A resurgence in visitors to Rutherglen at the weekend has flowed into this week, marking a return to some normality for businesses.
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Retailers rejoiced in their first long weekend back open, despite Winery Walkabout being virtual this year.
Even without the annual markets and family events filling Rutherglen's Main Street, businesses like Parker Pies were still busy.
Owner Fred Parker said attendees to the virtual walkabout were sent pies as well.
"From the moment we opened, we have been blown away with how busy we have been, busier than when we closed," he said.
"The customers that we had were all very considerate of others and social distancing, and were genuinely happy to be able to get back to a bit of normality."
Mr Parker and his family closed on March 24, and decided to redevelop the business.
'Parker Pies 2.0' opened on June 1, with social distancing measures.
"Staying connected as a group was the challenging part," Mr Parker said.
"Something we missed dearly over the 10 weeks was seeing everyone on a day-to-day basis.
"We had so much uncertainty about the future.
"After we changed our outlook on the situation at hand, the excitement levels began to rise about how good this opportunity was to transform our shop."
A website is currently being designed to enable Parker Pies to take online orders and connect with customers in Melbourne and elsewhere.
"The people and businesses in Rutherglen are incredibly grateful for everyone's support," Mr Parker said.
Destination Rutherglen executive officer Alexandra Campbell said the feeling was mutual for retailers.
"I went up and down the street and saw a lot of our Main Street businesses on the Tuesday morning, and all of them were really happy," she said.
"Yes, it was busy, but people were seen to be doing the right thing.
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"I think the vibe was really good, because there was that balance of people being sensible, but happy to be out and about enjoying the main street."
Ms Campbell believed many of the visitors were staying overnight, which was endorsed by the Victorian government under eased restrictions on May 31.
"Normally, Rutherglen would be booked out well in advance for the June long weekend, whereas this year the bookings came a lot later in the piece," she said.
"Or people who were coming originally for Winery Walkabout decided to have a weekend away anyway.
"The good thing is there seems to be more future bookings for the accommodation providers as well."
