Welcome to Up North Cigars and Gallery in Eagle River

Eagle River’s new business scene continues to grow, not only are there new locations but fascinating genres. One such unique retail store combines the owner’s passions – art and cigars.

Elliott Aaron From is the proprietor of Up North Cigars and Gallery. Last Thanksgiving week he introduced his clientele to the world of fine cigars, an addition to the art gallery he opened in July 2019.

From, a professional artist owns a business called ArtBeat Live!, an “Explosion of Music and Color.” From performs speed painting to music at charitable events to raise money for non-profits. For 13 years he has entertained at galas, sporting events, corporate events, and private parties. In all, he has raised four million dollars for philanthropic organizations.

“I use the power of art to harness the power of giving back with my artwork,” said From. “Giving back … in terms of helping raise money for non-profits with my art.”

He performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics and the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Chicago Blackhawks. He makes over 100 performances a year.

From was introduced to the Northwoods seven years ago, and three years later, From and his partner purchased a lakefront home in Three Lakes. She was a lifelong seasonal resident in Three Lakes and the couple became permanent residents in 2019.

From began a search for an art studio and found a storefront on Wall St. in Eagle River. The Elliott Aaron Gallery became his workplace where he creates his abstract expressionistic art. For the first time, he opened his studio to the public to sell his work.

“I am an abstract expressionist by trade. That is a very hard art to sell. I take that abstract expressionism approach to nature art. When I moved up here two years ago I never did any nature art. I use that style and give nature a modern twist.”

With the advent of the COVID pandemic, From’s ArtBeat Live! Business collapsed. He was no longer able to do live performances.

“It kind of put the wheels in motion for my second love which is cigar smoking,” explained From.

Interestingly, just three years ago, From learned that his great, great grandfather had a smoke shop in the Chicagoland area in the early 1900s. Who knew the love of tobacco was an inherent trait!

He was pursuing the creation of his brand of cigar and talked with his manufacturer about the uniqueness of this area. From told him there was no dedicated cigar shop in the area. The manufacturer’s response was, “Time to open one up!”

From and his manufacturer began discussions about opening a boutique cigar shop. From said his reason for creating a boutique cigar business was, “A cigar smoker, like a drinker, has their favorite drink that they go to all the time. I offer premium cigars that are affordable and any cigar smoker will smoke. There is not a bad, cheap little cigar here.

“I started selling my cigars Thanksgiving weekend and the locals really support me. They love what I do. They love the selection and the price is right on point.”

Patrons find From combines his love of cigars, plus compelling pieces of art reflecting this unique taste.

From says his love of art and cigars dovetails perfectly with his new Northwoods lifestyle. “I’m a water guy. I fell in love with the boats and the water. I was on a boat only a few times in my life, to tell you the truth. As a cigar smoker, you are smoking cigars in nature! That took it full circle right there.”

Up North Cigars and Gallery has a website http://Www.upnorthcigars.com/ with a lot more information. From also has a thorough Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/upnorthcigars His hours are Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. “If you are walking the street on a Sunday, my door might be open!” From invited. The shop is at 105 E. Wall St. and the phone number is 847-431-0460.