Homepage featured photo courtesy of Betsy Barron Photography

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and the number of incredible restaurants to dine out across the western suburbs abound. AML did our due diligence and found seven sensational menus and romantic settings that are great choices for February 14th. From a quaint BYO, to a King of Prussia steak house, to a historic 18th century barn to Wayne’s popular Paramour-and more, we have a great selection of the best the burbs have to offer. Here’s to a special evening with your sweetheart around the Main Line.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com

Silverspoon is one of the Main Line’s most beloved BYOs. Photo courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography.

Silverspoon Café

Saturday, February 11th & Tuesday, February 14th
Seatings at 5:30PM and 8:30pm
Eagle Village Shops
Wayne, PA
610-688-7646
silverspoonwayne.com
$65 per person, complimentary glass of champagne

Amuse
Burgundy Carrot Bisque with fresh lavender cream

Salad (choice of)

• Baby Spinach, blood oranges, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, strawberry balsamic
• Bibb Lettuce, port wine poached seckel pear, smoked blue cheese, spiced pecans
• Frisee Lettuce, bacon lardoons, oven dried cherry tomatoes, creamy horseradish dressing

Appetizer (choice of)

• Country Style Duck Liver and Pheasant Terrine, multi-grain, pomegranate gastrique
• Pan-Seared Diver Scallop, mushroom leek ragu, black truffle essence
• Beet Gnocchi, braised swiss chard, pine nut, goat cheese

Main Course (choice of)

• Lamb Crepinettes, exotic mushrooms, mint and black currant demi-glace
• Pan-Roasted Trout Fillet, toasted almonds, dried cherries, Riesling reduction
• Semi-Boneless Poussin, roasted garlic jus

*Accompaniments; scallion mashed potatoes, roasted cauliflower

Dessert

• Chocolate Lover’s Plate for Two
• Dark Chocolate Mousse with raspberries coulis, caramel milk chocolate ice cream with candied almond crunch, sugared plums and strawberries white chocolate ganache

Delicious puff pastry empanadas at The Gables will delight for Valentine's Day!
Photo courtesy of Betsy Barron Photography.

The Gables at Chadds Ford

Tuesday, February 14th
423 Baltimore Pike
Chadds Ford, PA
610-388-7700
thegablesatchaddsford.com

The Gables at Chadds Ford is one of the region’s most romantic dining backdrops. The Gables is situated on land that was originally part of a 138 acre land grant from William Penn to Brinton King. Around 1745, a pre-Revolutionary style house was built on the property. This was one of the first homes to be built in Pennsbury Township.

Two of the four original chimneys from the pre-Revolutionary style home are still visible. In March of 2002, the house was placed on the National Historic Register.

In addition to their regular dinner menu, The Gables will be offering specials on Valentine’s Day that include pan roasted halibut, braised beef short ribs and a dark chocolate mousse.

Homemade cheesecake topped with fresh berries and strawberry coulis at The Farmhouse Bistro. Photo courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography.

The Farmhouse Bistro at People’s Light

Tuesday, February 14th, 4pm-1opm
39 Conestoga Road
Malvern, PA
610-647-1631
thefarmhousebistro.com
$45 per person, 3 courses

Course One (choose one)

• Truffled Chicken Liver Pate – infused with black perigord truffles and madeira wine on warm fresh baked brioche
• Baby Local Greens tossed in our white wine – dijon vinaigrette with poached pear and chèvre
• Organic plum tomato and fresh mozzarella salad with extra virgin olive oil, cracked black pepper and aged balsamic drizzle

Course Two (choose one)

• Farmhouse Bouillabaisse – lobster, shrimp & scallops in a aromatic chardonnay-saffron broth served over saffron risotto,
• Frenched Rack of Lamb with Rosemary- dijon demi glace, scalloped potatoes and grilled asparagus
• Pistachio – Panko Crusted Halibut, pan seared and finished with meyer lemon – tarragon butter, basmati rice pilaf and grilled asparagus
• Roasted Center Cut Filet Mignon with chanterelle mushroom and shallot ragout scalloped potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts
• Cornish Game Hen with curried thyme jus, fig and cornbread stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts

Dessert (Choose One)

• Espresso infused chocolate mousse topped with fresh vanilla whipped cream and shaved dark chocolate
• Braeburn apple tart tatin, caramelized apples on a french pastry crust with vanilla ice cream and caramel lattice
• Raspberry sorbet served with fresh berries and framboise coulis

For an experience you can truly fall in love with, feed your passions this Valentine’s Day at Paramour. Photo courtesy of Tom Crane.

Paramour

Friday, February 10th through Tuesday, February 14th
139 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, PA
ParamourWayne.com
610-977-0600

From Friday, February 10th until Tuesday, February 14th , Paramour will serve a variety of special dishes and offer a romantic night at the hotel, including credit towards dinner, luxurious amenities and a guaranteed reservation at the restaurant on one of the busiest weekends of the year. “Whether they’re looking for a romantic evening or to relish in an exquisite meal, we’ve got something for everyone this season,” says Executive Chef Michael Giampa.

Guests can enjoy ‘The Perfect Valentine’s Package’ that includes a King Superior Room for two with late check-out, continental breakfast for two, a dozen roses, a split of Gruet Brut sparkling wine, a box of Godiva chocolates, a guaranteed dinner reservation for two at Paramour and a $50 Paramour gift card. This package, including all hotel taxes, is $329 per couple.

