Crave

SOUTHEA STERN PENN S Y LV AN I A

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PENNSYLVANIA

CRAVE

F I N E S E R V I CE S / F I N E D I NING / S H O P P ING / U NIQ U E D ES T INA T IO NS / A ND M O R E

P H I N E A S G AG E N OW O P E N !

Phineas Gage, West Chester’s newest men’s clothing store, is bringing the latest in contemporary style for men. After much searching, we are excited to introduce our customers to new brands as well as their favorite classics. Come in and let our staff assist you with finding the best styles and fits to update your wardrobe.

STORE HOURS Sundays: 12pm - 5pm Monday: closed Tuesday - Saturday: 11am -7pm

BRANDS WE CARRY:

Make your purchase the perfect fit with our on site tailor!

Alternative Apparel Citizens of Humanity Faherty Grayers

Joe’s Jeans Johnnie-O Lucky Brand Rodd & Gunn

Vince Able Made O’Douds Topo Design

Taylor Stitch DL1961

TAILOR IN STORE: Wednesdays: 5pm - 8pm Saturdays: 1pm - 5 pm

Visit us at 29 South High Street, West Chester, PA 19382! phineas-gage.com | 484.266.7344 | contact@phineas-gage.com

Gift Cards Available Visit the store or buy online „

1584 Main Street Warrington, PA 18976 215.792.7610 www.theturningpoint.biz

8am to 3pm 7 Days a Week

WHO WE ARE We believe that preparing the perfect cup of coffee requires focus and attention to detail.

SOURCING

BREWING

Our green coffee is sourced in the most remote places on the planet. We only use 100% Arabica beans with the highest grade level.

We grind all coffee to order and use triple filtered water to brew. Using a micro mesh screen pour over process ensures all the flavor and oils travel into the cup. We never use paper filters that absorb the flavors.

ROASTING

Our Diedrich Roaster is recognized as one of the best small batch coffee roasters in the world.

Our team has a combined 40 years of coffee roasting experience.

1584 Main Street

PREPARATION

We offer locally sourced milk choices and an unlimited variety of sweeteners for our guests.

Warrington, PA 18976

www.cowabungaweb.com

(215) 792-7610

Washington Crossing Historic Park The Crossing and So Much More

Christmas Day Reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware Guided tours of Colonial homes and buildings Panoramic views from Bowman’s Hill Tower The bucolic Thompson-Neely House & Farmstead Revolutionary War soldiers’ graves

Washington Crossing Historic Park 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977 215-493-4076 Friend or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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CONTENTS 6 Brandywine Ballet Presents the Nutcracker 12 A Longwood Christmas 14 Merriest of Museums 24 'Tis The Season: Holiday Gift Giving 32 Holiday Dining 40 Romantic Stays & Getaways Publisher: Maria Santory Editor in Chief: Maria Santory DESIGN & CREATIVE Flatplan: Maria Santory Layout and Design: Ryan Scheife CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kerry Brown Karen Myers Estelle Tracy WRITERS Adam Erace PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrea Monzo Brett Thomas Albert Yee

Š 2016 Crave Magazine Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Crave Magazine is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Crave Magazine does not endorse or recommend any article, product, service found within articles. Opinions do not necessarily reect the views of Crave Magazine or its staff.

Published by Volare Publishing and Multi Media To advertise in Crave Magazine PA send email to mariasantory@gmail.com or call 484 319 1287 Crave Magazine PA 1101 Ellis Dr Glen Mills PA 19342 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @cravemagazinepa For letters from the editor go to www.cravemagazinepa.com

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AN “ALL-TIME GREAT” COOKIE FROM ONE OF PHILLY’S FINEST Since 1993, Metropolitan Bakery has made holidays sweeter—and less hectic!

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ith the holidays almost here, so are cravings for all things baked! And no one does baking—either sweet or savory—better than Metropolitan Bakery, the homegrown Philadelphia institution renowned for its crusty, chewy breads, elegant pies and cakes, and the most sophisticated pastries around: think Breton cannelle, Italian panettone, German stollen, and French macarons.

“Everything we do takes extra time, but it’s worth it,” said James Barrett, co-owner and head baker for Metropolitan. “Whether it’s feeding our all-natural starter three times a day, or letting the breads rise for 48-hours, the little details, the ingredients, and not rushing the process, sets us apart.”

That’s not to say baking can’t be fun and easy. Barrett and Metro co-founder Wendy Born recently shared twenty of their favorite recipes in a new cookbook celebrating their two decades in business. Designed for the home baker, it includes new delicacies like their pink peppercorn shortbread, olive oil cake, and cured salmon and DYI cream cheese as well as the bakeries tried-and-true favorites like their Salted Chocolate Cherry Cookies, (recipe below), lauded by the Philadelphia Inquirer as “one of the all-time greats.”

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No time to bake? Metropolitan Bakery ships canisters of their cookies for $19.95 (+s/h), as well as cakes, granola, coffee, their two cookbooks, and their holiday panettone. Visit www.metropolitanbakery.com or call 1-877-41-BREAD.

