Lehigh Valley Style April 2025 by Innovative Designs & Publishing, Inc.

Edith GutierrezHawbaker

TALKS ADVOCACY AND ART

Spring Hill

Spring Hill is a rare and beautiful example of a barn renovation with re-imagined vaulted spaces blended with stunning new architectural details, repurposed barn beams, and antique wood. Main House: 5 En-Suite Bedrooms, 8 Full Baths; Guest Apartment: 1 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath. $4,500,000

Old World Villa

Renovated in 2021 and set on 3 private acres with views over pristine Cooks Creek, this stunning villa is a rare blend of 19th century touches & outstanding modern luxuries. The gorgeous pool, spa & terrace are spectacular vantage points for entertaining, with Cooks Creek providing an incomparable backdrop. Offered for $1,999,000

Foxfield

One of only a handful of Saucon Valley’s legacy properties, the house & grounds have been proudly cared for and recently updated. The commanding location presents a one-of-a-kind privacy that only time can provide. 4 beds, 3 full baths, heated inground pool. Offered for $4,250,000

Pine Run Farm

A verdant 2+ acre parcel in Bucks County is the setting for this stone home and Pennsylvania bank barn. One of the original settlements in Doylestown Township, Pine Run Farm has proudly stood since the early 1700s. 4 beds, 3 baths in the main house; finished barn offers 1.5 baths. Offered for $1,499,000

Stars Hollow

Tutto Niente

Polished, with understated notes of elegant and luxurious, this custom crafted Tudor home & vineyard known as Tutto Niente is a master class in creating the perfect blend. A fully custom build, the home includes unique touches throughout as well as a stunning panoramic view over 55 acres of big sky & Pocono Mountains. Offered for $3,950,000

Augusta Manor

Brimming with natural light, Augusta Manor stands proudly in a picturesque neighborhood of custombuilt homes. Boasting 3,650 finished square feet over three floors, and set on almost 2 acres, this colonial offers a wide open rural feel with the finishings of an elegant home. Offered for $1,199,000

Estate at Ringing Rocks Hillside Cottage

A private lane in peaceful Bridgeton Township is the setting for this lovingly cared for colonial. Surrounded by more than 10 acres of mature woodland and boasting 5 bedrooms, this spacious estate offers modern conveniences in a quiet rural setting. Offered for $1,194,000

Standing proudly since 1860, this idyllic colonial exudes charm and character inside and out. Meticulously maintained and thoughtfully updated throughout the decades, including a custom kitchen and updated baths, the home stands as a testament to fine craftsmanship and enduring style. Offered for $599,000

Framed by a lush expanse of lawn, stately trees and colorful plantings, this charming country cottage stands on over a quarter acre in Durham Township. Built in 1910, the traditional floor plan is enhanced with hardwood floors, 9’ ceilings on the first floor, and a deep porch perfect for taking in sunset views. Offered for $415,000

EGG-CITEMENT IS IN BLOOM

JOIN US FOR ALL THE EASTER FUN.

A HOPPIN’ EGG HUNT | KIDS QUEST & CYBER QUEST

(Don’t forget to bring your basket)

Saturday, April 12th | 11am

Easter Egg Hunts will start at 11am. Grand Prize Baskets awarded to the finder of the Golden Egg in each age category. (2) Golden Egg winners in each age group. Special guest appearance by the Easter Bunny.

PHOTOS WITH THE BUNNY

Saturday, April 12th | 12pm – 5pm • Sunday, April 13th | 1pm – 5pm • Saturday, April 19th | 1pm – 5pm (Break at 3pm – 3:15pm each day)

BRUNCH WITH THE EASTER BUNNY | TWISTED TEES

Saturday, April 19th | 10:30am – 12:30pm

Enjoy a brunch buffet, crafts, photos with the Easter Bunny, games on the multi-sport simulators and egg hunt for the kids. Infants (3 & under) Free | Children (4-12) $ 25 | Adults $ 35 | Tickets can be purchased at playtwisted.com

EASTER POP UP CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW

Saturday, April 12th | 12pm – 5pm • Sunday, April 13th | 12pm – 5pm • Saturday, April 19th | 12pm – 5pm Hosted by Events by Jennifer Lynn & Company. Join us for Easter shopping from local craft and small business vendors. Located on the upper level of The Outlets.

OutletsAtWindCreekBethlehem.com Follow Us

SPECIALIZING IN THE TOP 20% OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY AND UPPER BUCKS COUNTY HOME MARKETS

Unparalleled luxury and comfort. Gourmet kitchen, indoor lap pool, lower level suite with private entrance, custom cabinetry and intricate woodwork throughout. 4 bedrooms, 4 full/1 half bath.

MID-CENTURY MODERN RANCH $1,150,000 SALISBURY TWP Just a stunning home. Expansive living, both inside and out. In-ground salt water pool with spa, expansive backyard, a chef’s dream kitchen, beautiful private first floor primary suite, at the end of a quiet cul-de sac. 4 bedrooms, 3 full/2 half baths. COL. WILLIAMSBURG REPRO $1,100,000 LONGSWAMP TWP As featured in several publications including Early American Life Magazine. Designed and built with miticulous attention to detail, yellow pine flooring throughout, Rumford fireplaces, charming outdoor living spaces. 3 bedrooms, 2 full/1 half bath.

Let It Grow

I’ll admit it—I have a black thumb. I can’t keep succulents alive. I can’t keep grocery store basil alive. When my husband and I bought our first house, I asked my coworkers what kind of landscaping I should plant outside, reminding them that it might not survive my hands. One coworker told me to get a hydrangea, because one time her grandmother tried to kill one by pouring an entire gallon of bleach on it, yet it lived on. That’s my kind of plant. (I did plant a hydrangea, and it was still alive and kicking when we moved out of that house three years later.)

This month’s edition is a tribute to those who can grow things. We talked to three of the many female farmers here in

the Lehigh Valley, and you can read their stories of what it’s like working in that field (pun intended) on pg. 50. And to bring some of the outside indoors, turn to pg. 42 to learn from several local plant experts how to choose and care for houseplants. Latina advocate and creator Edith Gutierrez-Hawbaker talks about cultivating her community through her art on pg. 34, and therapist Leah Cofield explains how counseling is a lot like pulling weeds on pg. 31. If you just want to enjoy nature instead of trying to keep it alive, we’ve got you covered—five excellent spring walks and hikes are waiting for you on pg. 38, plus more in this edition.

Don't forget to fertilize,

ANGELA VENNEMANN editor@lehighvalleystyle.com

our publisher, Pam Deller, is looking forward to this month! pdeller@lehighvalleystyle.com

24 A Saturday morning at Spectracolor Coffee.

Adding some new plants to my home.

Dinner with friends at The Shelby!

don't miss this opportunity to tour a collection of beautiful designer kitchens around the lehigh

*tour is rain or shine

*no children under 12 admitted

*no spike heels please *kitchens are not handicapped accessible.

Proceeds beneﬁt the SOTA Print Fund & Educational Programs of the Allentown

VOLUME 27, ISSUE 4

I love sitting on my front porch and reading.

I like to open up the windows and let the fresh air in. It always feels like a fresh start, and the change in weather is so energizing!

We like to go to Lake Nockamixon for a nice long walk. Love being by the water.

Drink my coffee on my back patio and keep the kids outside for hours.

My wife and I recently closed on a farmhouse situated along the Monocacy Creek in Bethlehem. We’re very much looking forward to enjoying the ambience of our outdoor space.

President/CEO

Paul Prass

Vice President/COO

Lisa Prass

Publisher Pamela Deller

Managing Editor Angela Vennemann

Digital Strategy Director Jason Chrin

Production Coordinator Eleanor Anderson

Graphic Designers

Eleanor Anderson, Thomas Körp, Elaine Wyborski

Marketing Advisors

Erika Berardinucci, Denise Lichty, Arielle Solliday, Pam Taylor

Contributing Writers

Alison Conklin, Susan Gottshall, Heather Mayer Irvine, Amy Unger, Daisy Willis

Contributing Photographers

Marco Calderon, Matthew Cannon, Alison Conklin

Proofreader

Lori McLaughlin

Accounting

Jobelle Aleño, Donna Bachman, Kim Kressman

What’s the first thing you do when it gets warm outside?

Take a car ride with all the windows down!

I get my large pots near my front door filled with flowers and greenery!

Take a long, long walk as slowly as possible to soak in the sun and breathe deep the fresh, renewing air.

Kayak with my friend Kim at Beltzville and count turtles sunning on the logs.

Contributing

ALISON CONKLIN

Live Well

BY ST. LUKE’S UNIVERSITY HEALTH

Lehigh Valley Style’s Live Well: A Day of Beauty and Balance was held at The Club at Twin Lakes on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Guests enjoyed interactive experiences with local beauty and wellness experts along with Healthy Meal Prep and Glowing Skin demos presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Guests also enjoyed a Functional Yoga session by BeWell Yoga, Recovery Stretching by Forward Thinking Fitness and a Standing Arm Weight session by Pilates and Wellness.

Style Insider Happy Hour

New Sweet Treats

Lehigh Valley’s own Just Born has a host of new flavors of PEEPS, just in time to fill Easter baskets! Available locally are PEEPS Chocolate Pudding Flavored Bunnies, PEEPS Rice Krispies Treats Flavored Marshmallow Chicks, PEEPS Delights Strawberry Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Dipped in Milk Chocolate, PEEPS Breyers Cookies & Cream Flavored Chicks (exclusive to Walmart) and PEEPS Tropical Punch Flavored Bunnies (exclusive to Dollar Tree). peepsbrand.com

ROCK ON

Whether you’re new to rock climbing or you’re an expert, The Gravity Vault climbing gym, now open in Whitehall, has just what you need for fun and fitness, with 15,000 total square feet of climbing space. There are plenty of programs for kids and adults as well as a full-service retail shop for climbing gear. gravityvault.com/locations/lehigh-valley-pa

CONGRATS!

