David Fernandez took a chance this spring by opening Sacred Rites, a holistic retail stall in Utica . So far, the gamble is paying off — thanks to a surge of road-tripping northern Illinoisans flocking to nearby Starved Rock State Park and other outdoor destinations.

So far, he’s timed it well. Retail data is pending, but Fernandez is pleased with the foot traffic at the Market on Mill, the new outdoor retail plaza in Utica.

“The proximity to Starved Rock and the local bars and restaurants have truly favored us, Fernandez said, “as we have many visitors walk over after stopping for lunch or dinner or on their way out of Starved Rock.

“Since the start of summer, we have definitely seen an increase in traffic, so we are excited to see how the rest of the season plays out.”

One of the

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