Tag Archives: shop local

What the What is a “Weihnachtsmarkt” ?

Deutsch: Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt

Deutsch: Braunschweiger Weihnachtsmarkt (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Weihnachtsmarkt is a traditional Christmas street market dating back to the late middle ages.  Yes folks, Halloween has passed, election day is over and it is time to begin the holiday celebrations.  Fortunately you don’t need a DeLorean to visit the Weihnachtsmarkt.  You can fire up your Prius, station wagon or SUV and take a short drive up 79 North to the Historic Harmony Weihnachtsmarkt.

This is the 22rd annual Harmony Weihnachtsmark which will be held at the historic Harmony Museum.  Lots of food, music and of course Chirstmas shopping – its a good excuse to get started on your holiday shopping and I promise it is much more charming that hitting the mall at 8am on black friday with a turkey hangover.

Here are the details for the market – more info is available on the Harmony Museum’s website here.

Saturday November 10th 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Sunday November 11th  12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Call 724-452-7341 or email hmuseum@zoominternet.net

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for students and children under 6 free.

Admission includes: Museum, miniature train exhibit, vendors, artisans and craftsmen, antique show and sale, horse drawn wagon ride, weavers and quilters, wine and beer tasting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, kids crafts and activities and all day German style entertainment

Saturday Entertainment Schedule

Entertainment Tent

  • Burke’s Bavarian Brass – 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Alpen Schuhplattler Dancers – 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The Pittsburgh Swiss Singers – 3:30 t0 4:30 p.m.

In Stewart Hall

  • Wha-Ke-we-nn Dulcimers – 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • The Seneca Valley Girls Madrigals – Carol along with them as we celebrate the Tree Lighting!  5:30 at the Festival Entrance

Sunday Entertainment Schedule

Entertainment Tent

  • The Frank Palombi Band
  • 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Alpen Schuhplattler Dancers
  • 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

All around the festival both Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting) look for Ron our strolling accordion player!

Antique Show Dealers

Stop in the Antique Show & Sale’s huge tent and see the beautiful items that over 15 high quality antique dealers have to offer!

Artisans and Vendors

  • Third Eye Imagery, Photography
  • Amanda Lee Glassware, Hand Painted Glassware
  • From the Heart Pure & Simple, Shampoos & Body Products
  • Wyatt McQueen, 18th Century Style Furniture
  • Faces by Christina, Face Painting
  • Brooke Espersen, Handcrafted Jewelry
  • Monika Dalrymple, Hand Tatted German Ornaments
  • The Enchanted Olive, Gourmet Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars
  • Nancy K Wallace, Author “The Christmas Cats”
  • Little Germany, German Christmas Foods, Steins, Nutcrackers, Toys
  • Theresa Stauffer, Hand Painted Wood Apples & Eggs, Ornaments
  • Hidden Treasures, Museum Reproductions, Hand Painted Boxes & Furniture
  • MP Pinecone Designs, Pinecone Wreaths, Garlands, Ornaments, Birdhouses
  • Stramba Farm Alpacas & More, Yarns, Felt, Hats, Socks, Rugs, Scarves
  • Margaret L Bickenheuser, Basketry & Seat Weaving
  • Rugs of Character, Handwoven Rugs from Recycled Materials
  • Ashgrove Soaps & Beeswax Ornaments
  • Lindsey Lee Creations, Hand Crafted Beaded Jewelry
  • James Kapusta, Shaker Oval Nesting Boxes & Carriers
  • Pine Knoll Clock Shop, Clock Repair, Restoration & Sales
  • Pine Knoll Herb Shop, Hand Crafted Soaps, Lotions & Dried Herbs
  • Apple Blossom Pottery, Hand Thrown High Fire Functional Stoneware
  • Pleasures of the Palate, Traditional German Roasted Nuts
  • Riverwood Trading, Hand Carved Wooden Treenware
  • Fred Threlfal, Map Maker, Colonial Prints
  • Honest Brothers, 18th Century Silversmith
  • Harmony Tin, Colonial Punched Tin Lanterns, Lamps, Ornaments, Leaves
  • Don Allaman, Stained Glass & Kiln Formed Decorative Glass Items
  • James Varley, Wooden Toys & Gifts
  • Claus & Truax, Leather Bottles, Mugs, Canteens, Buckets & Leather Goods
  • Irmgard Rebel, German Dolls & Teddy Bears, Embroidery
  • Bees in a Basket, Scented Beeswax Pinecones, Bars, Cinnamon Sticks
  • Everlasting Gardener, Aromatherapy, Herb Teas, Potpourris, Flavorings
  • Cinnamon Scents, Handmade Candles & Rustic Scrubs
  • Volant Mill Winery, Locally Made Fine Wines, Wine Tasting
  • Bill Fugate, Blacksmith
Related articles

Shop Local – Support Smiley’s Pet Pad This Saturday

I have been wanting to write something about Smiley’s Pet Pad for awhile – Smiley’s has been a Pittsburgh institution with quite a story. The Shadyside Action Coalition is organizing a Cash Mob for Smiley’s Pet Pad this Saturday – June 30, 2012.

