Author: Exploring Doylestown

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/.

Now Open in the Doylestown Shopping Center: Turning Point Restaurant and The Mercantile

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Have you heard the good news? Two new businesses have recently opened their doors in the Doylestown Shopping Center. Turning Point Restaurant and The Mercantile at Doylestown are the latest businesses to open up shop in town.

Turning Point Restaurant

The Turning Point Restaurant is your new go-to breakfast and lunch spot in Doylestown. Located at 460 North Main Street, this new Doylestown eatery offers an impressive menu. Some of the items included on the breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu include:

  • Salted caramel waffle
  • Lemon blueberry dream pancakes
  • Veggie omelet
  • Classic Benedict
  • Garden frittata
  • Turkey Reuben melt
  • Pavo Cubano
  • Cranberry walnut chicken salad wrap
  • And so much more!

The restaurant also offers tempting handcrafted beverages. Order your favorite coffee beverage, from a cappuccino to French press coffee, or indulge in a freshly-prepared smoothie.

Turning Point has indoor dining and covered outdoor dining, so you can decide whether to enjoy your meal inside or alfresco. The restaurant also offers contactless curbside pickup and delivery through Grubhub, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.

Turning Point Restaurant is open 8 a.m.-3 p.m., daily.

The Mercantile at Doylestown

The Mercantile at Doylestown, located at 444-446 North Main Street, recently opened its doors at the former Fox & Holly location. This new expansive retail shop offers a collection of local artist and vendor goods where individuals can shop for the perfect item for everyone on their gift list.

Here are just a few of the many wonderful artists and vendors who are selling their products at The Mercantile at Doylestown:

The Mercantile at Doylestown is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Explore all that Mercantile at Doylestown has to offer and start (and finish!) your holiday shopping with ease this year.

Spend the day shopping and dining at the newest spots to open in the Doylestown Shopping Center!

Now Open in Doylestown: Le Macaron French Pastries

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As you stroll through the center of Doylestown, a new business is certain to catch your eye. Located on the corner of Main Street and Oakland Avenue you’ll find Doylestown’s newest eatery, Le Macaron French Pastries.

As you walk inside Le Macaron, you’ll be greeted with the sights of a vibrant pink-and-black interior décor and welcomed in by the friendly owners. Also sure to grab your attention is the extraordinary display of macarons. The macaron selection is quite impressive, ranging from Madagascar black vanilla to Belgian chocolate. No matter what flavor piques your interest, you are sure to appreciate the wide array of macaron offerings.

In addition to approximately two dozen different types of macarons, you’ll find many other decadent desserts to indulge in. Some of the sweet delicacies include eclairs, chocolate croissants, tarts, and other French pastries. Le Macaron also offers a tempting gelato selection, if you’re craving something cool and flavorful.

And if you’re looking for a beverage to accompany your Sicilian pistachio macaron or chocolate topped éclair be sure to try a handcrafted cappuccino or robust cup of coffee alongside your dessert of choice.

Le Macaron is the perfect spot to stop by on a whim for a much-needed sweet treat and espresso beverage. It’s also an excellent place to order special culinary gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, and the upcoming holidays.

Le Macaron is open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Stop by Le Macaron French Pastries at 4 West Oakland Avenue and explore all that this new Doylestown patisserie has to offer!

Showcase Your Singing Talents in the Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest

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The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center (OHMTEC) is a local nonprofit organization that embraces the arts and provides an inside look into the world of famous librettist and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein. In this spirit, OHMTEC has announced its Hammerstein International Youth Solo Contest.

The nonprofit organization is hosting this contest in celebration of Hammerstein and as an educational fundraiser. The contest invites youth singers, ages 5-23, from around the globe to submit videos of them singing any song containing Oscar Hammerstein II lyrics.

There will be five categories of singers including:

  • Elementary School
  • Middle School
  • High School
  • College
  • Local Division for Residents of Bucks County, Pennsylvania

The first round of semifinalists will be determined by a popular vote. Two more rounds of competition will be judged by prestigious music and theatre professionals.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first place winners. The first place winners will also have the opportunity to film their song at Highland Farm, Hammerstein’s Doylestown home, and receive a voice lesson via Zoom with Broadway performers Justin Guarini (of American Idol fame) or Andrew Polec (Broadway’s Bat Out of Hell). Other types of prizes will be awarded to the second and third place winners in each category.

Applications are now being accepted and solos are due no later than December 18. The entry fee is $25 per person to submit a video and throw your name in the running to win this fabulous fundraising contest. Winners will be announced February 1, 2021.

All proceeds from the contest will directly benefit OHMTEC, which
recently launched a three-phase fundraising campaign. This campaign supports the nonprofit’s ongoing vision to secure the Highland Farm property and establish a museum and theatre education center on the site of Oscar’s home. Success from this contest and other fundraising efforts will allow the nonprofit organization to secure, renovate, and preserve Highland Farm, the Hammerstein property at 70 East Road in Doylestown, and convert the home and barn into a museum and theatre education center.