M E T ROP OL I TA N B A K E RY ’ S S A LT E D CHOCOLATE CHER RY COOK IES • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 ½ cups cake flour 1 ¼ cups bread flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon baking soda ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt 17 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 ¼ light brown sugar ¾ cup granulate sugar 1 extra large egg 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract 15 ounces semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped 1 ¼ cups dried tart cherries ¼ cup Maldon sea salt

Combine flours, baking soda, baking powder and kosher salt. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla. Turn speed to low. Gradually add flour in three additions incorporating well. Scrape dough onto a lightly floured work surface and gently fold in cherries and chocolate. Roll the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for two hours or overnight. When ready to bake, first allow dough to come to room temperature before scooping out two-ounce portions of dough two inches apart on parchment papered or nonstick baking pan. Sprinkle each cookie with pinch of sea salt and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place trays in oven and lower temperature to 350 degrees. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets between racks halfway through. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

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written by Kerry Brown

BRANDYWINE BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

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dazzling highlight of the winter holiday season, Brandywine Ballet’s The Nutcracker is a December ‘must see’ for its festive splendor and familiar classical score. Inspirited by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s invigorating musical arrangement, graceful, expressive ballet dancers bring to life the timeless tale of Clara, a young girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and his ferocious clash with the Mouse King. After defeating the Mouse King in battle, the Prince whisks Clara away to the Land of Sweets, where they are entertained by a vibrant array of delightful characters, snowflakes, and sweets.

Brandywine Ballet’s eight magical Nutcracker performances span two weekends in December. Each 3-day run features a different cast of dancers. “The Ballet’s ten professional dancers are featured in roles including the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Snow Queen & King, and The Dew Drop Fairy among others,” said Jaime Louis, Director of Operations for Brandywine Ballet. Each performance features appearances by approximately 110 dancers. “Dancers and staff have just six weeks to get the show together before moving into the theatre,” Louis said.

Founded by Artistic Director Donna Muzio in 1979, the Brandywine Ballet has three branches with 72 members in total. Brandywine Ballet Theatre has 18 members, including professional dancers, West Chester University Certificate in

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Ballet students, and high-school students on the pre-professional track. Brandywine Ballet Company is comprised of 31 student dancers 12-18 yeas old. Last, but not least, 23 Trainee dancers range in age from 11 to 14. “All members perform in The Nutcracker. 73 additional dancers, students at The Dance Center (Brandywine Ballet’s official ballet school), appear as Angels, Baby Mice, Mother Ginger Boys & Girls and other supporting roles,” Louis said.

The Nutcracker is often a child’s first introduction to the art of ballet. The story is about the wonder of childhood at Christmastime and most of the performers are children, so there is a natural attraction.

Many younger ballet students no doubt hope to dance some day in featured roles such as Clara, The Sugar Plum Fairy, The Nutcracker Prince or the Cavalier. Jaime Louis can relate to their aspirations. She first attended The Dance Center at age seven and progressed through Brandywine

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Ballet as she grew and her skills developed. In addition to her ‘day job’ overseeing day-to-day activities of the ballet, Louis portrays The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, her fourth season doing so. Over the years, she has also performed in the Arabian Dance, the Spanish Dance, as Candy Cane, and as Snow Queen.

“One of my favorite parts of performing The Nutcracker is sharing in the joy and excitement of the dancers, from the youngest to the more seasoned. No matter how many times I perform in this ballet, it stays fresh because of the interactions with these young dancers. This is especially true when I portray The Sugar Plum Fairy, because I rehearse with and perform alongside the Angels, some of the youngest dancers in the production. Their excitement, anticipation, nerves, joy, and focus are palpable. I have been performing this work for more than 20 years and it is still fun for me,” Louis said.

Tchaikovsky’s arrangement of trumpets, strings, and woodwinds, enlivened by the heavenly chime of a celesta during the enchanting dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy still inspires Louis. “During the Grande Pas de Deux, the music takes over. My Cavalier (Rick Callender) and I enjoy being

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truly wrapped up in the moment,” she said. “When I played an Angel, I remember being in awe of my Sugar Plum Fairy (danced at the time by Nancy Page, now Brandywine Ballet’s Resident Choreographer). Now that I am performing that role, it’s so sweet to interact with Clara as the story of her mysterious dream unfolds. The dancer is always so delighted to be dancing that role,” she said.

Brandywine Ballet has been performing The Nutcracker for nearly four decades. The production features original, traditional choreography by Donna Muzio and David Kloss, integrated with new choreographic elements by Nancy Page.

A few changes are made each year. “Last year we updated the costumes for the Chinese divertissement. This year, we are excited to present a new Mother Ginger dress. In the Second

TH E DETA ILS Brandywine Ballet presents: The Nutcracker Act’s iconic divertissement, Mother Ginger arrives on the stage and 12 young dancers emerge from beneath her skirt to dance for Clara,” Louis said.

Those seeking an interactive way to experience the tradition of The Nutcracker with children or grandchildren may enjoy attending The Nutcracker Tea. Three performances will be preceded by this unique meet & greet opportunity.

