Author: Exploring Doylestown

Doylestown Farmers Market 2021 Season Starts April 17

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The big day is almost here! On Saturday, April 17, the Doylestown Farmers Market returns!

The Doylestown Farmers Market 2021 season begins on April 17 and this popular market will be in full swing every Saturday through November 20. Stop by the Doylestown Farmers Market on Saturdays, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m., and stock up on all your favorite farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products.

Ready to see the list of vendors who will be at the Doylestown Farmers Market this year? Here you go:

From vegetables to coffee products to ceramics, the Doylestown Farmers Market is a shopping experience you’ll want to enjoy this Saturday and every Saturday throughout the season. Not only can you find everything on your list at the Doylestown Farmers Market, it’s also the perfect way to support local farmers and vendors.

See you Saturday at the Doylestown Farmers Market!

Easter Essentials and Holiday Dining in Doylestown

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Easter is Sunday, April 4, and if you’re starting to gather Easter items together for the holiday or you’re looking for Easter dining options, you can find all this and more in Doylestown.

Here are some spots to buy Easter-themed gifts and make plans for holiday dining:

Easter Candy and Holiday Gifts

If you’re looking for Easter candy and other gifts for the holiday, here are some Doylestown shops to visit:

  • Raymer’s Homemade Candies: Solid chocolate bunnies, chocolate chicks, and Easter-themed chocolate lollipops are just a few of the sweet treats you’ll find at Raymer’s Homemade Candies in town.
  • Olive Oil Etc.: Stop by Olive Oil Etc. to buy an Easter basket or tin to fill with candy and Easter decorations. And be sure to stock up on some olive oils and balsamic vinegars for your holiday meal, too.
  • Evolution Candy: Evolution Candy is your one-stop shop for all your favorite Easter treats for friends and loved ones. You’ll probably leave with a few candy items for yourself as well!
  • Mercantile at Doylestown: Peruse the products offered by the wide array of vendors at the Mercantile at Doylestown and pick out your favorite Easter items while you’re there.
  • Something Else: Visit Something Else and check out the Easter item selection, including Easter-themed candles.

Easter Dining Options

Whether you want to dine out on Easter Sunday or would rather enjoy takeout at home, these Doylestown restaurants have you covered:

  • Water Wheel Tavern: Indulge in a delicious Easter brunch at the Water Wheel Tavern from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Easter Sunday. You can choose your favorite items from the full brunch menu. Call the restaurant to make your reservations today!
  • Chambers 19: Order breakfast from Chambers 19 with the restaurant’s Easter Pancake Pickup event. The meal includes three pancakes and three turkey sausage patties or three French toast slices and three turkey sausage patties for $12. Side dishes are also available for an extra cost. Best of all, 10% of all proceeds directly benefit the Doylestown Fire Company! Call Chambers 19 today to reserve your Easter pancake breakfast.

Easter Bunny Run

On Saturday, April 3, the Easter Bunny will be making an appearance in Doylestown Borough from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the Easter Bunny will be driving through the borough and visiting neighborhoods to say hi to the kids along the way. Discover Doylestown will post the route as the date approaches. After the drive through town, the Easter Bunny will be hopping around the borough and offering Easter greetings.

Start your Easter shopping and begin making your holiday dining plans today. And be sure to keep checking back to Exploring Doylestown as this list will be expanded on as more Easter spots are announced!

Honorary Advisory Board Members Join the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center

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Local nonprofit organization, the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC), recently welcomed internationally renowned figures from the stage, film and music world as members of OHMTEC’s Honorary Advisory Board.

The new honorary board members include famous arts and entertainment professionals from around the world including:

  • Actress Shirley Jones
  • Actress and author Mariel Hemingway
  • Actor and performer Gerald Dickens
  • National Medal of Arts recipient and Grammy-nominated composer Dr. Morten Lauridsen

These talented entertainment professionals will use their voices to encourage support for OHMTEC and let others know about this wonderful Doylestown nonprofit organization.

“I owe my career to Oscar Hammerstein,” stated Shirley Jones. “He and Richard Rodgers gave me my first job: the role of Laurie in the motion picture version of Oklahoma! I loved Oscar and am honored to support the preservation of his home and the creation of The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center. This is where so many of his lyrics, known the world over, were created. I am pleased to lend my name and voice to this important project as a member of their Honorary Board.”

Find out more about these extraordinary honorary advisory board members and how you can lend a hand to support this local museum and theatre education center by visiting the OHMTEC website today!

Photos credit: Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center

The Good Neighbor Food Drive Unfolds February 21 in Doylestown

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On Sunday, February 21, head to 1 Printers Alley from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for The Good Neighbor Food Drive presented by Doylestown Small Business.

