Bernero’s first stop was Gallery 1212, 1212 Turner St., in Lansing, which opened in November 2011. Bernero stood with business owners and members of the OTCA and cut a purple ribbon for the owners to keep.

“We’re very excited to have you,” he said to them.

During his visit at Aggie Mae’s Bakery, 317 E. Grand River Ave., in Lansing, owner Neva Austin explained to Bernero about the store’s special ovens that burned the calories off of the food. The bakery opened on March 10 as an expansion of its shop in the Lansing City Market.

After the mayor’s visit, Austin’s daughter Audrey Swierezynksi, an Eaton Rapids resident, said it was nice to see the board members and the mayor taking the time to personally visit the local businesses.

“It was a great way to get exposure and to show people what we do here,” she said. “We do expand, we have something for everyone and we love Old Town.”

The group next visited Greenfield Collection Antiques, 117 E. Grand River Ave., in Lansing, which opened April 14, and Bernero spent time admiring the antiques and signing the guest book at the front desk.

The final stop of the tour was Artie’s Filling Station, 127 W. Grand River Ave., in Lansing, which opened on February 12, where Bernero cut his final ribbon of the afternoon and sat with local residents for a casual chat.

OTCA Executive Director Louise Gradwohl said she felt Bernero’s afternoon visit went extremely well.

“It’s great to be able to do things like this and (for him) to see the processes … and see what these people have done and the intricate detail of renovations,” she said.

After his short tour on what he said was a terrific day, Bernero said he noticed the attitudes of the business owners he had met. He said with the economy in its current state, Old Town business owners risked their own capital to open a store, but they appeared successful, upbeat and excited.

“Old Town is the capital of cool and I can see it’s only getting cooler,” he said.