Reading PA

Baseball season is coming into full swing in Central Pennsylvania as the Reading Fightin Phils sit comfortably at the top spot in the Double-A Eastern division of the Eastern League. The Reading Fightin Phils - known to locals as the Reading Fightins or simply the Fightins – are a minor league baseball team and since 1967, they've been a Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. According to their website, this 49-year relationship is tied for the second-longest relationship of its kind in Minor League Baseball history.

Minor League Baseball is an attractive option to locals for several reasons:

• It provides an affordable alternative to Major League Baseball games with prices starting at just $5 a ticket.
• A smaller stadium means smaller crowds.
• Parking is free — including handicapped spaces (Reserved Parking tickets are available for purchase).
• There are food and entertainment promotions for just about every game. See all of the FirstEnergy Stadium promotions (including Dollar Dog nights, happy hour discounts, live music, fireworks and more).

Having games several nights each week makes this outing an easy decision, whether it is made last-minute or planned in advance. In fact, you might even see some of our employees and agents from the Wyomissing Office regularly in attendance.

Don't live nearby? Their website also says that of the adult Minor League Baseball fan population, 78% are homeowners. To see Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty listings in Reading, visit our website at http://www.homesale.com. 

Swing into Spring in Reading, PA

Reading, PA will be alive and kicking on April 10 through 19, 2015 at the 25^th Annual Boscov's Jazz Fest.  Jazz, bebop, blues, funk, fusion, gospel, and big band fans worldwide will return to Reading, PA--some for the 25^th time--for 10 consecutive, music-filled nights of unique concert experiences to indulge their passion.

The 25^th Berks Jazz Fest, one of the premier jazz events in the world, requires the help of more than 400 volunteers.  The 2014 Jazz Fest drew more than 50,000 music aficionados to the Reading community adding $5 million back into the economy.

John Ernesto, 22-year festival General Manager, commented, "Our goal is to put together a festival that the entire Berks County community can be proud of.  We've put together a very diverse lineup of artists exploring the many styles of jazz – straight ahead, contemporary, blues, and gospel."

Reading, PA thrives because of the efforts of such community organizations as the Berks Arts Council and its partners.  If being a part of a community like Reading is something that interests you, attend the 25^th Annual Berks Jazz Fest.

History of Reading's Berks Jazz Fest

The Berks Arts Council organized the first Berks Jazz Fest in 1991 as a way to support arts in their community.  Wynton Marsalis, respected trumpet legend, opened the first festival along with a musical lineup of 20 or more in Reading. 

Over the next 25 years, the festival has evolved into 50 major ticketed concerts and more than 125 free musical performances including all types of jazz, in concert and performing arts venues, restaurants, bars, and churches.

Rev. Harry L. Serio, a Berks Jazz Festival founder, commented, "When we started, we never expected to grow into this type of world renowned festival, with people even coming from overseas to experience it…The artists that come really enjoy hanging out in Berks County — they like the venues.  Some of them actually build their tours around it."

Originally, Reading's VF Outlets worked in cooperation with festival organizers to bring people to the area during a slow retail season.  However, with Reading, PA's rich history in jazz including performances by Duke Ellington, Count Base, John Philip Sousa, and several big band greats, it is no surprise how the festival has grown.

Reading's 25^th Jazz Fest Anniversary

Wynton Marsalis with the Lincoln Center Orchestra will wow Reading crowds at this year's opening events beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Santander Performing Arts Center. Crowne Plaza will be spotlighted on April 10 at 10:00 p.m. with an Opening Night Party with special appearances by saxophonist Boney James and Gerald Veasley's Midnight Jam.

The 2015 edition includes performances by headliners:  Jeffrey Osborne, Elliott Yamin, Fourplay, Will Downing, the Billy Cobham Spectrum 40 Band, Kirk Whalum, Yolanda Adams, Dianne Reeves and Soul of Jazz.

Living in Reading, PA

If the idea of living in Reading, PA gets you "all jazzed up," contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty to start your Reading, PA home search today.

