’ll be sure to share more when I can!