Stone Farm Cellars is now the most decorated winery in Pennsylvania! Eleven of their wines received awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition in North America. Sample the winners at Stone Farm Cellars’ tasting room in Easton’s Centre Square. stonefarmcellarsandvineyard.com

CATCH 'EM ALL

DINING DEALS

Forget restaurant week—how about restaurant year? Cliff Ross, an ad agency in Easton, is promoting Easton Restaurant Year to boost business for Easton restaurants while at the same time sharing deals for diners. Follow @eastonfoodie to check out specials at dining locations in Easton all throughout 2025 eastonfoodie

The only dedicated Pokémon shop in the Valley is now open! Pulls and Pours sells everything you need to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, from booster packs to trainer boxes to rare graded cards. In addition, they host regular events for trainers to play, trade and build community. pullsandpourslgs.com

Town and Gown

Lehigh University has just opened the Lehigh University Pub on campus, designed to bring the university and surrounding community together. Students, faculty and the public alike can dine on options like burgers, Korean chicken sliders, potstickers and croque madame sandwiches. You can pair any menu offering with wine or craft beer, and regularly scheduled entertainment and special events will also be on the menu. lehigh.sodexomyway.com/en-us/locations/the-lehigh-pub

Founded by husband and wife acupuncture team Tim and Rachelle McCormick, Good Health has a unique approach to healthcare.

Tim and Rachelle built their practice from the ground up, leaning on each other, their faith and their commitment to providing patientcentered care.

Good Health coordinates care among a team of specialists who empower patients with transformative tools to manage their own personal health journeys. They believe that good medicine is based in good science. Good Health integrates conventional medicine with evidence-based, resultsdriven, and non-invasive natural therapies like acupuncture—helping you heal now and thrive for years to come.

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OLD MECCA CAFÉ

A BLEND OF ART AND FLAVOR

A mix of Middle Eastern and Italian fare, with a flair for the artistic, is now available in Easton at Old Mecca Café. Co-owned by Omnaia Jolie Abdou and her husband, Shane Rossi, Old Mecca is both an eatery and an art gallery, tempting the senses in more ways than one. “We're creating a space where the community can come together not just for great coffee and food but also for meaningful experiences,” Abdou says. “The gallery space is designed to inspire, spark conversations and bring people closer to the world of art in an approachable way.” The café features a variety of bagels and cream cheeses, a lox board, charcuterie, caprese salad, coldpressed juices and more. The espresso bar uses a hand-selected Arabian coffee variety from Colombia, available in light, medium and dark roasts. Teas and sweet treats like baklava are available as well. Be sure to stop by for regular events featuring art, music and community.

527 Northampton St., Easton | oldmeccacafe

GINGERSNAP

NOWHERE COFFEE CO. ROASTERY NOW OPEN

Lauren and Juan Vargas of Nowhere Coffee Co. had a lot of highs and lows thrown at them in 2024—a visit from then President Joe Biden, a damaging roof leak in their Emmaus location followed by a landlord dispute, and a zoning rejection for a proposed roastery in Upper Macungie. But the couple, determined to continue their plans to expand their business, pushed ahead with a new location in Downtown Allentown, at long last opening their roastery in February. “For a brief moment, we can exhale,” says Lauren. The shop features the full menu found at Nowhere’s West End location, including all of their specialty lattes as well as chai, matcha and cold brew specials, plus bagels, egg sandwiches and several gluten-free and vegan options. Customers can also find organic whole bean coffee roasted on site, plus coffee equipment for home brewing and a collection of books courtesy of Emmaus’ Apport Used Books. Coffee education classes on brewing methods and latte art are in the offing later this year, but for now, Lauren is just thrilled to be able to offer a place for patrons to stop for coffee on their way to Allentown attractions like the Da Vinci Science Center and Archer Music Hall. “We are in the heart of everything!” she says.

17 S. 9 th St., Allentown | nowherecoffeeco.com

X BELLISIMA SPRING STYLE COLLABORATION

When Ashley Melchionna complimented Danielle Wallace on her purse at a PTA meeting, it turned into the perfect pairing. Wallace, the woman behind the GingerSnap Styles fashion blog, discovered that Melchionna was the owner of Bellisima by Ashley Maria, an Easton women’s boutique. From there, the two took turns boosting each other’s signals, with Wallace featuring Bellisima on her blog and Melchionna hosting a collection curated by Wallace in fall 2024. The two are collaborating again, this time on a spring collection with everything from statement pieces for a night out to versatile items that can accentuate your day-to-day look. “We have 15 items in the collection, from spring rompers, platform sandals, jewelry, accessories and, of course, staples to pull everything together,” Melchionna says. Customers can shop this collection in-store or online through the spring. Wallace says, “My goal for the collab is to bring new people into my friend’s beautiful store and for my blog to gain more followers, which hopefully opens more doors to fun opportunities like this one.”

65 N. 4 th St., Easton | bellisimabyash.com | gingersnap.styles

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLISIMA BY ASHLEY MARIA

ALLENTOWN FILM FESTIVAL

ANNUAL FESTIVAL RETURNS

Movie buffs, get your popcorn ready, because the Allentown Film Festival is back for its third year! The Civic Theatre and the Allentown Art Museum will be hosting multiple programming blocks for the four-day festival, running April 10 through 13. About 60 films will be screened, ranging from comedy shorts, to a romantic comedy feature, to a haunting documentary called Smile for the Dead. Along with festival director Alan Younkin, festival president Michael Schelp is thrilled to bring the event back for another year. “We aim to bring unique, thoughtprovoking independent films to Allentown while fostering a community of film lovers in the Lehigh Valley,” Schelp says. “Our festival provides a platform for unique voices and stories that might not otherwise reach our local screens.” Moviegoers can expect interactive question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers as well as panel discussions, and the ever-popular local short film contest will highlight the talents of creators around the Valley. “We're committed to making independent cinema accessible to Lehigh Valley audiences while supporting both established and emerging filmmakers,” Schelp says.

allentownfilmfestival.org

Dr. Shoenberger’s Home Visits

KRAFT & CO. FLORAL AND GIFTS

NEW RETAIL SPACE

Flowers are a huge part of celebrations like weddings and other special events, but they’re also great for everyday beauty. When Tatiana Kraft and Heather Cairl of Kraft & Co. were working out of a studio in Easton, their event clients often asked about everyday flower arrangements. When a storefront in the Simon Silk Mill became available, Kraft says, “It just felt perfect. The setup of the space, the big windows, it felt meant to be.” Kraft and Cairl decided to take the leap into retail, opening their storefront in January. Kraft & Co. is still first and foremost an event florist, but they also offer premade “grab and go” bouquets as well as a flower bar, where customers can hand-select a variety of stems for their own self-styled arrangements. Plants are also available, from easy-care varieties to more unique ones—“For the more advanced plant parent!” Kraft laughs. Besides florals and greenery, Kraft & Co. boasts a unique array of gifts and themed gift boxes. “It was important to us that we carry more unique, special items that make people excited because they don't just see it anywhere,” says Kraft. If you’re stopping in for flowers or gifts, be sure to also check out their regular workshops, including wreath making, terrariums, watercolors and more.

BE PART OF THE STORY!

Do you know an individual who should be considered for our 2025 Influential Women of the Year feature? Nominate them at lehighvalleystyle.com/share-with-us!

DID YOU KNOW?

You can view the entire issue for free online at lehighvalleystyle.com!

Win It

Spruce up your outdoor living space! Enter to win a $250 gift certificate, courtesy of PLACE Design Studio and Showroom. Visit lehighvalleystyle.com/ share-with-us to enter!

LVS Weddings

Head to lehighvalleystyle.com to check out our favorite local wedding Instagrams of the week! Want to see your post featured? Use #lvstyleweddings to catch our attention.

WANT TO KNOW WHERE OUR NEXT STYLE INSIDER HAPPY HOUR WILL BE?

Want info about upcoming Lehigh Valley Style events? Follow Lehigh Valley Style on Facebook and click on our Events tab!

CONNECT WITH STYLE :

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Spectracolor Coffee Roasters

We talked to owner Laura Fay about how Spectracolor is so much more than just a cup of coffee—it’s creativity, community and good vibes.

QHow did the concept of Spectracolor Coffee come about? Spectracolor came from a love of hospitality and beverages. About five years ago, I left a brewery called Separatist Beer Project, which I owned with a partner. I decided I wanted to do something on my own and possibly find a beverage I could craft myself. At the brewery I did all sorts of things that I really enjoyed—creating products, design, managing, creating retail spaces, distribution, etc., though I did not brew the beer. When I left the brewery, I took some time to explore other beverages and fell in love with coffee. I loved the creative and social vibes around coffee and café culture. I loved that the beans came from warm tropical places like Central America and Africa.

I dove in and did not exactly know where it was going to go, but at some point I realized I wanted to do the many things I did at the brewery: create a product and share it in a space with the community.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

Vibes are a big deal at Spectracolor! Tell us about how you want your customers to feel in your shop. What I loved about when I was just a barista is that I felt like I could give people a token for their day. A pretty latte or a fun drink is always a small pick-me-up. It may not be high impact, but it’s something positive and it can be daily. Spectracolor’s motto is “Fully Vibe”—we want to help people vibe through their day, whether that includes lounging, hanging or accomplishing things. We are open every day 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. So whatever your day looks like, we are here for you and whatever it is you want to do and feel.

What do you believe makes the perfect cup of coffee?

The perfect cup of coffee I think is so relative. I would say it is mostly shaped by the customer and the moment—what their mood is, what they are doing, what they want to taste and smell. The best cup of coffee is a drink that fits a certain moment and a certain customer. When I am in Istanbul and want an authentic experience and have time, I stop at a café, play some backgammon and have a traditional Turkish coffee. On road trips down to South Carolina, I stop at a Wawa and buy a huge coffee with lots of milk in a paper cup so it lasts me for 300 miles. And then there are the specialty coffee roasters in New York City like La Cabra, where I look forward to having amazing service, a beautiful space and the most dialed-in cup for my beverage and a wonderful cardamom bun.

How many and what types of blends/roasts do you offer?

Spectracolor has four core blends: Luster, an anytime blend; Black Out Theory, a

dark roast blend; Mood Ring, an espresso blend; and Lo-Fi Crush, a decaf blend. We also have seasonal blends that rotate throughout the year. We also do single-origin releases on a monthly basis. Our Remix series of single origins is probably our most popular. It usually features a natural processed bean with a fruity profile.

Tell us about what specialty drinks you have on the menu! We create specialty drinks that are fun but also have a culinary focus. We want the flavors to be balanced and not too sweet. We always consider that if a customer wants a sweet drink, they can always add sugar on their own to their desired sweetness level.

