“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.

A shopping extravaganza with over $3,000 in giveaways awaits at AroundMainLine.com’s first ever Holiday Shopping Night at QVC Studio Park. The grand prize is a $2,000 beauty basket brimming with QVC’s top products!

It is no doubt the most incredible AML party in our three year history and an outstanding night of holiday shopping with our great friends at QVC! Join us for a festive evening at the Studio Park QVC store Wednesday December 7th from 6pm to 8pm for AroundMainLine.com’s Holiday Shopping Night at QVC Studio Park. There is no cover to attend, the evening will be catered by The Classic Diner and we will have surprises and giveaways galore!

Shop the very cool Studio Store that features QVCs’ top lines and most popular products including Philosophy, Joan Rivers, Bare Escentuals, Diamonique, Wen Hair Products, Kitchen Aid, Quaker Factory, Temptations, Lock and Lock and more!

QVC Hosts and Celebrity Appearances!

Several of our favorite QVC hosts will also be making an appearance at the event including: Lisa Robertson, David Venable, Dan Wheeler, Antonella Nester, and Jill Bauer! In addition, celebrity hair stylist Chaz Dean, who has single-handedly transformed the beauty industry with the wildly successful WEN Hair & Body Care line, is flying in from L.A. with his entire staff and his famous dogs JUST for the party!

Several QVC hosts will be popping in to say hello over the course of the evening in the Studio Park Store.

Exciting Giveaways!

Every half hour starting at 6:30 sharp, we will be giving away the most amazing prizes of QVC products to some very lucky guests! Our GRAND Prize for the evening will be an enormous basket with over $2,000 of QVC BEAUTY PRODUCTS! The Grand Prize winner will be announced that evening on AroundMainLine.com’s Facebook page!

Nom Nom Nom!

Did we mention the delicious complimentary food you can nosh on at the party? Malvern’s popular The Classic Diner will be catering the evening and Delaware’s Desserts by Dana (yeah, those folks of TLC’s The Next Great Baker fame) will be sampling their incredible desserts all night long!

How to RSVP

We have already received well over 300 RSVPS for this incredible event. It is very important that you RSVP in one of three ways so that we can plan to the best of our ability with our fine friends at QVC. Note, you do not have to RSVP to attend. We will accept walk-ins but it is tremendously helpful to us, QVC and our incredible vendors if we know you are attending as well as the size of your party.

1) RSVP on AML’s Facebook Event Page

2) RSVP on QVC’s website

3) Email: rsvp@aroundmainline.com with your name and party size.

Party Attire

Party attire is business casual. Absolutely no baseball caps, ripped jeans or sweatshirts are permitted. Dress to Impress!

In closing, I am beyond excited for this event. It will no doubt be the most maginificent AML event ever and a night to remember. We look forward to seeing all of you on Wednesday, December 7th. My best advice is to arrive between the times of 6-6:30pm as we expect the night to be very popular and we could approach full event capacity at any one time.

Be Social!

Join QVC on Facebook.

Follow QVC on Twitter.

Directions to QVC Studio Park

When you arrive at QVC (1200 Wilson Drive, West Chester) please follow signs to the Studio Store and bear left at the Main QVC sign. Parking lot is on the left hand side. Studio Store entrance will be to your right.

With fall in full swing, AroundMainLine.com has put together the perfect guide for apple picking around the Delaware Valley.

The leaves are turning, the temperatures are dropping and the apple picking season is most definitely upon us! With fall in full swing, AroundMainLine.com has put together the perfect guide for apple picking around the Delaware Valley. Our local orchards and farms are an integral part of the region’s culture and community and we could not think of a better way to celebrate them!

Here’s to lots of fun adventures, great memories and of course…yummy apples!

Cheers,
Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com

Berks County

Weaver’s Orchard Farm Market
40 Fruit Lane, Morgantown, PA
Web: weaversorchard.com
Facebook: Click here to become a Facebook fan
Twitter: @WeaversOrchard
Phone: 610-856-7300
Seasonal Hours (May-October): Monday-Friday 8-7; Saturday 8-5; Closed Sunday
Winter Hours (November-April): Monday-Friday 8-6; Saturday 8-5; Closed Sunday
Details: Weaver’s Orchard Farm Market is a fourth generation family farm nestled in the scenic hills of Berks County, just 15 minutes south of Reading, Pennsylvania. The orchard farm market is open year-round featuring fresh, local and homegrown fruits and vegetables. Choose from a variety of bakery fresh pies, pastries and artisan breads, deli sandwiches and cold cuts, free-range meat from local Pennsylvania farms, hormone-free dairy products and much more. Nestled in the beautiful hills of Berks County just 15 minutes south of Reading, between Morgantown and Green Hills on route 10, Weaver’s Orchard is a destination for family fun in Pennsylvania, offering many activities for the family such as festivals, wholesome entertainment and educational events throughout the year.

Snipes Farm, Nursery and Golf
890 W. Bridge Street, Morrisville, PA
Web: snipesfarm.com
Facebook:Click here to become a Facebook fan
Phone: 215-295-1138
Email: info8@snipesfarm.com
Hours: Open Daily 9am to 4pm
Details: Sister and brother team, Susan Snipes-Wells and Jonathan Snipes, manage the family farm. They hold a vision that Snipes Farm is a green jewel in congested lower Bucks County. A love of the land and a spirit of peace guide the Snipes family, and the many dedicated Snipes employees, as they work to keep the farm a beautiful and welcoming place for the public. A lot has changed since James and Joan Moon arrived in Bucks County in 1682, but 323 years later Snipes Farm’s 150 acres of recreation, fruit orchards and ancient trees still welcome visitors. Apple picking runs through Oct. 30th based on crop availability.

