Publisher’s Letter
December 2022
The season of giving is upon us. Lights, bells, caroling. At County Lines, we’re making our gift lists, shopping for perfect presents and thinking of ways to celebrate the holidays.
Mark your calendar because the West Chester Christmas Parade is back! On December 2, Adam Joseph of 6abc hosts 60 parade elements on a one-mile loop through West Chester’s historic district. And the finale — a tree-lighting at the Courthouse!
Cara Corridoni says we should “Enjoy the Gift of Shopping Local,” especially in West Chester. She visits several fashion boutiques as well as food specialty stores before stopping at a local gallery and vinyl record shop.
If you’re “Dreaming of a Green Christmas,” check out what Shannon Montgomery found — stores stocking locally sourced gifts made from sustainable or recycled materials.
William Sokolic looks at holiday happenings in Philadelphia and Bethlehem. In Philly, he tours South 13th Street, Franklin Square and Morris Arboretum. In Bethlehem, aka the Christmas City, he suggests shopping at the Christkindlmarkt and celebrating at PeepsFest. Learn more in “Christmas in the Two Cities.”
“Holiday Window Shopping,” edited by Marci Tomassone, takes a closer look at local shopping in area towns. And “Holiday Style” offers a few more stunning ideas.
In “Counting Down the Holi(Days) Across County Lines,” Lydia Reiss and Peighton Schwalm share what’s happening in December in Coatesville, Downingtown, Malvern, Kennett Square, Media, Newtown Square, Wayne, Phoenixville and Wilmington.
Our “Barns in Winter” photo layout shows that even those iconic buildings dress up for the holidays.
If you’re looking for holiday entertainment, the panto returns to the stage at People’s Light, along with hilarity. Cheer the heroes and boo the villains. See how a young girl finds her way home in “Alice in Wonderland.”
Shelley Laurence of Main Point Books has ten books for giving. Mystery lover? Cookbook collector? Science fiction fan? Find something for everyone in “Season’s Giving, Book Edition.”
With winter upon us, Jessica Roberts is thinking red whiskey, bourbon and cognac for gifts and for yourself in “Cozy Winter Favorites.” She also has some gins and vodkas to recommend, as well as champagnes and wines.
In “Brandywine Table,” Alyssa Thayer talks with Sheila Rhodes, owner of Small Batch Kitchen, about her low-sugar fruit spreads, perfectly suited for holiday gifting — and a part of her recipes.
As always, County Lines has the Best Local Events and tons for Family Fun.
We hope you’ll subscribe to County Lines. It makes a perfect gift — arriving every month! Go online or call 610-918-9300. Or get an electronic copy at Issuu.com. For single print issues, try your local library, food stores, Wellington Square Bookshop, Main Point Books, Reads Bookstore or other newsstands. Visiting an advertiser is a great — and free — way to get one: click Get A Copy at our website, CountyLinesMagazine.com. And get our free online events newsletters by signing up at the website.
Ed Malet, Publisher
610-918-9300
Enjoy the Gift of Shopping Local
Shopping online and at big box stores is soulless. To embrace the joy of giving, you need to add a little spirit into your shopping experience. Downtown West Chester offers helpful shopkeepers, twinkling lights, evergreen garlands, the Brandywine Singers, decorated store windows and good cheer. Maybe a glance of Santa? Fashion, jewelry, cigars, kids’ clothing, food, art and music! West Chester has it all!
Christmas in the Two Cities
The holidays serve as a time to explore nearby places. We suggest two: Philadelphia and Bethlehem. Philadelphia is all lit up for the season. Take a walk on South 13th Street, or see the Electrical Spectacle Light Show at Franklin Square, or visit Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway. For a weekend in Bethlehem, you can take a carriage ride through downtown and shop at the tented, open-air Christkindlmarkt. Close the year at PeepsFest with the dropping of a 400-pound lighted Peeps chick. Find out what a Peep is by reading the article.
Dreaming of a Green Christmas
It’s important to remember that the season’s festivities also have a major environmental impact — travel and shipping-related carbon emissions, packaging waste and more. Local shops offer several ways to reduce this impact by choosing locally sourced and environmentally conscious gifts. Even better, think about what will happen to your gift as time passes. Art, for example, will likely never be thrown away.