Our best-selling drink that people always ask about is our Strawberry Spin Off, a summer drink that uses Nesquik strawberry milk to create a latte with our espresso, matcha or chai. I’ve heard it compared to a strawberry milkshake and also a Neapolitan ice cream.

What can customers find in your shop besides coffee?

All of our pastries come from The Modern Crumb in Easton Public Market, and they make us two special cakes on the weekend—one is always a pineapple upside-down cake.

Our green teas are from Kettl in Brooklyn, New York. They specialize specifically in green teas sourced from Japan. We get our chai from Dona, which is also located in Brooklyn and is woman-owned. We like to support womanowned businesses whenever possible. We also have a small assortment of teas from Spirit Tea.

What kinds of events do you host? Is your space available for rent?

Spectracolor is much more than a coffee shop; it is also a

community gathering space, and I hope a place where people can come and find inspiration. Our events create a fun, vibrant environment for our customers. Every fourth Saturday of the month we have a WKND Blend, which features a local baker and a local maker. It’s usually bakers who do not have a brick-and-mortar location but are looking for a way to get their goods out there. We’ve had From Lino, Circle Donuts and Crumbs Cake Studio, to name a few. The maker is a craftsperson from the area, also without a brick-and-mortar. It creates an opportunity for them to share what they are doing and make connections with others who are creating and making. I make it a point to include other woman business owners. The space is available to rent after we close each day at three. I have been partnering with Hausbar, which is a mobile pop-up bar that specializes in events to add a nightlife or brunchy lounge feel to events if needed.

Do you collaborate with other local businesses?

We love to. I really enjoy giving creators and makers a space to do their thing and collabbing with them. We are building up our event schedule. Every month we hold WKND Blend, and we have another event called Ambient Lounge every third Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Local musicians spin or play ambient music. It creates a great study or work lounge feel in the coffee shop. We hope to do more events going forward.

1247 Simon Blvd., Easton spectracolorcoffee.com

Serving the area for over 20 years with award winning designs.

Call (610)

REVIVING YOUR LOOK FOR SPRING

Jessica Cadmus

STYLIST, WARDROBE WHISPERER wardrobewhisperer.com

BY DAISY WILLIS ILLUSTRATION BY FLASH VECTOR / ADOBE STOCK

As founder and stylist of Wardrobe Whisperer, Jessica Cadmus helps clients fall in love with themselves through a curated closet that balances personality, trends and flattering fit. Here’s how to take a page out of her book this spring to refresh your wardrobe and feel fabulous.

DEFINE YOUR WARDROBE GOALS

“Everyone is starting in a different place,” Cadmus says. Whether you’ve been gradually overcome by a slow-rolling avalanche of Target finds, hard at work on the careful construction of a very personal collection or you’re anywhere in between, begin by assessing where you are and where you’re trying to get to.

As you’re getting ready to delve into the closet and evaluate the clothes you’ve accrued, let your aesthetic sense feel its way over existing trends and trendsetters to discover which looks speak to you. “I really encourage people to do a little Pinterest board,” Cadmus says, “even celebrities whose style you love. Pin a bunch of outfits, individual pieces—you can usually see a theme emerge.”

Clothes should not only speak to you stylistically, but perform in the venues of your life. “Reflect on your lifestyle,

work environment, how much you travel and your social circles,” Cadmus says. “It all shapes the type of clothes that will serve your daily life.”

You’re setting yourself up to have great looks to reach for whether you’re going to dinner, a wedding, a work trip, a hike—so you never have to fall back on something unflattering.

DECLUTTER WITH PURPOSE

Cadmus offers three questions to grill each of your items as they go through the weeding gauntlet: Do you love it? Is it flattering? Does it project what you want?

“If you can’t say yes to all three,” she says, “it’s got to go.”

She recommends recruiting, if not a professional stylist, at least a trusted friend who will add some festivity to the process and can see the contents of your closet with perhaps a little more clarity than you can. Some pieces have emotional weight that makes them hard to let go of, whether it’s sunk cost in an expensive but impractical pair of boots or a beloved hand-me-down that you nonetheless never wear. Consider keeping some nostalgic items squirreled away out of the active wardrobe, or maybe take a photograph while you let the piece itself go. A clothing swap is another great way to feel good about moving on!

Along with indecision and raked ashes, the purging process can be the most fun and freeing part. “About halfway through, I pause and say, ‘Go in there and pick out ten things you’ve been hating secretly but leaving in there,’” Cadmus says. “It’s a lightning round, and it’s so freeing.”

BUILD AROUND CORE PIECES

The core pieces in your wardrobe will depend on all you’ve discovered about your lifestyle needs, fashion preferences and what you feel flatters your shape. One way that Cadmus finds this concept getting confused is when folks fill their closet with duplicates. “I see men and women both buying the same item fifteen times,” she says. Instead of countless copies, identify the unique items you love and wear most

often, and use them as a foundation to create versatile outfits. A great wardrobe is full of interdependent pieces that can be mixed and matched with little effort.

“Why not wear your favorite jeans a couple times a week and switch out other parts of the outfit so it looks different each time?” Cadmus suggests. A shirt that only goes with one bottom is not pulling its weight!

INCORPORATE TRENDS WISELY

“Look around and be aware of current trends,” Cadmus advises, “but also know your self, lifestyle and body.” By prioritizing timeless, flattering pieces that align with your personal style and body type, you can avoid getting swept away in microtrends that are going to fizzle out shortly. Mixing trendier elements with evergreen items also helps keep your wardrobe fresh yet practical.

“Look around and be aware of current trends, but also know your self, lifestyle and body.”

Like the hair on our heads, accessories like shoes, bags, outerwear and jewelry spend the most time representing us, so make them count. “Think about the cost per wear,” Cadmus says, when deciding what’s the right price for these pieces, and make sure these investments reflect your style and values.

Some things fall out of fashion only to inevitably come back in, like the leopard print dress Cadmus put away for a while during a lull in animal print popularity. And what is trending, microtrending or truly evergreen? It may be a little bit hard to tell without the insight of an expert, but do your best and be true to yourself!

KOSPIA FARMS

QTell us about what led you to establish your career as a therapist. Through my own pain and trauma, I was determined at a young age to become the person I so desperately needed. Growing up in a home marked by addiction and abuse shaped my mission: to give a voice back to those who have been silenced. I don’t think of being a therapist as a career. Being a therapist is a personal commitment to my younger self, little Leah, and to those in my community whose voices have been taken from them.

Tell us about Route to Respite and what makes it unique for someone seeking counseling.

I spent seven and a half years immersed in diverse cultures, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds, serving both domestically and internationally. I learned the importance of sitting with people to truly understand their stories— their life experiences and microcultures that shape their norms and beliefs. At Route to Respite, we are committed to

Leah Cofield

THERAPIST, ROUTE TO RESPITE

Leah Cofield knows from experience that when times are hard, sometimes you just need to get away and reset. That idea is what led her to start Route to Respite in Schnecksville, combining therapy and mental health care with a facility that, when completed, will offer clients a brief retreat from their troubles and a chance to heal and grow.

treating the whole person, addressing their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing because we understand a person is made up of many parts. Mental health is whole health.

Describe what “respite” means to you and how that is helpful for healing. It simply means a time of rest; physically, emotionally and spiritually. I have never met a single person who didn’t need rest. Our bodies were not created to keep going and going and live in survival mode. The process of healing can actually be exhausting work! We have to be intentional and give ourselves permission to pause and be present. At Route to Respite, we are committed to creating transformative experiences for individuals and families navigating life’s most challenging seasons. Upon the completion of our facility, we will offer specialized retreats designed to meet people exactly where they are in their journey, with a focus on addressing unique challenges in a supportive, restorative environment. Some of our

upcoming retreats will be for young people impacted by a parent’s substance abuse, for marriages on the brink and for burned-out moms.

What are some therapy modalities that you employ at Route to Respite?

I am trauma-informed, which means I prioritize one’s safety and create a supportive environment. Because we take a whole-person approach, we offer talk therapy and integrate body work through somatic experiencing. Breathwork and body movements are integrated frequently. Our desire is to partner with clients to get to the root of the problem. Therapy and healing are much like pulling weeds from the ground. Even if you think you've gotten the whole thing, sometimes small root fragments can remain in the soil, which can then regrow into new plants, essentially causing more weeds to come back. And pulling weeds can disturb the soil, bringing dormant weed seeds closer to the surface which encourages germinating, leading to further weed growth.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCO CALDERON

antiques & COLLECTIBLES

Situated in the former Keystone Lamp Factory, The Slatington Marketplace hosts more than 160 vendors offering a curated selection of antiques, collectibles and vintage items.

Community is important in your approach to mental health. What are some ways you recommend people connect with those around them?

Have you ever sat in a crowded room and still felt completely alone? Many people live within a community yet never feel truly connected. These feelings of loneliness and isolation are often heightened during times of struggle. One of the most common barriers to connection is discomfort with ourselves. When we are uncomfortable in our own skin, it becomes harder to be vulnerable with others. Meaningful connections thrive when we allow ourselves to be open. Start small—share honest pieces of your story with someone you trust. Another practical step toward connection is spending intentional, distraction-free time with others. By being present without the interruptions of technology, we foster active listening, strengthen nonverbal communication and create space for genuine interaction.

What is your personal philosophy when it comes to wellness?

This goes back to fostering wellness for my whole being. I often do weekly check-ins with myself. What do I need emotionally? What do I need mentally? What do I need physically? What do I need spiritually? Answering these questions allows me to understand myself better and meet some basic needs.

Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you can’t start your day without?

Mornings are more difficult for me! I am like other parents who are running around making sure their kids have eaten and make it to the bus in time. Due to my trauma, it is easier for my nervous system to get stuck in fight-or-flight. In the mornings, I try not to rush and intentionally move slower so as to not activate myself. I open the shades and get as much sunlight as possible, and on a good day I complete a three-to-fiveminute ice bath. Every morning I enjoy warm water with a splash of apple cider vinegar, and of course time with the Lord. Without Him, I am nothing. And

on a really, really good day, I enjoy boxing! Boxing has been an outlet I have used in my healing journey and has been so impactful both mentally and physically.