The Nutcracker Tea is a separate ticketed event featuring tea and light fare. Members of the Ballet will gather to greet guests, sign autographs, and allow a close-up look at the intricate details of the show’s resplendent costumes.

V I S I T W W W . B R A N D Y W I N E B A L L E T. O R G to purchase tickets and for more information

• • • •

Friday, December 9 at 10 a.m.

Saturday, December 10 at Noon & 4 p.m.

Sunday, December 11 at 2 p.m.

Thursday, December 15 at 10 a.m.

(Special Performance, tickets are limited)

• Saturday, December 17 at Noon and 4 p.m.

• Sunday, December 18 at 6 p.m.

Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall 700 S. High St., West Chester, PA 19383 Ticket price ranges from $18-$45

The Nutcracker Tea • Saturday, December 10 at 2:30 p.m.

• Sunday December 11 at 2:30 p.m.

• Saturday, December 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Phillips Memorial Building Conference Room 700 S. High St., West Chester, PA 19383 Tickets are $30 per person

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Nestled in small town Kennett Square, PHILTER COFFEE offers a warm, rustic atmosphere, which has attracted both locals and out-of-towners alike since its opening two and a half years ago. While offering a selection of house-made soups and sandwiches, various pastries, handcrafted coffees, teas, and espresso beverages, Philter has a little something for everyone The coffee selection, from Ceremony Coffee Roasters, rotates every so often to offer new and exciting drink options, featuring seasonal coffees and single origin espressos. The breakfast and lunch selections—either made to order or from the grab-and-go cooler—are always made with fresh fruits and vegetables and other locally found ingredients. To the town of Kennett Square, Philter serves as a meeting place, an office space, a lunch stop, a travel destination, and so much more.

Salt + Stone www.SaltandStoneKSQ.com

SALT + STONE: a little bohemian style boutique nestled in historic Kennett Square, Chester County, PA. We carry handcrafted, custom and American turquoise jewelry as well as carefully curated goods, apothecary, candles and clothing from local artists and handcrafted artists found around the globe.

SALT: necessities for living. [ancient alchemy] STONE: perfection; taking raw materials & turning them into wearable, coveted items to be treasured. [ancient alchemy] Workshops will be hosted monthly, and fabulous celebrations occur for Holidays, or just because…

LOCATION 203 East State Street Kennett Square, PA. 19348 *under the Kennett Square Inn

HOURS Monday: Open upon request Tuesday: Closed Wednesday 11-6pm Thursday: 12:00-8pm Friday: 12:00-8pm Saturday: 11-8pm Sunday: 11-4pm

LONGWOOD ART GALLERY 200 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 • 610.444.0146 • www.longwoodartgallery.com Longwood Art Gallery has been a beacon of the art community for over 30 years. We represent over 30 local and regional artists whose work includes a wide variety of styles from representational, to expressionistic, to modernistic, to abstract.

We also offer Fine Art Reproductions, Photography and an eclectic mix of handcrafted Glass Art, Jewelry and Pottery. We invite you to visit the gallery and enjoy a refreshing artistic experience!

The gallery offers original artwork to satisfy every individual palette, in all mediums ranging from brilliant acrylics, to oils saturated with color, to wonderfully fluid watercolors representative of the modern European influences of artists such as Matisse and Van Gogh.

HOUR S Tuesday through Friday, 10AM–6PM Saturday, 10–5 Closed Sunday and Monday

A LONGWOOD CHRISTMAS RINGS IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH MUSICALLY INSPIRED DISPLAY NOVEMBER 24–JANUARY 8 From strolling carolers, to daily holiday sing-alongs, to musically inspired decorations, Longwood Gardens celebrates the sounds of the season during A Longwood Christmas November 24–January 8. Explore the warm 4-acre Conservatory and be enchanted by more than 50 trees elegantly adorned in holiday splendor. Outside, all eyes are on the sky as illuminated stars twinkle above, colorful fountains dance to holiday music, and a half-million lights brighten the night.

Inside Longwood’s heated Conservatory 16,000 seasonal plants, including poinsettias, cyclamen, and anthurium flourish. A towering 30-foot floral tree takes center stage featuring red poinsettias, euphorbia, and phalaenopsis.

The historic and elegant Music Room décor features an 18foot fraser fir tree rotating in a wooden music box decorated with a garland fashioned from real musical instruments.

Throughout the season, Longwood’s grand Ballroom will feature free and ticketed holiday-inspired performances and daily sing-alongs performed on Longwood’s grand 10,010pipe organ. Live music will ring throughout the Conservatory on select days, adding to the holiday spirit. For a complete listing of performances, visit longwoodgardens.org.

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More than 500,000 outdoor lights adorn 124 trees decorated in classical and free-style forms. Other highlights include the illuminated Italian Water Garden, and a 10-foot concolor fir in the Hourglass Lake Pavilion decorated with materials found in the Meadow Garden and on Longwood’s natural lands. Other popular favorites return including our Wildlife Tree featuring edible ornaments for our furry and feathered friends, and our Gardener’s Tree, which cleverly showcases our gardeners’ creativity.

