Good to Know: January 2026
Just a few things we’d thought you’d like to know this month
Hangover Helper
January 1 marks, fittingly, National Bloody Mary Day — the day we all appreciate a famous hangover cure after a long New Year’s Eve. Chester County has no shortage of great options, but local favorites include the house-made version at Roots Cafe in West Chester, the popular flight at Station Taproom in Downingtown and the spicy pour at Chester Springs’ Bloom. Wherever you go, it’s the perfect way to start the year restored. Cheers! RootsCafeWC.com; StationTaproom.com; BloomSouthernKitchen.com
Nibble Nirvana
Hosting an event — or just craving stylish snacks? Olive & Meadow recently opened a brick-and-mortar shop in historic Dilworthtown, next to Ground Provisions. At their new digs, order Instagram-worthy custom grazing boards, brunch boards, salads, sandwich trays and more charcuterie goodies — in cups, cones, boxes, even a tower of champagne coupes. Need something quick? Grab-and-go options await in the cold case. 1388 Old Wilmington Pk., Unit 100, West Chester. OliveAndMeadow.com
Wander On
Doomscrolling got you down? Havertown’s Kristine Mascione has developed an app designed to get you off your phone and out exploring. Launching this month, Vondern (meaning to roam, wander or hike in German) is a social media platform that will help you find fresh experiences around the Philly area. Follow friends’ picks for small businesses, parks, activities, local events and more, then showcase your own adventures through photos and recaps. Vondern.com
Healing Connections
If your family is overwhelmed by the impacts of addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. Local nonprofit Be a Part of the Conversation has added new sessions of its virtual Family Recovery Course, a three-part, peer-led program developed in collaboration with licensed clinicians. Modules include Addiction 101, Family Foundations and Family Recovery. Each small-group course is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a supportive, intimate learning environment. Enroll online. Conversation.Zone/FRC
Winged Wonders
Brighten your coffee table with the latest book by local artist Claire Rosen. “Birds of a Feather” features portraits of live birds set against opulent, historically inspired backdrops, drawing from scientific illustrations and Victorian wallpaper. Spanning a decade of work, the tome’s 120 color photographs — of parrots, songbirds, owls, hawks, eagles, chickens, ducks, pigeons — and historic quotes weave together ornithology, art history and ethical questions surrounding human-animal relationships. Signed copies available. Claire-Rosen.com