Solebury Orchards
3325 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA
Web: soleburyorchards.com
Facebook:Click here to become a Facebook fan
Phone: 215-297-8079
Email: mail@soleburyorchards.com
Hours: Thurs to Sunday 9am to 6pm
Details: Solebury Orchards, located in the center of scenic Bucks County, grows peaches, apples, blueberries, raspberries and other fruits. The farm is well known for its high quality fruits which are available from summer through winter at the Solebury Orchards Market. Increasingly popular at the orchard is pick your own, where customers can enjoy themselves surrounded by beautiful fields of berries and orchards. During weekends in September and October there are wagon rides through the orchards for apple picking. All pick-your-own fruit is priced by the pound for whatever you pick, with no additional charges. Apple picking is available through Nov. 7th rain or shine.

Chester County

Highland Orchards
11000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road, West Chester, PA
Web: highlandorchards.net
Facebook:Click here to become a Facebook fan
Phone: 610-269-3494
Email: events@highlandorchards.net
Hours: Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm, picking registration ends daily at 5pm.
Details: With over 200 acres of growing crops, Highland boasts twenty varieties of apples. And, you can bet there is plenty of activity this time of year on the farm-from hayrides, a kid korral, scarecrow building and more. Check the orchard blog on their website for daily updates on available apples and upcoming events.

Delaware County

Linvilla Orchards, Media

Linvilla Orchards
137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA
Web: linvillaorchards.com
Facebook:Click here to become a Facebook fan
Twitter: @ILoveThatPlace
Phone: 610-876-8796
Email: apples@linvilla.com
Hours: Farm Market & Pumpkinland: Sunday-Thursday 9am-8pm; Friday & Saturday 9am-9pm
Details: Pick your own apples 9am-6pm every day at Linvilla Orchards. Their Pumpkinland Harvest Festival runs through November 6th. Larger than life figures and scarecrows illustrate the legends and lure of the harvest season, local history and some of the many stories of pumpkins and apples. Group programs are available for school and camp tours, evening hayrides with campfires and birthday parties. Hop on a tractor at Linvilla for a harvest hay ride and enjoy a scenic and fun tour of their fields and orchards.

Lehigh County

County Line Orchard
9200 Kings Highway, Kempton, PA
Web: clorchard.com
Facebook:Click here to become a Facebook fan
Phone: 610-756-6411
Email: todds@enter.net
Hours: July through October: Fri., Sat. and Sun. 10am to 6pm; November: Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Details: Apple picking at County Line runs from September through mid November. Varieties still available for picking include: Melrose, Rome, Ida Red, Suncrisp and Goldrush.

Strawberry Acres
1767 Clearview Road, Coplay, PA
Web: strawberryacres.com
Phone: 610-262-8484
Email: upikfruit@verizon.net
Hours: Monday through Friday 9a.m. to 7p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5p.m.; Sunday from 11am to 5 pm
Details: Strawberry Acres provides picking containers and rides to the field. No ladders are needed to pick your own fruit. On weekends during the fall, they offer a hayride through the orchard during operating hours. It’s a fifteen minute ride with a beautiful view of Lehigh Gap and the Blue Mountain. They also offer kids crafting events for fun fall crafts to bring home to mom and dad. This takes place at 11am on Saturdays in September and October in the Johnny Appleseed Schoolhouse. A different craft each weekend—so visitors can come for one or all craft days. Recommended for children ages 5 to 10. Reservation not needed, but preferred for supply purchasing. Minimal fee. Pony Rides: Available to all riders, weekends only! Riders are led by experienced handlers.

For a complete list of locales and times for apple picking across the region, visit: www.pickyourown.org

White Dog Wayne is resourcing its local farms for fresh, seasonal items to include in its exciting Mondays Without Meat menu options.

Beginning Monday, July 11th, AroundMainLine.com’s Mondays Without Meat encourages vegetarian options at local restaurants around the Main Line. Eight restaurants are participating and will be offering diner specials each of the four Mondays—through August 1st—focusing on new or prix fixe vegetarian appetizers and entrees.

It’s the perfect time of year to embrace the seasonal fruits and vegetables that our chefs across the region can resource. In addition, we are highlighting restaurants that have a special vested interest in their vegetarian customers.

We encourage you to make reservations for Mondays Without Meat this week. The full list of restaurants is below with many offering menu details. In addition, we will be updating AroundMainLine.com’s Facebook page as we receive restaurant information.

Follow Mondays Without Meat on Twitter: @MondaysWOMeat

A very sincere thanks to our fantastic participants and we hope you enjoy the inaugural Mondays Without Meat.

Bon Appetit!
Sarah Lockard
AroundMainLine.com Publisher

Eight Participating Restaurants for Mondays Without Meat

Alfredo BYO, Berwyn
Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, West Chester
Gullifty’s, Rosemont
Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar, Glen Mills
Khajuraho India BYO, Ardmore
Red Hound Grille, Paoli
Saffron Indian Kitchen, Bala Cynwyd
White Dog Wayne

Mondays Without Meat Sample Menus

Restaurants may be offering additional or different options depending on the popularity of dishes. Sample menus are subject to availability.

Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar, Glen Mills

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Appetizer
Roasted Garlic, White Truffle Panko, Asiago Cream & Toasted Pita

Truffled Caprese Salad
Heirloom Tomatoes, House Made Mozzarella, White Truffle & Ricotta Cream

Pear and Blue Cheese Flatbread
Seasonal Pears, Birch Run Hills Farm Bleu Cheese, Baby Arugula & Fig Glaze

Tofu Stir Fry
Baby Bok Choy, Carrots, Pineapple, Yellow Peppers & Snow Peas

Choice of Dessert

Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, West Chester

Cashew Encrusted Tilapia
Served with Jamaican Rum Butter Sauce and Mango Salsa

Thai Chili Glazed Tuna
Served with a Wakame Seaweed Salad and a Wasabi Sauce

Doc’s Salmon
Served over Sweet Potato and Crab Meat Hash with BBQ Burre Blanc

Saffron Indian Kitchen, Bala Cynwyd

Vegetarian prix fixe special:
$14.00 per person for 3 courses

Appetizer

Bekaneri Kabob-a crisp golden fried kabob made from grated vegetables and spices

Entree (choice of one)

Chana Saag-served with grilled tandoori vegetables and saffron rice

Navratan Korma-A blend of mix vegetables cooked in a creamy cashew sauce, served with grilled tandoori vegetables and saffron rice

Dessert (choice of one)

Naan or Whole Wheat Roti.