Reading Named to 10 Most Exciting Places in PA List

Nestled between Philly and Pittsburgh, Reading may seem like "just another city" in Pennsylvania, but that could not be further from the truth.  Reading's history, natural beauty, cultural activities, and low cost of living all played a part in earning it a spot on Movoto's list of "10 Most Exciting Places In Pennsylvania".

Ranked No. 8 on Movoto's list, Reading ranked well in most categories across the board.  Reading was named the fifth most densely-populated city in Pennsylvania.  It also had the sixth highest number of music venues per capita, and the 17^th for the most young people.

Reading is a unique blend of modern, urban activities and small town charm.  Nowhere other than Reading can you enjoy an afternoon drive to a Pennsylvania German farm and then return to attend a live performance of classical music by the Reading Symphony Orchestra later the same day.

Visit the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, cheer on the Reading Royals Hockey Team, or attend the annual Berks Jazz Festival. After you eat and drink up local Reading culture, arts, and entertainment, select from a "full menu" of local bistros, bars, PA Dutch restaurants, and even farmers markets to sample some the best food and drinks in town.

Reading offers something for everyone.  Whether you are a visitor, a new Reading resident or a lifetime local, you will quickly understand why there is truly no other place like Reading.

Here is our list of favorite things to do in Reading, PA:

1.  Climb The Pagoda - 98 Duryea Drive, Reading, PA

The Pagoda in Reading is a local historic landmark located 620 feet above the city at the top of Mt. Penn.  Owned by the citizens of Reading for over 100 years, The Pagoda is an oberservatory with scenic views of Reading and its surrounding communities. Enjoy lunch at The Pagoda Café, take home a trinket from the gift shop, or take pictures of the breathtaking views from The Pagoda's balcony.

2.  Enjoy a romantic weekend at one of Reading's Bed & Breakfasts, Country Inns, and Historic Hotels.

• The Inn at Centre Park, 730 Centre Avenue, Reading. Located in Reading's beautiful Centre Park Historic District, the Inn at Centre Park is a unique Victorian bed and breakfast with amazing architectural details and a rich historical past.
• Abraham Lincoln-Historic Hotel of America,  Reading. The Abraham Lincoln Hotel has welcomed guests and visitors to Reading since 1930.  This historic hotel blends historic charm and architecture in greater Berks County.

 
3.  Relaxing in Reading's beautiful outdoors.

For a leisurely afternoon, hike at Angelica Park Environmental Exploration Center and then enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park's designated areas.  Explore Nolde Forest and Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center. Go fishing or horseback riding at Antietam Lake Park.

Reading has countless opportunities to explore and things to do. If you are getting ready to move to Reading, contact the local real estate experts at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty to help you find a home in Reading, PA.

Fun Things to Do this Fall in Reading, PA

Reading, Pennsylvania offers it residents a variety of local things to do.  But in the Fall, you cannot miss touring the wineries and breweries that are a part of Reading's Wine and Ale Trails. Reading's numerous vineyards and wineries are a great way to explore how agriculture has impacted the livelihood of the local community through agritourism. Agritourism is defined as the point where agriculture and tourism meet producing a new level of interest and commerce for a community.

All through Reading, you will see beautiful Pennsylvania countryside that is just waiting to be explored. Tour Reading's local vineyards at a leisurely pace and enjoy learning about and sampling wines from local vintners.  Here are some tour ideas to put on your list as you head out on the Wine and Ale Trail.

Tour the Vineyards

One of the draws of the vineyards around Reading is the beautiful scenery they offer. Start your tour of the vineyards at Blaire Vineyards. Located in Berks County, Blaire Vineyards is in Kutztown. They offer signature wines and local cheeses with a breathtaking view of the Blue Mountains. A covered tasting pavilion is a great place to enjoy a mountain view picnic with a glass of wine in your hand.

After Blair Vineyards, head to Long Trout Winery in Auburn. Long Trout Winery takes you on a step back to a different time. The winery has captured the atmosphere of the 1960s, with everything from bell bottoms to a peace sign shaped front door. Even the wine tastes different, heralding back to the wine traditions of the 1960s. Long Trout Winery does not have its own vineyard, but it does have a lovely natural setting for you to enjoy with your wine tasting.