Application details and more information about OHMTEC can be found on the nonprofit’s website.

Apply today and showcase your extraordinary singing talents while helping to support OHMTEC at the same time!

Photo credit: Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theatre Education Center

National Charity League, Inc., Central Bucks Chapter, Holding Annual Membership Drive

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The National Charity League, Inc. (NCL), Central Bucks Chapter, is hosting its annual membership drive. The NCL is the nation’s premier mother-daughter volunteer organization with a chapter based right here in our local area. The Central Bucks Chapter has approximately 260 members who live in Doylestown and surrounding locations.

NCL features a traditional six-year core program which includes community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. Mothers and daughters (grades 7 through 12) who are involved in the NCL volunteer side-by-side in various ways throughout the local community in addition to attending chapter and class meetings focused on the three program areas listed above.

In the 2019-2020 year, the Central Bucks Chapter mother-daughter teams volunteered for a total of over 5,000 philanthropy hours with 19 philanthropic organizations in the community. Some of the philanthropy partners include:

Two new philanthropy partners the Central Bucks Chapter recently joined forces with include Bucks Beautiful and the Oscar Hammerstein Museum.

Applications are now being accepted from women with daughters who are currently in grades 6 through 9.

For more information, visit the Central Bucks Chapter’s website or send an email directly to the Central Bucks Chapter at MembershipCentralBucks@NCLonline.org.

Membership Drive Details:

  • Timeline: Applications for membership are only accepted during the annual membership drive from October 1 – January 15 each year.
  • Eligibility: A prospective member shall reside within Doylestown and the surrounding areas and have a daughter currently in grades 6 through 9.
  • Prospective Member Meeting: Interested mothers are encouraged to attend the prospective member meeting on November 12. To receive an invitation, please contact the Chapter at MembershipCentralBucks@NCLonline.org.
  • Applications: Completed applications are due by January 15, 2021.

About National Charity League, Inc.

Established in Los Angeles, California in 1925, and incorporated in 1958, National Charity League, Inc. is the nation’s premier mother-daughter non-profit organization. Through mission-based programming, National Charity League develops socially responsible community leaders and strengthens the mother-daughter bond. The core program includes leadership development, community service, and cultural experiences.

Currently, the philanthropic organization, which has grown by nearly 70 percent in the last decade, has over 73,000 Members in hundreds of Chapters across the nation. Last year, those Members contributed more than 2.7 million volunteer hours to more than 4,000 local philanthropy partners and their Chapters, resulting in a $66 million fiscal impact. National Charity League celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2020.

For more information, visit www.nationalcharityleague.org.

Photo credit: NCL, Central Bucks Chapter

Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer and Support Local Organization Pine2Pink in Doylestown

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Pine2Pink is a Doylestown-based nonprofit organization that helps local breast cancer patients in a variety of extraordinary ways.

Every October Pine Street in Doylestown is turned into Pink Street and the organization hosts a wide array of fundraising events with help from sponsors, such as the Thompson car dealerships, and volunteers in the local community. The money raised goes directly to help local breast cancer patients in a variety of ways, such as providing funds for treatment transportation and offering an array of integrated services through Unite for HER.

Here are some ways you can lend a hand and help Pine2Pink achieve its goal of helping breast cancer patients in the local community:

  • Take part in Pine2Pink fundraising events, such as the upcoming silent auction where you can bid on a wide array of fabulous items.
  • Buy Pine2Pink-inspired beer at Doylestown Beer Authority. The Pine2Pink beer is a pale ale created by Moss Mill Brewing Company with a portion of sale proceeds going directly to Pine2Pink!
  • Dine and shop at Doylestown businesses and purchase Pine2Pink specialty items, such as the salmon burger at Penn Taproom and the Pine2Pink tote bag at Monkey’s Uncle.
  • Make a $100 donation and receive a Lavazza coffee brewer and six-month supply of coffee.
  • Host a birthday fundraiser or other type of fundraising event to raise money for Pine2Pink.
  • Give a donation directly to the Pine2Pink organization.

Lending a helping hand to Pine2Pink through any of the ways listed above will help local patients in the battle against breast cancer.

Although Pine2Pink started in Doylestown and does an extraordinary amount of work in this community, there’s no stopping this awe-inspiring nonprofit. The organization has already branched out to help individuals in surrounding communities, such as Carversville, Peddler’s Village, and New Hope.

And the organization doesn’t want to stop there! Pine2Pink wants to increase its visibility and positive impact to help breast cancer warriors in towns across the country. The goal is to turn 5,000 Pine Streets across America into Pink Street for the month of October and raise money to help individuals in their fight against breast cancer.

Find out more about Pine2Pink by visiting their website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, and help Pine2Pink assist local patients in the battle against breast cancer.