For those who’d like to dine in style, Paramour is also offering special additions to their menu. Offerings will include: Chilled Atlantic Seafood Plate, Grilled Maine Lobster, Surf & Turf and a Contemporary Dessert Sampler for two.

Click here for the full menu.

Glenmorgan Bar & Grill at The Radnor Hotel

Saturday, February 4th Children’s Tea
Friday, February 10th-Tuesday, February 14th
5pm-10pm
591 East Lancaster Avenue
Radnor, PA
610-341-3188
glenmorgan.com
Four course prix-fixe, $99 per couple

On Saturday, February 4th, from 1pm to 3pm, The Radnor will host its annual Children’s Valentine’s Tea. Guests will be welcomed and escorted by the Valentine Fairy where magic, fun, and entertainment are plentiful. They will enjoy a selection of scones, sandwiches, miniature pastries and cookies, as well as an assortment of tea, sparkling apple cider, hot chocolate, and chocolate milk. The cost of the tea is $59.95 for 1 adult & 1 child, excluding tax and gratuity. It is ideal for kids’ ages 3 to 8 years. Advanced ticket purchase and reservations required, please call: 610.341.3146. For more information on Children’s Saturday Afternoon Tea, please visit radnorhotel.com.

From Friday, February 10th until Tuesday, February 14th, guests of The Radnor can enjoy an exceptional overnight package that includes deluxe overnight accommodations, a bottle of chilled champagne, chocolate truffles, a long stem red rose, a four-course prix fixe dinner for two and deluxe breakfast for two. This all-inclusive package is only $289 per couple.

Couples with no time for an overnight getaway can come to Glenmorgan Bar & Grill from Friday, February 10th until Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 to savor a four-course prix fixe dinner for two in celebration of Valentine’s Day. This sumptuous meal is only $99 per couple and includes dishes such as Scallop & Smoked Bacon Gratin, Dijon Herb Rack of Lamb, Grouper & Raspberry Beurre Rouge and decadent Brownie Sundae to share. To view the full menu, click here.

Sullivan’s has an outstanding value for Valentine’s Day: 3 courses, plus a choice of a delicious side, per couple for only $89!

Sullivan’s Steakhouse

Tuesday, February 14th
700 West Dekalb Pike
King of Prussia, PA
610-878-9025
3 courses for two people, $89

Starters (choose one)

• Caesar Salad
• Iceberg Lettuce Wedge Blue Cheese
• Mixed Greens Salad Vinagrette
• Shrimp & Lobster Bisque

Entrees (choose one)

• Filet Mignon 8 oz.
• Ribeye 16 oz.
• New York Strip 12 oz.
• Lamb Chops Triple Cut
• Roasted Chicken “Picatta Style”
• Broiled Salmon Steak
• Crab Stuffed Shrimp

Add a half Australian lobster tail for an additional $20.
Oscar Style-jumbo lump crab, asparagus & béarnaise for an additional $10.

Sides (choose one)

• Creamed Spinach
• Broccoli with Garlic
• Asparagus with Hollandaise
• Steakhouse Style Mushroom Caps
• Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
• Giant Baked Potato

Lobster macaroni and cheese for an additional $8.

Desserts (choose one)

• Chocolate Mousse & Berries
• Key Lime Pie
• Chocolate Covered Strawberries
• New York Style Cheesecake
• Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
• Ice Cream or Sorbet

Redhound Grille

Friday, February 10th, Saturday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th
128 Paoli Pike
Paoli, PA
484-318-8047
RedhoundGrille.com
3 courses, $40 per person

Redhound Grille is offering a Valentine’s Day three course $40 menu on Friday, February 10th, Saturday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 14th. On the 14th, the restaurant will have romantic acoustic music from Chris and Kallina Holt from 7pm to 9pm. Valentine’s Day menu highlights include appetizers: clam casino, strawberry salad, lobster bisque, seafood flatbread; entrees: filet mignon, paella, Scottish salmon wellington, potato gnocchi and blackened rib eye. They will also have a full selection of their popular desserts.

Photos courtesy of Ryan Lavine

Wayne’s Paramour restaurant is hosting a seven-course, mid-winter beer dinner on Thursday, January 24th, 2012 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Main Line beer geeks-rejoice! Join Paramour, Why Not Farm and Sixpoint Craft Ales for a truly unique Farmer’s & Brewer’s Mid-Winter Beer Dinner on Tuesday, January 24th starting at 6:30 p.m.

Paramour Executive Chef Michael Giampa will prepare a carefully planned seven-course dinner featuring all-natural and locally grown Scottish Highland beef from Why Not Farm in Glenmoore with specially selected beer pairings from Sixpoint Craft Ales of Brooklyn.

You will also have the opportunity to speak with Chef Michael, the farmer and the brewer during the meal about the beef and the brew. $65 per person with beer pairing included. Call Paramour to reserve your table today: 610-977-0600.

Paramour’s Beer Dinner Menu

First Course

BEEF TARTARE
quail egg, local honey

“THE CRISP” CZECH STYLE PILSNER
Crisp and clean with fresh grassy aromas, subtle hints of honey malt, and a slightly bitter hop bite. Made from a blend of American and noble hops and Moravian malt. 5.4% abv
Second Course

BEEF BARLEY SOUP
cheese straws, bell carrots

“SWEET ACTION” CREAM ALE
Flavors of juicy tangerine and caramel balanced by floral cascade hops with a slight creaminess from flaked barley. 5.2% abv

Paramour Executive Chef Michael Giampa will prepare a carefully planned seven-course dinner for the exciting January 24th beer dinner!

