Monthly Archives: May 2012

stumbled upon: east goshen farmers market

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So it’s Thursday and there I am wandering around and as I was driving up past East Goshen’s park (which is awesome, by the way), I see a sign that says “Farmers Market Today 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.”

They had me at “hello” as I love farmers markets.

This farmers market had made its debut last year, and well, this year the market has grown up and is a great thing to see.

It was packed.

As I wandered around, I saw some of my favorite purveyors from the Bryn Mawr Farmers Market which my friend Molly put together a few   years ago now.  I was pleased to see Frecon Farms, John & Kira’s Chocolates (if you are a chocoholic you will want to splurge on them!), and Shellbark Hollow Farm.

I was also happy to see Laura’s Biscotti from Malvern  is on the roster (these biscotti are the real deal and the only ones I have ever bought since I generally make my own ) and had fun discovering Veronica’s Doggie Delights–now dog approved in my house!   And Chaikhana Chai was there and they rock out loud – I am a fan of their products as their chai is in Du Jour in Haverford.

I also saw that St. Peter’s Bakery was there and had fun chatting with the ladies of Blueberry Hill Farm.

I have strawberry-rhubarb something on my mind for cooking and the rhubarb I bought from Blueberry Hill was gorgeous.

One fly in the ointment and a farmer I won’t support even if hell freezes over are those fine folks from Birchrun Hills Farm.  I will not put money in the pockets of eminent domain loving Farmer–Supervisor–Roadmaster Ken Miller and his wife.  They are a personal choice boycott. If you are interested in why I made that choice, simply catch up with your Chickenman reading.

In any event, don’t let one slezoid farmer-politcian keep you away from the East Goshen Farmers Market – it’s a good thing!

 

I even made a new dog friend.  His name is Shakespere and he is a tri-pod rescued English Springer Spaniel.

Over and out…off to peruse all things rhubarb.

fun in wayne: deconstructed living

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Nope, not Chester County, but such a cool place I am giving them a plug.  I met a friend for lunch at Susanna Foo’s this afternoon and then made a quick trip to Wayne to visit one of my favorite consignment stores  Neighborhood League Shop.  On my way back to the car I stopped to snap a couple of photos of Louella, soon to become the latest condo nation on the Main Line and it was then I noticed a store that I had wanted to visit but had not yet.

So fun.  It’s called deconstructed living and they are located at 201 East Lancaster Ave in Wayne.  They specialize in local crafts people and have a really fun twist on reclaimed and repurposed living.

For what it’s worth, I fell in love with a piece of art…if I had had the extra jingle in my pocket today it would have come home.  So until it can some day, it will live on my blog!

Anyway, check the store out! (And don’t buy this print unless you are buying it for me!!)

just wondering….about malvern

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As I read yet more and more about Malvern’s great super-sizing plans courtesy of developer Eli Kahn, I can’t help but wonder if in the end, residents will be satisfied with the Emperor’s New Clothes of it all.

Malvern as long as I can remember has had an unfortunate identity crisis – mostly stemming from local officials as opposed to residents.  The borough of Malvern has a charm that doesn’t need super-sizing with giant Tyvec wrapped buildings that will end up looking like a New Urbanism Disneyland.

But hey, I can’t see it from my window.

So to answer the question of a guy blogging on Malvern Patch who writes about the East King Development , as far as at what cost this development?  Well I think you will sacrifice the charm of the area you call home and the traffic will be a nightmare. I think parts of Malvern may end up looking as unattractive as parts of Eagle, another tiny community developers had a “vision” for.

Of course as I read about in the Daily Local about a missing developmentally challenged boy from up King Road, I also wondered how what currently exists up and down King, whether it would be road or street will co-exist with GRAND PLANS? (you have to use all caps because these developer plans are always GRAND.)

I think super-sizing Malvern is a mistake, but hey that is just my opinion.    Part of the reason I wanted to be in Chester County is it isn’t the Main Line, which in many parts has just been ruined  by development.  But now that I am here, I am learning that dumb development plans exist all over.

Which of course is why they need to update the Municipalities Planning Code of PA.

And while we are on the topic of building/development, can anyone tell me what is going on at the former site of Maddie’s on Route 30 in Frazer?  There is some construction going on and yesterday there were also a slew of union picketers going on. Yet ironically enough, the orginal Maddie’s sign remains – my hypothesis there is if they demolish the sign they might have to go through zoning or whatever to get approval.

 

 

another new plant haven to check out!

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This week I had a chance to check out another new nursery.  I like giving indie plant folks business.  It grows the local economy and it’s far more personal than Home Depot or Lowes or other large big box/chain stores.

The name of the place I checked out is on Rte 352/ North Chester Road not so far off Paoli Pike.  It’s called Del Vacchio Landscape and Garden Center and the exact address is 922 North Chester Road in West Chester.

Prices aren’t bad, plant material is in nice shape and the staff is friendly and helpful.  I bought some bedding and potting plants.  You can like them on Facebook too!

A few years ago I coined a phrase for Ardmore called “Be Vocal, Shop Local”.  It applies here, too.  Support your small businesses, they are your neighbors.  Big box stores will never be neighbors, they merely suck revenue away from independent, small businesses.

Happy gardening!

 

 

foggy morning

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vote now! (check out my photos in the DVRPC photo contest!)

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I have several photos in almost all of the DVRPC  categories of the Classic Towns Photo Contest  . Below are links to categories where I am entered.  You can only vote once in each category each day.  Public voting ends May 14th, 2012.
(The DVRPC is the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.)
If you are so inclined, I would love it if my blog readers would consider voting for me.  My name is under my photos.  Just click on the one you like and scroll to the bottom of each page and hit the submit/submit  vote button .
Photos I took of the following Classic Towns were accepted:  Ardmore, Phoenixville and Manayunk.
Yes, this is in the category of self-promotion, but I am proud of my photos and it would be super fun to win this contest and get my photography more exposure.
THANKS!!!
Category 1: Community

See the social side of the Classic Towns. The events, the festivals, the parades and the pageantry- all the fun things that bring the Class Towns together.

Category 2:History

Take a look into each town’s heroes, milestones, and monuments.

 

Category 3:  Parks & Recreation

Where do people play? See the scenery, the beauty, the places people escape, and the places they come together.

 

Category 4: Seasonal

Winter, spring, summer, and fall, in the Classic Towns we love them all. See for yourself.

Category 5: Main Street

Stores, shops cafes. See what makes Main Street so special in the Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia.

 Category 6: Residential

Old homes, new homes, front doors, and backyards. Take a look into the residential side of life in the Classic Towns.