Add a Dash of Local Flavor to Your Holiday Entertaining Plans

Put your best foot forward for those out of town guests by sprucing up your home with new decor!  Thistledown Boutique by April Ryan on Main Street offers a charming array of decorations, featuring custom art to gorgeous dried floral items.  For a breath of fresh flowers, stop by The Ivy Green in the pavilion for all your live floral needs and more!  Treasures of every size shape and color abound in this wonderland.  While you are at 50 North Main, get your cheer on at The Cheerful Balloon!  Offering balloons in every shape and size along with upscale entertaining items and local art, it's a one stop shop for all your party needs!  Lastly, treat your house to some new artwork at Countryside Frame Shop on Wheeling Street.  You’ll be amazed at the features and unique artwork, which is also a must for those hard to buy for people on your list!

Start the party out strong with a charcuterie platter from Farmers & Friends Marketplace that features locally sourced meat and cheese.  While you’re there, make sure to chat with the “meat man” and get stocked up on an array of farm raised meat.  You can also improve your stock of wine here with their huge variety of local items.  For the main event, our go-to caterers are The Southern Yank Smokehouse and Cretan Gyros, who offer an impressive menu full of heart and authenticity.

For your guests with a sweet tooth, put in an order for cookies at either Joe’s Bakery, L.A. Sweets or Chicco Baccello!  If something more Mediterranean is your desire, Kouzina at the George Washington Hotel is selling handmade authentic baklava trays.  And of course for the younger crowd you can never go wrong with a bag of original Popcorn Willy specialty popcorn!  Coming in all colors and sizes, it will impress even the pickiest of eaters!  If custom creations are more your speed, Popcorn Willy also offers amazing desserts that are made-to-order.

Showing off dining out options to your guests:  Downtown has no shortage of dining choices!  From the local dinner staples of Union Grill, and The Presidents Pub to grabbing your morning fuel at Nutrition Fix, The Table, Joe’s Bakery or Chicco Baccello, you’re sure to impress any guest with the options!  For a quick takeout option, Worldwide Eatz has a variety of tasty offerings, and you can also call in at a number of other establishments right on Main Street.

Looking for something to do while those guests are here?  Book a one of a kind distillery tour at Liberty Pole Spirits or The Washington Brewing Company.  Their knowledge of their trade is a unique experience and a memory your guests will never forget.  In addition to our distilleries and breweries, you can also pop into the Bradford House Museum for a tour and experience the unique history of the region.  Head down Main Street a little further to explore the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and give your guests a once in a lifetime experience of riding on an authentic trolley!  Continue learning about our region’s diverse history at the Duncan and Miller Glass Museum, and stop at their gift shop for a unique souvenir from your time spent here!  Although it is undergoing renovations and expansions this season, make a point to put the Lemoyne House, Gardens and Museums on your list for the next visit.  If live entertainment is more your thing, check out the numerous events at Nineteen North, who’s lineup can include anything from comedy to bands and everything in between.