White Dog Wayne

Appetizers

Summer Fruit Salad—baby arugula, local berries, watermelon, feta cheese, marcona almonds, aged balsamic vinaigrette

DiBruno Brothers Burrata—heirloom tomatoes, torn croutons, basil pesto

Entrees

Vegetable Enchiladas—branch creek farm zucchini blossoms, fresh tomatillo puree, avocado, micro cilantro

Wood Grilled Tofu—red pepper coulis, eggplant caponata, olive tapanade

Alfredo BYO, Berwyn

(Additional vegetarian options will also be available during Mondays Without Meat)

Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare served with avocado

Olive Board, marinated mix & bagna cauda

Smoked Eggplant Braciole, filled with fresh house made ricotta, San Marzano salsa verde

Seasonal Homemade Gelato, daily selection

Khajuraho India BYO, Ardmore

Vegetarian prix fixe special:
$15.95 per person for 2 courses (appetizer and entree)
$17.95 per person for 3 courses (appetizer, entree and dessert)

Customers can choose from the current vegetarian menu options, plus the following:

Eggplant Spread (appetizer)

Pakora Curry (entree)

Redhound Grille, Paoli

July 11th

Mediterranean Plate
Homemade Hummus with grilled Pita Bread served with Olive Medley and Roasted Red Peppers

Falafel Sandwich
Falafel served on grilled Pita Bread with Hummus and fresh Bean Sprouts

July 18th

Arugula Salad
Herbed Goat Cheese Croquette, toasted Almonds and a Raspberry Vinagrette

Vegetarian Moussaka
Layers of Grilled Eggplant with fresh Tomato Basil Sauce and Mozzarella Cheese

July 25th

Chilled Melon Soup

Fresh Tomato Mozzarella Flatbread Pizza with fresh Basil

August 1st

Grilled Watermelon
Topped with wilted Mixed Greens, Goat Cheese and Balsamic Reduction

Potato Gnocchi
Baby Spinach, Roasted Butternut Squash, Exotic Mushrooms and a Mushroom Broth

Gullifty’s, Rosemont

Grilled Summer Vegetables (Vegan)
Served over short grain brown rice with a balsamic reduction

Baked Brie
Peach sauce, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil

Basil Pesto Pizza
Roasted red peppers

Fettucine Alfredo
Portobello mushrooms, red onion and fresh blueberries

On Mondays thru Saturdays, along with tractor wagons, Varner’s Farm will have teams of Belgian Draft horses to take you to cut your own Christmas tree.

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 4pm
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 this Saturday, December 18th at 6:00pm and 7:00pm. Refreshments will be served and they will offer a special time of fellowship afterwards.

Create family memories of a lifetime by cutting down your own Christmas tree this season!

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.

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 18th 6:30pm and 8:00pm and one show on Sunday, December 19th 6:30pm. The Live Nativity setting takes place outside, so be sure to dress warm!

Hot Chocolate and Hot Cider

Linvilla Orchards
137 West Knowlton Road
Media, PA
610- 876-7116
Hours: Thru December 23rd
Monday thru Friday 10am – 4pm
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 1pm-2pm 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 18th at 4:30pm where families can enjoy a hayride and then sing carols around the campfire while enjoying yummy apple cider and roasting marshmallows.

Headed Home…

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!

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.

All Aboard!
Ride the rails with Santa and Mrs. Claus this holiday season!

West Chester Railroad
The Santa Express
Every weekend through December 20th
Train Departs at 11am, 1 and 3pm
West Chester, PA
www.westchesterrr.com
Adults $15, Children 2+ $10

A ride on the West Chester Railroad’s Santa Express this holiday season offers kids young and old a trip back to a simple time along the beautiful Chester Creek in Chester County. The route is part of the old Pennsylvania Railroad central division on the West Chester and Phoenixville branch.

Christmas Tree Train – New for 2010!
Sundays December 12th & 19th
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

West Chester Railroad is hosting its first Christmas Tree train this holiday season! For the first time, we have partnered with Wiggins Tree Farm in West Chester, PA. The train will board at the intersection of Adams St. and Nields St. There is a gravel parking lot at the intersection. Visit www.wigginschristmastrees.com for additional information about the tree farm. All trees have the special price of $40 for all Tree Train ticket holders.

Strasburg Railroad
Santa’s Paradise Express
November 26th-28th, December 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th
Strasburg, PA
www.strasburgrailroad.com

Just in time for the holidays, Santa’s Paradise Express is pulling in to Strasburg Rail Road Thanksgiving weekend, starting November 26, 2010. Join Santa on his journey to spread the magic of the season to thousands of families who believe. Trains start running at 11:00 am each weekend. Tickets are priced at $17 for adults, $10 for children ages 3-11, and $3 for kids 3 and under. For a complete listing of dates and times, or to purchase tickets go to www.StrasburgRailRoad.com or call (717) 687-7522. Click here to read a full feature on this season’s Strasburg Railroad on AroundMainLine.com.

The New Hope Railroad & Ivyland Railroad
The North Pole Express
November 20th-December 23rd on select days
New Hope, PA
www.newhoperailroad.com

The New Hope & Ivyland Railroad once again welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus along with a whole host of holiday revelers. The North Pole’s most famous resident will be parking his sleigh and riding aboard the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad’s steam powered “North Pole Express.” Santa will be visiting onboard with children, while posing for photographs and offering them a small gift and holiday wishes!

Wayne Hotel’s Old Fashioned Christmas is Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th.

Wayne Hotel’s Old Fashioned Christmas
Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th
Wayne, PA
www.waynechristmas.com

Wayne Hotel Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Friday December 3, 2010

• Winter Carriage rides – 5:30pm – 8:30pm
• Ornament decorating – 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Tree lighting – 7:30pm with Christmas carols led by VFMA beforehand

Face painting and tree ornament crafts at the Radnor Fire Co. Carolers stroll the streets of Wayne. The Valley Forge Military Academy & College Choir sings Christmas carols at the Wayne Train Station. Then the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and countdown.

