Berks County Living Newcomer's Guide 2024

NEWCOMER’S GUIDE toBerks 2024 NEWCOMER’S GUIDE toBerks 2024

Hello Neighbor!

New to Berks County? Know someone who is? Just want to get to know your area better? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,” then you’ve got the right guide in hand.

Our fifth annual Newcomer’s Guide serves as a tool to help you get to know some essential and fun businesses in the area. It’s got a bit of everything: travel inspiration, institutions for advancing education, real estate and home and garden

We hope you’ll find

that follow.

Century 21 Gold

Lisa Tiger

Lisa Tiger has had a stellar year assisting her clients, with nearly 32 million sold in 2023! She is the #1 CENTURY 21 agent for production in Pennsylvania, a position she’s held since 2012. She also is the top-producing REALTOR in Berks. Lisa has earned a reputation for making her clients’ priorities her own and for her tenacious dedication to meeting their goals. Buyers and sellers will tell you she is reachable, connected and straightforward, and her clients’ needs always come first.

With the current market trends, her skills and ability to move quickly are more desired than ever. Lisa uses her success to give back and support organizations at the heart of Berks County. Lisa’s focus on marketing, networking, community involvement and commitment to her clients are just a few of the values that make her the right choice to be your REALTOR!

Team up with the TIGER!

925 Berkshire Blvd., Ste. 100, Wyomissing 610.207.6186 | 610.779.2500 ext. 8466

ltiger@C21Gold.com | lisatigerhomes.com

455

2 Ronald Glenn Ave., Fleetwood

12

538

1216

8

Good to Know: Good to Know:

A full skin exam screening is essential for detecting moles and growths that could indicate signs of skin cancer. Make your appointment soon!

Reading Dermatology Associates

Reading Dermatology’s Medical, Cosmetic and Skin Cancer Center (RDA) offers an ever-expanding line of medically-based treatments providing patients of all ages with cutting-edge options for best results in attaining healthy, radiant-looking skin. Dr. Jason Hendrix performs Superficial Radiation Therapy, a non-invasive, low-energy Radiotherapy skin cancer treatment, providing a highly effective, painless cosmetic alternative to Mohs surgery.

Dermatologic surgery is performed by boardcertified Reconstructive Surgery Specialist and plastic surgeon Dr. John V. LaManna, including blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), benign mole, cyst, lipoma and lesion removals.

Amy Hendrix, CRNP, and her staff of cosmetic skin care experts develop medically driven custom skin care plans that deliver best results. A full array of skin treatment options is available, including Botox, filler, lasers, chemical peels, Hydrafacial®, Medi-infusion, Virtue RF Microneedling and Tetra CO2, for tightening skin, treating wrinkles and improving skin tone and texture. MOTHER’S DAY GIFT CARD SPECIAL - Purchase $100 in gift cards, get $25 FREE!

3317 Penn Avenue, West Lawn 610.750.7891 | readingderm.com

Berks

Prosthodontics

Dr. Andrea Smith of Berks Prosthodontics is one of only 350 Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide. Prosthodontists are THE acknowledged experts in dental implant restorations, crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic dentistry and full-mouth implant prosthetics such as Teeth-in-One-Day or All-On-4.

At Berks Prosthodontics Dr. Smith sees patients with a wide variety of dental concerns, such as broken or missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, extensive tooth wear or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile. More than 100 area dentists, oral surgeons and other dental specialists trust her to handle their patients' complex or cosmetic dental needs.

From a single perfect tooth to state-of-the-art full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Smith strives to provide all of her patients with an unparalleled level of care.

955 Berkshire Blvd., Ste. 104

Wyomissing | 484.577.3530 berkspros.com

Good to Know: Good to Know:

We stock 400+ varieties of trees, shrubs and perennials. We are a family business and a 100 percent womanowned company.

Riverview Gardens & Gifts

Riverview Gardens & Gifts is more than a garden center and gift store; it’s a one-of-a kind shopping experience. Our buyers are always on the lookout for fantastic new products, and they purchase a wide variety of items, including home décor, beauty products, jewelry, apparel and more.