The Post-Gazette wrote a lovely story on this shop when the ownership changed a few years ago – it might have been more than a few years ago – if anyone has that story or a link to it – I would love to include it here as well.

http://storify.com/iheartpgh/shop-simley-s-pet-s-this-saturday

e2 Kickstarter Project – Support a Local Eatery

So one of the things that I am secretly happy about in light of the recent recession is that there has been an amazing shift in supporting local businesses in Pittsburgh.  I think that it is interesting that some of the larger businesses have left town and some of those spaces have been filled by locally owned businesses.  Take Walnut Street in Shadyside – Pottery Barn left and Max and Erma’s closed – the Max and Erma’s location has become the new home of the Elbow Room and the folks who own the Elbow Room have opened a new place, The 1947 Tavern, where the Elbow Room used to be located on Ellsworth Street. (The Elbow Room folks are great Pittsburgh lovers too – I was luck enough to sit next to one of them at a wedding recently).

Another little business area that has been growing over the past few years is on Bryant Street in Highland Park.  What once was home to a little market and a few other shops – now has 3 restaurants and more development coming.

We often refer to supporting local businesses here on this blog – it isn’t just about supporting Pittsburgh businesses but it is about supporting businesses that are supporting the entire Pittsburgh community.

I can’t say enough good things about e2 – I first met chef Kate Romane when she was running the Union Project cafe a few years ago.  e2 started out small – they first opened for soup during snowmageddon and over the past 2 years have continued to expand their hours and offerings.  The food is wonderful – if you haven’t been there – you should go.  Check out what others have to say about e2 on E2 on Urbanspoon Kate and the entire staff at e2 could not be nicer and more welcoming.

Kate couldn’t be a nicer person and she has kindly answered many MANY questions from me over the years (I like to ask ALOT of questions). Last year, I asked Kate to help me with food for a bridal shower – and everything was perfect – this was especially important because I have been known to struggle with food preparation.  Kate helped me pick out items that would be easy to keep warm and serve a few hours later.

e2 is located in a building that has been used as a restaurant for many year – currently they serve food upstairs but there is a big event space in the basement – that I think was an india restaurant a few years ago.  The basement is functional but needs a few updates – and they are asking for  your help to turn this into a space for events of all different sizes.

Watch this video to learn more about e2 and the project

The e2 Kickstarter campaign is great for a few reasons…

Number 1 – Pittsburgh NEEDS more flex spaces  – just yesterday I received an email from someone who was desperate to find a space to host a meeting for 25 that had wifi access.  Right now the choices are the conference rooms at Panera or an expensive hotel conference room rental.  Yes, e2 is first and foremost a restaurant – but I have no doubt that this space will be used as a place to bring community together

Number 2 – Delicious rewards – Kickstarter is awesome – because when you give to a project – you get something in return.  Kate and e2 have put together a whole list of awards for supporting this project.

Super Last Minute Pgh Xmas Shopping Guide

We are just about  t-24 hours til the end of Christmas shopping and the start of holiday festivities.  Maybe you are one of those people who ha everything wrapped and under the tree – if that is the case then this post is not for you.  If you had a busy week/month/year – you probably woke up this am with a sense of panic.

Never fear! There are a number of Pittsburgh businesses who are ready and able to help you get your shopping done (and even wrap some of those gifts for you too).

What shops are must stops for your last minute Christmas shopping?

Thankful for Pittsburgh Small Businesses

The 3/50 Project

One of the best ways to support the Pittsburgh community is to spend your money locally.   For every $100 spent in locally owned independent shops, $68 returns to the local community! For more information and statistics about the benefits of spending money locally check out the 3/50 Project.

Since it is Thanksgiving week and this Saturday is Small Business Saturday – more on that below.  I wanted to write about some of the Pittsburgh businesses that help me get things done.  Listed in no particular order – here are a few of the businesses that I use on a regular basis to keep things running…

Cars and Auto-body Work – Wildwood Collision

This family owned shop is located on Rt. 8, just near the turnpike entrance in Hampton.  Wildwood Collision is an autobody shop and they sell used cars.  I have bought my car from them and they have been fixing things for me for years.  I am completely confident that they have never overcharged me for anything.  And the Dunbars are super nice folks who have kindly answered many MANY many of my questions.

Computers and Technology – Kevin’s Computer and Photo

This is the only place I will go for computer help.  Kevin is 1000 times better than Geek Squad.  He is honest and helpful.  His rates are reasonable and he wont sell you on services you don’t need.  He offers computer repair and he is also a computer dealer.  If you are looking to buy a new computer and not sure what to get – call Kevin – he will help you get exactly what you need.

Haircuts – Emily Askin Hair and Makeup

Emily is a friend of mine who moved back to Pittsburgh last year.  She is in the process of opening a salon but she is available to do haircuts.  She is also excellent at hair and makeup for weddings and special events.  She does work for television and photo shoots and know how to make anyone look amazing on camera.  Follow her facebook page here and if you would like to contact her about a hair cut drop me an email info-at-IheartPGH.com and I will introduce you.

Accounting – Wilke & Associates

Over the past few years, I have had various jobs and worked as a full time employee, an independent contractor and been a partner in a business.  Things get a little complicated when you move beyond just W-2 and 1099 statements.  Thankfully the folks at Wilke and Associates have helped me to sort everything out and finish my taxes in a timely fashion.  They also kindly answer all of my sometimes crazy questions – “can I deduct parking tickets as a business expense?”

Small Business Saturday

I believe this was started by American Express last year – they declared the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday – a day to support local independent businesses on the busiest shopping weekends of the year.

Over 2.5 Million people have already signed the Facebook pledge to shop small on Saturday, Novemeber 26.  You can read more about the campaign at SmallBusinessSaturday.com

American Express Cardholders – Spend $25, Get a $25 Credit

If you are an American Express card holder -make sure to register your card here.  If you spend $25 at a small business on November 26, 2011 – you will receive a $25 credit on your statement.