Articles Tagged "find a home"

Things to Do, Eat & See in Baltimore This Month

Over the years, Baltimore has become known as a city full of character and contrasts.  With a rich history and unique, vibrant culture, it's no wonder Baltimore has been dubbed "Charm City."  Whether you come to the city for its scrumptious seafood, star-studded past, arts and culture, or to walk along the Inner Harbor, Baltimore invites you to do more and B-More.   Celebrate September in all its glory in and around Baltimore.

1. Maryland Wine Fest – Whether sommelier or an occasional sipper, attend the Maryland Wine Fest in Westminster on Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Carroll County Farm Museum.  Sample locally made wines, dine on tasty treats, and watch demonstrations from what has been reviewed as a premier performance of which Maryland can be proud.   General admission tickets: $30.

2. Hampdenfest 2015 – Hampdenfest started as a small, local neighborhood occasion and blossomed into one of Baltimore's much-anticipated things to do.  The free event draws locals and visitors to this fun and funky neighborhood for good food, good beer, good friends, and good fun on and around West 36^th Street.  Barrel across the finish line in the Annual Toilet Bowl Race, sing your heart out at the Hampden Idol Competition, and devour dangerously delicious desserts at the pie eating contest.  You're in Hampden—Enjoy Yourself!  Hampdenfest 2015 will take place on September 19 from 11 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

3. Baltimore Book Festival – Book worms unite at the 20^th Annual Baltimore Book Fest held at the Inner Harbor on September 25 – 27 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  See hundreds of local, celebrity and nationally known authors.  Attend book signings.  See cooking demonstrations by top chefs.  Bring the kids for hands-on projects and storytelling.  Live music, food, beer and wine.

4. Station North Arts District – The Station North Arts District, located in the heart of Baltimore, was the city's first area to receive a designation by the state of Maryland as an arts and entertainment district.  You will find a collection of artist live-work spaces, art galleries, businesses, and row homes.  Attend Station North's Akimbo Dance & Movement Arts Festival on Saturday, September 12 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.  The area will come alive with performances by numerous local and regional dance troupes across indoor and outdoor venues within the community.  This is a free event.

5. Baltimore Seafood Festival – No city loves its seafood more than Baltimore.  Celebrate the bounty of the bay at Canton Waterfront Park on Saturday, September 19 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the Second Annual Baltimore Seafood Festival.  Feast on crab cakes, crab soup, shrimp salad, local oysters, lobster rolls and Maryland blue crabs from over 30 restaurants.  Sip on refreshing drinks, listen to live music, attend cooking demonstrations.  Kids will enjoy the family area with toys, games, and face painting.  Fees range from free to $100.


6. Pier Six Pavilion – Come to Baltimore's Pier Six Pavilion on Sunday, September 13 at 6 p.m. at the Inner Harbor and be "wowed" by Diana Ross for one unforgettable night of musical magic.  Ticket prices range from $40 - $100.

Baltimore is a great place to visit, and a wonderful place to call your home.  Contact our local Baltimore real estate team at Homesale Realty, to find your Baltimore dream home.

Relocating to York County PA with Homesale Realty

With the back-to-school season upon us and fall just around the corner, life is exceptionally busy this time of year. Give yourself a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life with a day trip. Simply head out into the beautiful countryside surrounding York, PA. Throughout York County, you will discover quaint, small towns, Amish markets, and plenty of outdoor recreation.

Dine at The Accomac

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or looking to treat yourself to an excellent meal, experience lunch or dinner at The Accomac.  This restaurant works to incorporate Pennsylvania agriculture into mouthwatering fare. For a meal you won't soon forget, The Accomac invites you its annual Farm-to-Table Dinner. On August 29th, enjoy Accomac chef-prepared dishes and the sounds of The Shades of Blue Orchestra at Codorun Farms.

Rest Your Head at Blair Mountain

For a true escape from the preparing for the back-to-school season, plan for an overnight stay in the Blair Mountain Bed and Breakfast.  Given the Harrisburg Magazine's Readers Choice Award in 2015, Blair Mountain offers guests accommodations in a restored, 18th century farmhouse. Surrounded by a beautiful, wooded property, this bed and breakfast is truly a place to escape and unwind. Each of the B&B's four rooms features a private bath and a deck. Awake to a hearty, country breakfast and enjoy snacks each afternoon. Its central location makes Blair Mountain the ideal place to stay while exploring Carlisle, Gettysburg, Harrisburg and York, PA.