Wayne Hotel Santa Parade
Saturday December 4, 2010

• Santa Parade starts from Acme – 10:00am
• Santa greets children on the porch of the Wayne Hotel – 10:30am-12:00noon

Santa rides into Wayne with the Radnor Fire Company and meets with children on the porch of the Wayne Hotel.

Malvern’s Victorian Christmas
Friday evening, December 3rd 6-8:30p.m.
Saturday, December 4th 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Malvern, PA
www.malvernsvictorianchristmas.org

Celebrate the lighting of the town Christmas tree (approximately at 6:15 p.m.) with special host Harry Hairston of NBC10. The tree lighting will be followed by musical performances throughout town, strolling street performers, children’s shows, horse and carriage rides, a hay ride and more. Special events throughout town on Saturday, December 4th.

West Chester’s 31st Annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration
2nd Annual Jingle Elf Run
Friday, December 3rd Run 6:30p.m; Parade 7:30 p.m.
www.gwcc.org/chamber-events/old-fashioned-christmas-sponsored-by-flavia

Get ready to ring in the season with the MARS drinks Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade in Downtown West Chester set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 3. The parade, presented annually since 1980 by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester (GWCC), is the highlight of the four day Old Fashioned Christmas celebration held Thurs., Dec. 2. through Sun., Dec. 5 featuring over forty events including theatrical and musical performances, guided walking tours, a holiday craft bazaar and breakfast with Santa.

Prior to the parade, many businesses and organizations throughout the downtown will host Holiday Open Houses featuring refreshments and seasonal entertainment. At 6:30 p.m., the Second Annual Jingle Elf Run, sponsored by First Niagara Bank, kicks off at Market and High Streets with a 2-mile run and a 1-mile walk. Proceeds from the Jingle Elf Run benefit Family Service of Chester County.

25th Annual Candelight Christmas in Chadds Ford
Saturday, December 4th
1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Chadds Ford, PA
www.chaddsfordhistory.org

Make the self-drive Candlelight Christmas tour your first weekend date in December!
Read about all the houses on this year’s tour on chaddsfordhistory.org!

Chestnut Hill’s Stag and Doe Nights return Wednesdays December 8th, 15th, 22nd 6-9 p.m. Photo courtesy of Vida Carson Photography

Chestnut Hill’s Stag and Doe Nights
Wednesdays December 8th, 15th, 22nd 6p.m. to 9 p.m.
Chestnut Hill, PA
www.chestnuthill.com

Chestnut Hill will truly shine on our special Wednesdays nights in December as our one-of-a-kind shops open their doors and welcome you with wonderful gift ideas, refreshments and personalized, friendly service. Stroll the Avenue and savor the beauty of the holiday season in Chestnut Hill where white lights twinkle in the trees, carolers sing on the street, fresh pine boughs decorate the shops and the crisp winter air reminds you of what the holiday season should be.

The Narberth Dickens Festival
Saturday December 11th Noon-4pm
Narberth, PA
www.narberthonline.com

The Narberth Dickens Festival draws thousands to Narberth every year, and is the fastest-growing holiday event in Montgomery County. It’s a free family event held each December on the streets of downtown Narberth. In this Dickens-themed event, the town of Narberth is transformed into 1840′s London, as Ebeneezer Scrooge and all the characters from A Christmas Carol roam the streets for an afternoon.

While attending “A Christmas Carol,” guests are welcome to explore the Byers’ Choice Visitor Center, which pays homage to Dickensian England!

Byers Choice Ltd.
Gerald Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Saturday December 11th and Sunday December 12th
Chalfont, PA
www.byerschoice.com/Page-Dickens-Returns_47.aspx

It will be a Dickens of a weekend at Byers’ Choice Ltd. when Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great grandson of famed author Charles Dickens, captures audiences as he performs his one-man show of “A Christmas Carol” from December 11th and 12th.

While attending “A Christmas Carol,” guests are welcome to explore the Byers’ Choice Visitor Center, which pays homage to Dickensian England as gas lanterns and cobblestone streets pave the way through a life-size recreation of an olde London street scene.

Show times at Byers’ Choice are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $18 each and can be purchased online at www.byerschoice.com or by calling 215-822-6700. Seating is limited and previous performances have sold out. Interested guests are encouraged to reserve seats early.

Kennett Square Borough Historical Commission
2010 Candlelight Holiday Home Tour
Sunday, December 12th 4p.m. to 7 pm.
Kennett Square, PA
www.kennettsquarehistory.org/candlelighthometour.html

Prepare to remember holidays past! Organized by the Kennett Square Borough Historical Commission, the committee has selected an array of homes which highlight the unique and varied history of the borough. The tour is self guided and the brochure will have a brief history of each home and what you can expect to see there. Visit the website for full details and to purchase tickets, which are $20 per person.

A Taste of Britain's Winter Wonderland Full Afternoon Tea is Sunday, December 12th. Photo courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography.

A Taste of Britain
Gingerbread Workshop
Saturday, December 11th
11am or 3pm seatings
www.easyelegance.net/events.html

Celebrate the spirit of the holidays by making a gingerbread house! This will be a special creation for your centerpiece at the dinner table, a unique gift for a friends and family and a lifelong memory.
You and your child will create a gingerbread house with gingerbread by using the creative & festive candy supplies we provide. Workshop will be led by one of our fabulous bakers!

Beverages and Snacks will be provided for all. $45.00 per gingerbread house-Call 610-971-0390 to reserve your seat! Limited space available.

A Taste of Britain
Winter Wonderland Full Afternoon Tea
Sunday, December 12th
10am to 6pm
Eagle Village Shops
Wayne, PA
www.easyelegance.net/events.html

Enjoy a full afternoon British tea throughout the day at Eagle Village Shops’ A Taste of Britain. Reservations will be accepted from 10am to 6pm.

A BYOB, A Taste of Britain is offering both an adult and children’s menu. The cost is $28 per person, $18 per child.