Third Course

PETITE WEDGE SALAD
Maytag blue, crispy onions, house jerky

“BENGALI TIGER” IPA
Medium bodied, with a beautiful copper color, biscuity nose and notes of grapefruit, grilled nectarine and citrusy amarillo hops. 6.4% abv.

Fourth Course

PHILLY CHEESE STEAK SLIDERS
brioche buns, sharp provolone, onion beer confit

“SPICE OF LIFE SERIES – WARRIOR” IPA
Very limited, small batch IPA highlighting the warrior hop varietal. Dry fermented to accentuate the uniquely crisp and piercing Washington State warrior hop. 6.2% abv

Fifth Course

BRAISED RIB & RUMP
celery root puree young vegetables

“RIGHTEOUS ALE” RYE PALE ALE
Made from a blend of red rye, crystal rye and chocolate rye malts-spicy, peppery and earthy with solid hop backbone and aromas of freshly baked bread. 6.3% abv

Sixth Course

PRIMAL DUO
ribeye and sirloin steak, caraway gratin, oatmeal stout demi glaze

“DIESEL” AMERICAN STOUT
Well balanced, hoppy stout. Deep roasted chocolate and caramel malt flavor is balanced by brisk citrus hop bitterness. 6.4% abv

Seventh Course

CHOCOLATE STOUT CAKE
sun dried cherry gelato, house made marshmallow

“OTIS” OATMEAL STOUT
Velvety smooth and lightly sweet with notes of sweet cream, coffee, vanilla and chocolate. 6.1% abv

Be Social With Paramour

Facebook: Join Paramour on Facebook
Twitter: Follow Paramour on Twitter

Paramour is located at 139 East Lancaster Avenue in the Wayne Hotel in downtown Wayne, PA. To make reservations on OpenTable click here or call 610-977-0600. For additional events and specials, visit their website: paramourwayne.com.

Photos courtesy of Weld Photography

Executive chef and owner Chris Todd prides his restaurant on serving customers with food allergies and intolerances.

Christopher’s restaurant and FEAST, a local allergy support group, will host their first allergy-friendly dinner on Tuesday, January 17th at 5:30 pm. Reservations are required and the dinner will be suitable for adults and children. FEAST (Food and Environmental Allergy Support Team) of the Main Line is a support group for parents of food allergic children.

“Eating in restaurants is difficult for many allergy families, ” said Jean Kintisch, leader of FEAST. “This is a great opportunity to enjoy the experience in a safer environment.”

On this special night, the ingredients of every dish will be listed, Chef Christopher Todd and Jean Kintisch will speak about how to eat safely in restaurants, and participants will enjoy a meal knowing that the kitchen understands the special needs of allergic patrons.

“Our restaurant has always been accommodating to those with special dietary concerns,” said Todd. “Our staff is fully trained to work with all types of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Our menu offers nut-free, gluten-free and soy-free items and we work with each guest to make sure they are taken care of. We look forward to partnering with FEAST for this unique opportunity.”

Space is very limited at the January 17th dinner. If there is enough interest, another allergy-friendly meal will be planned in the near future.

Please call Christopher’s at 610-687-6558 to make reservations. Christopher’s is located at 108 North Wayne Avenue in Wayne, PA. christophersaneighborhoodplace.com.

Join Christopher’s on Facebook.

Photos courtesy of Weld Photography

Positively preppy and casually cool, Ella's bar is the absolute perfect setting for the sophisticated Wednesday Night Whinos' Winter Soiree January 11th.

Wednesday Night Whinos, AroundMainLine.com’s popular ladies social club, will host a fun winter social on Wednesday, January 11th at the Main Line’s hottest new restaurant—Wayne’s Ella’s American Bistro! All local ladies are invited to join us in the positively preppy and casually cool bar for complimentary cuisine, terrific conversation and lots of fantastic networking from 6pm to 8pm. A cash bar will be available as well.

About Ella’s

Ella’s American Bistro opened with much Main Line aplomb on Monday, December 19th and has a palpable buzz already thanks to the culinary talents of Executive Chef Matt Schuler. Ella’s is an upscale casual restaurant with the focus on a local farm-to-table dining concept. Schuler, a Lancaster County native, has noticeable influences of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine in his classic, comfort food-inspired menu.

Party Attire

As with all Whinos, business casual attire is highly recommended as we gather to meet and network with the region’s top businesswomen and great gals. RSVP is not required—we always welcome walk-ins to Whinos—but it does greatly help us to plan accordingly with our good friends at Ella’s.

Event Sponsor and Swag Bags

Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon is the official sponsor of Wednesday Night Whinos’ Winter Soiree at Ella’s American Bistro. One VERY lucky Whino will win a $250 gift certificate to pamper herself (and perhaps a friend) at the popular Joseph Anthony Spa! Simply bring your business card with your email address to drop in our raffle bowl or sign in at the table in the bar with Whinos founder Sarah Lockard.

In addition, the first 30 Whinos who attend will receive incredible swag bags also sponsored by Joseph Anthony with fantastic prizes from AML clients. There will also be FIVE VIP SUPER bags for our top Whinos who have continually shown their fantastic support over the past year!

Wednesday Night Whinos is open to all local women 21 and over, there are no membership fees or obligation. It is free to attend always! Our philosophy is always ‘The more Whinos, the merrier!’

Click here to RSVP to Wednesday Night Whinos at Ella’s American Bistro on Facebook! Or kindly send us an email to let us know you will be attending: rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Be Social with Ella’s American Bistro

Become a Fan of their Facebook page

Be Social with Wednesday Night Whinos

Become a Fan of our Facebook page

Follow us on Twitter: @WedNightWhinos

About Ella’s American Bistro

Ella’s American Bistro is located at 214 Sugartown Road in Wayne (across from Club La Maison gym). To make reservations call 610-964-3552.

