Downtown is the heart of the community.
The downtown area encompasses 11 blocks and boasts specialty shops, restaurants and the majority of the area's live music clubs. Over 175 businesses thrive in the downtown area and include art galleries, cooking shops, clothing for men and women, athletic stores, book stores, jewelry stores, plus music and collectable stores. Several times throughout the year local entertainers perform during during lunch time to entertain shoppers.

Step inside the Monroe County Courthouse, built in 1902, to view the stained glass dome.

Venture into Fountain Square just south of the courthouse. The enclosed mall contains galleries, clothing stores and specialty shops. It is the resultof a two-year effort in restoring many of the downtown buildings to their original grandeur. A covered skywalk provides easy access to the covered parking garage on Fourth Street.

Another renovation is the Antique Mall. This former Tom Taylor Grocery Building has become an antique lovers haven. Three stories and over 100 dealers provide an endless trail of varied antiques. fa0 Open daily, the Antique Mall is a definite must fa0when visiting downtown.