Recently, we’ve added children's gifts to our collection. Take a leisurely stroll through our houseplant house, where you can find trending tropicals, succulents, air plants and other houseplants. Explore our terrarium and pottery aisles.

In the spring, we sell Riverview-grown annuals as well as fruit trees, berry bushes and organic edibles. We stock more than 400 types of trees, shrubs and perennials. Our pond section is well-equipped for pond construction and maintenance, offering a wide selection of pond plants, fish, pumps, filters, liners and more. Our year-round events program seeks to educate and inspire our community. We are a family business and a 100 percent woman-owned company.

610.929.5049

Judy’s on Cherry

Judy’s on Cherry is a chef-owned local restaurant, a jewel in the crown of the downtown community for the last 22 years. Reading native, Judy, and her staff take pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients, locally sourced when possible, to produce innovative menu items that focus on the season’s bounty.

The restored 19th-century farmer’s market house is the perfect venue for its current repurpose. The interior of the restaurant is at once understated and historic, upscale and inviting, without being pretentious.

Judy’s bar serves up an eclectic selection of artisan craft cocktails, wines and beer along with locally roasted Reading Coffee Company’s frothy cappuccinos and espressos. All desserts and breads are made in house by their talented pastry chef.

Judy and her friendly, professional staff look forward to meeting you and extend you a warm welcome to our community!

Good to Know: Good to Know:

Chester Perfetto Agency has been serving all Berks residents since 1971.

Chester Perfetto Agency

Whatever insurance you might need, the Perfetto team can help you! We offer all forms of insurance: Auto, Homeowners, Health, Dental, Vision, all Medicare Plans, Retirement Plans, Group Health, Business Insurance, Worker’s Compensation and even several types of Travel Insurance. We have you covered!

As an independent agency, we can access multiple insurance companies to compare rates and coverages. With our staff of licensed insurance professionals, we are confident we have the expertise to review your insurance needs and to help you find the right plan.

We encourage Berks residents to call us or, even better, to stop by and meet with our team of professionals at 40 Commerce Drive in Wyomissing. We can personally discuss the many forms of insurance we offer or compare your current insurance. Our goal is education and continual support for your future insurance needs. Call us today!

Homeowner's

Penn State Berks

Earn a degree locally that’s recognized globally at Penn State Berks. Located on 258 beautifully landscaped acres in Spring Township, the college offers 20 baccalaureate degrees, four associate degrees and a wide variety of programs for adult students. In addition, students can also take the first two years of more than 275 degree programs that can be completed at other Penn State campuses.

With a diverse student body composed of approximately 2,000 students, the college offers small class sizes and individualized attention. Students enjoy a world of opportunities from conducting research with faculty members to completing internships, studying abroad and engaging with the local community. Penn State Berks awards more than $1 million in scholarships annually, and most students qualify for financial aid. Residence halls provide housing for 800 students. With more than 50 student clubs and organizations and NCAA Division III athletics, Penn State Berks offers something for everyone.

1801 Broadcasting Rd., Reading 610.396.6000 | berks.psu.edu

Good to Know: Good to Know:

West Reading Motor Club:

416 Penn Avenue, 1st Fl., West Reading

Nitro Bar:

416 Penn Avenue, 2nd Fl., West Reading

Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese: 600 Penn Avenue, West Reading

West Reading Motor Club, Nitro Bar, and Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese

West Reading Motor Club

West Reading Motor Club is the area’s premier fine dining establishment, serving Europeaninspired American cuisine.

A recipient of the Townie Award for physical improvements and design, we hope you’ll not only enjoy your meal and creative cocktails at our location but the ambiance and back story of the building as well. Located at 416 Penn Avenue, our home was originally opened in 1914 as West Reading Motor & Hardware Co. and played host to a tremendous automotive history over time.