Explore the Hanover Trolley Trail

In the early 1900s, commuters traveled from York, PA to nearby communities via an extensive trolley system. Today, those historic trolley tracks have been transformed into a public trail system. From 1908 through 1938, the county trolleys took commuters to work and offered afternoon outings for picnics or church services. Today, The Hanover Trolley Trail still offers an excellent way to explore York County. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a simple, family adventure along the trail.

Find Treasures at The Markets at Shrewsbury

The Markets at Shrewsbury is the region's shopping lover's paradise. Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish Country, The Markets feature the finest Amish goods available in the York County region. Find everything from handmade Amish furniture to home grown produce. This expansive market is worthy of a day-long exploration. Whether you are in the market for fruits, vegetables, prepared foods or one-of-a-kind gift items, you will find it at The Markets at Shrewsbury.

Walk in the Steps of History

The beautiful countryside in southern Pennsylvania is a region rich in history. Perhaps no place is better to experience life in historic Pennsylvania than in the Shrewsbury Historic Village. Shrewsbury was one of the first settlements west of the Susquehanna River; today the restored village captures a unique historic charm and the pioneer spirit. Take a walking tour and explore the village's interesting shops including: antiques, collectibles, vintage accessories, dolls, and glassware.

Discover Your Inner Biker

The great American motorcycle manufacturer, Harley Davidson, maintains a base of operations here in York, PA. Come take a factory tour to discover how those iconic bikes come to life. On a Harley Davidson Factory Tour, you have an opportunity to experience the pride and dedication that goes into crafting each motorcycle.

Homesale Realty to Find York County PA Homes for Sale

Discover your dream home nestled among the green hills of York County. Contact BHHS Homesale Realty to find homes in York County, PA.  Backed by the Berkshire Hathaway brand, Homesale Realty delivers top-notch real estate services for buyers and sellers throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Discover Baltimore from the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse

Baltimore's Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse helped ships safely navigate into the city's Inner Harbor along the Patapsco River for more than a century. Not only did the lighthouse serve as an important purpose for Maryland's shipping industry, it became one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Today, you can discover a piece of Baltimore history and discover its local flavor with a visit to the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse.

Lighthouse Construction 

By the mid-1800s, it became clear that ships needed assistance in order to pass safely from the Chesapeake Bay, up the Patapsco River and into the Baltimore Harbor. Bolstered by the recent construction of a screwpile lighthouse at Brandywine Shoal in the Delaware Bay, plans were made to construct the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse in the early-1850s.

The Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse was only the second screwpile lighthouse in the United States and the first built in Maryland.  Its construction proved to be a boom for Baltimore manufacturing because many parts were made in town, at the Murray and Hazlehurst iron foundry. Seven Foot Knoll began to the light the way upriver in 1855. 

Life of the Lighthouse Keeper 

After opening, Seven Foot Knoll required the constant attention of a lighthouse keeper. Three lighthouse keepers lived and worked at Seven Foot Knoll, rotating shifts to allow each keeper 8 days off per month.  Duties of a keeper included lighting the coal-powered light from sunset to sunrise, cleaning the lamp, and winding the fog bell's machine every 45 minutes during foggy weather.
 

Life at Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse proved tough for many.  Most historians agree that retaining keepers at the lighthouse proved tough because the living quarters became too cold during the winter.  Eventually, a previously-removed stove was rebuilt, improving cold-weather conditions
. 

A Daring Rescue 

Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse's final keeper, Thomas Jefferson Steinhise experienced a bit of fame after he participated in a daring, sea rescue.  In August 1933, a Nor'easter churned its way up the coast, putting Maryland's shore in danger. During the storm, a tug boat capsized near the lighthouse. Steinhise rowed a small boat to the shipwreck, saving five men before the arrival of additional help.
 

The Decline of a Landmark 

Unfortunately, following Steinhise's tenure, no other keeper would live and work at the historic Baltimore lighthouse.  Lighted buoys and range lights aided ships in navigating the river. By 1948, the light became automated. Sadly, Seven Foot Knoll began to quickly decline and it closed in 1969.

In the 1980s, the City of Baltimore stepped in, saving Seven Foot Knoll from demolition. By barge, the lighthouse was moved to the Inner Harbor for restoration. The city rejoiced at saving this landmark and descendants of Keeper Steinhise participated in the restoration.
 

Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse Today

Though no longer operational, today the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse is one of the oldest remaining Chesapeake-area lighthouses. Now located on Pier 5 in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, it is open to the public and free to tour.  A visit to Seven Foot Knoll offers visitors an education in Maryland lighthouses and maritime life.
 