The Good Neighbor Food Drive is being held to support the Bucks County Opportunity Council and Bucks County Housing Group and the community members they serve.

The group will be collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations to help our neighbors in need. The Bucks County Opportunity Council and Bucks County Housing Group do so much to help our local community and this is just one way we can lend a hand to help them achieve their goals.

Stop by on February 21 and take part in this wonderful donation event to support the Bucks County Opportunity Council, Bucks County Housing Group, and our Bucks County neighbors.

Winners of the Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest Announced

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The nonprofit Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center’s (OHMTEC) recently announced the winners in the International Youth Solo Contest. The talented youth soloist winners included three Doylestown students who won in the local Bucks County category.

Local winners included Sierra Safran, a CB West High School student, who expertly sang “All the Things You Are” from the musical Very Warm for May by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein; Tohickon Middle School student Helena Badiali who wowed the judges with “This Nearly Was Mine” from South Pacific by Rodgers and Hammerstein; and Cold Spring Elementary School student Addison Rogers who delighted the listeners with “The Sound of Music” from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s renowned musical of the same name. Doylestown native Taylor Mitchell, who currently attends Elon University and won first place in the college division, also chose to sing the lovely title song from The Sound of Music.

The OHMTEC received contest entries from individuals in 28 states and Canada. The following is the complete list of the talented winners:

College Division
First Place: Taylor Mitchell, 19, Doylestown, PA
Second Place: John Brannigan, 19, Dacula, GA
Third Place: Ryan Wolpert, 21, Philadelphia, PA
High School Division
First Place: Yumeko Stern, 17, Broad Brook, CT
Second Place: Audrey Bailey, 17, North Logan, UT
Third Place: Emelia Aceto, 15, Hinckley, OH
Middle School Division
First Place: Lily Wolocko, 13, Northville, MI
Second Place: Callie Chae Pyken, 13, Los Angeles, CA
Third Place: Nicholas Vivar, 12, Nutley, NJ
Elementary School Division
First Place: Brooklyn Martin, 10, Glendale, AZ
Second Place: Sofie Poliakoff, 11, Davie, FL
Third Place: Alliana Lily Yang, 9, San Francisco, CA
Bucks County Division
First Place: Sierra Safran, 18, Doylestown, PA
Second Place: Helena Badiali, 13, Doylestown, PA
Third Place: Addison Rogers, 10, Doylestown, PA

First-place winners will receive a cash prize, have the opportunity to film their song at Highland Farm and receive a voice lesson with Broadway performers Justin Guarini (of American Idol fame) or Andrew Polec (Broadway’s Bat Out of Hell). Videos of their performances will hold a prominent place on the Hammerstein Museum website for one month each.

Proceeds from the contest benefit The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center, which is engaged in a fundraising campaign to support the nonprofit’s ongoing vision to secure Highland Farm, Oscar Hammerstein II’s former home and workplace and realize the dream of a museum and theatre education center on the site in the heart of Doylestown, PA. To learn how you can make an impact and #SaveOscarsHome please visit http://www.HammersteinMuseum.org.

Congratulations to all the talented soloists!

ABOUT HAMMERSTEIN MUSEUM & THEATRE EDUCATION CENTER: The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center, a recognized 501(c)3, is raising funds to purchase, restore, and preserve Oscar Hammerstein’s II former home and creative epicenter at Highland Farm in Doylestown, PA. The goal is to create a multifaceted and dynamic museum experience, with a strong theatre education component, that will serve as a place of inspiration for Broadway fans and humanitarians alike, from Hammerstein’s backyard and across the world. More at HammersteinMuseum.org.

2020 Doylestown Holiday Shopping Guide

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If you’re still crossing names off your holiday gift list, don’t panic, there’s still time to pick up some amazing gifts from Doylestown stores and restaurants. From gift cards at local restaurants to unique products on the shelves of Doylestown shops, you can easily finish your gift buying thanks to the extraordinary businesses here in town.

Here are a few gift ideas to get you started:

Cozy Clothing Gifts

From warm, fuzzy sweaters to soft, cozy socks, comfortable clothing gifts never go out of style. Here are some spots to find warm clothing items for all the gift recipients on your list:

Sensational Stocking Stuffers

Stocking stuffers are just as important as the larger gifts, so make sure you put a smile on your gift recipient’s face with unique and creative stocking stuffers. Here’s where you can get started finding the perfect stocking stuffers in Doylestown:

Unforgettable Gifts for the Kids

You’ll find the best gifts for the little ones on your gift list this year when you shop in Doylestown. Some gift ideas for the kids on your list include:

Gift Cards for Everyone On Your List

Always remember to keep gift cards in mind as excellent gift options. You can buy gift cards for everyone on your gift list and give them the opportunity to select their own items from their favorite stores or dine at their go-to restaurants. It’s also a great way to support Doylestown shops and restaurants this year!