Featured photo of Ruth’s Chris Steak House courtesy of Betsy Barron Photography. A la Maison Bistro photo courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography.

A la Maison Bistro in Ardmore has a fantastic dinner menu planned for New Year’s Eve along with a Christmas Eve brunch not to be missed.

Thinking of dining out around the Main Line this year for New Year’s Eve? You are not alone. Over 100 million Americans will dine out this New Year’s Eve. AML hunted around and found the six top local spots. Happy New Year!

Sarah Lockard

A la Maison Bistro

Ardmore, PA
alamaisonbistro.com
Ardmore’s popular French BYO A la Maison Bistro has a fantastic New Year’s Eve night planned with a $160 three-course prix-fixe dinner per couple (plus dessert, live music and champagne). In addition, A la Maison is serving a Christmas Eve brunch with a buffet and a selection of a main course for $29. Call 484-412-8009 to make your reservations.

Redhound Grille

Paoli, PA
redhoundgrille.com
Paoli’ Redhound Grille has a fantastic New Year’s party planned! Enjoy a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $45, live music and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Guests will be shaking their tails into 2012 thanks to the popular band Special Brew’d. Visit redhoundgrille.com for additional details and a complete menu.

The Radisson Valley Forge

King of Prussia, PA
valleyforgenye.com
The Radisson’s popular masquerade party returns this year. Join guests in the Waterford Ballroom for an enchanting evening from 8:30 to 1:30 a.m. Tickets are $99 per person with tax and gratuity included. The Radisson will provide masks during the event but recommends you find an elegant mask to match your attire and personality! Guests will enjoy live music by Vibe Tribe, premium dinner and dessert stations, a deluxe bar package, champagne toast at midnight, party favors and masks, complimentary parking. Watch the ball drop live from New York City on the big screen at midnight! Cocktail party attire and masks are encouraged. For tickets call 610-354-8000. Overnight packages are also available—call 610-768-3215.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

King of Prussia, PA
ruthschriskop.com
Ring in the new year at one of the region’s most beloved steakhouses—King of Prussia’s Ruth’s Chris. Recently renovated and now serving lunch since December 1st, Ruth’s Chris has a fresh face and elegant new look. Book one of their private dining rooms for you and your friends and toast 2012 in style! Call Julie Devaney, director of private dining, at 610-992-1818 or email: sales.ruthschriskop@gmail.com.

Ella’s American Bistro

Wayne,PA
ellasamericanbistro.com
The Main Line’s hottest new restaurant, which opened Monday, December 19th, will be serving an exciting prix-fixe dinner menu throughout the evening on NYE. Ella’s American Bistro and Bar is an upscale casual restaurant with the focus on a local farm-to-table dining concept.

The Gables at Chadds Ford

Chadds Ford, PA
thegablesatchaddsford.com
The Gables offers one of the region’s most romantic dining scenes, as the historic building and barn dates back to the 1800’s. From 7pm to 10pm on NYE enjoy music and entertainment from Peter Scott Ruben, a popular Frank Sinatra impersonator. Celebrating the new year at The Gables is an excellent choice. You and your friends will have a fantastic night of dinner, music and dancing complimented by the festive atmosphere of the The Gables—gorgeously decorated for the holiday season.

Photos courtesy of Weld Photogtraphy and Betsy Barron Photography

“Thank you to everyone who made 2011 a very exciting and memorable year for AroundMainLine.com! I cannot wait to share the amazing projects we have in store for 2012 with all of you.” Sarah Lockard, AroundMainLine.com CEO and Publisher

2011 certainly was a memorable and very exciting year for AroundMainLine.com and our wonderful team. Where to begin? So many incredible memories, fantastic clients, events, parties and more to reflect upon…

First and foremost, I want to thank our outstanding social media audience of over 3,700 Facebook fans and over 5,100 Twitter followers. AML’s Twitter account is among the 10% most popular in the world now—and for me personally its been an exciting way to connect with thousands of new people weekly.

MAIN LINE RESTAURANT WEEK

2011 was the first year that we produced two regional Main Line Restaurant Weeks. Both the Spring and Fall events were phenomenally successful and drove thousands of new patrons to our wonderful participants. Our staff photographers of Courtney Apple, Betsy Barron, Weld Photography and Perretti Photography worked tirelessly to capture the incredible culture and cuisine that the western burbs have to offer. I am proud of the direction Main Line Restaurant Week is headed and we are in the fun planning stages for Spring Main Line Restaurant Week which will return Monday, April 23rd through Sunday, April 29th.

Over the last year we have been getting lots of requests from our Main Line Restaurant Week participants to add lunch to the dining experience. Ask.and you shall receive. Spring 2012 Main Line Restaurant Week will not only offer exciting values on prix-fixe dinners, but you can dine out during the day and enjoy a special lunch value as well. Dinner AND lunch all week long for Spring 2012 MLRW—now that’s great news for all our AML foodies!

A YEAR OF EXCITING EVENTS

AML was incredibly privileged and honored to partner with our new friends at QVC to host an inaugural event “AroundMainLine.com’s Holiday Shopping Night at Studio Park” on December 7th.

2011 also brought our first ever AroundMainLine.com Oktoberfest with the fine folks of Wegmans Pub in Collegeville as our host. It featured the region’s top breweries paired with the fantastic food Wegmans offers and was a HUGE success. Look for the second annual AML Oktoberfest coming to the burbs in the new year!