With its barn-red colored siding, the lighthouse remains one of Baltimore's iconic landmarks. In addition to its informational museum, residents visit Seven Foot Knoll simply for its stunning views.  Head to the lighthouse just in time to catch the sunset.

Homesale Realty for Baltimore Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Are you ready to buy a house in Baltimore?  Contact Homesale Realty today to begin your search for Baltimore real estate.  Each Homesale Realty office is independently owned and operated.  That means each of our real estate agents are your neighbors, living, working and playing in the communities they serve. 

See Baltimore's Neighborhoods from the Patterson Pagoda

Known as the "best backyard in Baltimore," Patterson Park covers 155 acres in Southeast Baltimore. Primarily used by residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, Patterson Park is truly an urban oasis. For visitors, it is a place to soak up local culture and enjoy an afternoon in the heart of Baltimore. Atop the park's largest hill stands its crowning jewel, the Patterson Park Pagoda. A historic observatory, the Pagoda offers visitors some of the best views of the city.

Patterson Park and The War of 1812 

Today, the Patterson Park Pagoda stands on hallowed ground. During the Battle of Baltimore, a turning point in the War of 1812, troops defended the city from a fortified position atop Hampstead Hill, land with vast views of the harbor. As British troops approached the city, the volunteer soldiers saw them coming and were able to defend Charm City. It was during this campaign that Francis Scott Key penned the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem. Eventually, British commanders decided the battle was a lost cause, ordering British forces to retreat. 

Pagoda Construction   

Following the War of 1812, Hampstead Hill's importance was cemented in the city's history. Wanting to preserve a place that played a key role in the defense and development of Baltimore, William Patterson, a British merchant, donated five acres of his land to the city for a city walk in 1827. In the following decades, the city purchased additional acreage to create Patterson Park. The park, and its now-famous hill, also served to protect troops during the Civil War. 

Its role in defending the city took its toll on Patterson Park, and it fell into disrepair following the Civil War. To prevent further problems, the park was reconstructed with an air of Victorian splendor, commemorating its role in previous battles and allowing others to continue to enjoy its sweeping views of the city. In 1892, Charles H. Latrobe completed construction of a Victorian and Oriental inspired observatory, known as the Pagoda. 

A four story tower, the Pagoda features three observation decks connected by a spiral staircase. From the top deck, visitors enjoy sweeping views of the city, including downtown, Inner Harbor, Canton and the park. In 1914, the city commemorated The Battle of Baltimore with a centennial celebration. As part of the ceremonies, two memorials were added in front of the Pagoda. The Star-Spangled Banner Centennial Monument and the Rodgers' Bastion Memorial Cannon stand alongside the Pagoda, forever marking the role the park played in the city's history. 

Restoration and the Friends of Patterson Park

Today, the Pagoda is operated by the Friends of Patterson Park, a neighborhood advocacy group. The Friends of Patterson Park are committed to the restoration and preservation of the Pagoda and the park as a whole.

Urban decay took its toll on the park and the Pagoda was closed to the public in 1951, amidst talks of demolishing the structure. By the late 1990s, the Friends of Patterson Park developed a plan to restore the park to its former glory, including a complete restoration of the Pagoda. In 2002, the Pagoda was completely restored and reopened to the public. April through October, the observatory opens to the public each Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Homes for Sale in Baltimore

Patterson Park is home to the historic Pagoda.  Make Baltimore and its surrounding neighborhoods your home with Homesale Realty. Finding you a home in Baltimore is Homesale Realty's top priority. 

Harrisburg PA Sails into Summer

All summer long on the Susquehanna River, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania features its very own spectacular riverboat cruiser — the Pride of the Susquehanna. The beautiful ship was built by local residents a few decades ago, the Pride operates regular sightseeing cruises and summer concerts and can also be commissioned for community events, weddings, parties and more.

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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.

Celebrating New Year's Eve in Downtown York

Have you made your plans for New Year's Eve? York, PA offers an exceptional list of things to do on New Year's Eve with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you live in York or are simply visiting during the holidays, you will find York is an ideal place to ring in the New Year.

New Year's in York with the Kids

The celebration begins with the Children's Countdown. From 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., bring your children to Central Market where they can enjoy family-friendly entertainment, inflatable bouncers, photo backdrops with props, complimentary hats and noisemakers, face painting and glitter tattoos. The children's festivities end with a balloon drop countdown at 8:00 p.m., with plenty of time for children to get to bed at a decent hour. Several Central Market vendors will have food and beverages available for sale.