Fountains dance day and night to holiday music in the Open Air Theatre. Young and old will delight in Longwood’s outdoor train display located near the Birdhouse Treehouse as it travels past miniature Longwood landmarks lit for the holiday season. In Longwood’s historic Chimes Tower, the 62-bell carillon plays holiday music every half hour.

Admission to the Christmas display is by Timed Admission Ticket. Guests should buy their tickets before arriving at the Gardens to ensure admittance.

Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at longwoodgardens.org.

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A V ISIT THROUGH THE MER R IEST MUSEUMS T H IS HOLI DAY SE A SON

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Photo of Byers' Choice

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written by Karen Myers

‘ T IS T H E SE A SON TO SI NG AT BY ER S' CHOICE M USEU M

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he same place that makes the decorative Carolers® and KindlesTM is home to a beautiful Christmas Gallery in Chalfont, Bucks County. The Carolers are figurines dressed in Dickens-era clothing that have been lovingly captured mid-note. The Kindles are a collection of posable elf figurines. Hundreds of these figurines are displayed in the gallery, which takes visitors on a walk through old-time England and Bucks County.

The original Carolers, which were created in the late 1960s, have expanded to include singers garbed in Colonial American costumes as well as more current wear. One scene includes Salvation Army Carolers with their ubiquitous red kettle. The kettle is filled with coins donated by visiting children.

The gallery is fun for all ages and includes the opportunity to dress up in 19th century style outfits for a photo op on a Dickensian street. Don’t miss the indoor snowstorm or the singing reindeer - always a favorite with the younger crowd. Checkout the detail on the gingerbread houses. The originals were designed using actual cookies and candies,

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these are made from resin so they will last. Displays include Santa’s from around the world and over 250 nativity scenes.

Each December, Charles Dickens’ great-great-grandson travels to the United States to perform in “A Christmas Carol.” Several of these unique performances take place at Byers’ Choice Christmas Gallery.

A tour through the gallery isn’t complete without a stop on the Observation Deck. The deck provides a view of the factory floor, allowing visitors to watch as the figurines are assembled by hand. Rows of work tables fill the room with signs showing each stage of the process—from cutting and body building to sewing and dressing. Watch as a swatch of fabric, the body and other accessories quickly come together in an artisan’s hands to form a beautiful decoration.

After touring the gallery, take a walk through the formal gardens and check out the sculpture collection. These beautiful works of art beg to be viewed from all sides and also provide great photo ops.

For more information on hours and events, please go to byerschoice.com.

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Written by Karen Myers

Photography by Albert Yee

A DIFFER ENT V IEW OF CHR ISTM AS The National Christmas Center is a museum unlike any other. Located in Paradise, Lancaster County, it houses an eclectic mix of nostalgia, history and wonder. A collection of vintage drawings from the 1800s show the development of the Dutch Sinterklaas into our own Santa Claus.

Step back in time to J. W. Woolworth’s 5 and 10 and peruse the lights, tinsel, Kiss-L-Toe and glass ornaments from the 1930s-1950s. With a nod to the original Woolworth store that opened in Lancaster, the display cases overflow with children’s dreams of Lionel trains, dolls with eyes that close and the coveted Flexible Flyer Sled.

Several exhibits bring us closer to our Pennsylvanian roots. The Pennsylvania Dutch celebrated with Belschnickle, who visited children in their homes delivering lumps of coal to those who misbehaved and fruit and nuts to the well-behaved. The Amish hold two-day celebrations, a tradition which allows visits to one spouse’s family on Christmas and the other the day after—alternating every year, of course.

The emphasis is on sharing meals and company, with children performing skits at the annual Christmas show.

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The delights of the museum include a walk through Tudor Towne, a storybook come to life, a wander through lifesize wax figures of Christmas celebrations around the world, and close examination of an extensive collection of nativity scenes. The North Pole, created from a child’s imagination, includes Santa Claus in season, who bends low to hear each child’s innermost wish.

Discover the pure wonder that lies beneath the Christmas tree in a larger than life exhibit where the entire room is underneath a tree. Trains circle the tree trunk and the decorated lower branches spread across the ceiling. The room is a faithful recreation of the view of a child, lying down to watch the trains run under the lighted tree.

Founder and curator Jim Morrison spent his lifetime acquiring this collection. His childhood Christmas traditions included an annual trip to Philadelphia the day after Thanksgiving to see the window displays unveiled at Gimbels, Strawbridge’s and Wannamaker’s. He’s taken those magic moments that created a child’s awe and preserved them for all of our delight.

Please check their website nationalchristmascenter. com for hours and admission prices.

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Written by Karen Myers

CHR ISTM AS AT GLENCAIR N MUSEUM

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hristmas has been celebrated at Glencairn since Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn moved into their new home in 1939. Today Glencairn Museum continues this tradition with special exhibitions, a “Christmas in the Castle” tour, a Christmas concert, and other seasonal activities. The Museum’s internationally-renowned collection features outstanding examples of Nativity art, including paintings, illuminated manuscripts, sculptures, and stained glass windows, many dating to the medieval period.

Glencairn’s World Nativities exhibition presents dozens of three-dimensional Nativity scenes collected from around the world. World Nativities illustrates how artisans adapt the Nativity scene to represent their own spiritual, intellectual, cultural and regional environments.

