by Kim Wood on September 3, 2010
I’m cheating in so many ways today for 365 Things to Do in Chester County…
First, we are venturing over the border of the county into Lancaster County for this feature today to the Long’s Park Art & Craft Show, which happens on Labor Day weekend and features award winning artists from around the world. The show is held at a nice park close to the Park City Mall – so you can do all kinds of shopping this weekend.
Second, the reason I venture there is to brag on my stepmother, Jennifer McCurdy, ceramic award-winning artist of wheel thrown porcelain. Jennifer travels around the country to many art shows and also has work featured in galleries. A side note of local interest… Jennifer used to throw pots at Vicker’s Tavern in Lionville back in the 70′s at times.
Be sure and say hi for me if you stop by !
(I didn’t cheat on the photo… it’s from the Art Show in 2008)
by SandyShealy on September 1, 2010
Normally I buy local produce at Pearl’s Market, Ludwig’s Corner, but this day I bought produce at Pearl’s Market in Eagle. As I walked back to the cashier, a yarn display caught my eye. It’s been years since I’ve knit but the colors in the yarn captured my attention. I put my produce down and picked up a skein of yarn. It felt incredibly pleasing, I couldn’t believe it! I put it down and had to pick it up again… it felt SO good! I looked at the label to see what kind of yarn it was. Alpaca. I was in a hurry so paid for my produce and was on my way out. I turned around for one last touch. This time, I touched the socks, the yarn, and the stuffed animals made of 100% alpaca. The feel was indescribable! I grabbed a business card and put in my bag.
That afternoon I checked out the website to see where the yarn was from. Grist Mill Farm Alpacas right here in Chester County! I learned more about the alpacas and knew I had to meet these animals whose fleece was amazing to touch. The next day I called Terri and Peter Silvester to see if by chance the farm would be opened that day. Terri agreed to meet my ten year old granddaughter and me with only an hour’s notice. Terri taught us about alpacas as she introduced each one by name. We kneeled for CoCo, Apollonia, and her cria, Dewars (born in May) to eat from my granddaughter’s hand. They are quite timid. Dewars was the bravest of the bunch. Intriguing…
Terri then welcomed us into their home they built two years ago using the original stone from the grist mill on their property dating back to the 1800’s. The Farm Store is located there. Terri continued teaching us about shearing, alpaca textiles, yarns, etc. My granddaughter and I were fascinated with the yarn display from the alpacas we met. She chose a skein of farm blend, made from all of their fleeces and I chose Beauregard’s yarn for the deep, dark brown natural color. The Silvesters, along with other International Alpaca Farms, donated fleece to the gulf. The fleece soaks up oil.
Terri and Peter welcome the opportunity to share their alpacas with others and encourage you to call or email for an appointment to visit the alpacas and/or Farm Store. The farm will be opened to the general public on Saturday, Sept 25th and Sunday, Sept 26th from 10-4. Check their website for local events they participate in.
Address: 2230 Creek Rd, Glenmoore, PA Phone: 610-942-4066 Email: info@gristmillfarmalapacas.com
Enjoy!
by John Lauber on August 31, 2010
Today’s 365 visits a Paoli restaurant known for it’s burger’s and beer, TJ’s Restaurant and Drinkery. Boasting many local and craft brews, as well as the big names, if you’re a beer drinker, there’s few other places to visit. Don’t worry if you don’t like beer, there are plenty of other options and it’s kid friendly too. They also boast one of the best burger’s in the suburbs, and even won Main Line Today’s “Best Burger” award in 2009. As someone who likes a good burger and a beer now and then, I can agree with that sentiment.
However, that’s not the only item on the menu and I can say I haven’t had a bad meal there. Their chili is good as is some of the other items I’ve sampled.
Don’t take my word for it though, head to Paoli and try out TJ’s Restaurant today.
by Kim Wood on August 30, 2010
For today’s 365 Things to do in Chester County I’m hoping you’ll make a commitment to help an organization that is close to home for you. Whatever that is – do something to help them.
Today, I highlight Rejoicing Spirits, which my Aunt helped to co-found 8 years ago. Rejoicing Spirits is a ministry which reaches out to enrich the spiritual lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, friends and other supportive community members.
On Saturday, September 18th in Chester Springs you can help Rejoicing Spirits in their fundraising efforts by getting moving! You can walk, run, or hobble around this 5K course through Upper Uwchlan Township. They are giving away cash prizes in various age groups too!
Registrations before September 1st get a tshirt – and before September 11th get a discount – so check out the registration form here and get moving !