Stop and Smell the Roses as you Ring in the New Year

After the Children's Countdown, spend time enjoying local York restaurants, bars, and breweries.

The Mudhook Brewing Co. will offer a Belgian style New Year's celebration beginning at 3:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. and midnight the brewery will sponsor a "pint drop," and live music will accompany the event.

Tutoni's Restaurant is offering a prix fixe dinner, with five courses through a specially ticketed event. You will need a ticket to celebrate at Tutoni's, as it is not open to the general public for the New Year's event.  Seating begins at 6:00 p.m.

The Roosevelt Tavern in York, located at 50 North Penn Street, is offering a special New Year's Eve menu featuring a five-course, all-inclusive meal especially created for New Year's Eve.

If cutting the rug like Fred and Ginger are more to your liking, celebrate New Year's Eve dancing to a mix of live Ballroom, Swing and Latin music in the Grand Victorian Ballroom of the Historic Yorktowne Hotel. A full course, sit down dinner with a choice of three entrées is included.

When midnight rolls around, you will want to join other members of the York community to watch the white rose drop as you count down the New Year. The community will then ring in the New Year with a fireworks display at Continental Square.

York, PA is a city that knows how to celebrate, and this is easily seen at the New Year's Eve celebration. If becoming a part of the York, PA is in your plans for the coming year, contact Homesale Realty to help you find a home for sale in York, 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.

Military Retirees Call Carlise, PA Home

Carlisle, Pennsylvania has been named to Livability.com's list of Top 10 Best Cities for Veterans to Retire.  Whether an older US solider looking for a relaxed retirement or a younger veteran searching for a second career, Carlisle offers its military veterans a high quality of life with plentiful employment opportunities and leisure activities earning them the fourth spot on Livability.com's list.

What Carlisle Offers its Vets

Livability weighed several factors including climate, cost of living, and unemployment. Carlisle PA enjoys a moderate climate with summer highs around 80 degrees and winter lows that infrequently dip below freezing.  The unemployment rate for the area is just 5 percent, below the national average of 6.3 percent.
 

Other factors included access to recreational and cultural opportunities along with the availability of VA hospitals and clinics. Cities that were also close to a military base were rated better for the resources available to veterans such as free legal advice, discounted food, and equipment.

Nearby Carlisle Military Conveniences

Carlisle's beautiful downtown area and strong service industry were definite benefits, along with the fact that the state of Pennsylvania does not tax federal pensions. As far as institutions and amenities that make Carlisle a great place for Vets, here's a look at what helped Carlisle, PA make the cut:

• Lebanon VA Medical Center, 1700 S. Lincoln Avenue, Lebanon
  Easy access to quality medical care through the VA was a critical factor in Livability.com's decision and the Lebanon facility is only about 50 miles from Carlisle. This facility provides a full range of medical services for veterans including dental services.
• Camp Hill VA Outpatient Clinic, 25 N. 32nd Street, Camp Hill
  For non-emergency and other medical services a little closer to home, the Camp Hill clinic is only 20 miles from Carlisle.
• U.S. Army War College, 122 Forbes Avenue, Carlisle
  Located on the Carlisle Barracks grounds, the U.S. Army War College provides the highest quality professional military education to develop leaders for service.
  
  

Carlisle, PA Recreational Activities

Carlisle, PA was also selected for all the recreational activities found throughout the Cumberland Valley area. Here are a few of the locations that make Carlisle such a great place to live:

• Williams Grove Speedway, 1 Speedway Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA
  Home of American Spring car racing from March through October with featured Kids Nights that include rides, games, and kids racing.
• Mayapple Golf Club, 1 Mayapple Drive, Carlisle, PA
  Enjoy a relaxing day on the full featured golf course and driving range. After a few rounds, stop in at Fiddler's Bar and Grill and enjoy a relaxing drink on the patio, full meal in the dining room, or drinks at the bar while catching up on the latest sports scores.
• Colonel Denning State Park, 1599 Doubling Gap Road, Newville PA
  Relax and enjoy a full range of outdoor adventures including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, and more than 18 miles of hiking trails. There are also campsites available for campers and tents, along with skiing and ice skating activities for the winter.
  
  

Carlisle - A Great Place for Everyone

Forbes Magazine has also listed Carlisle as one of the cheapest cities to live and one of the best places to raise a family in the nation. View our list of available Carlisle, PA homes for sale. Contact Homesale Realty to find a home in Carlisle, 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.