Mill No. 5

My, my, was Mill No. 5 packed and jammin’- from the live music playing, to the fresh local produce and offbeat handmade items. It is indoors, upstairs and has tons of things from good smellin’ soaps from the apothecary, dog meeting friends, mushrooms I’ve never seen before, and some tasty marsh-​mellows. We came a bit later, and found out that the Farmers Market closes at 2ish on Sundays, but the Luna Theater and café, Coffee & Cotton (uses Barisimo — very good coffee) stays open later, are open on other days, and both look really awesome– furniture/​comfort/​space/​food/​drink-​wise. Mill No. 5 is definitely the happening place for Lowell, and worth stopping by.
P. S. There was a line just to take the elevator up. Upstairs, if you open the stair door, the sound alarm goes off (bc a guy tried opening it). It says «In case of fire, exit building before tweeting about it.» I have no idea where there are actual non-​alarming stairs (I really like stairs). There is the «secret» elevator /​not as often used elevator, which is actually designed differently than the main elevator. It has mid century lighting and wood windowed walls.

I absolutely love this place! The historic architecture, the laid back vibe and all the cool shops. Go when there is a farmer’s market and enjoy artisnal breads, herbs, pastas, sauces, organic produce, meats, ice cream, cookies. Hipsters, older folks, and people with young children visit Mill No. 5 and it’s a great way to spend a few hours on the weekend. Check it out!

A great hideaway for a weekend visit. We took our 2 yr old and she loved looking at all the different storefronts and tasting offerings from the many vendors there. They even had a 3 piece band when we went playing bluegrass and classic rock. There was a story time for the kids in the old Luna theater which just by it’s coolness factor, makes me want to visit for a movie some time. Vendors included cheese mongers, juice slingers, the requisite coffee shop, an super cool soap and herbal remedy crafter and a whole lot more. If you live in or near Lowell, make this a regular visit. If you don’t, you owe it to yourself to check it out sometime.

Ladies and germs, the rebirth of Lowell.
Being a former employee deeply embedded in the Wang towers, I couldn’t get out of work quick enough. The surrounding area was a dead zone, and not even an eclectic marketplace of local makers, musicians and crafty creators popping up in a repurposed mill would keep me around.
That is, until an eclectic marketplace of local makers, musicians and crafty creators popping up in a repurposed mill brought me back.
Rooted to the Luna theater, make your way to ample street parking and find the hidden elevator in the loading dock that’ll bring you to the fourth floor, and a wonderfully curated collection of smaller-​than-​a-​breadbox businesses. From custom bongo builders and apothecaries to pour-​over cafes and (WHAT?!) the resurgence of Corn & Co, Mill No. 5 is the epicenter of hipster economics in downtown Lowell.
Look for the bazaar and special events running on the weekends, and get ready to lose a few hours at this hip collection. Again, in Lowell.

One of the coolest places in Massachusetts. This is a work-​in-​progress, but quickly becoming what it needs to be long term.

Mill No. 5 is an awesome place. So many cute shops and very interesting location. However, the shops have really weird hours and are only open on certain days. Parking is limited because you have to pay outside at a meter or pay to park in the garage down the street a little. The coffee shop is a great place to hang out or do homework but very expensive and limited menu. It appears as if they are still doing work and adding more shops, definitely has a lot of potential!

Another hidden gem in an old mill! This town is full of hidden gems disguised by brick walls. As of this January 2015 review, there are still parts of Mill No. 5 that are in construction and being finished. It’s a labor of love for everyone here, so enjoy what is currently available, when it’s available. While Coffee & Cotton coffee shop is open more often as well as some of the other spaces and Yoga Studio, general retail business hours for Mill No. 5 currently seem to be Thur & Fri evenings and Weekends.
Walking into the location is like waking down an old wooden Boardwalk street with little storefronts on each side. Each shop owner has lovingly crafted their space and made it their own. Here’s a run down of what you can currently find in the mill, on the 4^th floor:
— Luna Movie Theatre
— Coffee & Cotton Café
— Red Antler Apothecary
— Record Store
— Music Lessons
— Gourmet Popcorn Store
— Yoga Studio
— Sunday Farmer’s Market
— Handmade Gifts & Jewelry
— Clothing

I really wanted to love this place after reading the article in the Globe. Especially the yoga studio sounded offbeat and fun. I was really disappointed by the paucity of «stores» and their wares. Kind of like a bad rummage sale. More concerning is the potential safety issues. In a deserted section of Lowell, you get there by going through a secluded narrow tunnel and then up in an elevator. A very creepy vibe.

I cannot believe there aren’t more reviews of this amazing place… the 1^st review says it all, please come and enjoy the atmosphere and support the artisans that are doing business here. You won’t regret it.

I honestly can’t even find the words to describe how awesome this place is.
So if you’re reading this review and wondering whether it’s worth checking out, just do it and see for yourself. I have never experienced anything like it.