What about your evening routine?

I love the quietness after everyone goes to sleep. I find solace in the stillness. Taking a hot shower and limiting screen time and bright lights help to reduce stress from the day and prepare my body for sleep. I enjoy lavender essential oil and put it on my pillow while I read. On more stressful days I enjoy playing bilateral stimulation music on a loop.

What’s something you love to indulge in?

Honestly, I will never feel bad about eating something sweet with my coffee. Cake at 10 a.m. with my coffee? Sure! A slice of pie with my coffee? Even better! I don’t put sugar in my coffee so I guess it all comes out even in the end. Other than that, I remain a constant learner. I want to continue growing and becoming the best version of myself. For little Leah, for my husband, my kids and my community. I will always indulge in healing.

How do you stay motivated?

Nothing beats intrinsic motivation. Proving to myself that I can do it and overcome my own doubts and obstacles. I also recognize the value my children bring. I know they are watching me. Material things don’t matter; I want to leave a legacy of faith in the midst of testing, persistence in the midst of opposition, hope in the midst of pain and steadfast in the midst of adversity. My life is but a vapor, so I am motivated by eternity.

Do you have a personal mantra you’d like to share?

Pain for purpose. Essentially, the pain I endure will serve as a catalyst for a greater good.

484.830.9133 | routetorespite.com

Read the extended interview online at lehighvalleystyle.com!

As Certified Senior Advisors, CarePatrol of the Lehigh Valley & Upper Bucks is committed to assist families in finding the perfect senior living solution for their elder loved ones. Our dedicated team, with its wealth of experience and empathy, follows a 3step process tailored in guiding you through the overwhelming task of choosing safe and comfortable elder care options. These options encompass In-Home Care along with Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities.

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Our trusted experts are here to help find the Right Care Option.

Edith GutierrezHawbaker LATINA ADVOCATE AND ARTIST

BY AMY UNGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

Edith Gutierrez-Hawbaker was just a teenager when she made her mother a promise. She was seeking her mother’s blessing to pursue a career in the arts. Despite some unfavorable statistics about just how many art school graduates actually make a good living in their field, she assured her mother, Irma, that she would be successful.

“She put her faith in me and she said ‘OK, you can do this,’ and I did,” says Gutierrez-Hawbaker.

Did she ever. After a lengthy and impactful career in publishing and education, she’s now the owner and operator of her own Lehigh Valley-based marketing agency and creative collective celebrating Latinx culture, while also working at the local and state level to champion diversity and inclusion.

When she made that promise to her mother, Gutierrez-Hawbaker was a high school student in northern New Jersey. Her family had moved to the area from Buenos Aires, Argentina, when she was just three years old. Like the children of a lot of first-generation immigrant parents, expectations for her future were high. “At a very young age I was tapped to be a successful participant in our family,” she says.

That meant landing a practical, dependable job as soon as possible to help support the family. She looked into enrolling at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, but “that just felt a little stifling for me, as a creative,” she says. “When I went to check out all of the art schools in New York, I was like, ‘This is where I belong.’”

Gutierrez-Hawbaker was always a creatively inclined kid. She was always outside, too, even if the view was lacking: “Our street overlooked the New Jersey Turnpike,” she says. Her family lived first in Irvington and then in Elizabeth. Her father left and returned to Argentina, leaving her mother to raise her and her sister, Liz, alone. But they found a true community in Elizabeth, surrounded by first-generation families from all over the map: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, Ecuador. “It was this beautiful breadth of Latin culture,” says Gutierrez-Hawbaker. Many of the women from the neighborhood who shaped and guided her during those formative years are still in her life today, she adds.

Following her graduation from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in graphic design, she landed a job with Entertainment Weekly magazine. More high-profile gigs in publishing would follow: Real Simple, BusinessWeek. Even though she was thriving in that space, she felt she was being pulled in a different direction: “I jumped all-in on education,” says Gutierrez-Hawbaker. After earning a Master of Arts in Teaching from Montclair State University, she embarked on a new career as an art teacher at New Jersey’s Bradford Elementary School. “I wanted to make sure I gave back to urban areas because that’s how I grew up,” she says. “It was this wonderful opportunity to teach these beautiful young souls and creative minds.”

The year 2012 brought more change, on a personal level. She and her then husband,

Del, welcomed a son, Levi. By then, they were splitting their time between the New York City area and the Lehigh Valley, where they purchased a sizable property in the New Tripoli area in 2008. They maintained an apartment, first in Brooklyn, then in northern New Jersey, while they slowly fixed up their Lehigh Valley home.

While she was on maternity leave from her teaching position, Gutierrez-Hawbaker got a call from the publisher Rodale. “I was like, ‘Oh, I guess I’m not done in the editorial space!’” she recalls, laughing. She spent more than five years there, spearheading the rebrand of the Prevention and Organic Life titles.

But a simple act of kindness would send her down yet another new path. After her then six-year-old son donated the $13 he made from his Abuela Irma’s yard sale to help victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Gutierrez-Hawbaker realized she wanted to do more to buoy her community: “I said, ‘I’m going to create a brand that’s all about giving back.’”

The Te Lo Juro (“I Swear”) Collective, founded in 2020, fuses GutierrezHawbaker’s strengths as an artist, an advocate, a mentor and a change-maker. Its online shop offers a variety of merchandise celebrating Latinx culture, everything from baby onesies to adult apparel to glassware. The collective donates 20 percent of its

proceeds to organizations and programs that support the Latinx community, like Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, as well as other nonprofits like YWCA and Turning Point of Lehigh Valley.

It didn’t take long for her designs to find a following. A T-shirt featuring the likeness of the late entertainer and astrologer Walter Mercado was featured in a 2020 Netflix documentary about him, Mucho Mucho Amor. “He was all about positivity and hope and love and really owning who he was, unapologetically,” says GutierrezHawbaker. “At the time that really transcended so much machismo views in our Latino communities.”

Her recent Vota collection was a collaboration with Michelle Obama’s organization, When We All Vote. In addition, Te Lo Juro has partnered with the Philadelphia Museum of Art for Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month as its exclusive Latina-owned lifestyle brand.

While all that attention would be welcomed by any small-business owner, Gutierrez-Hawbaker’s goal is much larger than brand exposure. “I want to be able to provide opportunities for the next generation, and beyond and beyond,” she says. She serves on the Pennsylvania Advisory Council for Inclusive Procurement (PACIP), which was established by Governor Josh

Shapiro in 2023 and aims to expand economic opportunities for small and small-diverse businesses by making the state contracting process more inclusive. Gutierrez-Hawbaker leads a subcommittee focusing on digital tools and communication strategies.

One of the reasons that GutierrezHawbaker is so good at talking the talk is that she has walked the walk, too, first with the collective, and now with TLJ Creative Group, which she launched last year and calls the first Latina-owned creative agency in the Lehigh Valley. In shepherding both endeavors, she has proven she knows how to turn an idea into reality: the certifications to get, the grants to apply for, the accelerator programs to research, the resources to dip into.

And, as a Latina who once took a chance on a not-so-safe career choice, she is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges other young people from the Latinx community face. She tells a story about a time she was selling Te Lo Juro merchandise at a pop-up shop at the Pennsylvania Latino Convention. Some high school students were coming though; Gutierrez-Hawbaker was asked to speak with a young Latina woman from Allentown who felt torn about her postgraduation plans. She wanted to become a nurse, but her family wanted her to

start working in a factory right away to help support the family. She felt her path had already been chosen. But GutierrezHawbaker explained to her how she could earn her nursing degree and a paycheck at the same time. It took some arm-twisting, Gutierrez-Hawbaker says, to convince the young woman that she did have options: “I’m telling her, ‘You have a choice. I was you, like, thirty years ago.’”

The Te Lo Juro apparel item that might speak to Gutierrez-Hawbaker the most is a crop fleece that reads “Built on Resilience.” It sums up where she’s been, and where she’s going. “I will always continue to celebrate my culture though fashion, through art, through marketing, through creative spaces and [to] create opportunities for economic success for my communities through any initiatives that I can, whether it’s policy making or just being able to use my voice in spaces that I can be in, and deserve to be in,” she says. Gutierrez-Hawbaker may be a “Jersey/ New York girl” at heart, but she has found a community in the Lehigh Valley. She’s also found a kind of quiet peace, she says: “I walk my woods in the morning and do my meditation and I hear roosters. It’s become my norm. It’s something I now crave.”

telojurocollective.com

Spring Walks & Hikes

BY DAISY WILLIS | PHOTO BY ROXXYPHOTOS / ADOBE STOCK

The great outdoors welcomes us back in spring, when even 50-degree weather feels like a warm caress. From greenways within our cities to destination preserves beyond the fringes of the Valley, here are five spots to reconnect with nature as the flowers kick into bloom.

1. KARL STIRNER ARTS TRAIL

karlstirnerartstrail.org

This 1.75-mile length of path is a sculpture park winding between Easton’s Bushkill Creek and a stretch of Route 22. Named for a self-taught sculptor and proponent of both Easton and the arts, this beautifully green walk leads from one thought-provoking piece of art to another, planting human creation in the natural world to stirring effect.

2. IRONTON RAIL-TRAIL

irontonrailtrail.org

Following the track of the erstwhile Ironton Railroad, the rail-trail traces the history of an area once dominated by industry. The ruins of mills and old kilns rise out of the woods to add color to your walk or bike ride on the paved path. The trail has many access points and follows Coplay Creek through the 110-acre Whitehall Parkway.

3. MARITON WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

240 Sunnyside Rd., Easton natlands.org/mariton-wildlife-sanctuary

Just north of Riegelsville, this petfriendly sanctuary protects the wild habitat while offering 200 acres and six miles of trails. Situated on a hillside, the treks can get steep, but how else would they take you to Mariton’s lookout spots over the Delaware River? Birds also love this spot, so bring your binoculars and check out the blind.

4. JACOBSBURG ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

400 Belfast Rd., Nazareth jacobsburgEEC

Lehigh Valley denizens will gladly stray from the tri-city area for one park in particular, and that’s Jacobsburg. With 19 miles of trails from the easy creekside stroll to the strenuous escarpment, its deep and beautiful woods are far from your workaday cares. The Henry’s Woods area offers a patch of old growth as well as a lovely picnicking spot.

