It’s hard to tell from the outside of the spaceship inspired structure what Playthings, etc on Route 8 just north of Butler sells. Spaceships? Proton Packs? Alien abduction protection kits?

Once you get your courage up to get through the “blast doors” leading inside, you find that this independently owned store might just live up to [...]

Enjoying winter weather can be challenging, especially if you’re stuck inside because of the temperatures. Not to worry. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, there’s one event that’s cooler than cool – and I’m not just talking about the temperature.
The Clarks Summit Festival of Ice will take place February 11-15, 2010, encompassing both President’s Day Weekend and Valentine’s [...]

I’m always a pushover for a great used book store, and Downtown Lancaster certainly has one in DogStar Books on West Chestnut Street. They offer a wide selection of titles, the overall condition of which is very good and quite affordable (most books range from $5 to $25 in price). At the same time, they [...]

There are few stores where men outnumber women two to one. Fewer still that feature freshwater aquariums, a mountain, a shooting gallery, wild game meals and a gun library. If you hunt or know someone who does, then you already know that I am referring to Cabela’s, which bills itself as “the world’s foremost outfitter.”
Pennsylvania’s [...]

My sister Abby came to visit me this past weekend. I knew she was arriving Friday night, but I wasn’t sure what time, so I planned to go out to eat with her. She ended up not getting in until later, so we just ordered pizza, and decided to go out for lunch on Saturday!
I [...]

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a complex person when it comes to winter (and thus, the holidays). While I love wearing cozy layers, drinking hot tea, and baking Christmas cookies, I have a very low tolerance for cold weather. If there’s snow on the ground, I’m OK with winter for a few [...]

If you are around Pittsburgh and looking for a great place for a baby shower gift, child’s birthday party or even a little something for yourself, visit The Picket Fence in Shadyside.  This quaint boutique is filled with children’s toys and apparel, gifts for the home, women’s clothing and accessories, and gifts for a special [...]

Two of my favorite back road stores to visit in Lancaster County are Country Housewares Store near New Holland and Miller’s Natural Foods in Bird-in-Hand. Both are Amish owned and operated.

I’ve been visiting Miller’s Natural Foods since the early 1980s. My uncle frequently bought antiques from a man named Eli Miller on Miller Lane in [...]

I’ve waited ALL SUMMER, and it’s almost here. This Saturday, September 5, the Beaver Run Amish School Auction will take place outside of Washingtonville near the PPL Grounds. I really do wait for this Amish auction all summer  (and I adore summer and wish it would never end) so you know it’s got to be [...]

As soon as I set foot in the door of art4… gallery on The Diamond in downtown Hollidaysburg I wondered why I hadn’t made it there sooner. Among the first things I noticed were beautiful wood cutting boards, brightly painted, animal themed coasters and lazy susans, and eclectic hand bags.
Venturing further into the gallery [...]