How one man’s vision turned this downtown Somerset, KY spot into a creative hub
A longtime furniture store in the heart of downtown Somerset has transformed into a creative hub built to make everyone from musicians to soap makers, woodworkers, vintage clothes curators feel welcome.
The Makers Mill, at 402 E Mt Vernon St, was opened in the summer of 2023 by Todd Clayton, a carpenter who also performs music on the side. Following a stint living near Hidden Ridge Camping in neighboring Monticello where he worked building various glamping setups and other structures, Clayton opted to move to Somerset proper and soon discovered the former Lay-Simpson Furniture Company location that would eventually become the Makers Mill.
“I was mainly looking for a place to have my wood shop and a small storefront,” Clayton said of his initial plans for the space. “But when I found this place I quickly noticed the potential to do more. I’ve always had this idea of wanting to create a space that inspires and encourages people to work and create with their hands, and this was my moment to go for it.”
Who are the vendors at the Makers Mill?
Upon its launch, the Makers Mill centered almost exclusively around showcasing different artisans, makers and curators, but later pivoted to being more music focused in early 2025. However, it still hosts nearly a dozen vendors ranging from Jennifer Bryant’s Stringtown Soap Company to Sarah Theresa Burns’ murals and portraits, Dr. Bill Caudill and Jay Alexander’s wood pieces, and Keenan Lange (Valencia Clothing & Co.) and Sam Jones’ (Clothed By The Awe) selection of vintage clothes, hats and sneakers.
Another of the Mill’s standout makers is Elizabeth Cole, whose Sarino’s Sweet Shoppe has been selling small batch candy, authentic Italian gelato, affogato (espresso poured over vanilla gelato), floats and more on site since Nov. 1, 2024 — a date that’s also the birthday of her grandfather Sarino, the shop’s namesake.
With space to stock 10 flavors at once like New York Strawberry Cheesecake, Cookies & Cream and Maple Roasted Pecan, and a desire to expand offerings to include items such as dirty sodas, Cole said that Makers Mill has been the perfect proving ground for her first entrepreneurial venture.
“It’s been fun having conversations with folks explaining what gelato is and turning them from skeptics into fans,” she says. “Being downtown and a part of the Makers Mill family has also been a huge benefit. There’s just so many things to do inside — you could spend the whole day here!”
A go-to spot for creatives, entertainment enthusiasts
In addition to vendors, the Mill also features the Anastasia Vassiliev-run bar Finders Keepers and its menu of cocktails, mocktails, beers, wines, seasonal shots and drinks of the week, along with Blazn’ Butts BBQ, an eatery from Jesse Merrick that opened on March 21. Also, hidden in the back, gamers can take refuge in a mini arcade equipped with air hockey, pinball and other games, along with a newly opened pool hall.
The wide range of options have made the Mill the go-to spot for creatives and entertainment enthusiasts in Somerset, especially following Jarfly Brewing Company’s closure in March 2024. According to Clayton, Jarfly’s presence — or lack thereof — played a big factor in shaping what became of the Makers Mill.
“I wanted to create a place that I’d want to hang out at,” he says. “Jarfly was not only a place I hung out at, but I even got to play several shows of my own there. It was a special place, so for us to be cast in a similar light as they once were is a massive honor and something we hope to continue building on as we move forward.”
Tiffany Finley is the executive director for Somerset’s Master Musicians Festival, and also partners with the Makers Mill to host a monthly open mic that has become arguably the venue’s biggest draw. She agrees with Clayton.
“As a downtown resident for the past 20 years, I’ve watched Somerset evolve in remarkable ways, and the Makers Mill embodies that vision,” Finley said. “It’s not just a place to shop or grab a drink — it’s a dynamic, multi-purpose hub that supports a wide range of artistic expression. It’s truly one of the places that makes me most proud to call Somerset home. Anytime someone comes to visit, it’s at the top of my list to show them. The Makers Mill doesn’t just add to our community—it defines what’s possible here.”
Makers Mill
Where: 402 E Mt Vernon St, Somerset
Hours: Tuesday 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Wednesday-Saturday 12 p.m.-12 a.m., Sunday 2 p.m.-12 a.m., closed Monday
Online: MakersMillSomerset.com