STUDY AND SIP. The new Azara THC-A & Delta Beverage Lounge on Water Street is also open for the nightlife scene.

With the rise in popularity of CBD, THC, and Delta flowers, edibles, and drinks, perhaps it’s unsurprising the Chippewa Valley has gotten in on the action as well. For those who favor hemp products over beer and alcohol, a new space on Water Street could be just the thing for you: the Azara THC-A & Delta Beverage Lounge. 

Unique from Azara’s five other shops across the Chippewa Valley, which are primarily vape and smoke shops, the new location has a condensed array of offerings: THC-A and Delta products. The “lounge” portion is represented by a couch and seating area, where Marketing Manager Beau Sweitzer said customers – and specifically, 18-plus-year-old students – can hang out.

“Each location draws in a different demographic, this location being centered around the college student demographic,” Sweitzer explained. “The lounge area is open to all and students who want to stop by between classes to relax or get work done. It’s also open for the nightlife scene too.”

The new location is open seven days a week: Monday-Wednesday from noon to midnight; Thursday-Saturday from noon to 3am; and Sunday from noon to 8pm. In its first few months of business, the lounge’s most popular products have been its canned THC-A and Delta drinks and infused snacks. THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) is a natural compound and non-intoxicating chemical found in cannabis, and is legal in Wisconsin. 

Also differentiating itself from the area’s smoke shops is the lounge’s dual space: previously operating as an art gallery, the Water Street location maintains an art gallery on one side of the shop opposite its THC-A and Delta products and lounge.

“Having the duality of both sides of the space (which are separated by a wall and hallway) means people don’t have to come into the gallery through the shop if they don’t want to,” Sweitzer said, noting the location is also open to hosting community events.

Since opening early LAST fall, the art gallery portion of the space has hosted events including one for local youth organization Power of Perception, as well as a Halloween party. In the new year, Azara hopes to continue hosting events and engaging in area fundraising efforts.

Keep up with the Azara THC-A & Delta Beverage Lounge (328 Water St., Eau Claire) on Facebook and learn more about Azara at azaravape.com.