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Mill No. 5: A hipster amusment park

Jen Desrosiers
Connector Editor

Built in 1873 and owned by The Appleton Manufacturing Company for which it served as a textile mill until the early 20th century, Mill No. 5’s original purpose was to be a weaving and spinning mill that was entirely powered by steam. Today, the old mill building has been transformed into a sort of hipster amusement park that offers an exciting shopping experience and a vast array of quirky and whimsical shops.

Everything about Mill No. 5 is unique, from its interior, which is made up of bits and pieces of salvaged historic buildings throughout Massachusetts and New England, to the independent cinema, which will showcase classic films and live music. No matter what your interests are, you are bound to find something that you like at Mill No. 5.

Botanie
This florist offers a variety of plants from succulents, tillandsia and Japanese Kokedama moss gardens to artsy plant arrangements. Buyers can also choose from a variety of jewelry made from recycled brass and copper.

Vinyl Destination
This small and independent vinyl shop can easily be described using its own description: “It’s all vinyl, and that’s final. We’re a mom and pop record store celebrating vinyl, spun at 33 and 45 rpm. We buy and sell.”

ArtSylum
Run by self-proclaimed “art mongers and purveyors of handcrafted oddities and necessities for the discerning individual,” Artsylum sells whimsical artwork made by both local and national artists alike.

The Tone Loft
Opened by the Rothrer family, the Tone Loft offers a selection of specialty and vintage instruments along with lessons in guitar, bass, percussion, vocals and piano.

The Luna Theater

On the day of its grand opening on Sept. 20, The Luna Theater showed a variety of movies including Frank, Obvious Child, Snowpiercer and Moonrise Kingdom. Along with independent movies and cult classics, the theater will host events such as live music and various theater performances.

Be sure to stop by Mill No. 5 every first Saturday of the month for The Marketplace Series: a monthly indoor flea market of vintage and handmade goods from a variety of local artists and vendors!

250 Jackson St. Lowell, MA
www.facebook.com/millno5
www.millno5.com

 

Junior Journalism major with a double minor in Photography and Digital Media Studies. Self-proclaimed cat connoisseur. Interests include attending concerts, listening to music, Netflix, taking pictures and avocados. Photos can be found at http://www.jendesrosiers.com

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