If you haven't wandered into Hunter & Ellie's yet, you're genuinely missing out on one of the most fun stops in downtown Milan. Tucked right on Main Street at 31 E. Main, this one-of-a-kind shop is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel like you stumbled onto something special — and that feeling is completely intentional.

Owner Jennifer Whatley built Hunter & Ellie's from the ground up with a simple but wonderful idea: create a space where the Milan community could shop local, get creative, and just have a great time doing it. And that's exactly what she's done. Since opening, the shop has quietly become one of those places people keep coming back to — not just to browse, but to experience.

So what exactly is Hunter & Ellie's? The easiest way to describe it is a boutique shop featuring an ever-rotating collection of unique, handpicked items sourced from local vendors. You won't find the same mass-produced stuff you'd see at any big box store. Every item on the shelves reflects the creativity and craft of makers right here in our region. If you're looking for a gift that actually means something — something nobody else is going to have — this is your spot.

But here's where it gets really fun: Hunter & Ellie's isn't just a place to shop. It's a place to make things. Jennifer hosts a packed calendar of creative classes throughout the year, and they're exactly the kind of thing that makes for a perfect girls' night out, a date idea, or even a solo adventure when you just need a creative outlet. Recent classes have included beach glass art, Easter sign making, cookie decorating, candle making, and seasonal sign and decor workshops. Supplies are provided, the vibe is relaxed and fun, and you leave with something you actually made yourself — which honestly feels pretty great.

Not able to make it to a class? Hunter & Ellie's also offers a create-at-home collection featuring unfinished wood blanks and pieces you can take home and paint at your own pace. From welcome signs to seasonal door hangers, it's a great way to get crafty on your own schedule. And if you've got a birthday coming up — for a kiddo or a friend who's basically still a kid at heart — Jennifer hosts birthday parties too, making it a memorable celebration rather than just another dinner out.

What really sets Hunter & Ellie's apart is the energy Jennifer has brought to downtown Milan. In a time when so many small communities are watching storefronts go dark, she opened a bright, welcoming space that invites people in and gives them a reason to stay awhile. The shop has become a go-to venue for community events, too — it's even hosted chamber workshops and local gatherings, cementing its reputation as more than just a retail spot. It's a gathering place.

You can find Hunter & Ellie's open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 5, Saturday from 11 to 4, and Sunday from noon to 4. New classes are added regularly, so it's worth checking the website often so you don't miss out on the next one.

The Milan Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to have Hunter & Ellie's as a valued member and grateful for the joy, creativity, and community spirit Jennifer brings to our downtown every single week. This is exactly the kind of local business that makes Milan a special place to live and visit.

Stop by and see Jennifer at Hunter & Ellie's, located at 31 E. Main St in downtown Milan, give them a call at 734-508-6681, or browse upcoming classes anytime at hunterandellies.com. As a proud member of the Milan Area Chamber of Commerce, Hunter & Ellie's is a perfect reminder of why shopping local matters — every purchase supports a neighbor, a dream, and the community we all call home.