Visit for an exquisite dinner or lunch

Wednesday-Saturday. Apertivo Hour is offered Wednesday-Saturday from 4-6pm. Now open for lunch Wednesday-Saturday from 11-3pm.

610.743.5951 |

westreadingmotorclub.com

Nitro Bar

At Nitro Bar, we don’t do anything half-ass. That’s why the glasses are always full. We come from a long line of businesses bent on serving our town and visitors from beyond the region.

West Reading Motor Club

West Reading Motor Club

Nitro Bar

Come for lunch or dinner or for the extensive draft beer list. Interesting and delicious appetizers include a platter featuring pierogies, Ranch cheese curds, fried mushrooms, fried pickles, onion rings and soft pretzel pieces. Handhelds feature our Lebanon Bologna “Cheesesteak” and a Fried Green Tomato Grilled Cheese.

Enjoy live music Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Happy Hour is Tuesday-Thursday, 4-8pm. Open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

610.741.6521 | nitro-bar.com

Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese

Featuring updated American classic dishes like mac n’ cheese and grilled cheese, here cheese lovers can keep it classic or kick things up a notch.

Say Cheese! also features a full bar with Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 5-8pm featuring half-off bottled wine and $5 House Wines. Stop in for live Jazz every Wednesday and Thursday from 5-8pm too. The best news? Say Cheese! is open 7 days a week!

And your cheese excursion doesn’t have to end with your meal. Head over to the connected Wine & Cheese shop for a large selection of to-go wines.

610.406.5390 | saycheese-restaurant.com

Nitro Bar

Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese

Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese

Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese

Essig Plumbing & Heating

Since opening its doors in 1938, Essig Plumbing & Heating has been proud to be the most trusted home services team in Berks County. Our award-winning, family-operated company specializes in custom solutions for your unique home to ensure it runs smoothly and comfortably through any weather.

Essig’s local team of highly trained and licensed technicians offer the latest hvac, plumbing, water and air quality technologies to maximize your comfort, energy savings and equipment longevity. Plus, we offer budget-friendly maintenance plans, seasonal deals and financing options to make it easy on your wallet.

With more than 85 years of experience, Essig serves our neighbors throughout Berks County with the same level of expertise and professionalism that we’d want for our own families. We look forward to welcoming you to the Essig neighborhood and maximizing your comfort soon!

Remember: Make it Easy, Make it Essig!

AAA Reading-Berks

“Wilkum” to Berks County! We can’t drop by with a hot apple pie fresh from the Wyomissing Farmer’s Market or a couple of season tickets to the Reading Fightin Phils games, but we’re happy to virtually extend a warm hand of friendship. We know you’re busy settling in. If travel is in your future, let AAA be your first destination.

A visit with us can save you time and hopefully some money too. We’re more than 120 years old so you know we’ve been around the block a time or two. We can recommend extraordinary vacations with more destinations, more departures, more inclusions and more value for you. Already know where you want to go? Just as a professionally prepared combination of spices and herbs makes an ordinary dish extraordinary, consulting with a AAA Travel professional can make your anticipated travel experience an even more amazing memory. See you soon.

Austin's Restaurant & Bar and Coastal Grille

Locally owned and operating two upscale casual restaurant concepts in Berks, join us at Austin's Restaurant & Bar and the Coastal Grille. Delivering excellence in food and service, there’s truly something for everyone.

Known for its exceptional food and team service, Austin’s is an upscale-casual American restaurant featuring steaks, seafood and pasta, homemade soups, a full-service bar with unique cocktails like pineappleinfused vodka and much more. Guest favorites include the Prime Rib, Apple Walnut Salad and Baby Back Ribs.

Seafood stands out at Coastal Grille, known for its New England Clam Chowder, Pan-seared Scallops, Maine Lobster Roll, Baja Fish Tacos and grilled fish with five sauce and seasoning options. Non-seafood offerings include Hand-Cut Steaks, Cobb Salad, Slow Roasted Baby Back Ribs and more. The large, inviting bar area serves up unique cocktails and more than 25 premium and craft beers.

