The day edges into the afternoon, when the Makanda Boardwalk truly comes to life. The Rainmaker Art Studio’s door stands open, a speaker aimed outward and tuned to a local community radio station. On a bench next door, a couple enjoys ice cream from the Makanda Country Store while chatting with a backpacker from Ohio.
Nearby, a child pauses to pet Captain Jack Sparrow, a sleek black mixed-breed dog sporting a pair of mirrored, psychedelic sunglasses. In front of the PB&J store, a bubble machine releases a steady stream of floating orbs, while two young men toss beanbags in a friendly game of cornhole near the Makanda Trading Company. Even before stepping into the boardwalk’s shops, the vibrant and laidback atmosphere outside is its own kind of attraction.
A walk along the boardwalk might begin with the Rainmaker Art Studio, owned by longtime resident Dave Dardis — both the artist and the studio are known by the name Rainmaker. Dardis and his original business partners chose the name after repeatedly encountering rain during festival events. At their first indoor event, a broken pipe created an ironic downpour indoors.
Dardis has been a fixture on the boardwalk for 52 years. He came to the region to attend Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, majoring in design, drawn by a lifelong love for making things.
Inside his studio, an old hand-cranked grinder releases small golden figurines — an homage to a decades-old cartoon. Handmade fountains send tiny streams of water onto delicate leaves, and an ornate chess piece stands on display with its own backstory.
Dardis had started work on a chess set decades ago, but each time he completed a piece, someone wanted to buy it. He never finished the set and finally held back a single piece for display.
Among his many creations, Dardis takes the most pride in his copper banyan trees, which rise to heights of around 12 feet. One stands just beyond his back door, its thick branches arching over a serene waterfall garden. Years ago, one such tree was commissioned by a customer who later felt it was too large. Rather than modify the piece, Dardis crafted a new one and used the original to enhance his garden.
“I’m glad it happened that way,” Dardis says. “Because of it, I got to decorate my gardens with the ones he didn’t want.” His lush backyard garden is open to the public, complete with winding ivy trails that lead through gazebos, over bridges and into secluded, shaded paths.
Next door, the Makanda Country Store offers a break for refreshments. The shop stocks nearly 30 varieties of coffee roasted in Illinois, as well as candies, nuts and Miller’s Farm products, like pickles, sauces and spiced peaches.
Outside, Captain Jack Sparrow often rests beside his owner, Robert, a retired barge captain. The duo began collecting matching sunglasses after an SIU tailgate party, and Captain Jack now has a dozen pairs, all coordinated with colorful neckerchiefs.
Farther down the boardwalk, the Bell Building — constructed in the 1890s — opens its pair of colorful double doors marked by a peace sign. Inside is Visions Art Gallery, owned by Nina Kovar, who curates a collection of handcrafted jewelry and art from 100 southern Illinois artisans.
Her selections reflect a whimsical yet sophisticated aesthetic. She likes a variety of styles that appeal to different people. An artist herself, Kovar particularly enjoys painting and creates art often influenced by optical illusions and surrealists like Salvador Dalí. Her current project depicts a melting candle transforming into human form.
Toward the rear of the boardwalk, Rachael Smith offers guidance on personal journeys through ancient runic symbols dating back to 150 C.E. Nearby, Healing Traditions — owned by Anne Discepolo — hosts yoga classes, massage therapy and other holistic wellness offerings.
Nestled between these spaces is The Funky Monkey, a shop owned by Kim Baker. During her years of working in design at an upscale furniture store in Marion, she often spoke of her dream of opening a shop in Makanda. Five years ago, her husband surprised her by purchasing the building that now houses her store.
Initially, she filled the space with decor from her own home. Later, she acquired an entire estate, which allowed her to expand her inventory. She now stocks a wide range of antiques and vintage glassware; her husband contributes by attending auctions to find pieces that fit the store’s eclectic aesthetic.
The purchase of the building included three upstairs apartments. One remains a long-term rental, but the other two have been transformed into Airbnb units. Kim is currently preparing the units for summer visitors who come to hike nearby Giant City State Park or explore the Shawnee Wine Trail.
At the far end of the boardwalk, the PB&J store is a popular destination. Owned by Pam Baker, her husband Bob and their daughter, Jackie, the name reflects the family trio. The business began with festival vending, which Pam describes as both enjoyable and profitable. Seventeen years ago, they seized the opportunity to open a permanent shop, and in 2019, relocated to a larger space with an upstairs apartment, which they now call home.
The shop features jewelry, suncatchers and decoupage — most of it handcrafted by Pam. Despite the volume of merchandise, each display is thoughtfully arranged, thanks to Jackie’s eye for design. Pam’s father taught her the art of decoupage, which she now applies to furniture, trinket boxes and custom-themed artwork. The family collaborated on a mosaic out front and built an ornate aqua bench beside it, contributing to the shop’s creative charm.
The final stop on the boardwalk is the Makanda Trading Company, also known as the “Rock Store.” Owner Brian Beverly, who holds a degree in anthropology, has curated a collection of rocks and artifacts from 55 countries, including amethyst from Uruguay and quartz from Indonesia. Shelves hold delicate soaps, colorful rugs and tiny carved masks. Among the most striking displays are vintage Italian candelabras topped with golden fluorite spheres.
As the day winds down, the atmosphere remains calm and welcoming. Shop owners linger rather than rush to close. Dardis chats with friends. Pam relaxes at a picnic table with a regular visitor. Kim heads upstairs to add finishing touches to her second Airbnb, themed with a retro vibe.
Visitors, too, are in no hurry to leave. Many finish their ice cream on a shaded bench or engage in leisurely conversations with shopkeepers. Eventually, the crowd thins, and the shops begin to close.
But, for those who live and work there, the day doesn’t end — it simply shifts. Quiet gardens beckon, home-cooked meals await, and the tools of their artistry are never far from reach. Whether it’s a paintbrush, a copper cutter or a jeweler’s saw, inspiration always finds its way back into their hands.
The Makanda Boardwalk can be found in downtown Makanda, near Giant City State Park. The shopping mall is open year-round.
Photos courtesy of Mary Blye Kramer