Eagle Village Shops is hosting a fun Ladies Night Out on Thursday, December 16th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Photo courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography

Ladies Night Out at Eagle Village Shops
Thursday, December 16th , 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wayne, PA
Click here to RSVP on the Facebook event page for Ladies Night Out

“Tuck in the Kids, Kiss the Spouse, Now it’s Time to Get Out of the House!”

Join the shop owners of Eagle Village Shops on Thursday December 16th from 4pm to 7pm at Eagle Village Shops and enjoy shopping, treats and fun with friends at all of your favorite stores and restaurants.

Participants include, Ellie, Vivi G Shoes, Gramercy Boutique, Skirtin Around, J. McLaughlin, Fresh Ayer, Interiors, Kat Bradley Accessories, Silverspoon Cafe, A Taste of Britain, Christas
and The Little House Shop.

The fall foliage is in full swing and the brisk evening air means All Hallow’s Eve cannot be far away! For the last two weekends of October—and beyond—AML has the best places to pick apples, find a great pumpkin, hitch a hayride, take in a fall festival, and more.

Enjoy the wonders of the autumn season,

Sarah Lockard
AML Publisher

Enjoy Harvest Days at Lansdale’s popular Merrymead Farm

Merrymead Farm
Harvest Days
Lansdale, PA
www.merrymead.com

The Rothenberger Family invites you to bring your family and enjoy their Montgomery County farm during their Harvest Days! A family owned and operated working dairy farm and farm market, Merrymead is one of Pennsylvania’s Century Farms and has been in the same family for over 100 years.

Harvest Day Activities continue on Saturday October 23rd and Sunday October 24th from 11 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays and 12 PM to 5 PM on Sundays. Merrymead will also have Harvest Days on Saturday October 30th from 11 AM to 5 PM and Sunday October 31st from 12 PM to 4 PM. Please note, activities will stop exactly at 4 PM on Halloween!

Enjoy a delicious ice cream cone or take home a Gram’s Apple pie, fresh from their bakery!

Fall Store Hours: Mon. – Sat. 8AM – 9PM, Sun. 12PM – 9PM

*Please note: Harvest Days begin at 12PM on Sundays.

Pick your own apples at Highland Orchards!

Highland Orchards Fall Harvest Festival
West Chester, PA
highlandorchards.net

Highland’s Fall Harvest Festival is Noon-5pm every weekend in the fall through November 1st. Highland offers 45 acres of delicious apples to be picked every day from 9 a.m. to 5p.m. For families, Highland offers hayrides, scarecrow building, fun children’s activities and shuttles to prime picking spots. Their market is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Call 610-269-3494 or visit www.highlandorchards.net.

Linvilla Orchards
Media, PA
Linvilla.com

Linvilla’s annual Halloween Costume Parade is Sunday, October 24th. Registration starts at noon.

Halloween Costume Parade
Halloween Parade
Sunday, October 24th
Noon to 4:30pm

Registration begins this Sunday at Noon and runs through 2pm. A dance party is scheduled for 2pm, the parade will run from 3-4pm. Families will enjoy a Makin’ Music performance at 4pm with the winners announced at 4:30pm. Each child receives a treat! The Grand Prize is a $100 gift certificate to Linvilla Orchards.

Three winner will be picked from each age group—and all receive a prize.

Age groups are: Under 1, 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6, 7 and up and Groups & Families.

Witches Hayride
October 1 thru 3, 8 thru 10, and 15 thru 30
Fridays and Saturdays 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Sundays through Thursdays 5:30 – 8:00 pm

Linvilla Orchards famous Hayride to the Witches House is a hayride to visit the friendly Witches House in the woods. Our witch tells stories and jokes and gives all of the kids a treat. The hayride ends at a campfire where we provide a sample of our apple cider and marshmallows to roast.

This hayride is especially for children up to age 10 or 11. It is not a Haunted Hayride. Parents are welcome and encouraged to join their children on the ride.

The hayride departs from Pumpkinland and lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. You can get on a ride anytime between the hours listed. We operate many haywagons at the same time during our peak hours. The hayride to the Witches House is $8 per person.

Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Pumpkin Playground
Daily from Saturday, October 02, 2010-Sunday, October 31, 2010
9:00 AM — 5:00 PM

Kids can discover the fun of rolling, hugging and sitting on pumpkins, while creating an ever-changing display in the Idea Garden. Visit LongwoodGardens.org for more fun seasonal activities in October.

West Chester Rail Road
www.westchesterrr.net

The Great Pumpkin Express
Oct 23rd, 24th, 30th, 31st

All aboard the Great Pumpkin Express! Take a ride on The West Chester Railroad’s ‘haunted train’ as the friendly ghoulish crew hands out treats to all passengers. Everyone is welcome to dress up in their Halloween costumes. Halloween fun while you enjoy the Chester Creek autumn scenery from a heated train. Not too scary for the little ones!

Ride the Rails: October 23, 24, 30, 31 at 12PM & 2PM
Cost: Adults – $12.50 Children (2-12) – $10.50
Toddlers (under 2 not on parent lap) – $5.00

Fall Foliage Express
Nov 7th, 14th , 21st

Enjoy a brisk fall afternoon along the Chester Creek Valley from our heated train as we take you on a 90 minute journey back in time to the village of Glen Mills and back.
Ride the Rails: November 7, 14, 21
12PM & 2PM
Adults – $12.50 | Children (2-12) – $10.50 | Under 2 ride free!

For more infomation or directions, visit their website westchesterrr.net.

Second Annual Harvest Festival at the Willows
Sunday, Oct. 24th
1pm to 5pm
Presented by The Friends of the Willows & Greener Partners
Grounds of the Willows Park
490 Darby-Paoli Road
Radnor, PA
www.willowscottage.org

The Friends of the Willows Cottage and Greener Partners are throwing the second annual Harvest Festival on the grounds of the Willows park, 490 Darby-Paoli Road in Villanova, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24. The event will raise money to both create a sustainability education center at the cottage and support the pilot community supported agriculture project Skunk Hollow Farm, located next to the Willows.