Wednesday Night Whinos, Philadelphia’s most popular ladies social club, continued to grow this past year as we hosted regular shopping and dining events around the western suburbs. One of the main reasons Whinos has been so popular is that, unlike other networking groups or business associations, Whinos is completely free to attend with no membership fees or obligations. Whinos first fun party in the new year will be Wednesday, January 11th from 6pm to 8pm at the Main Line’s hottest new restaurant, Ella’s American Bistro in Wayne!

In addition, I was incredibly privileged and honored to partner with our new friends at QVC to host an inaugural event “AroundMainLine.com’s Holiday Shopping Night at Studio Park.” Despite an evening of torrential pouring rain, wind and very cold temperatures, over 300 locals joined us December 7th at QVC’s very cool Studio Park store located at their West Chester headquarters. It was such a joy to work with the team at QVC and we are already working on additional AML/QVC event ideas…so stay tuned!

SPECIAL THANKS

I want to give special thanks to all the AML clients I had the privilege of working with this year. I am very grateful for your outstanding support.

In closing, AML would not be possible without the following VIPS who I want to highlight below.

Courtney Apple: Courtney’s incredible photos graced the pages of AML, our Facebook page and MainLineRestaurantWeek.com. Courtney’s talent is something very special and she also happens to be one of the most down-to-earth humble artists I know. I feel especially honored to work with Courtney and her creativity and artistic vision is so inspiring. You can also find many of Court’s fine work regularly in Philadelphia Magazine.

Betsy Barron: Betsy joined AML in March as a staff photographer and has been a fireball of energy, passion and friendship. Betsy’s photography business is thriving and I am excited to see what the new year brings this very special person I am proud to know and call friend.

Jessica and Bradley Weld: A recent addition to the AML photo family and a husband and wife team based in Media, PA, the Welds have become fast friends and AML regulars covering many of our recent events, especially our exciting first ever AML Holiday Party at Harvest Seasonal Grill in Glen Mills, PA last week. Jessica and Bradley consistently produce outstanding images and our clients have given us rave reviews who have worked with them. They are a dynamic duo I adore!

Felicia Perretti: Felicia and I connected via Twitter and after reviewing her breathtaking food photography, I was sold. Felicia and I tackled restaurant shoots for Main Line Restaurant Week and experienced the creepy, haunted walls of Eastern State Penitentiary together-one of my favorite shoots of the year! Look for Felicia and I to take on the Philadelphia dining scene together in 2012…exciting things to come!

ME Photo & Design: New AML photographer Meagan Ebersole is opening a brand new studio in downtown Media in January! In addition, Ebersole is focusing on growing her pet photography business-along with her thriving wedding clientele. Meagan is a joy to work with and recently generously donated her time to cover AroundMainLine.com’s charity event with ‘Give a Dog a Bone’ at Redhound Grille in Paoli.

Vance Bell: Our incredible web designer and one of the smartest, most talented business people I know. To work with Vance is an incredible privilege.

In closing, I wish you and yours a wonderful and blessed holiday season and I look forward to having you continue on the exciting AML journey with us in 2012.

Cheers!
Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com CEO and Publisher

BE SOCIAL WITH AROUNDMAINLINE.COM

Facebook: Join AroundMainLine.com on Facebook.
Twitter: Follow AroundMainLine.com on Twitter.

Want to contact AroundMainLine.com’s Publisher Sarah Lockard directly? Drop me a note.

Photos courtesy of Belle Vie Photography

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree…

Linvilla Orchards

137 West Knowlton Road
Media, PA
610-876-7116
Hours: Thru December 23rd
Monday thru Friday 10am – 5pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm
www.linvillaorchards.com

Cut your own Christmas tree and start your own Linvilla Orchards new, annual family tradition! With over 30,000 trees planted on thirty acres, your family is sure to find the perfect tree at Linvilla. You are provided with a saw and you actually cut the tree down. Staff will then haul it back to the market, wrap it, and secure it to your vehicle. If cutting your own tree is a bit much for you, there are plenty of pre-cut trees available in the Farm Market. Children can visit with Santa every Saturday and Sunday from Noon-3pm through December 24th.

The popular farm is decked head to toe in holiday garb and gorgeous greenery for the season! See their Christmasland display and visit with the animals in their winter coats. Linvilla’s Christmas Shop & Garden Center features wreaths, freshly cut trees, greens & holly, decorations, fruit and gift baskets, Christmas gifts, hot mulled cider & children’s crafts.

There is the final popular Caroling Hayride of the season Saturday, December 17th at 5 pm and 6:30pm where families can enjoy a hayride and then sing carols around the campfire while enjoying yummy apple cider and roasting marshmallows.

Bustard’s Christmas Trees

2210 Bustard Road
Lansdale, PA
610-584-4058
Hours: Open Daily 9am-9pm
www.bustardschristmastrees.com

Bustard’s Christmas Trees has been a family business since 1929. They care about their customers and strive to provide quality service and assistance in selecting the correct tree and greenery for your home. And, if you are not quite sure what greens or decorations you might need, they have knowledgeable staff members to assist you.

Bustard’s specialize in large trees and offer: Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Blue Spruce, Concolor Fir, Balsam Fir and Canaan Fir.

To insure the freshest trees, Bustard’s cuts throughout the holiday season. And, they offer free yummy hot chocolate on the weekends!

