AROUND TOWN BERKS BITS
Gift an Experience
Berks County is certainly not lacking in things to do. If you have a friend or family member that would prefer to be gifted with an experience versus “more stuff,” we have three ideas to get you started.
It all started with a dare. Twenty-four years ago, a local Kutztown business owner dared Christine Kreisher, who was already involved in bagel whole trading, to open her own bagel shop in the area. He offered her a spot in his shop to get started, and soon, lines began circling the building. It became clear that Christine needed her own location and she opened the Bagel Bar Café in downtown Kutztown. Serving breakfast and lunch, the shop offers a large menu featuring bagels, coffee, specialty drinks and unique bagel sandwiches. The Bagel Bar Cafe also creates weekly food and monthly drink specials unavailable anywhere else. For Christine, the shop gave her the opportunity to bring a light to the community. “My philosophy is that we want to be here and serve the community,” shares Christine. The shop works to give back and offers locals and visitors a place filled with kindness and good vibes to enjoy. Visit at 214 W. Main St. or order online at bagelbarcafe.com. – LAURA RAMSEY
PHOTO COURTESY DNORGANICS.COM.
Visit Kutztown’s Oldest Bagel Shop
Latina Sisters Launch Clean Haircare Product Line
Owned by sisters Nicol and Cory Varona of Reading, DN Organics empowers women to embrace their curls by offering clean and natural hair care products. All of DN Organics’ products are free of toxic chemicals and are vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free. DN Organics offers a dual product leave-in cream labeled the “Ultra-Defined Curls Leave-In Conditioner” that not only nourishes hair, but can also be used as a heat protectant. It features ingredients including hibiscus flower, mango butter and sunflower seed oil. Many of the ingredients pay homage to the sisters’ home country of the Dominican Republic. “The goal of the company is to empower women with hair care products with health in mind,” explains Nicol. DN Organics recently released their second product, Ultra-Defined Styling Gel, and plans to release more products in the future. Stay tuned! To shop DN Organics products or to try a free sample (shipping at your expense) visit dnorganics.com. – LAURA RAMSEY
Experience Interactive History in Boyertown
PHOTO COURTESY FACEBOOK @GENERALSPAATZMUSEUM.
Opened just last month, the General Carl Spaatz National USAAF Museum in downtown Boyertown gives those who visit the chance to immerse themselves in both Spaatz’s life and in WWII. Born in Boyertown, Spaatz was the first chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force, and his contributions to strategic power and capability helped lead to our freedom. For both children and adults, the museum is unlike any other in the U.S., with five interactive exhibits including a live debriefing room, a gear-up room, two escape rooms and a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress simulator. Experience roleplaying as an officer in the debriefing room and try on historically accurate WWII Air Force gear in the gear-up room. “We really want people to become a part of history here,” shares Keith Seiwell, Chief Executive Officer. The museum also has a hall celebrating those serving in WWII from the different towns in the region. Visit at 28 Warwick St. Boyertown or find the Museum on Facebook @GeneralSpaatzMuseum. – LAURA RAMSEY
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NOVEMBER 2021 | berkscountyliving.com
1The. Art Room.
The West Reading spot is a creative outlet offering pottery and canvas painting, crafting classes and much more. Grab a certificate or set up a class and share invitations with friends. 610.898.4369 theartroomwestreading.com
2The. Culinary Classroom.
Know a foodie or someone wanting to spruce up their cooking skills? The Reading school is the perfect place. Classes see small groups of adults come together to cook, learn, eat and laugh. See what’s on the schedule by visiting online or giving a call. 610.374.2674 theculinaryclassroom.com
3.
The Anger House.
Who isn’t feeling a bit frazzled and overwhelmed of late? Get it all out at this spot in Birdsboro where your gift recipient can smash some stuff without getting in trouble or worrying about having to replace it. 610.698.0771 | theangerhouse.com
Find more gift ideas in our Annual Holiday Gift Guide starting on page 26.
Go Royals!
Head to Santander Arena in Reading this month to cheer on your Reading Royals. Home games are scheduled for Nov. 10-13 & 21 against the Norfolk Admirals and Nov. 19 & 20 versus the Newfoundland Growlers. For promotional and ticket info visit royalshockey.com.