Here are some Doylestown spots offering gift cards (and many of these can be purchased online!):

Finish your holiday gift shopping by visiting these spots and all of the other wonderful Doylestown businesses! Our local businesses need our support now more than ever. And with all the fabulous products and dining options they provide, it’s easy to support these establishments which offer so much to the community.

Happy Holidays!

Michener Art Museum Announces Open Call for Photography Submissions

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The Michener Art Museum is hosting an open call for photography submissions with the theme “Essential Work 2020” as its focal point. There are many meanings to the term “essential work” and 2020 is a year that truly put this theme in the spotlight.

The Michener Museum is seeking digital images from the community in the Bucks County, Philadelphia, and greater Delaware Valley region that fall within the category of “essential work in 2020.” No professional photography experience is required and you can even submit your smartphone photos! Photo submissions are due by December 31, 2020.

A committee comprised of community and culture leaders will select 20-25 images to be displayed in the exhibition, “Essential Work 2020: A Community Portrait.” This exhibition will be on view at the Michener Museum from March 19-July 11, 2021.

Ready to enter your creative photo in the running to be featured at this extraordinary 2021 exhibition at the Michener? Find all the finer details along with the link to submit your photos on the Michener Museum website and good luck to all who participate!

Support Doylestown Businesses on Small Business Saturday

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Small Business Saturday is finally here! It’s so important to show your support for Doylestown businesses at all times, but especially on a day that’s dedicated to the local businesses that make this town so great. From the sweet treats of Evolution Candy to the must-have clothing and accessories of Lotus Apparel and Home, there are so many extraordinary shops in our town.

As you walk around town today, pop into your favorite stores and newly discovered shops to see what they offer and start checking names off your holiday gift list with ease.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Monkey’s Uncle: Stop by Monkey’s Uncle at their new location of 123 South Main Street and pick up local sports apparel and other gift items. You’ll also find specials on a Gritty shirt, Penn State sweatshirt, and, my favorite, the “Love Doylestown” t-shirt.
  • Something Else: You can complete gift shopping for quite a few recipients on your holiday list by shopping at Something Else. As you explore the extraordinary selection of men and women’s clothing and accessories, you’ll also find some great deals and giveaways.
  • Makers Off Main: Visit Makers Off Main for one-stop shopping where you’ll find items offered by a wide array of local vendors. From handcrafted holiday wine racks/Advent calendars to eye-catching wall decor, you’re going to love exploring the selection.
  • ShopVintageAlley: Find all your favorite vintage and Bohemian goods at ShopVintageAlley. Whether you’re looking for some lovely plants and plant stands to dress up your home or buying unique clothing and accessories for the favorite people on your gift list, ShopVintageAlley can help you with those goals. Plus, you’ll get 10% off your entire purchase and 20% off rattan plant stands and ottomans today!
  • Allora: If you want to wow family members and friends with their holiday gifts this year, stop by Allora. You’ll have a great time exploring the creative and fun products Allora offers, plus you might even get a free reusable tote or “shop small and local” pin (available while supplies last).
  • Fabby-Do: The kids are going to love holiday gifts from Fabby-Do. Visit this creative boutique for arts and crafts kits, stuffed animals, toys, and more.
  • Raymer’s Homemade Candies: Chocolate and other types of candy make excellent holiday gifts and Raymer’s has you covered in this department. From dark chocolate candies to milk chocolate delicacies, you’ll find something special for everyone on your list at Raymer’s.
  • Lotus Apparel and Home: Stop by Lotus Apparel and Home for women’s clothing and accessories as well as eye-catching home decor items. You might even be tempted to pick up something for yourself, too!
  • Evolution Candy: Whether you need to get some holiday gifts or desire a sweet treat pick-me-up while shopping, Evolution Candy is the place to go. Add some sweet holiday gift items to your must-have list this year and make sure to try one of their handcrafted milkshakes while you’re there!
  • Nomad Supply Co.: It’s Small Business Saturday and also Nomad Supply Company’s one-year anniversary, so this should be a definite stop on your shopping excursion today. Grab 10% off skate items and 20% off everything else in the store!
  • Wildflowers Boutique: Head over to Wildflowers Boutique and buy gifts for the lucky women on your list. From sweaters to jeans to accessories, Wildflowers Boutique is the place to go.

These are just a few of the many extraordinary shops around town. The best shopping plan for today is to start walking through Doylestown and stop into as many shops as possible to buy your holiday gifts and show some love for our local businesses. And don’t forget about our local restaurants as gift cards make an excellent gift for all!

