Main Street Programs

hamburg

Hamburg welcomes eight new businesses

By Gabriella Wilson, Administrative Assistant, Our Town Foundation

Downtown Hamburg had a surge of businesses open over the past several months, adding several unique shops and services to what the town already offers. Hamburg’s perseverance during the COVID-19 pandemic and its strong sense of community among business owners have attributed to the continued growth and success of the downtown.

A. Rose and Company Hair Studio – 302 State St., Hamburg

The studio offers hair and wax services and focuses on everyday beauty as well as being a trend-focused, family salon. It accommodates clients of all generations and ethnicities! Walkins are welcome. Visit the studio’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ARoseAndCompany/, for additional information.

Copperz Brewing Company – 798 South 4th St., Hamburg

After several years of planning and permitting, Copperz Brewing Company opened its doors in December to the public. The pub offers a full bar and dining menu as well as small-batch, hand-crafted beers, cocktails made with locally distilled spirits and locally produced wines! Copperz Brewing Company is a family-owned business with many ties to Hamburg. The family has owned and operated Windsor Distributing for several decades.

Josephine’s Oil & Spice – 45 South 4th St., Hamburg

When you step into this charming store you will find plenty of flavor-infused, organic olive oils and balsamic vinegars, spice blends, specialty foods and unique snacks. The boutique offers a variety of collectible salt and pepper shakers, meat and cheese boards, home décor, and other one-of-a-kind items including artwork by the shop’s owner, Charlotte Golden.

Lazy Dog Vintage Furniture Gallery – 157 State St., Hamburg

Lazy Dog Vintage has expanded! The owners, Ashley and Justin Zimmerman, opened a second location in the downtown, which features an amazing collection of vintage, farmhouse, rustic and repurposed furniture. You can also find home décor, jewelry and bath accessories. Along with this new location, comes ample parking and a drop-off and pick-up area for furniture.

Mema’s Memories - Antiques & General Store – 21 South 3rd St., Hamburg

A unique treasure trove of goodies within one store, Mema’s Memories offers everything from antiques and collectibles to prepackaged and customized gift baskets. In the general store section, you can find gourmet snack items, nostalgic candy, jams, jellies, soaps, candles, pet products and much more!

Neliz Photography – 319 State St., Hamburg

While Neliz Photography may be new to Hamburg, it has been in business since 2011. Additionally, its photographers travel to capture weddings, engagements, birthdays and maternity shoots. Be sure to check out its Facebook page, facebook.com/ nelizphotography/, for more information and to book your photoshoot.

Perry Indoor Golf & Billiards – 805 State St., Suite B, Hamburg

Whether you’re practicing your swings alone, bringing along some friends, or holding a corporate event, Perry Indoor Golf & Billiards is a great place to have fun! Perry Indoor offers two bays, six pool tables and 20 challenging and famous golf courses in HD, driving ranges, accurate golf data and analysis, and skill challenges. A full menu is also available for your enjoyment. Local tournaments and pool leagues are welcome as well.

Sacred Ink Tattoo – 13 South 4th St., Hamburg

Tattoo artists Bruce Blankenhorn Jr., Kaitlynn McShaw, and Lydia Green held their grand opening in December. This marks the trio’s endeavor of owning their first business. The owners are looking forward to making memories and new friendships in downtown Hamburg. You can check out pictures of their work and message them for an appointment at facebook.com/Sacredinktattoo3.

Business entrepreneurs who are interested in learning more about downtown Hamburg and the surrounding area may contact Deena Kershner, Director of Our Town Foundation, the Borough’s non-profit community revitalization organization, by emailing otfmanager@aol.com or by phone at 610562-3106. Be sure to visit hamburgpa.org for additional information on the town.

West reading

A look to the West (or best) in 2022

By Mark Ratcliffe, Main Street Manager, West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation

Abig part of West Reading’s rebranding was understanding what its strengths are. Arts, entertainment and health are now the foundation of who West Reading is as a community and how it looks to grow this year and beyond.

West Reading will be expanding its public arts this year with more murals helping to connect Penn Ave. with its mural corridors. Additionally, it will bring more than just murals and live music. Public art can be sculptures, light displays, interactive art and various types of performance art. Art helps bring the Avenue to life even when its shops are closed.

The Borough will continue to support and grow its health-oriented businesses by working closer with the Reading Hospital and its supporting business in addition to West Reading restaurants and farmers market to implement added safety measures to help grow a healthier community. The 2022 calendar will be full of events such as 2nd Fridays and the West Reading Farmers Market. There will also be another restaurant week, bridal walk, farm-to-table dine out and more wine, beer and liquor strolls.

The year kicked off with a new Restaurant Week in mid-January followed by Ice and Spice hosted by the West Reading Tavern. These wintertime events draw a great crowd with creative prefix menus, hot, spiced drinks and world-class ice carvers.

In February, celebrate Galantine’s Day the Saturday before Valentine’s Day on the Avenue. The fun and interactive West Reading Fashion Week, hosted by Emily Branch, is back. Mark your calendars for Jazz Fest in March, Craft Pretzel & Beer Fest on April 23, the Bridal Walk in May and finally the Plein Air & Art on the Ave in June. While that may seem like a lot, that is just the first half of the year. A few smaller events will be sprinkled in to round out the spring and summer.

This will be an exciting year in West Reading, so get ready to enjoy more art, live a little healthier and have a lot more fun!