ShadyBrook Farm

931 Stony Hill Road
Yardley, PA
215-968-1670
Hours: 5-9pm
www.shadybrookfarm.com

Christmas trees have arrived at Yardley’s ShadyBrook Farm. They also have a huge selection of fresh wreaths, swags, and other greenery. You can find everything you need for a perfect holiday season! While at ShadyBrook, experience the magic of millions of lights illuminating acres of farmland during their popular Holiday Light Show with whimsical holiday displays and familiar characters. Drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on a moonlit hayride.

In addition, ShadyBrook offers horse-drawn evening hayrides daily through December 30th (except 12/24 & 25) 5PM-9PM – $12/person. Please call 215-968-1670 for reservations. Private horse-drawn carriage rides are available as well. See their website for full details.

Last but not least, visit Santa’s Village where kids can tell Santa all of their Christmas wishes and have their picture taken. Then take a stroll through ShadyBrook’s Farm Market. They have everything you need for a great holiday!

Varner's country-chic Wreath Shoppe is filled with hundreds of adorable ornaments, wreathes, roping, holly, greens, swags and mistletoe!

Varner’s Farms

746 South Trappe Road
Collegeville, PA
610-489-8878
Hours: Christmas Tree Harvest thru December 23rd
Monday-Saturday 8am-8pm;
Closed Sundays
*Choose-n-cut fields close at 4:30 daily
Closed December 23rd at 4:30pm
www.varnerfarms.net

Varner’s Farms in Collegeville has a beautiful selection of Fraser Fir, Douglas Fir, and White Pine this season. On Mondays thru Saturdays, along with tractor wagons, visitors can enjoy teams of Belgian Draft horses to take them to cut their own Christmas tree-weather permitting. Varner’s also has fresh cut trees available everyday. The fresh cut trees are harvested once a week throughout the season.
Varner’s country-chic Wreath Shoppe is filled with hundreds of adorable ornaments, wreathes, roping, holly, greens, swags and mistletoe. Don’t forget to see the new look in the train shoppe. Families and visitors can warm up and enjoy a complimentary cup of hot chocolate or hot cider, as they listen to Christmas Carols and choose the perfect tree.

Varner’s will have a Live Nativity Saturday, December 19th at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Refreshments will be served and they will offer a special time of fellowship afterwards.

The farm will close on Friday, December 23rd at 4:30pm for the season and will reopen the Wednesday after Labor Day.

Wiggins Christmas Trees

1301 West Chester Pike
West Chester, PA
610-344-7822
Hours: Open Daily 9am-9pm
wigginschristmastrees.com

Wiggins Christmas Trees has been family owned and operated since 1972. All Christmas trees are proudly grown in Chester County. Table top trees start at $19.95. Wiggins Precut lot is a full service operation.

Customer just needs to select a tree(s).

• Choose from thousands of trees
• Trees are cut as needed on a weekly basis
• Individually priced at reasonable prices
• 6′-10′ Douglas Fir – cut from our farms
• 6′-10′ Fraser Fir – grown in Pennsylvania
• Balled Trees – individually priced

Or, customers can visit one of Wiggins’ Tree Farms and cut their own tree.
See Wiggins’ website for further details.



An annual beloved tradition at Merrymead is the Live Nativity with narration and song presented by a local church the weekend before Christmas. There will be two shows on Saturday, December 19th 6:30pm and 8:00pm and one show on Sunday, December 20th 6:30pm. The Live Nativity setting takes place outside, so be sure to dress warm!

Merrymead Farms

2222 Valley Forge Road
Lansdale, PA
610-584-4410
Hours: Mon – Sat: 8:00am-9:00pm
Sun: 10:00am-9:00pm
www.merrymead.com

Looking for the perfect fresh cut Christmas tree? Merrymead provides beautiful fresh cut local fir trees – Douglas, Fraser, and Concolor Fir. All their trees can be drilled for the Stand Straight tree stand.
They will shake, bale, and load your tree – all you have to do is pick out your favorite one! Their holly house is filled with a variety of wreathes – Balsam, Douglas Fir, Mixed Noble Fir, and Fraser Fir. Rolls of white pine roping and a mixture of swags, greens, door charms, cemetery sprays and holly are perfect for the Christmas season.

An annual beloved tradition at Merrymead is the Live Nativity with narration and song presented by a local church the weekend before Christmas. There will be two shows on Saturday, December 19th 6:30pm and 8:00pm and one show on Sunday, December 20th 6:30pm. The Live Nativity setting takes place outside, so be sure to dress warm!

Photos courtesy of Heather O’ Mara Photography

Wayne boasts one of the best retail scenes on the Main Line and is known for its incredible group of shop owners. AroundMainLine.com celebrates the six best shops in downtown Wayne we recommend supporting for this holiday season. This coming weekend is Small Business Saturday—could not think of a better time to show your love for these fine local retailers highlighted below.

Click here for our fun Wayne Shopping Guide Facebook photo gallery!

Familiar faces at Lucky Duck Toys

Lucky Duck Toys

LuckyDuckToys.com
106 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, PA
Phone: 610-254-0054
Hours: Monday-Friday 10-6; Saturday 9:30-5:30; Sunday 12-4
Become a Fan of Lucky Duck Toys on Facebook

Lucky Duck Toys is a specialty toy store with two locations in the western suburbs of Philadelphia: 106 E. Lancaster Ave in Wayne, and 379 Lancaster Avenue in Haverford. They offer the largest selection of specialty toys on the Main Line, with products from industry leaders such as International Playthings, Playmobil, Lego, Bruder, Manhattan Toy, Melissa & Doug, and Corolle. Lucky Duck also has unique items from several small manufacturers from around the world. They believe in offering playthings that stimulate the imagination, and foster creative thinking. Lucky Ducks experienced staff can help you select the perfect gift for everyone on your list and they offer free gift wrapping for all purchases. Stop in and see their beautiful selection of fabulous toys this holiday season!