This year Glencairn will feature a second Christmas exhibition, Christmas in Pennsylvania. It will explore how Christmas was celebrated in southeastern Pennsylvania during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries,

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focusing on traditions observed in the city of Philadelphia and in rural Pennsylvania Dutch communities. The exhibition will include vintage objects and images from the National Christmas Center and Museum (Lancaster County) and the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University (Berks County).

A highlight is Glencairn’s Christmas tree, beneath which is an operating 1950s Lionel toy train and Christmas village. Brother Bob Reinke, a Franciscan friar in Hoboken, New Jersey, spent half a century collecting the ornaments on this tree.

This year the “Christmas in the Castle” tour will feature a rare Santa, sleigh, and reindeer, recently discovered in a basement storage room in Glencairn. The decoration was made in Germany early in the twentieth century, and old photographs show it being used as the centerpiece for the Pitcairns’ large Christmas dinner table.

For more information on Glencairn Museum go to www .glencairnmuseum.org or call 267-502-2600. The Christmas season runs from Friday, November 25, 2016 through Sunday, January 8, 2017 (closed December 12-13 and 24-25).

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Y ULETIDE AT W I N T E R T H U R 2 016

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n celebration of the unveiling of a charming dollhouse recently gifted to Winterthur, Yuletide at Winterthur 2016 will highlight the holidays through the eyes of children in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The exhibition will begin in the Court, where, in a nod to the current Winterthur exhibition Lasting Impressions: The Artists of Currier & Ives, classic winter scenes will be on display as Yuletide explores the notion of why “a Currier & Ives Christmas” is so beloved and still resonates with people today.

It was in the era of 19th-century Currier & Ives that the notion that “Christmas is for children” began to take lasting hold on the mind of Americans. Yuletide will explore several scenes of a holiday made special for—and by—children, including a call on a Mississippi family on the eve of the Civil War, when a houseful for holidays meant 22 stockings dangling from the staircase.

Visitors will experience how the rising popularity of the Christmas tree resulted in a new industry of commercially made ornaments and discover a new way of distributing gifts via a giant “spider’s web” with packages caught in its gleaming tangle of ribbons. A very special Christmas in the White House in the early 1900s saw the President’s son decorating a Christmas tree in secret to surprise his family—including the family pets!

Several displays will recall winter festivities enjoyed by children at Winterthur for the holidays in the first half of the 20th century. These include H.F. du Pont’s classic 1930s

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Christmas tree awash with colorful lights and glittering glass ornaments. Baskets under the tree, one for each person, held a personal treasure trove of gifts. Christmas Eve brought “Mr. Harry’s Party,” the holiday event the du Ponts hosted for their staff, with a Christmas tree, professional entertainers, ice cream made from the rich milk of the Winterthur dairy herd, and gifts personally selected by H.F. du Pont for all of the children of Winterthur’s estate workers. Christmas dinner shows us a table specially decorated with miniature trees, reindeer, and paper doll Santas—clearly designed with the kids in mind.

Leaving Christmas behind, Yuletide will showcase a holiday celebration very special to the du Pont family—the annual New Year’s Calling. This yearly visitation found the ladies gathering in family homes to await the gentlemen who spent the day making the rounds, bestowing small gifts in exchange for the hospitality the ladies offered in punch cups and wine glasses. Little girls learned to be gracious hostesses while receiving with their mothers, while the little boys in the du Pont family gallantly made the rounds with their fathers.

As always, the rooms will be enhanced with the floral displays so essential to du Pont’s decorating, and with special Christmas trees inspired by the beauty of the Winterthur garden—including the magnificent Dried Flower Tree in the Conservatory.

5105 kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE. For more information go to www.winterthur.org.

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isiting francesca’s lets you experience the newest trends right from the comfort of your hometown. The friendly and welcoming stylists at this eclectic, curated boutique are quick to show you around, or let you browse at your own pace (if that’s your thing). It’s a lot like shopping with your best friend—they’ll make recommendations based on your unique style and help you find what you’re looking for.

They carry everything from clothing, shoes, and accessories, to jewelry and gifts, and most of it can’t be found anywhere else, so you won’t risk running into your “outfit twin” at a party. The affordable, yet beautiful accessories and gifts make francesca’s the perfect spot to find something special for all the lovely ladies in your life.

Everything you’ll find at francesca’s tells a story, and you’ll likely find items perfect for women of all ages, and all types, whether you’re shopping for an artistic creative soul, the girl next door, a bold entertainer, or a quirky mixture of all three. francesca’s items allow women to express to the world who they are and what they’re all about, and are the perfect way to celebrate any and all occasions.

With several locations throughout Pennsylvania, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the unique ambience of your local francesca’s and get in some holiday shopping. Visit www.francescas.com to find a boutique near you.

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written by Estelle Tracy

few steps away from the eponymous Newtown salon, David J. Witchell has created three distinct boutiques where you’ll find something for everyone on your list this holiday season. As you’ll experience yourself, co-owner Galina Witchell has taken it to heart to welcome customers in spaces that reflect her exquisite taste for carefully designed pieces at every price point.