Riverfront Federal Credit Union

Riverfront Federal Credit Union started in 1948 as the credit union for the Reading Railroad and has focused on improving the financial position of its members and contributing to the community ever since.

Members can enjoy using many innovative financial tools, including robust electronic service offerings. With Riverfront Live video banking, a consumer can work face-to-face with a Riverfront representative virtually from anywhere in real time to open an account, add service and apply for a loan.

Riverfront’s commercial services division offers commercial mortgages, working capital loans and other products designed to help businesses in Berks County grow.

Riverfront is dedicated to making a difference in the communities we serve. We not only raise funds through employee cash donations but also through donations from our member base and time volunteered in Berks County.

Good to Know: Good to Know:

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X to keep up with the latest news!

Good to Know: Good to Know:

Klein Team Members look forward to assisting customers Mon-Fri from 8am-5pm. Tour reservations, charter quote requests and payments can be made 24/7 by visiting us at kleintransportation.com.

Klein Transportation

With more than 65 years of experience, Klein Transportation is currently one of the few charter companies in the area servicing South Eastern Pennsylvania. Klein is situated in Amity Township, literally on the line between Berks and Montgomery counties. Since 1957 and with a family member always at the helm, Klein has grown and continues to provide safe, quality transportation with both luxury motorcoaches and school buses.

Klein offers a variety of services, each with a personal touch. From a customer’s first call to their final step off the motorcoach after a trip, their experience is what keeps them returning year after year.

• Charter Services for groups of all kinds

• Special Event, Wedding, Airport Transfer & Shuttle Services

• Daily Commuter Service to New York from Berks and Lehigh Counties

• One Day and Overnight Tour Offerings

• Casino Trips to Wind Creek – Bethlehem and Atlantic City

Flanagan’s Pub

Since 1982, the Flanagan’s family and staff have made their local pub a favorite destination to gather for great food and spirits in the Berks County area.

We serve up everything your tastebuds desire, including pub grub (like our famous wings), homemade soups, steaks and the freshest seafood available. The pub offers a wide variety of draft beers, including Guinness and seasonal and craft beers.

In addition to seating in the pub area, we offer a separate dining area in our “downstairs,” which is also available for private events. Seating is also available seasonally on our pub patio as weather permits.

Reservations are recommended. Visit us for after-work and late-night Happy Hours Tuesday through Friday and draft and dining specials every day.

Visit flanaganpub.com or contact us directly for more details.

Good to Know: Good to Know:

Remaining true to the history of the property, the Residence at Village Greens will offer a putting green and golf-themed pub!

The Residence at Village Greens

The Residence at Village Greens, IntegraCare’s newest state-of-the-art senior living community, is opening this summer at the former Village Greens Golf Course in Berks County!

The 130,000-square-foot community will offer Independent Living, Personal Care and Memory Care with 131 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The Residence at Village Greens will bring seniors engaging social opportunities, 24/7 care and luxury amenities, including a theater, salon, bistro, fitness center, putting green and dedicated outdoor spaces.

We invite you to discover vibrant senior living with a tradition of trust at integracare. com/residence-at-village-greens.

Terri Sanelli, Executive Operations Officer 484.709.2561

New Castle

Lawn & Landscape

Outdoor areas represent an extension of your living space. Since 1994, New Castle has specialized in crafting dream outdoor environments that seamlessly blend functionality with beauty. Our team of experienced designers is dedicated to bringing your vision to life, whether it's creating a spacious patio for entertaining or a cozy garden retreat for quiet relaxation. We tailor each project to your preferences and budget, ensuring a unique plan that exceeds your expectations.

Let our skilled professionals handle the demanding tasks involved in maintaining a stunning outdoor space. From lawn upkeep and tree care to plant health care and landscaping, we take care of the hard work so you can simply enjoy your surroundings.

Why entrust your outdoor oasis to New Castle? Because we're not just a company we're a part of your community, committed to serving our neighbors with exceptional service and craftsmanship. Our growth as a company is thanks to the strong relationships we've built with satisfied clients over the years.