5.TREXLER NATURE PRESERVE

Game Preserve Rd., Schnecksville lehighcounty.org/departments/parks-andrecreation/our-parks/trexler-preserve

More than 18 miles of trails take visitors along creeks, through covered bridges and in view of bison, elk and white-tailed deer at this jewel in Lehigh County’s crown. Terrific views and lush woodlands invite hikes, bikes and walks for the whole family, with the Lehigh Valley Zoo nearby if you need a further fauna fix.

PLACE

Landscapes. Interiors. Events.

It all starts with a plan. For over 30 years, Scott Rothenberger of PLACE has been designing internationally recognized and award-winning landscapes, interiors and events. PLACE is a 17-time Best of the Valley winner offering landscape design and installation, interior design and execution, party planning and implementation, holiday decorating and creation as well as garden maintenance and service.

The team of friendly professionals at PLACE builds relationships with clients, following them through all of life’s design needs, from complete new home designs to makeovers, master landscape plans to outdoor living rooms, bridal showers to weddings, sweet sixteens to 50th birthday parties, Christmas decorations to summer soirées, seasonal planters to annual color-scaping, garden coaching to full horticultural services.

PLACE’s work can be found at many commercial locations in the area, from car dealerships to historic landmarks, and restaurants to community parks. Clients can look forward to having PLACE create beautiful spaces and having those spaces be their PLACE to be.

1780 Rt. 100, Bally 610.428.1801 | designbyplace.com

WESTERN LEHIGH SERVICES Expert Landscaping For More Than 35 Years

Transforming landscapes into stunning spaces, Western Lehigh’s residential landscaping services in Allentown cater to the unique visions of homeowners across the Lehigh Valley. From lush plantings to custom hardscaping, the team crafts outdoor spaces that reflect individual tastes and enhance curb appeal.

Family-owned and -operated since 1990, Western Lehigh Services has been transforming outdoor spaces with expert craftsmanship and a passion for quality. This year marks 35 years in business—a testament to their dedication to creating stunning landscapes that stand the test of time.

From intricate water features and pool designs surrounded by lush greenery to well-designed gardens and outdoor kitchens, their team has spent decades helping homeowners and businesses bring their outdoor visions to life. Their commitment to excellence has not only built a loyal customer base but also positioned them as a leader in the landscaping industry.

As they celebrate this milestone, Western Lehigh Services continues to push forward, embracing new trends and techniques to offer even more to their clients. With 35 years of experience behind them and a future focused on innovation, they remain the trusted choice for crafting breathtaking outdoor spaces. Here’s to the next 35 years of excellence!

7127 Ruppsville Rd., Allentown 610.395.5557 | westernlehighservices.com

PLACE builds relationships in the community by creating and implementing charity events that are often hosted at their Design Studio, where 100 percent of the money raised goes directly to the Rosa Prickly Pear Fund exclusively with the Lost Our Home Pet Rescue.

“[Prolific Design & Build] took everything into consideration, right from the beginning. One of the biggest concerns was how involved are we going to have to be in the process because we’re both very busy. You guys took care of everything from A to Z and we always had great communication; it was awesome.”

–REBECCA FRANCIS

PROLIFIC DESIGN & BUILD

Elevating Outdoor Luxury

Prolific Design & Build is transforming ordinary outdoor spaces into breathtaking personal resorts. Serving the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities, this premier design and build firm specializes in crafting pools, patios, additions, decks, lush landscapes and more. Prolific Design & Build offers a truly seamless, end-to-end experience—one designer and one builder guiding every aspect of an outdoor living project. From concept and design to permits, construction and even complete pool, patio and landscape maintenance long after the project is finished, every detail is meticulously handled to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

At the core of this transformation is Prolific’s state-of-the-art design studio, where clients find inspiration and expert guidance. Homeowners collaborate with the team to visualize their dream spaces, ensuring every element—from materials to furnishings—harmonizes beautifully. More than just designing and building, supplying and delivering premium outdoor furniture, it’s ensuring each backyard is completed with a polished, luxurious finish.

Whether it’s a resort-style pool, a sophisticated patio escape or a fully integrated outdoor living space, Prolific Design & Build brings visionary design, innovative craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Their seamless approach creates elegant environments tailored to each client’s lifestyle—enhancing relaxation, entertainment and connection.

More than just a backyard, it’s creating immersive outdoor retreats where families and friends gather, unwind and make lasting memories. With Prolific Design & Build, every backyard is an invitation to live a prolific lifestyle!

A lyssa

Hi g gi ns

Ho useplanted

HOME

PLANTS is where the are

Ring in spring with thoughtfully curated houseplants that will boost your mood and your home décor.

By Heather Mayer Irvine

Photography by Marco Calderon

THREE THINGS TOOK CENTER STAGE AS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC DOMINATED EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE: TIGER KING, SOURDOUGH BREAD AND house plants.

According to the National Gardening Association, Americans spent more than $2 billion on indoor plants and accessories in 2021, nearly double the $1.3 billion estimate in 2019.

Lehigh Valley plant experts—The Wicked Botanist, Steel City Plant Co., Plants + Coffee and Houseplanted—all agree that when everything felt so out of control, caring for houseplants gave people in lockdown a purpose. Houseplants brought the outside world inside.

“We saw the interest in houseplants really surge,” says Angela Stein, owner of Steel City Plant Co., which is housed in Easton’s Belleville Market. “We were all looking for a way to stay busy, yes, but to make our inside spaces happier, and to give ourselves an outlet for some of that pent-up energy. It felt good to take care of something living.”

As life has returned to mostly normal, houseplants have, well, grown on us.

Ange la S te in Steel City Plant Co.

Dawn Ash

The Wicked Botanist

Brandt & JennyDeLorenzo

Plants + Coffee

GREEN i s good

There is no question that greenery has a host of benefits. For decades, it’s been “settled science” that indoor plants can improve air quality. And while that’s not totally untrue, more recent research, notably a 2019 meta-review in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, shows that you’ll need a full-blown indoor forest to really clean the air. That said, houseplants do help remove carbon dioxide and emit fresh oxygen into the air.

Houseplants also have a positive impact on mental health, focus and productivity.

“Plant care is so good for mental health,” says Alyssa Higgins of Houseplanted in Easton Public Market. “It’s gotten me through some tough times.”

A 2020 study from Bulgaria found that during the pandemic lockdown, people who had houseplants or a garden experienced fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression than those who didn’t. And a 2019 review paper found that indoor plants helped increase positive emotions and reduced negative feelings.

Being surrounded by houseplants can also improve focus and productivity. A 2019 experiment found that elementary school children had better attention and concentration when paired with a living plant, compared to those paired with an artificial plant, a photo of a plant or no plant at all. And finally, a small study from 2015 found that people who were tasked with transplanting a plant had reduced levels of physiological and psychological stress than those who had to work on a computer.

PLANT su c ce ss

If you step into any of the Lehigh Valley plant shops it can be overwhelming at first—in good and bad ways: You don’t know which plants to buy! And then, you decide you need to have everything in the store! But that’s where plant experts can help.

“There are many variables to choosing the right plant for your location,” says Brandt DeLorenzo, who, with his wife Jenny, coowns Plants + Coffee in Easton and formerly owned The Curious Plantaholic in Nazareth. He rattles off a list of plants that do well in low light (snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos), ones that love bright light (hoyas, succulents) and those that fall in between (monsteras, peperomias, philodendrons).

Light is a huge factor when choosing a houseplant. For parts of your home or office (or other indoor space) that struggle to get enough natural light, experts recommended Soltech, a Bethlehembased company that’s garnered national attention for designing and manufacturing high-quality, chic grow lights.

DeLorenzo says humidity is an oft-overlooked factor when people choose plants for their indoor spaces. But many plants won’t make it if they don’t have the right humid conditions. He explains that plants destined for your homes are grown in a greenhouse, with a tropical environment. The plants acclimate a bit when they go to a houseplant store, which will have less humidity or light than a greenhouse, but still more than a typical home. Finally, the plants will need to acclimate when you bring them home.

“It’s hard to create humid conditions in the winter,” DeLorenzo says. “There’s not much we can do when we’re heating our homes.” Forced air and pellet stoves, for example, tend to be very dry, with radiant heat only slightly better. He recommends using small humidifiers during the winter months to add some moisture to the air. You can also place a small plate under your potted plants, which can help retain moisture after watering.

Maintenance is a crucial piece to consider when choosing a houseplant. That includes watering (many people overwater their plants), fertilizing and tending to the soil, which contributes to how much your plants will thrive. Snake plants, for example, don’t need much water, light or attention and they’ll do just fine, says Dawn Ash, owner of The Wicked Botanist, which has locations in Bethlehem and Whitehall. But snake plants are toxic to animals another thing to think about when shopping for plants.

“Slowly you’ll become an expert with the plants you own,” DeLorenzo says.

grow GE T ' EM!

These are our experts’ go-to plants for indoor spaces:

Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) : The long, pointed leaves (many with a splash of yellow) add height to your space. These low-maintenance plants don’t need much light or water. They are toxic to pets.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas) : Similar to the snake plant, the ZZ plant is pretty low maintenance. Its leaves add texture to your space. They are toxic to pets.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) : These vine-like plants might be what you think of when you think of houseplants, says Brandt DeLorenzo of Plants + Coffee. They are known for their trailing properties and can be trained to climb. They are toxic to pets.

Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides) : This petfriendly plant can grow leaves up to four inches in diameter. You can train them to grow up or let them fall over and trail.

Hoya (Hoya) : Another pet-friendly plant, the hoya comes in many varieties. They’re succulent-esque, which means they like to dry out but don’t need quite as much direct light as a traditional succulent.

LIVING design

There’s no question that many folks who are interested in houseplants are in it for the décor. A pop of green adds actual life to a space and connects us to the outdoors. And so long as you’re treating plants as what they are—living things—using them in your home design can be beautiful.

Higgins, of Houseplanted, approaches indoor plants as an interior designer. That means her shop is set up in a way to inspire plant lovers to use plants as home or office design. She wants to bring together the artistic aspect of plants and the nurturing part of caring for them.

“Plants help bring us back to our roots,” Higgins says, no pun intended. “They’re healing. And you can create a safe space, a zen space, to decompress and reconnect with yourselves.”

