November/December South Hills Living
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Mt. Lebanon’s coffee Crazy Horse South West Regional A dozen things to do Bedner’s voted best and records store a Coffee launches Chamber of Commerce this holiday season South Hills business chic local destination McMurray location merges with South Hills Chamber of Commerce
from the editor
NICHE PUBLICATION 122 South Main Street Washington, PA 15301 Washington & South Hills 724.222.2200 Greene County 724.852.2602 Mon Valley 412.944.5575 www.southhillsliving.net
Spending the holidays curled up with a coffee
Editor TRISTA THURSTON tthurston@observer-reporter.com
Since we’re in mid-November, we’re in the thick of the holiday season.
Advertising Director Carole DeAngelo
Like many of you, I have no idea what to do with myself each weekend now that I can’t comfortably hike in my favorite park or take a day trip to a scenic location. If left to my own devices, I’ll make a cup of tea, curl up under my favorite fuzzy blanket and finish a book in a few days.
Graphic Designer Megan Morris Contributors Kristin Emery Katherine Mansfield Mandi Pryor Rick Shrum
However, if you’d rather get off the couch and spend some quality time with your loved ones, I’ve gathered a dozen ideas in and around Pittsburgh for you that are friendly for various ages, interests and abilities. If you’re hunting for something to do with your family in the coming months, I hope this list gives you an idea. Even if you don’t partake in an activity from the list, maybe it will inspire you to create a new tradition together or create a memory with those you hold dear. Or maybe you’ll end up watching your favorite Hallmark movie again. No judgment on my end! I’m determined to finish the stack of to-read books on my bedside.
on the cover
Also in this edition are two separate stories on coffee shops. I love coffee, so I guess my bias is showing here. First up is our cover story on the new Needle and Bean in Mt. Lebanon. This cozy spot isn’t simply a place to pick up your favorite brew or sit and get some work done. It’s part cafe, part record store. Order your favorite drink and browse the more than 1,000 vinyls on sale. You won’t find the radio hits on owner Mike Butala’s shelves, though. He’s catering to a more niche, indie-appreciating clientele. “I’m not necessarily driven to compete against places that carry a lot of pop music,” he told writer Katherine Mansfield. Read her story within, and if it’s up your alley, stop by Needle and Bean. Next is an expansion of a coffee shop that’s become a Washington-area favorite and is making more of a mark in the South Hills with its new Peters Township location: Crazy Horse Coffee. Owner James Bendel borrowed the name of his Army unit when he opened in 2018. The second location opened in McMurray at Donaldson’s Crossroads in August. Crazy Horse, besides offering coffee and tasty treats, also works to give back through Bendel’s nonprofit, Help-Hard. Also inside is a feature on the business voted the top South Hills business at our annual Best of the Best gala earlier this month and an update from the South West Regional Chamber of Commerce. I hope you enjoy. As always, thank you so much for reading. If you have feedback or a story suggestion, call me at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421 or email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com. Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition. As always, thank you so much for reading. If you have feedback or a story suggestion, call me at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421, or email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com. Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.
Editor SOUTH HILLS LIVING | NOVEMBER 19, 2023 | 2
Katherine Mansfield/Observer-Reporter “We make our drinks strong,” said Mike Butula, who takes pride in crafting quality coffee drinks at Needle and Bean. Currently, Butula serves as the shop’s owner-manager-barista, while his mom runs the cash register.