Heading to a holiday party? Stop by The Mezzanine, where you’ll find an elegant selection of European and domestic designer wear, including formal and evening wear, as well as show-stopping cocktail dresses. With their modern, simple lines, the bracelets and necklaces curated by Galina will pair nicely with any outfit you’ll choose in store.

At 25 South Denim, the company’s casual outpost, you’ll shop for trendy denim, feminine dresses, and frilly blouses.

Did we mention cashmere sweaters? You’ll find them too. The clothes are available in easy-to-match, neutral colors, making them great gift ideas for the stylish woman on your list.

Whether you’d like to treat a relative or friend, look no further than DJW Home. The place offers a wide selection of beauty and grooming products, all presented in elegant

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packaging. In addition, you’ll be able to choose from hundreds of home accents, such as picture frames, framed art, mirrors, and much more. We are quite fond of the soft throws and pillows, which will give your living room that cozy holiday feel you crave at this time of the year. DJW Home abounds with fun last minute gift ideas—think luxury candles, quirky dish towels, and modern vases—stacked high on wooden shelves. Take your time as you explore every corner of the store but be warned: you may end up keeping many of the presents to yourself.

DAV I D J . W I T C H E L L B O U T I Q U E S The Mezzanine, 25 South Denim, and DJW Home 25 S State Street, Newtown, PA 18940 Additional locations Peddler’s Village New Hope, PA 18938 Hours Monday 9 am - 7 pm Tuesday to Friday 9 am - 9 pm Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 6 pm

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written by Estelle Tracy

ince its inception a mere three years ago, Waltzing Matilda has been drawing a supportive clientele with a taste for timeless leather pieces. Named after a beloved Tom Waits song, the company offers a wide range of madeto-last leather bags, sandals, and accessories for every style and budget. Each piece is crafted by hand in the US—either from leather sourced from American tanneries or repurposed vintage goods—and is sold with a lifetime guarantee.

Part workshop, part boutique, the Wayne storefront offers gift ideas for women and men yearning for authenticity. With their modern, clean lines, the wine bags have been a popular hostess gift at the store for the past couple of years. Available in single and double sizes, the bags feature an adjustable strap designed to fit a large number of bodies and lifestyles.

For the women on your list, you’ll find plenty of gift ideas, from simple leather strung necklaces to more elaborate pieces, such as the popular Market Totes. Waltzing Matilda bags feature simple, classic lines designed to let the material and craftsmanship shine through. A recent addition to the fall line, the Smith bag is a versatile piece available in easy-to-match, earthy tones. The bag will turn from cross body to clutch in a cinch, making it the perfect companion to fit a busy woman’s lifestyle.

Do you have a hard to shop for man on your list? From small accessories like coasters and wallets, to larger pieces like tablet pouches and bags, many leather goods carried at the shop were crafted with him in mind. Available in brown and black, the card cases are the perfect stocking stuffer for the business man who wants to network in style. Made of repurposed leather, the vintage wallets are the perfect gift for the history buff on your list.

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WA LT Z I NG M AT I L DA 21 West Avenue Wayne, PA 19087 Open Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday - available by appointment Phone: (610) 688-1500 www.waltzingmatilda.com

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written by Adam Erace Photography by Andrea Monzo and Brett Thomas

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WASHINGTON CROSSING INN

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n Christmas night in 1776, General George Washington and his infantry of Continental Army soldiers crossed the Delaware River from present-day Titusville, New Jersey to the town that would eventually come to be known as Washington Crossing in Lower Bucks County. At the time the McConkey family operated the ferry crossing as well at the Ferry Inn on the Pennsylvania side, a restaurant and hotel that, more than two centuries later, would become the Washington Crossing Inn. A handsome, historic respite a block from the River, the Inn is a tradition for Bucks families around the holidays, according to general manager Alex Bielanski. “For Christmas day, we have people make their reservations a year in advance,” he says. “While they’re having dinner, they’re already booking their tables for next year.” Every Christmas, the town puts on a reenactment of Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware that draws up to 6,000 people. The performance makes for an entertaining history lesson, best followed by the Inn’s generous buffet (glazed ham, prime rib, roasted butternut squash soup, penne studded with mussels) in a cozy space (stone hearth, beam ceilings) trussed and twinkled with holly boughs, lights and other holiday decorations. “We dress the whole place up very festively,” says Bielanski. But Christmas isn’t the only holiday the Washington Crossing Inn nails. Their famous buffet also is in full effect for Thanksgiving—starring a whole flock of roasted turkeys, of course, as well as “lots of pie”—and special menus are available for New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day, the latter featuring pre-fixe menus built for two. www.washingtoncrossinginn.com.

