Words & Pictures: Erik Hansen In October 2018, Tim Johnson, owner of Mellow Blue Planet Comics and Collectibles, will celebrate his 18th year in business and 15th year located in downtown Rock Island. “We were a bit hesitant to move our business...
WORDS & PICTURES Erik Reader The historic streets of downtown Rock Island are lined with magnificent structures full of rich architectural details. Whether you are visiting for the very first time or are a long-time resident, take time to stop, look up,...
WORDS & PICTURES Contributed by Look Better Center Looking our very best is almost every person’s goal, especially when it comes to the time in our lives when we began to show our age. The Look Better Center is conveniently located in...
WORDS & PICTURES Beth Payne & Erik Reader Jodie Kavensky was inspired to create public awareness, promote early detection, and support research for ovarian cancer after losing her mother, Norma and her Aunt Leah to ovarian cancer. “I couldn’t save their lives,...
WORDS & PICTURES Erik Reader Quietly perched in an unassuming third floor office in the Safety Building at 1800 3rd Avenue in downtown Rock Island sit two men overseeing four foundations that have had a philanthropic impact locally and throughout the region...
WORDS & PICTURES Erik Reader The fast success of the bridal and formalwear shop has led to a recent expansion of its storefront and exponential growth of the business. "I set the bar too high sometimes," exclaims Sheleigh Martin, owner of Celebrate. No,...
WORDS & PICTURES Downtown Rock Island Partnership The Shoppes on 2nd is a retail incubator located a 1700 2nd Ave. in downtown Rock Island. Many communities have created retail “incubators” as a means of nurturing new businesses, affording them the opportunity to...
So much of the national conversation regarding downtown revitalization topics these days is centered around making places for people. It seems like a simple enough thought on the surface, however, somehow we have gotten so far away from that approach...
By: Melanie Hansen This post was originally featured on The Ugly Iowan and is published with the permission of the author. “It’s the most unique fest going on in the QCA with a very left of center, diverse line-up… not aimed to...
Blue Cat Brew Pub still has the energy and excitement of a new restaurant after 24 strong years in downtown Rock Island. This is no more apparent than with yet another first-prize award during the Culinary Classic at the Riverside Casino...