Cole Wellness Spa

ColeWellnessSpa.com
101 North Wayne Avenue
Wayne, PA
Phone: 610-688-7546
Hours: Monday-Friay 10-7pm; Saturday 9-7pm; Sunday 9-5pm
Become a Fan of Cole Wellness on Facebook

Cole Wellness Spa takes the natural alternative approach to real long lasting and truly healthy skin, hair, body and mind. They offer a variety of services including Therapeutic Massages, Nutrient Rich Facials, Organic Microdermabrasion, Face and Body Waxing services, Jane Iredale Mineral Make Up Applications and Retail Products, Organic Hair Color, Reiki and More.

Their retail products at Cole Wellness Spa are Organic, Pure, Aroma Therapeutic, and free of dyes, artificial fragrances, parabens and sulphates. Come in to purchase the best clean and green products on the Main Line! Suki, Innersence, Hamadi, Pevonia, Jane Iredale Mineral Make Up, Arnica, Traumeel, candles, soaps and more.

Stocking stuffers are available! Check out their affordable skin care kits for all ages, makeup and hair care product packages.

They also have the perfect skin care products for him. Purchase your holiday and special occasion gift cards at Cole Wellness Spa in any denomination. Your family, friends and co-workers will love it. They can use it towards all services and retail products carried by Cole. Cole takes phone orders for gift cards and will mail them out that the same day. Stop on in to check out their holiday specials this season!

Fiore - where fashion is always in bloom!

Fiore—Moda Italiano

fiorefwayne.com
104 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, PA
Phone: 610-688-1010
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10-5; Thursday 10-6. Call for special holiday hours.
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Fiore on Twitter

Known simply as Fiore, this Soho-inspired boutique is located in the heart of the historic Wayne shopping district. The unique European flair of this boutique is expressed through the hip affordable clothing, accessories and the exquisite Italian decor. The cozy intimate surrounding and the “passion for fashion” of the boutique owner will make your visit a truly distinctive shopping experience. Grab an espresso and discover how one or two chic and trendy items can update your whole wardrobe. Fiore—where fashion is always in bloom!

Color Me Mine

wayne.colormemine.com
109 West Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, PA
Phone: 610-687-9777
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11-8, Friday-Saturday 11-9, Sunday 11-6
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Color Me Mine on Twitter

This year give the gift of creativity. Color Me Mine is a paint-your-own pottery studio where you can explore your creativity by creating one-of-a-kind pottery pieces. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or looking for spending special bonding time with your friends or family – Color Me Mine has the perfect setting for you.

Don’t think you’re artistic? Color Me Mine has tons of samples to copy, stamps and stencils, and easy-to-do techniques that will amaze you when you see your finished product.

Amuse children of all ages, including infants-paint your baby’s feet or your children’s hands on a platter, a clock or a coffee mug. Color Me Mine has over 400 pieces to choose from including kids items to holiday, household and decorative items. Don’t have the time? They can do it for you! Simply ask the friendly staff about custom painting.

Pricing and turnaround time: There is a studio fee of $7 for children 12 and younger and $10 for ages 13+ plus the price of the piece. Prices vary depending on the size of the piece, but start at around $16. Please allow at least one week for glazing and firing of your pottery items. The paints are non-toxic and lead-free and items are food-safe after firing. Reservations are recommended. Check out their website for special events and discounted days.

Color Me Mine is the ideal setting for birthday parties, team building, camps, after school enrichment, classes, gifts, private parties, fundraisers, corporate events, scout parties and more!

Bark Avenue Boutique

thebarkavenueboutique.com
107 North Aberdeen Avenue
Wayne, PA
Phone: 610-341-9800
Hours: 9:30 to 6:30 Monday through Saturday
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Bark Avenue on Twitter

From the moment you first enter The Bark Avenue Boutique, you’ll realize this is not an ordinary store for dogs! You’re greeted with a sense of sophistication as you take in all that’s before you-artwork of royal dogs hanging over the fireplace with beautiful crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Whether it’s an accessory for your own precious pup (big or small) or the perfect gift for a friend, you’re sure to be delighted with all The Bark Avenue Boutique has to offer. Stop in and see them in their brand new Wayne location or in their flagship shop in Suburban Square. Bark Avenue Boutique is the address for the sophisticated pooch!

Great holiday gifts for guys and gals available at Wayne’s popular Blue Horse Boutique!

Blue Horse Boutique

shopbluehorse.com
118 East Lancaster Avenue
Phone: 610-254-2583
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-7; Sunday 12-5
Become a Fan on Facebook
Follow Blue Horse on Twitter

Blue Horse is a fun boutique with unique gifts for everyone on your shopping list. They offer gift items for you, your entire family, all your friends, and the dog. Are you shopping for that person who has everything? They are the store for you! Some of their more popular brands are Patience Brewster, Curly Girl, Lolita, Dimacci, Mud-Pie and Ellie Rose.

If you are the first person through their door any day you will receive 20% off any non-sale item of your choice, or you can check in on Facebook or Foursquare for additional discounts.

Are you a local retailer? We would love to work with you on effective PR and marketing strategies. Email us: info@aroundmainline.com or call Sarah Lockard at 610-715-9091.