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photography by Andrea Monzo

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photography by Brett Thomas

THE DILWORTHTOWN INN & BLUE PEAR BISTRO

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ames Dilworth erected the building that currently houses the Dilworthtown Inn in 1754 as part of his family’s private residence. Today, the Inn, located just outside the festive hum of West Chester, is a culinary landmark, and with its sister restaurant, the Blue Pear Bistro, a favorite for holiday dining. “My favorite thing about the holidays at the restaurant is being able to take a small break from the regular menu and to create custom seasonal menus,” says the Inn’s chef, Paris Roland, a West Chester native and former steel worker who “used to read the cooking

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section of the newspaper while working the midnight shift at the mill.” On Thanksgiving, that means roasted local turkey glossed in giblet gravy, mashed sweet potatoes scented with nutmeg and bubbling gratin of cauliflower, Gruyere and black truffle. On New Year’s Eve, think duck perfumed with mulling spices and butter-poached lobster cakes on mascarpone risotto. Next door, Blue Pear takes a slightly more casual approach, swapping the Inn’s white tablecloths and prime steaks for bare wood and burgers—while keeping the emphasis on great ingredients and bringing “more modern influences to and creativity to classic cuisine.” www.dilworthtowninn.com

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MARSHA BROWN CREOLE KITCHEN

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ucks County meets the Louisiana Bayou at Marsha Brown, the stalwart Southern kitchen on New Hope’s scenic main street. Housed in a 125-year-old stone church (complete with stained glass windows and a 30-foot mural involving soldiers and lions), the restaurant is the torchbearer for Creole cooking in the region, “a place that was an extension of [owner Marsha Brown’s] own dining room, where she could share her family’s most cherished recipes,” says the general manager, Wendy Kelly. “She conceived this labor of love as a sophisticated yet friendly Southern fine dining venue.” You really can feel the love in these ancient walls, especially during the holidays when constellations of twinkling white lights illuminate the church façade. Chef David Wall, a 20-year veteran of the kitchen, augments the restaurant’s dinner menu (crab cheesecake with green onion coulis, spiced and sautéed catfish, crawfish etouffee, gumbo, jambalaya) with specials that change with the occasion. “We know that when our guests come year after year to spend their holidays with us, they each have a favorite on the menu,” says Kelly, who promises special touches on each holiday. A Champagne toast at midnight on New Year’s and a dining room filled with roses and balloons on Valentine’s Day keep locals coming back year after year. www.marshabrownrestaurant.com.

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photography by Andrea Monzo

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written by Kerry Brown

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t Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, extravagant elements mix and match to create a customized dream getaway experience. Opt for a journey of relaxation including spa treatments, wine cellar and art tours, or seek out new adventures like dogsledding or off-road driving. Myriad options in dining, lodging, activities, and amenities mean no two experiences are identical.

Perched on 2,000 wooded acres in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Nemacolin boasts a variety of sumptuous guestrooms and locales. “Winter at Nemacolin is so romantic, with a cozy feel. We have lots of fireplaces lit, and the woodlands are a wonderland covered in snow,” said Ashli Mazer-Workman, Director of Marketing and PR for the resort.

Falling Rock is a AAA Five-Diamond boutique hotel with a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired aesthetic. Considered the resort’s peak of hospitality, layers of luxury include a ten-option pillow menu, a bath menu, a round-the-clock butler, and the sweet surprise of milk and cookies served at bedtime. Guests are sure to feel pampered at a level rarely experienced. “Imagine returning from dinner to find a Romance Bath prepared by your butler: the jetted tub is filled with glistening bubbles, rose petals are strewn about, the aroma of scented candles fills the air, and glasses of fizzy champagne await clinking. This is all part of the Falling Rock experience, at no additional cost,” Mazer-Workman said.

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Nemacolin’s Chateau Lafayette Hotel is inspired by the Ritz in Paris. “It has a beautiful French romantic feel with a grand-scale reception lobby, a Tea Room, and Cigar Bar. Waterford crystal chandeliers adorn every room; luxurious linens, floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows, jetted tubs, marble floors, and golden bath fixtures play in harmony to create a posh, idyllic setting,” Mazer-Workman said.

Dining options abound at Nemacolin’s 15 restaurants and lounges. Lautrec is the resort’s shining star. The Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant is one of only 27 restaurants in the world with the distinction. “Fresh, imaginative European-American pre fixe menu options feature local seasonal ingredients. An in-house sommelier offers wine and champagne pairings from Nemacolin’s 27,000-bottle wine cellar, Pennsylvania’s largest,” Mazer-Workman said.

Renowned Chef Kristin Butterworth’s dessert tasting menu is a must try. Indulge in a selection of five silky gourmet confections, with or without a wine/champagne pairings upgrade. It whispers romance.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 1001 Lafayette Dr. Farmington, PA 15437 Reservations: 866-344-6957 www.nemacolin.com

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rriving through the gated entrance at the Inn at Bowman’s Hill in New Hope, couples slip into a world apart from everyday life. “There is something mysterious about our property that creates an immediate sense of calm,” said Michael Amery, the Inn’s owner.

Being surrounded by five acres of manicured grounds contribute to this delightful first impression.

More than a bed and breakfast, The Inn at Bowman’s Hill is more like a small boutique hotel or private resort. “We do a fair amount of concierge activity. We can arrange a hot air balloon ride, an in-suite yoga lesson, or couples massage,” Amery said. When it comes to special requests the Inn at Bownman’s Hill has a motto: “The impossible we do at once.