Higgins says you don’t need an entire house or even an entire room to thoughtfully design with plants. A shelf, she says, can be carefully curated to help a plant thrive and beautify your space.

DON’T m oss AROUND!

Plant experts will be the first to tell you that plants die. It happens. But here’s how to steer clear of common pitfalls.

Embrace the Nursery Pot!

Dawn Ash of The Wicked Botanist tells her customers to keep their plants in the nursery pots (little plastic pots in which most plants come home) for as long as possible. The roots should be “spilling out” of the top and bottom before you consider repotting. And when you do repot, move up just one size, for example, from a 4-inch pot to a 6-inch pot. This will prevent you from drowning your plant, whose roots won’t be big enough to drink all the water in a big pot.

Make a Schedule

Ash likes to water her plants on Sundays. But for those that need less water, like a snake plant or ZZ plant, she lines them up with a bill—like a mortgage or monthly utility. If you can’t remember if you watered one week or one month, she advises skipping the next watering session to avoid overwatering.

Use a Water Meter

Chances are, you’re overwatering your plants. Unless it’s a fern, most plants like to dry out before getting another drink. Ash recommends using a water meter even if you’re following a watering schedule; for example, plants may need water more frequently during some parts of the year.

Shower Your Plants

(With love!) And also water. Ash gives her plants a full shower once a month to wash away dust, pests or anything else that can cover the leaves and prevent them from soaking up enough light. She brings the smaller plants (4-inch and 6-inch pots) into the sink and runs water over them. In the warmer months, she’ll bring her big pots outside and rinse them with a hose.

ou tsi de r TIP

In the warmer months, bring your indoor plants outside to spruce up your front step, patio or deck. Be mindful of direct sunlight; windows provide protection against harsh rays even if your plants are right up against the glass. Outside, make sure they’re shaded, and before you bring them back in in the fall, check for pests.

High Quality

without the cost

A family-owned business with OVER 40 YEARS of experience, we pride ourselves on using only the best materials to deliver outstanding results without the overhead.

ArtsQuest is a nonprofit with a mission of providing access to the arts for all. Its programs reach more than 1.9 million people annually. Fundraising events, sponsors and community partners allow ArtsQuest to provide over half of its programming free to the public with scholarships available for individuals facing financial hardship.

Wood and Laminate Doors Countertops Kitchen Storage Hardware

Request an estimate: 610.865.3988 billstofanak.com

Mission-focused, ArtsQuest has its eye on the future with a brand-new, state-of-the-art Cultural Center slated to be built in 2025 in addition to the renovation of the historic Turn & Grind Shop, located next to the Bethlehem Visitor Center on the SteelStacks campus. The Cultural Center will serve as a visible and creative gateway to Bethlehem’s SouthSide; provide much needed space, new programs and advanced technology that will double the number of students and families ArtsQuest currently serves; implement new partnerships as a Communications Career Pathway Program with the BASD; and further foster economic development and tourism across the Lehigh Valley, which will improve property values and further civic pride. The Turn & Grind Shop will allow ArtsQuest to significantly expand its private event space to further accommodate corporate events, weddings, proms and additional functions. Its beautiful and historical location and structure will significantly further travel and tourism to the Lehigh Valley.

HAVEN HOUSE: RESTORING HOPE, RENEWING LIVES

By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment

community-based mental health services from organizations like Haven House has grown post-pandemic. Looking in from the outside, one wouldn’t know that over 70 staff members are working to keep seven distinct programs and countless partnerships running to support around 3,000 individuals in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Haven House continually searches for new opportunities to expand and improve access to services to fulfill their mission. In addition, Haven House takes every opportunity to further educate the public around mental health to foster a stigmafree environment. This year, Haven House plans to resume poverty simulations, grow group therapy options and host a gala-type event, in order to reach new and different audiences regarding community mental health. Please follow them on Facebook or subscribe to their newsletter to avoid missing any of

HAVEN HOUSE: RESTORING HOPE, RENEWING LIVES

By creating a stigma-free community in which those with barriers can thrive towards independence and accomplishment

and provide them with support and an opportunity to reach their full potential. To support Haven House, or to learn more about their different programs, visit haven-house.com.

the public around mental health to foster a stigma-

resume poverty simulations, grow group therapy options and host a gala-type event, in order to reach new and different audiences regarding community mental health. Please follow them on Facebook or subscribe to their newsletter to avoid missing any of Allentown 610.433.6181 haven-house.com

BREAKING BREAKING

New Ground

MEET THREE OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY’S FEMALE FARMERS

BY AMY UNGER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

According to a report released last year by the nonprofit American Farmland Trust, farming is among the most gender-unequal occupations in the United States. Data from the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, which is conducted every five years, showed that while more than 56 percent of Pennsylvania farms had at least one female producer, less than 35 percent of all principal operators were women.

But there is a community of female farmers doing the work in the Lehigh Valley. While some have been at it for decades, others are just starting to find their footing. Read on to meet three women who have rolled up their sleeves and gone all in on agriculture.

Wandy Bush DRAGONFLY HILL FARM

COOPERSBURG

“ I'M LEARNING AS I GO.”

Six years ago, while touring a four-acre property in Coopersburg, Wandy Bush was certain she had found the place that would become her growing space. A dragonfly that got in her face and lingered there sealed the deal. Her sister, Brigitte, who died of cancer in 2018, had loved dragonflies and promised Bush she would help her find the right farm. When Bush saw that dragonfly, she knew: “That’s her.”

The encounter also solidified the name Bush would bestow on her new endeavor: Dragonfly Hill Farm, officially established in 2020.

Bush has long been a makeit-from-scratch kind of cook, and she developed a deeper interest in agriculture several years ago while working on a farm in Hunterdon County,

New Jersey. The farmer’s retirement, Bush says, created a void in her life that she hadn’t expected. That, and a move to the Lehigh Valley with her husband, pushed her to establish a place of her own.

She started small that first year, planting a variety of berry plants, trees and shrubs: elderberry, aronia (chokeberry), gooseberry, red currant, plum. Her harvests from those have been sold to herbalists and local makers as well as at farmers markets.

Her chief product, though, is garlic, for which she became organic-certified in 2024. “It was a long process,” says Bush. Chemical-free practices are important to Bush; she is a two-time cancer survivor who credits homemade, local produce and meats with

playing a crucial role in her recovery.

She offers six varieties of garlic, including Romanian Red (hot and robust), Pehoski Purple (mild and earthy) and Georgian Fire (strong and zesty), which are sold at a number of local farmers markets, such as Easton, Emmaus and Saucon Valley.

Bush currently farms about two acres of the property but has plans to expand. “Might as well produce more food!” she says. She’s waiting to see if the chestnuts and pawpaws she planted will make it (“It was a hot fall,” she says), and is considering starting her first asparagus crop, although it won’t be harvest-ready for a few years.

Dragonfly Hill also has a commercial kitchen, which

Bush views as another way to connect with the local farming and food community. Some of the people who have used the space to try out recipes and techniques have branched out into brick-andmortars or food trucks of their own—From Lino, ChickN-Bap at Lehigh University and Hank’s Italian Ice Co. among them—which Bush finds gratifying.

She does admit that the physical labor that comes with planting and harvesting can be draining. She handles the majority of it herself. Equipment repairs in the kitchen are another hassle to contend with. “I’m learning as I go,” Bush says. “It can get frustrating but it’s also exciting at the same time because it’s something new.”

“ I WAS LIKE, ‘YEP, THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO.’ ”

Li z Wagner CROOKED ROW FARM

OREFIELD

Farming was not part of the plan for Liz Wagner.

A Lehigh County native, she studied journalism in college and was living in Philadelphia when she decided to make a change. About 13 years ago, Wagner moved onto a 14-acre organic vegetable farm in New York’s Hudson Valley for a growing season. She learned the ins and outs of the cultivating and marketing sides of agriculture. “I was like, ‘Yep, this is what I want to do,’” she recalls.

She moved home to Lehigh County and in 2013 established Crooked Row Farm, which has blossomed into a certified organic vegetable farm spread across 10 acres in New Tripoli and Orefield. Wagner grows all varieties of veggies: mushrooms, greens, peppers, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes and garlic among them.

And all that farm-fresh goodness is for sale just feet away from where it’s pulled from the ground. Crooked Row also has a market on site, established inside the former Wehr’s Fruit Stand, which was a fixture in the Orefield area for decades; Wagner can recall visiting the stand with her sister and mother years ago.

The market brings together foods and other items from over two dozen local producers and growers. The offerings include freshly baked bread, honey, fruits, dairy products, meats and preserves, as well as Crooked Row’s own shelf-stable goods like hot sauce, tomato sauce, dried herbs and tea blends.

Wagner credits a number of family members with helping to make the farm a success; there’s her “greenhouse goddess” mother, her “mechanically minded” father, her garlic-pulling cousins and many others. Her husband

is in charge of growing the peppers he uses to make hot sauce. “That scratches his gardening itch,” Wagner says.

But she’s the one doing most of the heavy lifting, and recently she’s started sharing her know-how with the community around her.

Crooked Row works with the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, a nonprofit that helps those with disabilities lead independent lives, to provide work and educational opportunities. Last year, the farm hosted job-training sessions for children with autism. “That was really fun and satisfying,” Wagner says.

As she enters her thirteenth year as a full-time farmer in the Lehigh Valley, Wagner is encouraged to see more women taking up the mantle.

“I think there are more opportunities now,” she says.

She’s also excited about upgrades in agriculture that are making it easier to enjoy locally grown food any time.

“We can have fresh, crunchy Pennsylvania apples all winter long because they’ve made technological advances in cold storage to hold that stuff,” Wagner says. “If you’re shopping locally and you’re shopping with local farmers, you can do it all season long.”

Kat h l e en Fi e l ds FLINT HILL FARM

COOPERSBURG

“

WHEN ONE SUCCEEDS, WE

ALL SUCCEED.”