There will be three opportunities for attendees to compete for prizes in fun, wholesome events: Bring your already-carved jack ‘o lantern pumpkins for judging and prizes; Bring your best home-made pie, which will also be judged and prizes awarded; There will be a pie-eating contest for children and adults of all ages.

There is no need to preregister for the contests. Just bring along your pumpkins and pies!

All food, drinks, entertainment and games will come with the price of an admission ticket. Tickets to the Harvest Festival cost $25 per adult, $10 for senior citizens, kids under 12 and students under 21, and $75 for a family. Volunteers are also needed at the event. To help out, email info@willowscottage.org.

Visit www.willowscottage.org and greenerpartners.org for more information on the nonprofit organizations and the event.

Plymouth Meeting Mall Fall Festival
Saturday, October 30th
3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with family fun at Plymouth Meeting Mall’s Fall Festival on Saturday, October 30 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. in Center Court. The event also serves as the kick-off of Plymouth Township Police Department’s Lieutenant Patty Simons Food Drive. Attendees are encouraged to donate to the Food Drive for a goodie bag.

From interactive games to pumpkin decorating, there will be several festive activities for children of all ages in addition to arts and crafts, prizes and more. The South Philly Vikings of the Philadelphia Mummers will have a special craft and costume station, and fortune-tellers will be available to read your palm and tarot cards. The Fall Festival is free and open to the public.

Peddler’s Village Tricks ‘N Treats
Saturday, October 30th
Rain or Shine
Featuring Giggleberry Fair Spooktacular
Lahaska, PA
www.peddlersvillage.com

Calling all ghosts, goblins and ghouls for a day of Halloween family fun! Peddler’s Village presents Tricks ‘n Treats featuring Giggleberry Fair Spooktacular on Saturday, October 30th. Wear your costume for trick or treating, pumpkin painting, hay maze, costume parade and more! The spooky schedule of events includes:

• All Day Trick or Treating in Peddler’s Village shops
• 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. Giggleberry Fair Spooktacular includes Pumpkin Painting, Face Painting and Balloon Sculptor FREE with purchase of Activity Pass
• 4 p.m. Halloween Costume Parade at Giggleberry Fair
• 3-6 p.m. Halloween DJ music, Costumed Characters & Stilt Walker on Main Green
• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Giggleberry Fair Hay Maze-$3 per person or 2 for $5
• Extra spooky fun! The first 250 people to sign up for the Halloween Costume Parade at Giggleberry Fair will receive a Halloween Goody Bag full of prizes and coupons!

Peddler’s Village annual Apple Festival is Saturday, November 6th and Sunday, November 7th, 2010.

Peddler’s Village 39th Annual Apple Festival
Sat., November 6 & Sun., November 7, 2010
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
FREE ADMISSION & FREE PARKING
Lahaska, PA
www.peddlersvillage.com

Scrumptious apple treats including country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters and everyones favorite—apples dipped in caramel! Take home a bushel fresh from the orchard. Juried Artisans sell their wares and demonstrate their skills at our Street Road Green Artisan Area. Live entertainment and apple pie-eating contests add to the festivities of this traditional autumn celebration. Traditional Fall celebration, featuring juried artisans, live entertainment and pie-eating contests. Enjoy a variety of apple treats including apple butter, cider, dumplings, fritters, dipped in caramel and fresh and unadorned.

Main Line Restaurant Week is Philadelphia’s largest suburban dining event!

It was most certainly a week of culinary delights to remember! 38 restaurants participated in the inaugural Main Line Restaurant Week, organized by AroundMainLine.com. This incredible celebration of the region’s finest chefs proved to be the most successful restaurant event to date in the Philadelphia suburbs.

Main Line Restaurant Week, which offered fixed price dinner menus for the entire week of September 27th through October 3rd, brought tens of thousands of locals out to support the western suburbs’ tastiest restaurants. “I’m so proud to have worked closely with so many of the area’s best restaurants. There has never been a dining event of this magnitude in the suburbs and I felt our area was long overdue. Many restaurants are reporting they had record weeks or were sold out several of the nights, so I know we have a good thing going here. I am thrilled everything turned out so well!” enthused Main Line Restaurant Week founder Sarah Lockard.

Main Line Restaurant Week’s official reservation partner, OpenTable, “was absolutely instrumental in the success of Main Line Restaurant Week. They are a wonderful event partner lending their marketing support and visibility to the participating OpenTable member restaurants. The Delaware Valley and Main Line have a strong dining culture and OpenTable allowed us to get in front of these diners to let them know Main Line Restaurant Week is here to stay,” said Lockard.

Plans for Main Line Restaurant Week Spring 2011 are underway!

Plans for Main Line Restaurant Week Spring 2011 are underway. “We’re looking forward to welcoming even more restaurants in 2011. I feel like this is one of those cases of ‘If you organize it, they will come.’”

Words from excited Main Line Restaurant Week Fans:

“Main Line Restaurant Week is an excellent idea. Dinner @ Legal Seafood was tremendous.” —Ed

“Thanks again to the Main Line Restaurant Week organizers and participating businesses. It’s certainly nice to have these community events.” —Joan

“I took my friend to Verdad last night for MLRW……..absolutely PHENOMENAL…..!” —Lauren

“Main Line Restaurant Week is a great idea. George’s was fabulous!” —Sue Thomulka

“Main Line Restaurant week was a great idea, It show cased some great restaurants with great deals.” —Katrin

Saffron Indian Kitchen, a popular BYOB with locations in both Bala Cynywd and Ambler, has received a tremendous response for reservations for Main Line Restaurant Week starting September 27th.

It is the Philadelphia suburb’s largest dining event ever—Main Line Restaurant Week! Created and organized by AroundMainLine.com, a week of culinary delights awaits thousands of foodies across the western suburbs starting tomorrow night, September 27th and running through October 3rd, 2010.

I have been a huge fan of the Main Line and western suburb dining scene having grown up here. And, we have some of the best chefs in the region and the most successful restaurants right in our own backyard. To me, it was due time to bring Main Line Restaurant Week to life this fall. When I announced the launch in early May, the immediate and enthusiastic response from our 2,200 AroundMainLine.com Facebook fans proved that we were on our way to a very successful event.