Miracles take a little longer.” “We don’t host children or pets (except service animals) which I think is key to a romantic getaway destination. Couples can rekindle without distractions,” he said.

Winner of the coveted AAA Four-Diamond Award nine years in a row, the Inn’s four rooms and four suites feature luxurious creature comforts including whirlpool tubs, kingsize beds, steam showers, customized ambient lighting, sound systems, cozy robes, and fireplaces.

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Breakfast is an event at Bowman’s Hill. “We offer yogurt, fresh fruit, granola, a selection of coffees, teas, and juices, and three cooked-to-order entrees every day,” Amery said. Being a Brit, he calls the Inn’s signature breakfast “a full English fry up” that includes pretty much everything you can put on a breakfast plate (including English bangers made to his specifications by a local sausage maker). Guests can even take a stroll to the Inn’s hen house and gather their own eggs.

Breakfast-in-bed is available at no extra charge.

Memorable experiences are integral to a romantic getaway, so Amery and his partner, Louisa Haggerty, are committed to guiding guests in the right direction for lunch and dinner. “We recommend a few nearby restaurants we know will provide only fond memories. That’s very important to us,” he said. They also encourage couples to explore the Inn’s scenic grounds and recommend relaxing in the hot tub under a starlit sky.

The Inn at Bowman’s Hill 518 Lurgan Road New Hope, PA 18938 (215) 862-8090 www.theinnatbowmanshill.com

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hocolate is for lovers. When setting the scene for passion, the luscious delight is a fundamental element that’s been considered an aphrodisiac for centuries.

What could be more romantic than a sweet getaway to Hershey—land of the affection confection? “The Hotel Hershey’s top-notch amenities, award-winning dining, and luxurious Chocolate Spa make for the sweetest of escapes,” said Reilly Feis, Communications Specialist for the resort.

Winter is a wonderful time for couples to celebrate romance. The Hotel Hershey has thoughtfully attended to all the details. Their signature chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne, or a chocolate gift basket are sublime for kicking-off a rekindling weekend. At The Hotel Hershey’s Chocolate Spa, couples can focus on each other while luxuriating in a couples massage or side-by-side pedicure, then take advantage of the spa’s four relaxation areas, indoor pool, and Jacuzzi. Round out an afternoon of indulgent pampering with a lunch buffet exclusive to Hotel Hershey guests.

When evening rolls around, The Hershey Hotel’s flagship restaurant, The Circular, offers an intimate setting overlooking the resort’s formal gardens. “The Circular offers upscale casual cuisine and is the most romantic dining option at The Hotel Hershey,” Feis said. The restaurant’s subtle curves and lovely stained-glass windows create a lovely ambiance. Circular’s interactive pastry kitchen turns out decadent desserts made-to- order while guests dine.

Reserve a “Romance In Hershey” stay to receive deluxe accommodations, a rose petal turndown, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne welcome, breakfast, admission to Hershey Gardens, and admission to The Hershey Story’s Museum Experience. Other getaway packages and

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spa packages are also available. When packing, be sure to include comfortable clothes and shoes for taking a romantic stroll around Hershey Gardens, and the resort’s miles of walking trails.

Founded on a love story, The Hotel Hershey was built by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey. The Spanish Colonial aesthetic of The Forbes Four-Star, AAA Four Diamond hotel was inspired by visits to the Mediterranean with his wife, Catherine. “It is an escape like none other,” Fies said.

The Hotel Hershey 100 Hotel Road Hershey, PA 17033 (717) 533-2171 www.thehotelhershey.com

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Visit West Chester’s newest men’s clothing store for the latest in contemporary style.

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ounded by artist and designer Krystal Reinhard, Old Soul Décor showcases eclectic design, vintage and antique home decor, mid century modern, artworks, rugs, lighting, jewelry, and more. Stop into the showroom studio to find a unique curated home collection or thoughtful gift. Now offering a wide scope of interior design and styling services, Old Soul Décor is the ultimate destination for all lifestyles.

119 W. Market St. West Chester PA 19382 484-983-7311 www.oldsouldecor.com

Shop Hours Tuesday-Friday 11am-6pm Saturdays 10am-5pm Sundays 12pm-4pm Mondays CLOSED *check website & facebook for seasonal hours

29 South High Street, West Chester phineas-gage.com | 484.266.7344

Make YORI’S BAK ERY in downtown West Chester your winter holiday headquarters!

Colorful and delicious, boxes or trays of Yori’s Christmas Cookies make scrumptious treats for holiday guests and memorable last-minute gifts or party take-alongs.Celebrate long-held holiday culinary traditions with our chocolate Yule Logs, Stollen Bread studded with dried fruit, sweetly spiced Gingerbread Cookies and Cakes, and light and airy flourdusted Snowflake Rolls.

Ring in the New Year with Yori’s specialty cakes, cheesecakes, and cookie and pastry trays for parties.

Celebrate with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped cheesecake, brownies, cakes, petit fours, and chocolate-covered strawberries.

15 N. Church Street, West Chester, PA • (610) 344-9674

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