If you want to get back to the roots of family-run wine making, head to Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery, a family-owned business in Lehigh Valley in the community of Robesonia. Their focus is on their wine, but you won't mind the views either if you come for a tasting.

Tour the Breweries

If your list of things to do involves more beer than wine, you won't be disappointed around Reading. Consider scheduling a weekend for a brewery tour. Starting in Easton with the Weyerbacher Brewing Company and the breweries of downtown Easton, then heading to Bethlehem and Bethlehem Brew Works, your weekend will start off with some exceptional brews. Your second day will take you to Stoudt's Brewing Company in Adamstown, followed by French Creek State Park in Elverson. Finally, round out yoru tour at Yuengling Brewery in Pottsville. Along the way you will see some of the most scenic countryside in all of Pennsylvania and the Reading area.

Make Reading PA Your Home with Homesale Realty

Contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty to find a home in Reading, PA.

Reading PA for Unbeatable Shopping Outlets

Reading, Pennsylvania has become a household name around the world from the inclusion of its former railroad in a popular board game. It is known across the U.S. for it's rich colonial history, iconic row homes, and covered bridges.

Locally, Reading is known for being a family town that is a hub for culture and entertainment. From Minor League baseball games at First Energy Field to the Mid Atlantic Air Museum that features an annual World War II reenactment, to the Greater Reading Expo Center that is a hub for business and consumer trade shows, there is something for everyone in Reading PA.

Reading, PA is also known for being home to the best outlet shopping – in fact, the area is called the Original Outlet Capital of the World. The shopping opportunities are a boon for tourism drawing more than 10 million visitors every year. Everyone enjoys shopping in Reading PA, here's a look at where to go.

VF Outlet Center

In 1970, the president of VF Corporation had an idea. The extra inventory of Berkshire International needed to be cleared out so he held a public sale with drastically cut prices to move products fast. Not only did the products move, they sold out completely. Encouraged, he held another sale a couple of weeks later with the same result. This gave him the idea of opening a permanent outlet store to move surplus products on a continual basis, and the rest is history.

Today, the VF Outlet Center houses dozens of stores from OshKosk B'Gosh to Lane Bryant to Nautica. Designer fragrances and cosmetics are available along with sports equipment, housewares, food, and so much more. The entire mall consists of two separate buildings connected by a walkway for a total of 400,000+ square feet of combined shopping space.

The VF Outlet Center is located at 801 Hill Avenue in Reading PA and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm and Sundays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Fairgrounds Square Mall

For even more shopping, the Fairgrounds Square mall rounds up another 725,000 square feet of shopping that featuring JC's 5 Star Outlet and Boscov's along with dozens of specialty shops, restaurants, and a food court. The mall doors open at 7:45 Monday through Saturday to accommodate Mall Walkers who like to take advantage of the indoor walking course: one trip around is about ¾ of a mile.

The Fairgrounds Square Mall is located at 2934 N. 5th St, right next to the Fairgrounds Farmers Market, and opens for shopping Monday through Saturday at 10:00 am and Sundays at 11:00 am.
More Shopping in Reading PA

Just in case you can't find what you're looking for at the malls, Reading PA has many boutique and specialty shops. Here are a few local favorites:

• Tom Sturgis Pretzels; 2267 Lancaster Pike, Reading. Founded in 1861, this is the first commercial pretzel bakery in the U.S. Tour the bakery, learn how to make the signature twist, and shop for goodies to bring home.
• Celtic Myth & Moonlight; 641 Penn Avenue, West Reading. A truly unique collection of Celtic gifts and jewelry along with all things magical.
• Pollack Fashion Outerwear; 643 Penn Avenue, West Reading. Founded in 1900, the company is still run today by members of the Pollack family. The store features a full line of men's and women's outerwear including furs, leathers, faux fur and accessories along with repair, cleaning, and refinishing.
  
  

If what you're really shopping for in Reading is a new home, contact the real estate experts at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realty to find a home in Reading, PA.