I am addicted to flea markets. There, I said it. I don’t care what day of the week it is, or what the weather’s like outside, I can easily and happily wander around aimlessly for hours at a flea market. I’ve been to flea markets in lots of major cities like New York City, Tampa, Philly and Washington DC. But nothing, I mean, nothing, compares to a small-town flea market – like the one in McEwensville. The finds (and prices) are unbelievable and the people-watching is second-to-none.

To be perfectly honest, I’m already kicking myself for telling you about this little flea market, because once the word gets out, there will be fewer treasures for me to find. But…you’re worth it!

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Ever been to hell? Well we were pretty close. With a fire burning below and smoke seeping through cracks in the asphalt, Central is as close as I want to get. Located right on the Columbia County border in coal country, Centralia is a modern-day ghost town.

There is a fire burning under the town that’s been ablaze for over 40 years now. Due to all the coal under this small town it could burn for 40 more. While wandering around Centralia, there’s not much left to tell this town’s rich history, which was once very thriving during its coal mining heyday. Read the rest of this entry »

For a fun sugar fix, our new favorite downtown Lancaster hotspot is Fractured Prune. The cafe boasts breakfast and lunch items, but its drawing card is fresh, piping hot donuts made to order. Mix and match glazes and toppings for a custom creative confection or order off the menu for a tried and true treat. We’re partial to the raspberry-glazed, coconut and chocolate chip-coated Black Forest and the simple, yet stunning O.C. Sand. Yum!

At the corner of Queen and Walnut, it’s easy to pop by for a taste, then take in the fun, funky shops of Uptown Lancaster along the 300 block of North Queen Street. Just be sure to wash your sticky fingers first. Since you’re already experienced in making donuts disappear, hone your skills further at Ziggy’s Magic Shop, with hands-on instruction from a master. Get your retro fix at Zap & Co as well as at Mommalicious & Smilin’ Gal for the coolest vintage fashions and accessories. Zap Home extends that ecclectic mid-century vibe in home furnishings and decor. Like your stuff older? Check out the variety of antique stores or  sort through the architectural salvage treasures at Building Character, a coverted warehouse which also hosts art exhibits. And delight in the jeweled confections created by Jude Sharp at j.a. sharp Custom Jeweler. 

Then’s there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a few more jeweled treats of your own - hello rainbow sprinkles. After all, with so many varieties, there’s a lot of research to do to find your favorite flavor.

Despite the fact that I’ve spent the majority of my 28 years in Lehigh Valley, it was only last summer that I discovered Dutch Springs. So in an effort to save you from missing out on this hidden gem of Bethlehem (like I did for so many years), allow me to formally introduce you …

Dutch Springs is what I’d consider to be an amusement park for nature-lovers. There’s scuba diving, a high ropes course/climbing wall, camping and an Aqua Park, which will be my focus for this post.

The Aqua Park area is filled with all sorts of inflatable … things, designed especially for climbing on and bouncing off of. Read the rest of this entry »

The Chester County Mommy Bloggers recently visited the Sun & Earth plant in King of Prussia, PA.  Sun & Earth, is a leader in making strong, effective, non-toxic and environmentally safe cleaning products for more than 20 years.

I am slowly but surely taking steps to lead a “greener” lifestyle so I was very excited to learn more about the All Natural Sun & Earth product line.The interactive tour is kid friendly and is a perfect way to introduce “Going Green” to your little one. (The children on our tour ranged in age from 18 months - 5 years old). Read the rest of this entry »

On a rare night to ourselves, we indulged in a downtown Lancaster restaurant that’s been at the top of our must-try list for some time - Effie Ophelia. Lauded for the inventive menu of chef/owner Eric Howton, we eagerly anticipated a gastronomical delight. We weren’t disappointed.

Entering the chic bistro along Prince Street’s Gallery Row was a sensual experience.
The rich pumpkin walls, dark woods, flickering candlelight and sumptuous fabrics create an intimate atmosphere. The open kitchen design only heightens the feeling, watching Chef Howton create your dishes. But it’s the menu that’s the real indulgence.

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Last Thursday I had the privilege of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Lancaster County Convention Center and Marriott at Penn Square. There, I was able to see the gorgeous outcome of so many people’s hard work. I was seriously in awe of its interior and the designers’ ability to make such a large and open space still feel so warm and inviting. Conversing in circles of people representing numerous businesses and organizations throughout Lancaster, I found myself a bit distracted by the beauty of the building in which I was standing. Everything from the vibrant carpets to the bold pieces of wall art caught my attention without being too much. That is the kind of sophistication I can appreciate… beauty and professionalism without excess. Simply put, it was sharp.

I think the Convention Center helps to brings back what Penn Square was years ago. Within the historical façade of what used to be Watt & Shand, I can only think of my Nana who used to shop there all the time in her youth. She told me how everyone would be downtown at the square. It was simply the place to be. My mom remembers going there with her grandma, where she would buy the infamous decorative hats for which she was known at church. While times have changed and the Convention Center is certainly not a top-of-the-line department store, it allows for a thriving area of commerce, meetings and culture… for a huge venue that enables us to share Downtown Lancaster and the surrounding county with others. Right down the street from Steinman Park, Annie Bailey’s, Prince Street, Central Market and many more of my favorite spots, I’m excited for what it will bring to the area. Its beauty, character, and history fit right into the Lancaster I love.

Front Lobby Ceiling

When I was very small, an aunt took me to see National Velvet at the Warner Theatre. This memory is full of magic for me.  Situated in the center of Downtown Erie, this theatre is grand to anyone’s eyes but especially to those of a small girl from the suburbs.  The velvet seats, the balcony, every surface covered in ornate, art deco detailing, and the parting of the giant, heavy curtains to reveal the screen.  Magic.

A few years later, I was running around the backs of this theatre, feeling possessive of it, as year after year, my dance recitals were held there.  I got to know the nooks and crannies, the back stairs, the decaying dressing rooms.  Standing behind those heavy curtains, awaiting our cue, looking out on the crowd — a new perspective on an old scene.

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This summer, we made it a high priority to make sure we took the kids to Sesame Place. We’ve been going to Sesame Place for a few years now, both in the summer during the “season”, as well as in December for their holiday “Breakfast with the Characters” event.  My 4 1/2 year old is a serious ride-lover and she does them all…. roller coasters, swings, slides, and more! She looks forward to our Sesame Place trips all year long.   An added excitement this year was that we would also have our 20-month old with us and we’d get to see how she would enjoy the park and rides.

This park is PERFECT for younger kids like mine that aren’t ready for the larger amusement parks yet.  They have height requirements on rides for kids to ride alone, however, for the smaller kids, as long as an adult rides with them, they are able to get on almost every ride in the park.  That makes it really nice for us to be able to get on the rides together and not have to wait on the sidelines with our younger daughter.

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I work in Oakland and love spending my lunch hour exploring. I typically start my walk on Craig Street and Forbes Avenue, right by the Carnegie Museum of Art, and walk towards the Cathedral of Learning.

I love seeing Dippy, the huge sculpture of a Diplodocus dinosaur outside the museum, where I turn left and go past the Carnegie Library. I turn left again to cross the bridge and walk to Flagstaff Hill on Carnegie Mellon University’s campus, where people are usually playing frisbee or reading.

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