Here’s how it works. Our restaurants offer a prix fixe, three course dinner menu for one of the four tiers: dinner for $15, $20, $30 or $40. In addition, starting Monday night September 27th, we will kick off the first of eight special events that are a part of Main Line Restaurant Week with a ‘Monday Night Meetup’ at The Desmond in Malvern!

Main Line Restaurant Week, as you will notice with our website and list of 38 participating restaurants, is open to all surrounding towns who wanted to be a part of this inaugural event. Two of Manayunk’s top restaurants are participating—MangoMoon and Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar—as well as two restaurants from the Northern Liberties’ neighborhood who saw the value of marketing to a broad suburban and city audience—Sonata BYOB and PYT Burger.

Chef Nicholas Farina’s Verdad is one of the Main Line’s hottest restaurants.

You will see some of the Main Line’s most popular dining spots on our list—as well as some new faces including A Taste of Britain. Located in Eagle Village Shops, the successful British tea shop is launching dinner for the very first time during Main Line Restaurant Week with a gorgeous new outdoor patio to boot!

In addition, Main Line Restaurant Week is an official OpenTable event. OpenTable is the world’s most successful online reservation website and has offered us tremendous marketing support for our 22 OpenTable restaurants who are participating.

So, if you have not made your reservations for Main Line Restaurant Week—DO NOT WAIT! Click here to view our list of participating restaurants and their menus and prices.

Thank you all for your awesome support of Main Line Restaurant Week!

Bon Appetit!
Sarah Lockard
Creator and Organizer, Main Line Restaurant Week

Main Line Restaurant Week Fans Speak Out!

Eight special events are on the agenda during the seven days of restaurant week, including Mussels Mania at Exton’s top restaurant: Brickside Grille, Saturday October 2nd from 12 to 4pm.

“Thanks for this website and the amazing job you guys are doing planning Main Line Restaurant Week!” —Sherri

“We can’t wait for Main Line Restaurant Week!!” —Nicole

“What a great way to bring the community together—we need more of this!” —Laura

“Great Idea…just what we need along the Main Line…the opportunity to introduce our great restaurants to our great family of residents & friends. Bravo!” —Al

“Woo hoo! Can’t wait for Restaurant Week!” —Andrea

Main Line Restaurant Week’s Eight Special Events

Monday, Sept. 27th: Monday Night Meetup: Desmond Hotel in Malvern, 6-8pm

Tuesday, Sept. 28th: Benefit Party for the PSPCA at PYT, starting at 6pm.

Weds., Sept. 29th: Weds. Night Whinos at Dettera Restaurant and Wine Bar, 6-8:30pm

Thurs., Sept. 30th: AroundMainLine.com’s 2nd Birthday Bash at Gullifty’s, 5-9pm

Friday, October 1st: Celebrate with Sarah at georges’ in Wayne, 5-7pm

Sat., October 2nd: Mussels Mania at Brickside Grille in Exton, Noon to 4pm
Du Jour After Dark!, 8pm to Midnight.

Sunday, October 3rd: Pigksin Party Fun Finale at Flanigan’s Boathouse in Wayne, 4pm-7pm.

Main Line Restaurant Week Grand Prize Giveaway

The Grand Prize giveaway for the inaugural Main Line Restaurant Week is a luxurious spa getaway at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon valued over $1,000!

Click here to comment on MainLineRestaurantWeek.com for a chance to win! The contest runs Monday, September 27th through Sunday, October 3rd, 2010.

Main Line Restaurant Week Sponsors

BEN-FM

Secrets Limousine

Courtney Apple Photography

Belle Vie Photography

Mille Fleurs, Floral Design

OpenTable

Vance Bell, Web Design

Two Paperdolls

Main Line Restaurant Week’s 38 Participating Regional Restaurants

• A La Maison bistro
• A Taste of Britain
• alfredo byo
• Amani’s BYOB
• Azie On Main
• Bistro on the Brandywine
• Blackfish Restaurant
• Brandywine Prime Seafood and Chops at Chadds Ford Inn
• Brickside Grille
• Dettera Restaurant and Wine Bar
• Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House
• Du Jour
• Flanigan’s Boathouse – Conshohocken
• Flanigan’s Boathouse – Wayne
• Generations Restaurant
• georges’ Restaurant
• Great American Pub – Narberth
• Gullifty’s Pizza Bar and Grille
• Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar
• Jake’s & Cooper’s Wine Bar
• Legal Sea Foods
• MangoMoon
• Morton’s The Steakhouse
• Nectar
• PYT
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House
• Saffron Indian Kitchen – Ambler
• Saffron Indian Kitchen – Bala Cynwyd
• Sonata Restaurant BYOB
• Styer’s Garden Cafe at Terrain
• Sullivan’s Steakhouse
• Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen
• The Grille at Chesterbrook
• The Hunt Room at The Desmond Hotel
• The Paddock at Devon
• Uno Chicago Grill
• Verdad Restaurant and Tequila Bar
• Yangming

Main Line Restaurant Week starts Monday, September 27th and runs through Sunday, October 3rd, 2010. Visit MainLineRestaurantWeek.com for full details and menus.

“My life is full; full of interests, friends, and family. But, I hope to add a special someone to share the laughter and experiences of life with,” said Bowersox.

Toni Bowersox is a self-proclaimed tomboy. And, for the 53-year-old, Wilmington native she would not have it any other way. The AML sensational single, with an adorable pixie cut and personality to match, always found playing with the neighborhood boys growing up more intriguing than hanging with the girls. And, that playfulness and outgoing part of her rings true today. “I’ve always been on the periphery – not a follower, nor a trendsetter, but someone who is comfortable in her own skin being unique, following my own style. As a young girl, I climbed trees with the neighborhood boys—pretty much a tomboy, but yet held on to my feminine charm and character. To this day I am very at ease with men and attribute this to being a part of their play from an early age,” explained Bowersox.

