Welcome to Darlington!
My name is Jason Funkhouser, and I have the pleasure of serving as the "New" Director for the Darlington Chamber/Main Street. My office is located at 447 Main Street located at the top of Main Street just across from the Veterans Memorial Park. Office hours are, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, and Fridays 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm ( beginning in September). Please feel free to stop in, and chat, or to find info on Darlington and surrounding communities in the driftless area! Darlington and myself welcome you to " Dare to Explore" what Darlington has to offer!
Darlington has a historically rich Main Street complete with a boulevard( not common on most Main Streets across the state) with many properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These beautiful historic structures are thriving with commerce, and the downtown offers everything from home decor, to artisan finds to clothing and so much more. From fun and quirky breweries to down-home cooking to a stay at one of our many overnight accommodations, fit for any budget.
Darlington's festival season kicks off in May with our annual Cinco De Mayo -Fiesta Latina celebration. June then gives way to our famous "Canoe Festival". July ushers in our "Tunes at Twilight", concerts in the park series. September kicks off Autumn, with our "Fall in Love with Darlington" outdoor night market, featuring local vendors, food, and live music. November and December ring in the holiday season with Christmas and Holiday open houses, holiday lights, holiday treats, and our lighted "Riverside Reflections", as well as Darlington's (Annual) holiday parade held the first Saturday each December! And no small-town holiday would be complete without a visit from Santa, who is welcomed by all young, and young at heart, each December, following the parade.
This community of nearly 2,500 is also home to the county seat for Lafayette County. The historic courthouse, a symbol of pride for the community, features a tiffany glass rotunda, copper and marble fixtures, as well as a fountain. You may have seen a glimpse of this beautiful building in the Johnny Depp 2009 movie Public Enemies!
Darlington, rich in history, is also a community with all the amenities one would hope for while still maintaining a charming small-town atmosphere. As a transplant to Darlington some 15 years ago, I can truly say, Darlington offers a little something for everyone. From fun retail shops, and home-cooked meals like "Mom" would make, as well as ethnic cuisine. These can all be found in our historic, downtown business district. Whether you "Dare to Explore Darlington" for work, home, play, or simply to take in the beautiful scenery, whether by foot, bike, motorcycle, canoe, horse, ATV, or car. Darlington has something for you!
Thank you for checking out a little of what Darlington, "The Pearl of the Pecatonica" has to offer!
And, I hope we'll see you in Darlington soon!
Remember, Stop, Smile, and Say Hi!
Jason
Darlington
Chamber- Main Street Director