Last Minute Finds in Doylestown to Add to Your Thanksgiving Table

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It’s Thanksgiving week and even though your holiday gathering may look a bit different this year, there are still ways to make your dinner festive and delicious. Here are some items you can add to your Thanksgiving table, thanks to the wonderful Doylestown businesses that sell these products:

Chocolate Turkeys from Raymer’s

No matter who you’ll be enjoying Thanksgiving with this year, you can easily put a smile on everyone’s face by giving them a chocolate turkey from Raymer’s Homemade Candies. In addition to these must-have treats, you’ll find a wide array of other sweet candy items to include at your Thanksgiving meal.

Macarons from Le Macaron

If you have yet to try macarons from Le Macaron, now’s the perfect time to do so. Pick up some of these tempting items to have for dessert or order a few boxes to drop off to friends and loved ones if you’re unable to see them on Thanksgiving.

Savory Side Dishes from Altomonte’s

You might have the turkey all set but need a little help in the side dish department. If this sounds like your current situation, don’t worry, Altomonte’s can help! Visit this Doylestown Italian market for a sensational array of side dishes, including stuffing, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and more. You can even peruse the Italian wine selection, too.

Thanksgiving Meal To-Go from Quinoa

If you’d like to take the day off from cooking entirely, never fear, as Quinoa has you covered. Order your Thanksgiving Pollo to Go meal from this popular local Peruvian restaurant and spend the day indulging in the culinary delicacies of Quinoa. Simply place your order 24 hours in advance and you can count on a delicious Quinoa meal for Thanksgiving.

Let Siren Records Help You Set the Mood

Since any holiday is always better with music, stop by Siren Records and pick up some new music to enjoy throughout the day and night. From vinyls to CDs, blues to rock, no matter what type of music you’re searching for, Siren Records has it for you.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Broadway Comes to the Oscar Hammerstein Home to Benefit Dementia Society of America

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Embrace your love of Broadway and be a virtual guest at the “Broadway Alive™” event on Sunday, November 22, at 6 p.m. ET, to benefit the Dementia Society of America®.

This special fundraising event will feature nationally recognized entertainer and concert artist, Keith Spencer, and take place at historic Highland Farm in Doylestown. Highland Farm is the former home of lyricist and librettist Oscar Hammerstein and the place where he wrote many of his famous works including The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and The King and I.

Kevin Jameson, volunteer, president, and founder of the Dementia Society of America, stated, “We chose the theme of “Broadway Alive” for our fundraiser this year for a very special reason. There is significant research that supports the benefits of non-medical care for those living with Dementia, and music is one of the most effective life-enrichment therapies we have. Interestingly, research has shown that Broadway show tunes, such as those from The Sound of Music, have been identified as being incredibly useful in rekindling long-held memories, increasing joy, and lowering anxiety.”

Baritone vocalist Keith Spencer and pianist Peter Hilliard have come together to present this exclusive online performance celebrating the Golden Age of Broadway for the benefit of the Dementia Society of America. The online concert will be a 45-minute set of classics from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Bernstein & Sondheim, and more. They’ll also be performing several selections from Keith’s popular one-person show, Brothers on Broadway: A Celebration of African American Leading Men on Broadway.

Originally from Philadelphia, Mr. Spencer is a nationally recognized entertainer and concert artist. His national tour highlights include the Broadway Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Music of the Night with Betty Buckley and Melissa Manchester. Favorite roles include Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (Ragtime); Joe (Show Boat); The Abolitionist (For the Glory: The Civil War Musical); Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors); Leading Player (Pippin); Billy (Carousel). Keith was also honored to have been chosen by the Paul Robeson House of Princeton to perform for Robeson’s 120th Birthday Celebration.

Keith appears courtesy of On Demand Programs and Events. Natalie Kaye, On Demand president, added, “I am delighted that Keith will be helping the Dementia Society of America raise funds to continue their vital mission locally and throughout the country. Keith’s programs are always spectacular, ensuring the success of any fundraiser.”

The Society estimates that more than nine million Americans live with some form of Dementia today, and three times as many may be considered as caregivers. Even more shocking, when all forms of Dementia are combined, they are globally thought to be the third leading cause of death, behind heart disease and stroke in high-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. 

A limited number of free tickets are available for this exceptional November 22 event. Grab your tickets today by visiting the Broadway Alive website and learn more about the Dementia Society of America, including how you can help this extraordinary organization continue to assist those suffering from dementia.

And be sure to visit the Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center website to learn more about this historic Doylestown treasure!

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The Dementia Society of America® (DSA) is the nation’s leading volunteer-driven all-Dementias awareness organization. DSA provides an information hotline (1-800-DEMENTIA™), many online resources, and an easy-to-use, web-based locator, which can assist families and individuals in finding valuable support near to them. The Dementia Society of America is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. For more information on DSA, visit https://www.dementiasociety.org/.