The mother of one whose daughter, Taylor, is a nineteen-year old with special needs and whom Bowersox calls her “greatest teacher,” Toni was married for over twenty years before divorcing in 2008. Bowersox comes from a childhood where her own parents divorced when she was eight-but family ties remained important. “As a young girl, many of my weekends were spent at the homes of my Italian relatives playing with my many cousins. I have fond memories of Saturday dinners followed by games with cousins, aunts, and uncles. And on the Polish side, we gathered as a family on Sundays at my maternal grandmother’s home. This was a much more sedate gathering, but none the less fostered that love of family, tradition, and closeness,” said Toni.

Bowersox is an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

Bowersox draws from a family lineage of independent women—her maternal grandmother was a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ the cultural iconic name for women who worked in factories during World War II. Toni’s mother moved to Germany when she was sixteen. Bowersox decided to stay behind and finish out her high school years in Wilmington. Today, Bowersox fosters her female relationships with her love of fitness and the outdoors—she regularly hosts yoga weekend getaways for women at her beach house in North Bethany.

Those friendships with men and women are a key facet of her life, explained Bowersox. But, to this day, she enjoys maintaining that independence she developed as a teenager. “I am okay with being by myself. Actually there are times when I must make time to do this, to recharge my batteries. My life is full; full of interests, friends, and family but I hope to add a special someone to share the laughter and experiences of life with.”

The 53-year-old Wilmington native enjoys biking, hiking, kayaking, interior decorating, and crafting.

Get to Know Toni

Full Name: Toni Ann Parisi Bowersox

Age: 53

Occupation: Sales

Height: 5’3 ¾

Hair Color: Light brown with blonde highlights

Eye Color: Brown

Marriage: Bowersox was married for over 20 years and has been divorced for about two years.

Children: Taylor, 19, Bowersox’s daughter with special needs. Taylor attended Chester County’s Camphill Special School for years where Bowersox currently resides on the board. “With children with special needs, it is never easy and there are challenges. But, Taylor has been one of my greatest teachers in life showing me how to live in the moment. I can’t explain how deep my love is for her.”

Faith: Spiritual

Charities of Choice: Habitat for Humanity, The Camphill Special School

Nationality: Polish & Italian

Hometown: Wilmington, DE

Resides: West Chester

High School: Concord High School

College: University of Delaware, Special Education

“I like to surround myself with good friends for fun and laughter. With that said, I am also okay with being by myself. Actually, there are times when I must make time to do this–to recharge my batteries,” explained Toni

Hobbies: Biking, hiking, kayaking, interior decorating, crafting

Sign: Gemini/Cancer

Pet: Golden Retriever, Rosie

Personal Trainer of Choice: Mike Quarto, QFitness (qfitness.com) West Chester

Fit and Fabulous: “It is very important for the person I date to be physically fit and conscious of the importance of their health and body and enjoys the outdoors. That also translates to a certain mental and emotional level of fitness.”

Volunteering: Bowersox started giving back to the community in her early twenties-volunteering at a local hospital in the pediatric division. Today, it’s a priority for her and for the person she dates.

Describe what you are looking for in a relationship: A friend—a companion, someone to share life with; someone with a heart who can shed a tear, but just as important is someone who is in great shape—physically and emotionally. He will be confident and curious, open to new experiences, flexible and young-at-heart and at this point in his life able to afford, both in time and money, to travel and play.

Idea Of a Great First Date: If I am interested in the man, he should think outside the box…not dinner and a movie but maybe a Phillies game, Longwood at Christmas, picnic lunch in the park, a map to a destination meeting spot-just surprise me! If we are meeting for the first time, coffee at Starbucks or lunch at a local restaurant.

Last Relationship Ended: When I realized I was offering much more than I was receiving.

First Kiss Was: My childhood crush, Bobby—we were five or six playing doctor.

First Time My Heart Was Broken: The day my mom took me by the hand and walked away from my dad, home, and friends.

In High School I Was: Part of the “In Crowd.”

Biggest Misconception About Me: I have it all together.

Favorite Sports Teams: Phillies

Favorite Philadelphia Professional Athlete: Ryan Howard

Brush with Fame: I’ve been an extra in a couple of films, an infomercial, and a commercial or two. I’ve also been on-air on QVC, in People Magazine, on the Danny Bonaducci show to promote a book, and was photographed and quoted in USA Today. My work with Habitat for Humanity has also been documented both in the Bloomberg Report and on Habitat’s web site. My involvement with, and support of, Camphill Special School has been documented by AroundMainLine.com.

Bowersox’s idea of a great first date includes taking in a Phils’ game and cheering on Ryan Howard.

Personal Motto: Honesty is the best policy.

Date Deal Breaker: If the date becomes intoxicated or treats others disrespectfully, is crude or rude.

Favorite Local Shore Town? I’m a Delaware beach girl—Bethany, Lewes, or Rehoboth.

My Friends Would Describe Me As: Adorable, genuine, down to earth, and young at heart!

First Date Kiss? It all depends on the person.

Favorite Clothing Stores: Nordstrom/shoes & boots; Anthropology/tops; Apricot Lane/dresses & tops; Lucky Brand/jeans

Last Book You Read: “Against Medical Advice”

Favorite Movie of the Moment: “Precious”

Favorite Musician: Black Eyed Peas

TV Shows You Never Miss: Gray’s Anatomy and Californication

Most Attractive Physical Part of A Man Is: Besides his mind-great biceps, not overly large just defined…yum!

Favorite Food: Nuts

Favorite Cocktail: Wine

Favorite Restaurant in the Burbs: Savona Bistro, Kennett Square (www.savonabistro.com)

Favorite thing to Grab at Wawa: Apples and peanut butter.

Best Way to Spend a Sunday Afternoon: Visiting with my daughter at school!

Date Pet Peeves: Not being attentive to his date.

I Love Men Who Are: Confident, intelligent, kind, fit, and present in the moment.

When I date a man they can expect: My attention and the unexpected!

Want to nominate a sensational single for AroundMainLine.com to consider? Email: singles@aroundmainline.com with a picture and a maximum 50 word description. Singles can reside anywhere throughout the Delaware Valley, minimum age required is 21. Nominations will be kept strictly confidential.