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)

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There are no shortage of places to shop in Chester County. Strip mall after strip mall have popped up throughout the years, but one place has been in the area over 37 years, the Exton Square Mall. In homage to its area roots, i.e. looking a bit barn like, it’s one of the few enclosed shopping areas in county and there’s no shortage of stores to meet your needs. The food court has a diverse mix of eateries and there are a few others interspersed throughout the mall.

Most of the major brand stores are also there; Sears, Macy’s, JC Penny, as well as Abercrombie & Fitch, and many others.

Of course, you’ll find Santa Clause in winter and the Easter bunny in the Spring to get pictures with the kids.

So, instead of driving from store to store, head to the Exton Mall and walk in one enclosed space.

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Today’s 365 is Highland Orchards in West Chester, PA. They have a farmer’s market, pick you own, craft store and a market with great ice cream. If you bring the kids, they can visit and feed the animals or play on the playground. The market has a terrific bakery, as well, and they’re open year round!

Located on Marshallton-Thorndale Road, it’s convenient to West Chester, Downingtown and the surrounding area.

So get on out to Highland Orchards today.

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I wasn’t sure if I wanted to give away today’s 365, but I couldn’t help myself. I was excited after visiting Canter Hill Farm today, as it’s so close to my house. Canter Hill is a local farm where you can get free range chickens, ducks, guinea hens, and lamb. They also have fresh eggs, cheese (and ICE CREAM), as well as much more through agreements with other farms. Located just off Rt. 401 on 2138 Valley Hill Rd in Malvern, PA 19355. The farm is open Sundays and are at the Bryn Mawr Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Email them for times and availability. I know where I’ll be buying a lot more of my eggs (and other items) from now on.

Also, on May 23, there’s a “Farm Day”, where you can tour the farm and kids can get involved and learn about the activities and animals on the farm. The owners Wayne and Jen are very friendly and excited to describe their operation. I can’t wait to go back and try some of their other items.

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Day 34 of 365 …. I wrote this post on another blog a while back, but thought it was worthy of a 365 feature after my visit there today for some container flowers…..

I remember when I moved back to the Chester County area, I traveled 30 minutes to Phoenixville once I learned about Produce Junction – a glorious spot for a vegetarian’s shopping list. A couple of years ago (time flies!) Produce Junction opened in Exton !

Fresh flowers, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits are ample in supply and priced very reasonable. You almost need a tour guide or friend to show you the ropes on your first visit – it can be quite overwhelming. There are usually crowds of people lined up at the three cashier spots – Flowers, Vegetables, and Fruits. And watch out! You don’t want to mix them up! Think…. Soup Kitchen/Seinfeld. The pay stations are separate – and yes, you have to stand in three lines if you want all three.

I was in a hurry today – so I only stopped at the fruit counter. The items available are written on a white board above the counter and are pre-bagged. The staff takes your order and grabs your bags as you go. The prices can’t be beat – and unfortunately I can’t use some of the fruit/veggies fast enough.

Check it out ! Have fun ! Produce Junction is in the shopping center with Leslie’s Pool Supply Store across from Giant on Rt. 100.  260 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA. (610) 524-5454.

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I was excited to do today’s 365, The Chester County Book & Music Co., which is located in the West Goshen Shopping Center in West Chester, PA. I’ve enjoyed going to this bookstore as long as they’ve been open, and prefer it over the big box stores. They have a big selection of magazines and books covering all the genres. Though the music store had to be downsized, they carry titles that you won’t find in some other physical stores. They also have events and book signings on a regular basis.

The second reason I love this place is the restaurant located inside, the “Magnolia Grill”. I’ve enjoyed eating here since they opened back in the early nineties. Just a great place to get some authentic Cajun/Creole food and really one of the hidden gems.

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My car was yelling for a bath, so I ran by my favorite quick car wash after breakfast this morning, it was jam packed already, but I’m always impressed how quickly they can service the cars at Pete’s Express Car Wash in West Chester! I like the kind that you can stay in your car – especially when I want to make a movie to share….

The car wash always does a pretty good job getting all of the dirt – of course – unless you are going to give lots of care and attention by hand there will always be a little bit more that could be done.

Before you leave, make sure and hit up the FREE vacuums! They are pretty powerful compared to other ones I’ve tried… I know it sounds silly to admit that I’m partial to the vacuums, but I do frequent many for a quick sweep before showing real estate with clients in the car

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Day 11 of 365 is the Oasis Cafe and Living Cuisine in Frazer, PA. This is a unique cafe/store that, almost exclusively, sells raw and/or vegetarian food items. The menu for the cafe also has some non-vegan items, as well.

But one of the BEST things they sell, are their handmade chocolates! They have a variety of items and you can even purchase them online. They also have many other natural and health food items that you won’t find in the aisle at your local supermarket. If you have questions, they are very helpful too. So go check out the Oasis Cafe and Living Cuisine today.

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Want something local, but don’t have time to grow it yourself. Then take some time to head to the Grower’s Market in West Chester. There’s a wide variety of produce, flowers, bread, cheese, and locally grown meats. Many vendors even let you order in advance for pick up. Open every Saturday from May to Nov from 9 to 1 (once a month right now), you are sure to find something to make your meals special. So go check out the West Chester Grower’s Market located on the corner of N. Church and W. Chestnut Street.

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Day 5 of 365 Things to do in Chester County is The Photography Center that is located at the corner of Rt 401 and Rt. 30 in Frazer, PA. This little story, that’s not a chain, has an eclectic mix of items for sale. They even do film processing and carry items if you still do your own darkroom work.

So check out today’s video about the Photography Center.

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