Spring is just around the corner - what kind of home improvement projects do you have on tap?
Whether you’re tackling a major remodel, or just looking for a few new plants for a flower bed, you’ll find the inspiration you need at Reading’s Home & Garden Show. The show, presented by HBA of Berks County, runs from March 12th through the 14th at the Greater Reading Expo Center.
The event features beautiful landscapes, building supplies, poos and spas, as well as informative seminars to ensure the success of your next project.
Ever wonder how we got into the habit of sharing chocolates, cards and romantic dinners every February 14th? While historians are not precisely sure how Valentine’s Day originated, several theories exist. Here are a few:
One idea links Valentine’s Day to an ancient Roman celebration called Lupercalia. Celebrated every February15th, the holiday honored the Roman gods Lupercus and Faunus.
Another theory claims Valentine’s Day has Christian origins, dating back to an early saint and a priest who were both named Valentine. The saint was put to death on February 14th. Over 200 years later, Pope Gelasius named February 14th Valentine’s Day. The priest named Valentine married couples in secret, against the current Emperor’s rules.
Valentine’s Day is also thought to have possibly originated from the idea that birds choose their mates on February 14th.
While Valentine’s Day could have originated from any one of these sources, it is most likely an intermingling of all these traditions and folklore.
Our modern version of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to England and France. The first box of Valentine’s Day candy is said to have been given in the late 1800’s, and the first greeting card, created in the 1400’s, was actually a Valentine’s Day card. It’s currently on display at the British Museum in London.
Looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Southern Pennsylvania?
Click here for gift and dinner ideas in Reading, PA.
Click here for quick links to hotels, florists and more in York, PA.
Wintertime is the perfect time to explore one of Harrisburg’s greatest treasures - The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Located at 300 North Street, this interactive museum covers all aspects of Pennsylvania’s history and holds extensive collections relating to some of America’s most significant events.
From January 24 through May 2, 2010, the museum will host the traveling exhibition Tusks! Ice Age Mammoths and Mastodons. The exhibit tells the story of modern elephant’s extinct relatives who roamed much of North America until the end of the last Ice Age.
The exhibition opening marks the debut of The State Museum’s newly remounted Marshalls Creek Mastodon, one of the most significant fossil specimens recovered from Pennsylvania.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
General admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for children and senior citizens.
For more information on Tusks! as well as other programs, exhibitions, and events at The State Museum, click on www.statemuseumpa.org.
This year’s ”Toughest Job in Berks County” contest is underway. Are you up to the challenge?
If your job is physically or mentally challenging - or just plain dirty - we want to hear from you. Submit a brief video (one minute or less) of yourself on the job, explaining why you have the toughest job in Berks County. We’ll select our winner on March 18th, 2010 during the Reading Royals hockey game.
To give you an idea of what we’re looking for, take a look at Dave Herb’s video. Dave currently holds the title of “Toughest Job in Berks County”. Here’s why:
Submit Your Video Today
You don’t have to get fancy to win this contest. Remember, videos will be judged based upon the jobs themselves - not video production quality. So, what are you waiting for? Get shooting and submit your video to Berks & Beyond today. You could win $1,000 and the title “Toughest Job in Berks County”.
Pumpkins, costumes, hayrides…there’s no better place than Berks County for Halloween fun and activities. Here are two seasonal favorites you won’t want to miss:
Located at 2715 Main St. in Morgantown, Mast Farm has 2 corn mazes that sprawl over 12 acres. Take the kids through the petting zoo; enjoy a relaxing hayride; bring along a flashlight and brave the maze at night! Great affordable family-style fall fun. Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Halloween Night, 7-10 p.m. Hendel House Mansion, 746 Centre Avenue, Reading, PA. A great Fall event you won’t want to miss! Hors doerves, great food, desserts, open bar, entertainment music, and some surprises too! Music by Sid Watts & ‘The Jazz Kats.’ Special appearance by The Mad Hatter himself. Tickets are $35/person.
The leaves are falling - and so is the temperature! Time to pack away your sandals, break out the flannel, and get ready for some seasonal fun right here in Southern Pennsylvania.
If you’re looking for some wallet-friendly recreational inspiration, consider all the scenic Susquehanna River Valley has to offer. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, now through October 11th, you can enjoy simple pleasures like exclusive harvest tours, kayak excursions, hot air balloon rides, and leisurely winery picnics. Area hotels and bed & breakfasts are extending special rates and exclusive VIP Cards for discounts on shopping, dining, and attractions.
For more information about fall getaways along the majestic Susquehanna River, visit www.yorkpa.org/river.
The 7th annual Celtic Oyster Festival will be held this Saturday, August 22nd at St. Benedict’s Grove (Rt. 10) in Mohnton. The event promises a fun-filled day complete with great Celtic entertainment, food, and clan heraldry information, as well as crafts and wares from Celtic nations.
Enjoy fresh oysters and seafood, and for the gastronomically gifted, an oyster eating contest.
Located in Adamstown, PA, the shops of Stoudtburg promise all the ambience of an old European village. While developers Carol and Ed Stoudt aren’t promising snow for this weekend, they guarantee a festive, holiday-like atmosphere – and some great sales. Check it out!
Festival Details
July 24, 2009 - July 26, 2009
ANNUAL STOUDTBURG VILLAGE CHRISTMAS IN JULY
Friday, July 24th to Sunday, July 26, 2009 from 10AM-5PM. Stoudtburg Village Shops, Adamstown
