Advertisement For some it’s what you wear. For others, it’s where you get your coffee, listen to music, have your hair styled, hang out with friends and spend time with your family.
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The La Crosse Tribune looks at six local businesses considered hip and trendy by their customers.
But, as those who frequent these places will tell you, there’s a timeless element that keeps their edge cutting — and keeps their customers coming back again and again.
The Starlite Lounge, 222 Pearl St.
Manager Heather Krowiorz said The Starlite offers something a little different — a bar that’s not all about popcorn, loud music and pool tables.
“It’s a place where people go to meet other people and talk,” Krowiorz said. “The atmosphere lends itself to that. People automatically react to it.”
What they offer: Traditional and specialty cocktails, music and appetizers.
What the customer says: “The decor is kind of retro and funky,” said Jennifer Roberdeau, 27, of La Crosse, “which makes you feel like you aren’t just in any old bar, but rather a more sophisticated atmosphere. It’s a destination, rather than just a place to get a drink.”
Timeless quality: A lounge atmosphere, complete with comfortable seating, that invites friendly conversation.
The Warehouse, 328 Pearl St.
Owner Steve Harm offers a wide variety of bands, aimed at 14- to 21-year-olds. That, and a non-alcoholic, smoke-free atmosphere, has kept him busy for almost 20 years.
“For us to stay hip and trendy, we’ve had to change with the tastes of the kids,” Harm said. “There’s been a lot of fluctuation.”
What they offer: The most up-to-date bands, such as Weaver at the Loom and 16VOLT, kids are listening to.
What the customer says: Caroline Prentice, 17, of
La Crosse keeps going back to The Warehouse because of all it has to offer.
“There’s so many different bands,” Prentice said. “They bring so much variety around here. I love the people who work there, too.”
Timeless quality: No smoking. No booze. Rock music. And parents — yeah, they come, too. How cool is that?
Urban Roots Salon, 1446 Rose St.
Owner and stylist Brenda Sannes has clients ranging in age from 2 to 75, and she has a theory about being hip and trendy at any age.
“It’s anything that makes you feel young,” Sannes said. “It isn’t about age. It’s how you go about pulling it off.”
What they offer: Hair styling and cuts, beauty and skin care products, and their own line of lip gloss, eye shadows, mascara and self-tan lotion called U R Cosmetics.
What the customer says: Jennifer Lord, 38, of La Crosse makes it a priority to have her hair done by Sannes.
“It’s trendy for life because Brenda always keeps up with the latest in fashions and styles,” Lord said.
Timeless quality: A small staff, just two full-time employees, offering attention to detail and an understanding of the clients’ needs.
Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 Fifth Ave S.
Executive Director Anne Steuer said she has seen hip and trendy change during the past 10 years.
“It used to be hip and trendy to work constantly, make a lot of money and have a lot of expensive toys — and never see your kids,” Steuer said. “Finally it’s hip and trendy to spend time with your family.”
What they offer: A hands-on learning environment for kids and their families, with traveling exhibits, a rock climbing wall and an interactive TV news room (slated for late 2008) called WKID-TV designed to celebrate the value of play.
What the customer says: Sophie Hilker, 10, of La Crosse said she especially loves the museum’s basement, where kids can play with toy boats on two functional little rivers.
“It’s fun and you can do a lot of stuff there,” Hilker said. “It’s cool.”
Timeless quality: A safe place for kids to play and learn. That’s as timeless as it gets.
Funk, 1446 Rose St.
Owner Janelle Parcher likes to think outside the box, and she encourages shoppers to try something different and new.
“Everyone’s style is unique,” Parcher said. “It makes them who they are. The clothes make the statement.”
What they offer: A blend of vintage and trendy clothes and accessories to incorporate into a new wardrobe.
What the customer says: Allison Knee, 22, of La Crosse said she shops with “the Funk lady” because the shop offers something special.
“It’s fun,” Knee said. “It’s selective here, too. There are certain sizes and pieces you can’t get anywhere else.”
Timeless quality: A quirky environment and a shopkeeper who is committed to helping you create your own personal style.
Grounded Specialty Coffee, 308 Main St.
Owner Todd Ondell said being regarded as a hip and trendy coffee house is great, as long as that doesn’t mean the trend will peak any time soon.
“We want to be here for the long run,” Ondell said. “It’s nice to be called that, but now the responsibility’s on us to keep that going.”
What they offer: The latest in gourmet coffees, specialty teas, deli sandwiches and wraps.
What the customer says: Sue Hessel, 55, of La Crosse has written several books, and she works and socializes in Grounded.
“This place is ‘Cheers,’” Hessel said. “Everybody knows each other.”
Timeless quality: A relaxed and familiar atmosphere that leads customers to refer to Ondell as “a daytime bartender.”
