Spotted This Week

This week, we’re celebrating the New Year and looking back at the top County Lines articles of 2023.

Here are the most popular articles of the year.

1. Holidays at the Theater

It turns out County Lines readers are patrons of the arts! This December article shines the spotlight on local theaters — Uptown, Media Theatre, People’s Light — and their holiday plans. Some of these shows are still running, so this piece is worth another read.

2. Best of West Chester Dining

With over 65 restaurants, downtown West Chester is undoubtedly a dining destination. Find out the stories behind some of its best eateries, from the OGs to the newbies.

3. West Chester Glows with Thousands of Lights

The beloved Christmas Parade returned this year, along with Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester — six weekends of holiday fun, including musical performances, a gingerbread house competition and the Christkindlmarkt.

4. The Road to the Roses

If you tuned into the 135th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, you may have spotted some familiar faces. The West Chester University “Incomparable” Golden Rams Marching Band — comprising 350 students from over 60 majors — took to the streets of Pasadena, California for an unforgettable performance.

5. Chester County’s Scary Stories and Haunted Tours

In October, we got into the spooky spirit, telling local ghost stories and highlighting spine-chilling events — from the ghost of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne to Pennhurst Asylum.

6. Strolling Through Summer on West Chester’s Gay Street

This summer, the popular Gay Street Open-Air Market was back and better than ever. From live music and tasty treats to boutique shopping and yoga in the street, there wasn’t a dull moment in downtown West Chester.

7. Fall Guide to the Performing Arts

Part of our annual Area Guidebook, we covered the regional arts scene, including summer outdoor concerts and the fall performance season.

8. 82nd Tour of Tours

For more than eight decades, the first Saturday in October marks Chester County Day, a tour of the county’s fine homes benefiting Chester County Hospital. Take a look behind the scenes of four houses on the 2023 tour.

9. Destination Phoenixville

The Phoenix is rising! From the mainstays to new faves, see why Phoenixville is a dining, shopping and arts hub.

10. Plant This, Not That

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture plans to ban the sale of burning bush in January 2025. The experts at Natural Lands have recommendations for native plants to replace burning bush and other invasive species.

From all of us at County Lines, we wish you a very happy New Year. Thanks for reading, and here’s to 2024!