Photos courtesy of Lura Jewelry

"I love to take seemingly delicate motifs such as roses, vines or smoke, and give them substance. I want my work to be comfortable on the body, as well as add an element of mystery to its wearer,” enthused designer Megan Steer.

This giveaway is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Lura Jewelry is the creation of Megan Steer, a New York based designer, graduate of the Parsons School of Design and Main Line native. Steer hails from Wayne!

Miss Steer generously offered to celebrate her incredible line of jewelry, which can be viewed in its entirety on Etsy, by rewarding a lucky AroundMainLine.com fan with her Damselfly and Dragonfly sterling silver and ruby ring valued over $250.

A stunning addition to your jewelry collection, the ring features a 12mm x 10mm oval, faceted, lab-grown ruby. Flanking either side of the stone are a damselfly and a dragonfly. This ring can be sized from 5-10 easily.

“I normally work with gemstones that have come from the earth, but I decided to make an exception for this stone. This is a real ruby, it was simply grown in a laboratory rather than mined from the ground: on a molecular level there is no difference. The color is just exquisite: a bright, deep, fuchsia pink. It’s joyous,” said Steer.

One lucky AroundMainLine.com fan will win this ring by commenting below.

Please note Ms. Steer will be custom designing the winner’s ring to size and the ring will be sent approximately the first week of December to the winner.

How to Enter

Leave us a comment below by noon Tuesday, November 22th, 2011. One winner will be drawn randomly after the close of the giveaway with the help of random.org!

GOOD LUCK AML FANS!

About Lura Jewelry

Website: LuraJewelry.com
Facebook: Join Lura Jewelry on Facebook
Etsy: Visit Lura Jewelry on Etsy

1. PROMOTION PERIOD. Promotion begins on announced time EST (“Promotion Period”). All entries must be received by the announced time (EST) to be eligible for that day’s drawing.
2. ELIGIBILITY. This giveaway is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry, except officers, directors, members, and employees of the Sponsor, the judging organization (if applicable), or any other party associated with the development or administration of this Promotion, and the immediate family (i.e., parents, children, siblings, spouse), and persons residing in the same household, as such individuals. This Promotion is void outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and where prohibited.
3. WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION. The sole winner will be drawn from all entries received during the announced Promotional Period using a randomized computer numerical system, random.org.
4. TAXES. All federal, state and/or local income and other taxes, if any, are the winner’s sole responsibility.
5. ODDS OF WINNING. The odds of winning this Promotion depend on the number of eligible entries received.
6. Winner(s) will be announced on aroundmainline.com, Facebook (www.facebook.com/aroundmainline) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/aroundmainline).

Photos courtesy of People’s Light and Theatre and Mark Garvin

Andrew Kane, Michael Doherty, and Rachel Brennan in Kathryn Petersen’s Treasure Island: A Musical Panto, with music and lyrics by Michael Ogborn. At People’s Light & Theatre through January 8th. Photo by Mark Garvin.

People’s Light & Theatre presents Treasure Island: A Musical Panto, by Kathryn Petersen, with music and lyrics by Michael Ogborn. It runs November 16, 2011 – January 8, 2012 on the Main Stage. Associate Artistic Director Pete Pryor directs.

In Treasure Island: A Musical Panto, Mother Hawkins and Long John Silver return for the holidays with the rascally rabble aboard Ye Olde Blowharde. They sing, dance, stagger, and swim their way through a few of the Seven Seas in search of Billy Bones’ treasure.

Now a holiday tradition, audiences ages 5-105 have been selling out People’s Light’s Main Stage for eight seasons to see the company’s World Premieres of Panto-spins on classic tales. Treasure Island will be the first time People’s Light is reviving one of its most popular productions, adding new material to make it a special experience for all who enjoyed it the first time, as well as newcomers.
Composer and Lyricist Michael Ogborn joined the creative team for the 2007 version of Treasure Island and has co-written with Playwright Kathryn Petersen all of the Pantos since then: Cinderella (2008), Snow White (2009), and The Three Musketeers (2010).

“With this ensemble and creative staff, we all have great ideas,” Ogborn says. “The respect that everyone has for the process that we put together every year is really extraordinary. And it’s a lot of fun. I have a feeling that this Treasure Island is going to be bigger and better than ever!”

WHAT IS A PANTO?

The Panto is a tradition borrowed from England, where almost every town has a Panto during the holiday season. Pantos are a mix between a fractured fairy tale and a variety show, using familiar stories to form the basis for exaggeration, outrageous jokes, and rollicking songs and dances. They incorporate specific elements, including “the dame” (a man dressed as a woman), audience participation (in the form of cheering the heroes and booing the villains), a “messy bit,” candy passed out to the audience, and a “silly song” that inspires an audience sing-along.

TICKET INFORMATION

Treasure Island: A Musical Panto previews on Wednesday, November 16th and Thursday, November 17th at 7pm. The play opens on Saturday, November 19th at 7pm and runs through Sunday, January 8th. Audiences are encouraged to join the artists after each Thursday evening performance for a conversation about the production.

Single tickets range in price from $35 – $45. For tickets, call the box office at 610.644.3500. Special discounts are available for groups of 15 or more. For more information or to purchase group tickets, call 610.647.1900 x134 or email charles@peopleslight.org. Actors, prices, performance dates and times are subject to change. Additional service charges will apply. Contact the box office for more details.

People’s Light & Theatre is located at 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA 19355. For tickets call 610.644.3500 or visit PeoplesLight.org. Treasure Island is part of the PNC Arts Alive Family Discovery Series.