Downtown鈥檚 dynamic energy continues to evolve, as we add four more businesses owned and operated by millennials (ages 28-43).

Abby Brennan and Grace Bonilla are the owners of Sew Enchanted Alterations in Auburn.
Sew Enchanted Alterations
This adorable shop just opened at 13 South St., Suite No. 24 on the south side of Genesee Center, coincidentally in the space previously occupied by Dina鈥檚 Alterations. The business is owned by two sisters, Abby Brennan (30) and Grace Bonilla (28). They hosted their busy grand opening in early June, realizing their lifelong dream of owning a business together.
As background, their mother taught the sisters how to sew growing up. As they got older, Abby explored the fashion end of things sketching, designing and creating. Then they learned how to work from patterns, make pockets, and other tricks of the trade. In 2019, Grace started making alterations in her attic space.
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As time went on, they realized the need for alterations in Auburn and reached out to Pete Marshall, the property manager for the Genesee Center. He quickly showed them options, and Dina鈥檚 old space was the perfect fit 鈥 pun intended! He gratefully worked with them while they refreshed the space for opening.
Abby shared, 鈥淲e are excited and so happy to be downtown meeting new people every day. We opened on June 2, and plan to be here for another 50 years working together like we had always talked about growing up.鈥 They can be reached at (315) 370-5029, and hours are noon to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays.

Love of Hauls Boutique in Auburn.
Love of Hauls Boutique
Shop owner Mary Bodner works in HR by day, yet her passion is clothing. She opened in late May in the previous Meyer鈥檚 Bookbinding space owned by Jim Meyers and located at 35 Market St. Big thanks to Jim, as he had various other potential tenants yet held out hope for retail. As Mary shared, 鈥淛im found me!鈥 Come shop Mary鈥檚 handpicked collection of clothing, footwear and accessories, sourced from women-owned brands based in the U.S. They also carry men鈥檚 clothing, a line they will expand upon.
Mary began her business at Fingerlakes Mall, yet the space was too small. Now, her facility manager is onsite, knows the building inside and out, and responds quickly to assist. Also, the poured concrete floors, exposed brick wall, natural lighting and access to parking right out front made the downtown move a no-brainer. Neighboring West & Co. Diamonds hosted a permanent jewelry pop-up at Mary鈥檚 opening event. She also plans to partner with Adonia Salon & Spa, which completed a gorgeous expansion last March on Osborne Street.
The boutique carries a diverse range of sizes, yet only a few sizes of each item, so your ensemble is unique. It also specializes in U.S.-made women-owned brands like 2FLYCo. Per fashion trends, midwestern is flying off Mary’s shelves. Go check it out for yourselves. Current hours are 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit .
A quick reminder that Mary鈥檚 next-door neighbor is L.B. Lightning Cyclery. This custom bicycle shop offers sales, rentals, gear, accessories, parts, repairs and builds for mountain, road and more.
Flight in Time Studio
This new beauty service opened in the Nolan Block at 49 Genesee St. Owner Megan Davison offers hair, lashes, makeup and permanent jewelry services for weddings and special events. For more information, visit .
The Hideout Gaming Center
This youth-serving organization will open in July in Suite 109 at Genesee Center, 100 Genesee St. Darryl Clark and Daryl King run this nonprofit, providing your child with fun and safe gaming experiences with the latest console, retro arcade games and virtual reality. Take part in their Gamer’s Summer Camp offered weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 7-21. For more information, call (315) 294-3217 or visit .
Fall fashion show
We are very excited to co-produce with Auburn Public Theater a new fashion show happening from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the Owasco Room event space in the theater鈥檚 lower level. As the spring fashion show sold out and outgrew the Cayuga Museum Carriage House Theater space, we needed a larger venue. Now we will offer vending before and after the show, which will feature a center stage with guest seating in the round. There will be approximately 250 tickets at $30 available online at the box office. There is no fee for designers or vendors to participate.
With the timing of Halloween, we鈥檙e adding a fun theme for inspiration. Show off your alter ego! Fantasy and unique creations are encouraged. We can look forward to new collaborations with downtown merchants.

Jesse Kline
Downtown Auburn Saturday Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 28-Aug. 23
Come to the New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center Courtyard for the market season kickoff with the Tour Cayuga Sweet Treat Trail Takeover. Partners will showcase their locally sourced, and made, products on June 28.
Entertainment schedule:
- June 28: Sweet Treat Trail Takeover
- July 12: Acoustic duo Jim Van Arsdale and Connie Patti
- July 19: Sue Alexander and Bob Nodzo and The Rev Theatre Company鈥檚 "Rumpelstiltskin: Unspun"
- July 26: Perform 4 Purpose Senior Showcase
- Aug. 2: Jim Scala solo acoustic
- Aug. 9: City of Auburn Founder鈥檚 Day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) with Honky Tonk Hindooz
- Aug. 16: Bob Piorun instrumental jazz trio
- Aug. 23: Michael Houston and Dave Kuykendall
Artisan and food/beverage producers vend at the market for free; for info email courtney@equalrightsheritage.com or find the event .
A.T. Walley Seafood Festival and local whiskey release
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28, come to the State Street Plaza for a variety of delicious seafood menu offerings, plus live music from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. by 8-Traxx and from 6 to 9 p.m. by Scars 'N' Stripes. A.T. Walley & Co. is also hosting Cellar & Folly Whiskey Co.鈥檚 Auburn Reserve Blended Whiskey Release Party on the patio at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. For more information, find the event .
We appreciate your support for our downtown Auburn businesses and events!
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