Umbrella Avenue unveiled

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A small crowd gathered in an alley off west Chillicothe Avenue in Bellefontaine on the afternoon of Friday, Aug. 9, to officially open Umbrella Avenue, a bright spot of color next to Rainbow Row. According to Small Nation founder/CEO Jason Duff they’re working on the concept of “place-making”—taking unused spaces and turning them into something significant. “It’s a place to gather, have coffee, meet with friends,” Duff stated. He also called it an ideal photo opportunity, from senior shots to engagement pictures to day trip memories. “And it’s a perfect downtown Bellefontaine selfie spot,” Duff added. (EXAMINER PHOTO | Sharyn Kopf) 

Brandy Gleason, who wrote “100 Things to Do In Ohio Before You Die” and runs the popular Facebook group Ohio Road Trips, which has well over a million followers, was on-hand Friday, Aug. 9, at the ribbon cutting for Umbrella Avenue in Bellefontaine. She signed books and talked about Ohio travel. “Bellefontaine is what we would call a ‘hidden gem.’ It’s a cliché, but it really is a surprise find.” (EXAMINER PHOTO | Sharyn Kopf)