Business is booming in Sisters these days. In fact, visitors who haven’t hit town in a while may need a map to navigate among the many new establishments. Here’s a quick look at the ever-evolving Sisters scene:
Retail Row
Bandits Mercantile. The former home of Jennifer Lake Gallery (located at the corner of Cascade Avenue and Larch Street) is now an outpost dedicated to two-wheeled and four-legged adventures. Owners Stormy Hiatt and J.D. Gore combined their two passions (motorcycles and horses) into one location, which gives the store a unique twist, combining nostalgic Western influences with rugged biker gear. Many of the unique pieces (which range from home décor to clothing to artworks) are made by regional artisans — including Stormy.
The Quilt Shack. Adjoining Bandits is this new seasonal quilt shop, an offshoot of the Prineville boutique of the same name. The main Shack boasts some 1,500 square feet of wall-to-wall fabrics of all kinds; at this locale, however, owner Rhonda Krider is focusing on fabrics that have an outdoorsy, Western or vintage Americana feel.
Blue Burro Imports (161 N. Elm) features hand-made items from Guatemala, including handbags, clothing, fabrics, home decor and more. Owner Amy Abramson, originally from southeast Washington, infuses the store with a vibrant explosion of color.
Blue Orchid Photography (161 E. Cascade Ave., in Town Square) is home to shutter-bug Annamarie Norman, who specializes in family and pet photography (which can be done either in her studio or on location). Norman’s other photographic interests include landscape work (for herself), plus maternity and newborn portraits, senior pictures and weddings.
Lori Salisbury Gallery. Salisbury’s work carries strong themes of Native American culture and spirituality, and a love for the natural world. Located at 391 W. Cascade (the former home of Clearwater Gallery), it’s a working studio gallery, which means that visitors will be able to watch Salisbury at work on her sculptures and paintings. The gallery also features the work of several other nature-influenced artists.
Cha for the Finest. Alaskan artist Cha has brought a dramatically different perspective to the Sisters Frontier scene, with her unique ivory and bone carvings –many of which resemble ancient Alaskan artifacts. The gallery also features Cha’s fused-glass jewelry and sculptures, along with the paintings, prints and sculptures of several other Alaskan artists.
Don Terra Artworks. The popular gallery has moved -– but just down the street. It’s now located at 103A E. Hood Ave (corner of Hood and Elm). It’s a smaller space, but organized a bit more cohesively.
Food News
Sisters Farmers’ Market. The seasonal market is back at Barclay Park every Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. through Sept. 13. Fare ranges from Oregon-grown breads, herbs, produce and plants to crafts and live entertainment.
Hop N Bean. Owners Phil Haugen and Mandy Strasser have tapped three local passions –- craft beer growlers, locally produced coffee and designer pizza – in one spot. Located at 523 E. Hwy. 20 (the former Subway locale), Hop N Bean features 24 taps with 19 different beers and ales, plus two hard cider selections, two wines and a root beer. Light breakfast fare along with numerous flatbread pizzas and paninis.
Odd Dawgz. Hot dog stand Owners Tad & Shirley Halladay offer gourmet quarter-pound hot dogs, served up on Shirley’s home-baked buns. Their motto? “Hot dogs with attitude.” Located next to Sisters Market (110 W Cascade Ave).