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In 2022, Todd and Rhonda Thornton purchased a historic home at 315 W. Washington Street in Monticello.
Since then, the couple has undergone extensive restoration and renovation of the property, commonly known as the “Red House,” for a variety of uses, including short-term rentals, which are now available.
“It’s going well so far,” Todd Thornton said. “We have several reservations coming in over the next few months. … We have five reservations so far, and the first reservations actually start this Friday and Saturday.”
The Red House can be found on Airbnb and Vrbo. The rental includes 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining/living room, and a second living space that can be used as a bedroom area.
Thornton said he plans to zone out a portion of the house used for rentals and build retail space on the back half of the ground floor. He also plans to build a porch in the backyard facing the south parking lot and provide an entrance to the space.
Additionally, plans call for the basement to eventually be turned into a cocktail lounge with gaming.
Thornton said he hopes the bar will open within about six to nine months, and the retail space will likely have a similar timeline, first finding a retailer and then deciding what space-wise it will look like. Thornton said there is a possibility to figure out if there is a need.
The ongoing renovation work is being partially funded by a grant from the City of Monticello.
“The city, Monticello Main Street, and everyone was so nice to work with,” Thornton said. “…all of their doors are open and they are ready to help.”
Tree Bar at Big Thorn Farm & Brewery
“Tree House Bar” is back this season
Big Thorn Farm & Brewery, located at 14274 E 600 North Road in Georgetown, opened its “Tree Bar” on May 3 and plans to remain open through October.
Co-owner Anna Schweig estimated the deck is about 6 feet off the ground at its highest point.
She said Tree Bar’s reopening is “like a holiday” for customers and they’re looking forward to it.
“Some people like to call it the ‘treehouse bar,'” she says. “We’ve never called it that. We like to call it a tree bar because we built it with wood that we took out of the forest and some of the structural Some of it was because it just looked cool on the bar.”
Schweig said she and Aaron Young started the farm in 2011, opened the brewery in 2016 and opened Tree Bar in 2018 because they wanted to share the experience of drinking outside. Ta.
“It’s very relaxing,” she said. “So it’s right on the edge of the woods. When you’re sitting at the bar, you look out over the beautiful maple trees. Of course there’s no TV or anything to distract you, so it’s very quiet.”
Schweig said construction is underway to add a tree bar that will include a wheelchair-accessible ramp.
Big Thorn also has Greenhouse Bar, open from October to May.
“We wanted to create two separate spaces to showcase the best of Illinois’ four seasons,” Schweig said.
Something You Salon, located at 807 W. Springfield Ave. in Champaign, is currently closed.
Local salons close, spas change direction
Something You Salon, located at 807 W. Springfield Ave. in Champaign, is currently closed.
“We regret to inform you that as of April 26, 2024, our store will be permanently closed,” the store said in a statement. “An email has been sent to your salon customer database with your details.”
Everything You Spa is still operating at the same location, but the company is looking for a new location to call home.
“Your unwavering support and continued love is our greatest blessing and something we have never and will never take for granted,” Supa shared on social media. “The future is bright and we are excited about the next chapter for Everything You.”
The company also said it is considering rebranding to EY Estheticians and is seeking customer feedback on whether they support the name change.
Danville Farmers Market returns to new location
From May 11 to October 5, the Danville Farmers Market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. The market is currently located in the parking lot of the DIY Storage Center at 2721 N. Vermilion St.
“We have over 80 vendors scheduled at various times throughout the summer and are proud to serve the Vermilion County community,” organizers said.
LINK/SNAP is accepted and the market offers a free fruit and vegetable matching program. Some vendors also accept senior vouchers and WIC vouchers.
Rock Counseling Group’s new location is located at 1612 Patton Drive, Mahomet.
Counseling group announces relocation
Rock Counseling Group announced that its Mahomet store will move from 1002 Commercial Dr. to a nearby Churchill Commons building.
“Our last day at our old office is May 17th. We will be welcoming you to our location at 1612 Patton Dr., Mahomet, Illinois starting May 20th,” the vendor said.
