Less than a year ago, the main street of downtown Ben Wheeler had little hustle and bustle, quiet traffic, and few signs of retail life.

What a difference a year makes.

Today, Ben Wheeler's downtown isn't just alive with the sights and sounds of the season - it's also ringing with the sounds of revitalization, community pride and future economic opportunity.

Because of the efforts of Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation, Ben Wheeler is now home to an eclectic group of artisan shops and businesses including restaurant and live music venue, Moore's Store; County Line Magazine; Flying Fish Gallery; Harrison & Son Knifesmith; and Sojourn Gallery by Mary Hortman.

And during the 2009 Ben Wheeler Christmas celebration Dec. 7, the town's newest shops, Antiques & Texas Heritage owned by KLTV's Joan Hallmark and Carolyn West, and WhimZee, a women's and children's boutique by Laura West, made their grand opening debuts as neighbors near and far strolled the streets and welcomed the season.

Aside from welcoming the newest shopkeepers, guests delighted in the litup streets and listened to caroling voices of wellknown, acapella vocal jazz group Clearly Vocal as they sang Christmas classics, donning period attire.

Singer Linda Heatley performed inside Moore's Store while children visited Santa.

For more on the newest shops in Ben Wheeler, benwheelertx.com.