Flint Hill Farm in Coopersburg is primarily a dairy farm. Visitors to its on-site store can stock up on a variety of cheeses, yogurt, milk (cow or goat; they’re a certified raw milk dairy) or butter. But there’s a larger mission unfurling on these 28 acres. “People ask me what my crop is, what we grow here. I tell people, we grow lives. That’s our crop,” says owner Kathleen Fields. Flint Hill, a preserved farm with roots that date all the way back to 1850, seeks to train the next generation in agriculture through its corresponding educational center and programming. A summer camp encourages kids to soak up all aspects of farm life, from taking care of animals big and small, to working in the soil, to everyday chores. Fields also hosts school groups, Boys & Girls Clubs and birthday parties: anything to get more young people excited about being stewards—not just consumers—of the land, water and air around them.

That’s not to say adults can’t get in on the action; the educational center also offers classes in breadand cheesemaking in its commercial kitchen, as well as horseback riding. There’s even an option to stay the night (or more) at the farmhouse bed-and-breakfast for a truly immersive experience.

Fields founded the farm in 1997. She said she never felt she wasn’t taken seriously in what some view as a maledominated industry. She recalled an incident from years ago, when a man was teaching her how to drive a team of horses. She was struggling to get the 50-pound harnesses on draught horses that were 16 or 17 hands (about five and a half feet) high. The man was leaning against a fence, watching. “I said, ‘Aren’t you going to help me?’” Fields asked him. “He said, ‘Can’t harness them, can’t drive them.’ I said, ‘OK.’”

Fields appreciated the lesson: “If I can produce, then I am taken seriously.” For many years now, she’s been the one doing the teaching. The educational center offers yearround agricultural education, dairy and herdsmanship internship programs for college students. Many of her interns have gone on to careers in agriculture, or sometimes agriculture-adjacent, like the culinary arts or food sales.

Her advice for future farmers? Don’t take on any more debt than necessary. Also: “Start small. Get good at one thing. Then expand and do something else.” No matter what a farmer’s niche may be, there’s plenty of room for her (or him) in the fold. “We encourage every farm to succeed,” Fields says. “We’re all different. No one is in competition with each other. When one succeeds, we all succeed.”

The 2025 Who’s Who in Business listing is the essential guide to the leading products and services offered in the Lehigh Valley. Who’s Who in Business is not a popularity contest: it’s an annual scientific survey that reaches out to thousands of local residents to ask about their experiences and uses that information to determine which businesses and organizations have fostered positive consumer relationships over the years by providing valuable services and a commitment to quality. For 2025, the Who’s Who survey was conducted by the Harrisburg-based FieldGoals.US, a Certified Woman Business Enterprise providing superior qualitative and quantitative research services for a wide variety of businesses and entities, both in Central Pennsylvania and throughout the United States. Their team of academics—including moderators, interviewers, survey designers and recruiters—excels at full-service, impactful research initiatives. As research specialists, FieldGoals.US was thrilled to conduct the 2025 Who’s Who in Business survey. Bringing you

ACCOUNTING FIRM

Buckno Lisicky & Company

ADULT CONTINUING EDUCATION

DeSales University

AESTHETIC SERVICES

Aesthetic Surgery Associates

APPLIANCE DEALER

Allentown Appliance

AUTO DEALER

Brown-Daub Dealerships

BANK

Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley

BANQUET FACILITY

Historic Hotel Bethlehem

BIRTHING CENTER

St. Luke’s University Health Network

CABLE TV PROVIDER

Service Electric Cable TV and Communications

CAR DETAILING SERVICE

Prestige Auto Appearance, LLC

CAR WASH

Kuhnsville Car Wash

CARPET & FLOORING STORE

Crest Flooring

CARPET CLEANING SERVICE

Stanley Steemer

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Amato Family Chiropractic

CLOSET & STORAGE PROFESSIONAL

Creative Closets

COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

Moravian University

COLLISION CENTER

Daku’s Auto Body

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES

Hocus Pocus Cleaning

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Keller Williams Realty

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Mary Viechnicki, DMD

COSMETIC SURGEON

Aesthetic Surgery Associates

CREDIT UNION

People First Federal Credit Union

CUSTOM POOL BUILDER

B&B Custom Pools

DOOR & WINDOW REPLACEMENT

A.B.E. Doors & Windows

DRY CLEANER

Your Neighborhood Dry Cleaner

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FIRM

BSI Corporate Benefits LLC

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

CareerLink Lehigh Valley

ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

Rockin’ Ramaley

FERTILITY SPECIALIST

RMA Lehigh Valley

FINANCIAL PLANNER

Morton Brown Family Wealth

FIREPLACES, STOVES AND

Kring’s

FLORISTS

Phoebe Floral

Home

Lehigh Valley Health Network

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER

Astound Broadband Powered by RCN

LANDSCAPING CONTRACTOR DESIGNER

Fitzpatrick Lentz and Bubba, PC

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley Health Network

Lehigh Valley Business Machines

Lehigh Valley Eyecare Associates

St. Luke’s OMS Center for Oral Surgery

PAINT AND WALLPAPER STORE

PERSONAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING CENTER

Moravian Village

PEST CONTROL

Ehrlich

PHYSICAL REHAB/PHYSICAL THERAPY

St. Luke’s University Health Network

PLUMBING

Agentis Plumbing

PRIVATE SCHOOL

Moravian Academy

RENTAL COMPANY

Action Party Rentals

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICES

Hocus Pocus Cleaning

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Fox & Roach, Realtors

ROOFING CONTRACTOR/REPAIRS

Alan Kunsman Roofing & Siding, Inc.

SHOPPING MALL

Promenade Saucon Valley

SIGN SHOP

FASTSIGNS

SKI

SOURCE FOR

TECHNICAL/TRADE

Johnny Chung,

@asasurgery

SRIRACHA HONEY LIME CHICKEN THIGHS WITH Chef Matt Martin

For some, cooking is a necessity. For others, it’s a passion. For Matt Martin, the owner of More Than Q, it’s always been the latter.

“I was a kid tinkering in the kitchen, mixing ingredients, trying to reinvent the wheel,” he recalls. “I always loved to cook—grilling for the family, helping out. The creative spark was always there.”

Despite this early love for food, his path to the culinary world wasn’t a straight line. He initially pursued a career in sales and real estate, but something never felt right. “I was in sales, working as a Realtor, and I just knew—this isn’t for me,” he says. “So, without telling anyone, I signed up for culinary school. I took an advanced program with

the goal of having my own business. It was a leap, but I never looked back.”

Chef Martin’s journey into barbecue began in Chicago, where he was introduced to smoking meats. “You have to make a lot of bad barbecue before you figure out how to make good barbecue,” he admits. “I read everything, watched videos, studied the best pitmasters and just kept refining until I got it right.”

That dedication led him to open More Than Q in 2013, and since then, his restaurant concepts have expanded. While barbecue is at the heart of his work, he approaches it differently than most. “I have a deep appreciation for barbecue, whether it’s someone smoking meat in their backyard or

running a restaurant. It’s not easy—it takes patience and experience to get it right.”

Much of his love for food stems from childhood memories, particularly those tied to his mother’s cooking. “My mom is a great cook. To this day, she still makes our favorite recipes for birthdays and holidays,” he says. “Her cornbread with honey butter was a staple growing up—it’s on the menu at More Than Q because of her.”

Beyond the food, what keeps him going is the immediate feedback from customers. “There’s nothing better than satisfying a customer who takes a bite and says, ‘Wow, this is amazing,’” he says. “That’s what makes it all worth it.”

The dish he’s sharing is

a smoked bone-in chicken thigh finished with a sweet and spicy sriracha-honey glaze, served alongside rich, cheesy jalapeño grits. While traditionally smoked at the restaurant, this home-friendly version is baked for ease without sacrificing flavor. “It’s a simple dish—season the chicken, pop it in the oven, and the grits come together in just a few ingredients,” he explains. The result is a balanced plate with a touch of heat, a hint of sweetness and a creamy, comforting base, perfect for a casual yet impressive meal. With a continued passion for food and a commitment to his craft, he’s proving that sometimes, taking the leap into the unknown leads to the most rewarding journeys.

TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

SRIRACHA HONEY LIME CHICKEN THIGHS WITH CHEESE

GRITS

INGREDIENTS

For the chicken:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

2 tbsp. olive oil

½ tsp. paprika

½ tsp. granulated garlic powder

¼ tsp. granulated onion

¾ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

½ c. sriracha

¼ c. honey

2 tbsp. butter

1 lime, zested and juiced

For the grits:

1 tbsp. butter

1 jalapeño, diced small

1 c. water

1 c. half-and-half

½ tsp. salt

½ c. grits

1 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking pan with foil and place a baking rack on top.

Dab the chicken skin dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season generously with the paprika, granulated garlic powder, granulated onion, salt and pepper.

Place the chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up, and bake uncovered 35–40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Broil the chicken on high for 2–3 minutes if crispier skin is desired.

Combine the sriracha, honey, 2 tbsp. butter, lime juice and lime zest in a saucepan. Heat until butter is melted, but do not bring to a boil. Blend with a whisk.

Toss the chicken with the sriracha honey lime sauce.

Melt 1 tbsp. butter over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan.

Add jalapeño and cook for 2 minutes to soften.

Add water, half-and-half and ½ tsp. salt and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the grits.

Cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Stir in cheddar cheese. Add extra salt and cheddar, if desired.

The Shelby

EXCEPTIONAL FOOD, DRINK AND HOSPITALITY, NEIGHBORHOOD-STYLE

The hum was unmistakable. I heard it the minute I opened the door to The Shelby’s outer vestibule. It was the sound of a restaurant full of diners’ conversation and laughter, a sustained low-pitched hum, like the background vocals of a pop song. It was 2 p.m. on a midweek afternoon.

The Shelby has been busy since the day it opened in 2017 in Lower Macungie Township’s Hamilton Crossings outdoor mall. Owner Donny Petridis says he set out to create a neighborhood eatery with good food and drink that’s “a place for everyone.” It’s a “girl next door” concept—a restaurant that’s beautiful, yet comfortable and approachable, like the girl down the street you remember from childhood. That girl’s name? Shelby, of course.

Beautiful is easily an adjective that fits this restaurant. Large pots of palms and other tropical plants throughout the dining space impart the sense of thick and lush greenery. There’s wainscoting and beadboard paneling along the lower wall, which keep the tone casual, but the plants predominate, making The Shelby feel fresh and alive.

