One of the best things about Hillsboro, the county seat of Montgomery County in south-central Illinois, is that the downtown area is very compact. It’s easy to find out about anything happening in town – simply stroll down Main Street to discover what’s new. Brian Lee, who moved here with his family almost seven years ago from Nashville, has played a big role in transforming this city of about 6,000 residents into a more welcoming tourist destination.
A carpenter by trade, Lee is among a group of people who’ve been quietly transforming Hillsboro into a third-wave business community that attracts younger generations to move here. From trendy loft apartments to a record store, a brewery, a coffee roaster, local boutiques and even a nostalgic movie theater that’s been completely revamped, this is a place you have to see to believe. “The whole town feels like a cool neighborhood,” Lee says. “Everyone knows everyone – a little like ‘Cheers.’” Here’s what to check out on a visit this fall.
The Gold Pan: Record Store & Recording Studio
When Lee’s friend Devin Moroney first moved to town, he wanted to open a recording studio where passersby could look in from the street. His dream realized is The Gold Pan, which has a vast soundproof window to the outside and also sells a wide range of vintage and new records, from jazz and heavy metal to classic rock and soul.
We are planning a visit to Hillsboro Illinois the week of October 23, 2023.
Can you let me know if any fall events that may be happening that week?