Somewhere is now open for business at 427 S. Stephenson Ave. in the Downtown Plaza, the corner storefront formerly occupied for 54 years by Don Khoury’s The Wishing Well gift shop.

Despite some construction delays, Somewhere’s debut came only a few weeks later than planned and just in time for the busy holiday shopping season. A grand opening took place Nov. 2, but those attending a Christmas event at Mully & Mo’s next door the day before got an opportunity to see Somewhere a day early.

Somewhere is owned by Sammantha Swanson De Jesus, who also has owned and operated Mully & Mo’s for the past six years. She said she could not resist the opportunity to expand across the hall.

“It is a very prime spot, right on the corner of Stephenson (and A Street) in a busy building,” De Jesus said. “I just kind of took a leap of faith. I wanted to try it — I did not want to look back 10 years from now and wish that I had.”

SOMEWHERE IS AT 427 S. Stephenson Ave. in Iron Mountain’s Downtown Plaza building, where The Wishing Well gift shop formerly was for more than a half-century. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

The name Somewhere has deep meaning to De Jesus. “Somewhere My Love” was her grandfather’s favorite song and he would ask De Jesus to play it on the piano for her grandmother. The family also has a strong connection to the song “Somewhere over the Rainbow” — it was her father’s favorite, she danced to it with her father at her wedding and her brother danced with their mother at his wedding.

De Jesus said that Somewhere has an old-fashioned soda fountain vibe, even though it does not have a soda fountain.

Those who have missed all of the candies Khoury famously offered at The Wishing Well will be happy to know they’re back. Before his death in November 2023, only a few weeks after announcing he planned to close the Wishing Well at the end of that year, the 82-year-old Khoury gifted all of his candy jars and his scale to be used in Somewhere and even worked to get De Jesus set up with his candy vendors.

De Jesus is proud to have something of Khoury’s in the new shop and never grows tired about being asked about him. A note Khoury had taped to his counter that states “If you are faithful in what God asks you to do, he will be faithful in what he promises to do” is now framed and on display at the counter.

“We really tried to keep him alive. I like telling people about the things that were his and that are still here,” De Jesus said.

SAMMANTHA SWANSON DE JESUS recently opened Somewhere in the site of the former Wishing Well gift shop in Iron Mountain’s Downtown Plaza. (Jim Paul/Daily News photo)

In addition to the candy counter, Somewhere offers upscale and gourmet candies, popcorn and other food selections.

Somewhere carries a large line of Michigan souvenirs, kitschy knick knacks, quirky decor, board games and retro toys.

Somewhere now is also one of the few places in town selling books. De Jesus said that Somewhere carries classics, favorites of hers and her employees and a rotating selection of New York Times bestsellers.

With Somewhere just across the hall from Mully & Mo’s, shoppers can easily visit both stores.

De Jesus, who studied English at Purdue University and taught in Chicago schools, originally opened Mully & Mo’s as a Hallmark Gold Crown store but decided to no longer be an affiliate in order to diversify the offerings at Mully & Mo’s, moving towards more home decor.

In addition to home decor, Mully & Mo’s also has a baby section, a Christian devotional section, coffees, teas, stationary, cards and gift wrap. Seasonally, Mully & Mo’s also has a large Christmas-themed selection.

De Jesus manages both stores with the help of three employees, including her sister, Mackenzie Swanson, who will be managing Somewhere.

DeJesus said the response so far has been wonderful and her biggest challenge coming up is getting the store restocked for the holidays.

Somewhere is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For both Mully & Mo’s and Somewhere, call 906-828-2663.