Photos on the back wall tell the restaurant’s story well: cheerleaders from the 1950s; a group of women at the beach in ’60s-style swim caps; girls in prom-style gowns sitting on the back of a red convertible. In these nostalgic pictures, people are having fun, and that’s The Shelby’s MO. This is not a white tablecloth restaurant, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s that neighborhood place, you know the one … the kind that’s cozy and warm, where everyone knows your name. Petridis says he hopes that when people come to The Shelby,

BY SUSAN GOTTSHALL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALISON CONKLIN

they’re sharing “their happiest moments.”

The restaurant’s New American cuisine is “a little bit of everything from everywhere,” says executive chef Cristian Gonzalez, a graduate of Northampton Community College’s culinary arts program. Just a glance at the starter menu proves his point. There’s poutine (Canadian), hummus (Middle Eastern), bao buns (Chinese) and quesadillas (Mexican).

The food is freshly made in-house daily, so Gonzalez and his team spend long hours in the kitchen. That’s okay, though, he says, because his coworkers are like family:

“More times than not, we’re all having a good time.” It’s a culture that’s reflected in the quality of the food, Gonzalez believes, and I’ll vouch for that. From start to finish, I found the food top-notch.

Kirchenberg cheese curds, locally sourced from Fleetwood’s Kirchenberg Dairy Farm, are a super starter. A thin coating of breadcrumbs on these deep-fried curds creates a micro-thin crispiness yielding to creamy, warm cheese, served with sweet

grape sauce—freshly made each morning—and crunchy toasted peanuts, along with crispy bacon. Eating these curds is like striking the mother lode of flavor: sweet and smoky, crunchy and creamy.

It’s no wonder The Shelby Burger is the number-oneselling item week after week. This burger is really two: two four-ounce locally sourced beef patties with American cheese, Shelby sauce and lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles. With the optional addition of bacon on the brioche-style bun, this is one of those sandwiches that makes you thankful for the steak knife that comes with it. How you get this into one solitary mouth is a $64,000 question. But, however you eat it, it’s worth it. Tender burger, melty cheese, smoky bacon, secret sauce—what’s not to love?

The beef Cubano sandwich isn’t quite as vertical as the burger, but its flavor profile is every bit as big. Featuring tender braised short rib with Swiss cheese, the flavor intensified with horseradish mayo, this savory sandwich is

brightened with briny pickled red onions. It’s built on a perfect Portuguese roll, dense enough to hold its own against the juicy meat.

From the “Mains” menu, the smoked bone-in Kurobuta pork chops are stellar. The artisan-crafted pork, which hails from the English countryside’s Berkshire pigs, has exceptional marbling and a deeper, reddish hue than grocery store pork. Two tender chops are served in a pool of mushroom marsala sauce that glistens with such depth you can see the flavor. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are tabula rasa balance; broccoli finishes off the plate with bright antioxidant freshness.

Melt-in-your-mouth tofu is, of course, the main actor in the coconut tofu curry (also available with salmon). Coconut broth with peppers, onions, ginger and flecks of spinach has just enough spice to awaken taste buds. With mushrooms and potatoes, the curry is served over jasmine rice, dusted with peanuts. Broccoli adds color and al dente crunch.

An all-American selection, chicken and waffles—from the brunch menu—is a wakeup weekend dish. Crispy, crispy chicken and its sweet vanilla-scented waffle, soft inside, are a beautiful textural combination. The chicken is zippy with spice; the cream cheese sauce with candied bacon bits just rich enough to tame the zing.

Shelby Benedict is a fine execution of a brunch favorite. The restaurant’s rendition features brioche topped with pork roll and two poached eggs, dressed in rich hollandaise. Crisped tater tots add tasty texture.

In the dessert category, the caramel, burnt sugar notes of flan are offset by the fruity

sweetness of summer-flavor strawberries. Vanilla bean cheesecake is a dreamy supple creaminess delectably partnered with house-crafted berry compote, so intense with flavor you’d swear you’ve been transported to a July garden. Topped with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers, it’s cheesecake turned upside down.

Like the food, The Shelby’s cocktails are individually handcrafted with the freshest ingredients, says bar manager Simon Woolbert. All juices are freshly squeezed. Even the espresso martini, the numbertwo-selling item each week (of both food and drink), features freshly made espresso, along with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Maggie’s Farm Coffee Liqueur and vanilla gomme syrup.

The margarita’s refreshing citrus notes play well with the heat of its lime-and-chilispice-dusted rim, and The Full House Bloody Mary’s jolt of pointed spicy flavor will get any day going. With Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Ancho Reyes Verde poblano chili liqueur, pickle juice and house-made Bloody Mary mix, this impressive drink is finished with a loaded shrimp cocktail garnish: two shrimp, a celery stalk and a piece of cheese. Now that’s worth getting up for.

As impressive as the Bloody Mary is, however, “May I Call You Rose?” might just be the most beautiful cocktail I’ve laid my eyes on. Dehydrated rose petals float at the top of this blush-hued drink, like confetti lingering in the air after a ticker-tape parade. Created for a regular customer who requested a cocktail featuring his favorite flavors, the drink includes Bombay Sapphire gin, Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato, lemon juice, agave and rose water.

Chai Dream, from the mocktail menu, leads the nose with the aroma of its cinnamon garnish, even though it’s made with Seedlip Spice 94, a nonalcoholic spirit featuring an aromatic blend of cardamom and allspice. Chai agave syrup adds another layer of spice; the almond milk base contributes snowy color.

Late last summer, The Shelby opened an adjacent pavilion that expands seating by 75 for regular dining and 90 when adding outside space. Now there’s capacity to host private gatherings of 20–100 people, says Bridget Corcoran, the restaurant’s event coordinator. Garage doors open in warm weather to create an alfresco space; hurricane-proof shades keep out wind, rain and hot sun.

The new pavilion expands the restaurant’s opportunities for hospitality. “We pride ourselves on hospitality,” says Petridis, adding, “We enjoy taking care of customers.” For Woolbert, that translates to regular customers sometimes finding a drink in their hands before they find a seat at the bar. When it comes to service and hospitality, says Tony Burgio, director of operations, the restaurant has high expectations: “We have to remain razor-sharp.”

Clearly, what The Shelby offers works. When I opened the door to the restaurant’s vestibule at 6:30 p.m. on a Thursday, the hum was dialed up to the max. Every table was full; and when I left at 8:30 p.m., every table was still full.

During dinner that night, I looked around at all the people at tables and the crowded bar, deeply engaged in conversations over good food and drink, and it struck me that this restaurant is, as Petridis hopes, a very happy place.

The Shelby

707 N. Krocks Rd., Allentown 610.841.0808 | shelbyrestaurant.com

HOURS

Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m.– 9:30 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

(brunch until 3 p.m.)

Sunday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

(brunch until 3 p.m.)

Bar open daily until approximately midnight.

Cost: Starters: $8–$18.95

Mains: $16.95–$55.95

Brunch mains: $12.95–$27

Parking: Available throughout Hamilton Crossings lots.

Reservations: Recommended. To ensure a weekend table, reserve 48 to 72 hours in advance.

WHAT TO ORDER

Kirchenberg cheese curds: Decadent? Oh, who cares?

Savor the moment! Kurobuta pork chops: grocery store pork will never be the same. The Cubano: so skillfully accented by pickled onion. Chicken and waffles: would you ever make this for yourself? And as for “May I Call You Rose”?—how often do you get to sip on rose petals? Enough said.

READY TO TRY IT? Tag @lvstylemag when you do!

DONERDS DONUTS CANNOLI DONUT

BY ANGELA VENNEMANN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW

“Ever since I was a little kid, I was obsessed with cannolis,” says Andrew Underwood. Growing up in Sparta, New Jersey, he visited a local Italian bakery so often that the owner would make fresh cannolis just for him whenever he saw him heading into the shop. Now that Underwood has his own shop, Donerds Donuts, he’s hoping to recreate that childhood memory with what has become a customer favorite: the cannoli donut.

Donerds’ circuitous journey to Southside Bethlehem began in Santiago, Chile, where Underwood met and fell in love with Annabel Figueroa. They started selling donuts and coffee out of a 1981 Volkswagen bus, followed by a brick-and-mortar location in Santiago. The pair eventually made their way to Jim Thorpe, where they opened another donut and coffee shop, followed by their Bethlehem location in 2023. The cannoli donut, the first specialty

creation that Donerds developed, is a best seller in both Pennsylvania locations and one of a handful of donuts that remain a constant on Donerds’ otherwise rotating week ly menus. But if you want one, time is of the essence: “They do tend to sell out, so be sure to stop by early to make sure you get one,” Underwood says.

This treat begins as a light, yeastraised dough, baked fresh daily. Once cooled, the donut is filled with a slightly sweetened ricotta-based filling studded with mini chocolate chips, and the final touch is a dusting of powdered sugar. “It’s a thoughtful combination of textures and flavors, blending the comforting warmth of a freshly made donut with the indulgence of a classic Italian dessert,” Underwood says.

Underwood calls the cannoli donut “the star of the show,” but sometimes the star gets a few costume changes. Plans

are underway for a Nutella cannoli donut, and a pistachio cannoli donut is now available. And for the ultimate Italian experience, Underwood recommends pairing the donut with a cappuccino, made in-house with Intelligentsia Coffee.

While the cannoli donut is available in both of Donerds’ Pennsylvania locations, you also have the option of bringing the sweet treat right to you with Donerds’ food truck, available for festivals, events and private parties. And if the cannoli donut isn’t close enough to the real thing for you, fear not—Donerds also makes traditional cannolis, with fresh cream piped into a crispy shell as soon as it’s ordered. Just like the ones Underwood grew up with.

3 E. 4th St., Bethlehem | 484.655.2885 donerdsdonuts.com

CANNON

HANDS

I was always healthy, I never expected that I’d have a heart attack. Thankfully when I was at my worst, St. Luke’s was at their best – They saved my life. I’m so grateful for the incredible care from my doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s.”— Sherry Haas

When it comes to your heart, you deserve exceptional care, no matter how complex or routine the issue. That’s why Sherry chose St. Luke’s – an eight-time 50 Top Heart Hospital. St. Luke’s consistently leads the region in adopting innovative technologies, ensuring every patient receives the highest quality care and outcomes. With St. Luke’s, Sherry knew her heart was in the best hands every step of the way. Discover the excellence of St. Luke’s, scan the QR code or visit sluhn.org/heart to learn more.