Harleysville Vet -- The Very Best Care for Your Fur Baby!

My 10-month old Goldendoodle, Norman, is the love of my life. When I moved to Blue Bell from Harleysville, it was very important to me that I find him a great veterinarian. After testing out three different vets in the Blue Bell area, I finally admitted the inevitable: nowhere is as good as Harleysville Vet! The staff are friendly, the doctors are helpful, knowledgeable, and kind, and the facility is wonderful. 

Norman was all smiles this morning at Harleysville Vet

Now, Norman and I travel the 30 minutes back to Harleysville Vet whenever he needs a check-up or a little TLC. While the location isn't the most convenient for us, it is absolutely worth it to receive extraordinary care from the Harleysville team, headed by  Drs. Lukof, Paulding, and Wagner. Norman typically sees Dr. Paul Wagner, but we had an emergency trip this morning and he was treated by another great veterinarian, Dr. Gonzalez. 

At different veterinary hospitals in the past, Norman would cower and whimper the entire time....but not at Harleysville! He receives a ton of friendly attention from the staff, and now he loves going to the vet (great for him -- not great for my wallet!).

If you plan on adding a new fur baby to your life, I highly recommend Harleysville Veterinary Hospital!

Image via harleysvillevet.com

4th of July Events in the Area

The Harleysville area will be home to several parades, firework displays, and patriotic events this 4th of July!

-Upper Salford will be hosting their annual Red, White, and Blue parade at 10am on July 4th. The parade will begin on Potato Road and proceed down Old Skippack Rd to the Upper Salford Firehouse.

-The Rising Sun in in Franconia (Telford) will be hosting 4th of July activities from 11am until 8pm on Friday. Between a buffalo hot dog eating contest, charity dunk booth, and chili cookoff, it will be fun for the whole family!

-The Allentown Band will be performing at the Souderton Community Park on Sunday, July 6th at 7pm. Remember to bring your lawn chairs and blankets!

-Perkasie will be hosting Pennridge's Community Day at Lenape Park on July 6th beginning at noon. A firework display is one of the highlights, along with a canoe race, baby parade and a watermelon eating contest! Check out www.pennridgecommunityday.org for more information.

The Butcher and Barkeep

The Butcher and Barkeep opened a few months ago in Harleysville, and it's quickly become a popular spot for craft beers, good food, and friendly service!

My favorites on the menu include their classic burger, crab cakes, and mahi-mahi!

Check out their article in Philadelphia magazine here!

Souderton Art Jam - Coming in September!

It's a bit early to post, but we wanted to get the word out that Souderton's Art Jam is looking for additional artists, vendors, and entertainers to be featured at the popular art event on September 27, 2014.

Image via stmainst.org

Be sure to click here for more details or if you are interested in participating!

Springtime Flowers at County Line Nursery!

It's our favorite time of the year to head outside and get our flower beds in shape, and County Line Nursery can help!

As a child, County Line Nursery was one of my very favorite places to enjoy an afternoon with my parents. They would pick out plants and seeds and garden accessories, and I would run around in the large fields looking for the prettiest flowers.

If you're thinking about a summer project, be sure to consult the helpful staff at County Line. They are very knowledgeable and always happy to help plan! Check out their website here!

Country Fair Days in Harleysville!

Some of my very favorite memories as a child were playing games and enjoying the rides at the popular Country Fair in Harleysville. Tucked behind the Harleysville Community Center, the Country Fair is easily recognizable with the huge ferris wheel and the beautiful fireworks on Friday night. Nearly the entire town stops by the fair at some point, whether it's to sample the delicious funnel cake or try their hand at the raffle. 

Image via www.montgomerynews.com

From now until May 24th, the Harleysville Jaycees will be sponsoring the 47th Annual Country Fair Days.
Visit their website here for more details! The fair is free to enter, and ride and game tickets can be purchased on the premises.

Skippack's Trash to Treasures Sale this Weekend!

Skippack's popular Trash to Treasures Sale will be held in the heart of Skippack Village (4059 Skippack Pike) this Saturday!

We love Skippack Village!

Just a few minutes from Harleysville, Skippack's multi-vendor yard sale will offer great bargains in a family-friendly environment.
For more information, be sure to check out their Facebook page!

Local Golf Courses & Country Clubs

The Harleysville area has no shortage of great golf courses & beautiful country clubs!

Indian Valley Country Club is one of the oldest private clubs in the region, and offers plenty of activities, wonderful dining, and beautiful facilities. With a challenging Par 72 course, this golf course is one of the area's most popular. For membership or golf information, visit here!

A ballroom at the Indian Valley Country Club. Image via www.indianvalleycc.com

Lederach Golf Club offers a scenic landscape just minutes from Harleysville. This popular 18-hole, par 71 golf course is open to the public, and is home to the delicious Leddy's Pub for a drink and snack after a long day. For more information and to book a tee time, visit their website here!

Mainland Golf Course offers some of the area's most affordable rates and a player-friendly layout. Be sure to stop by Mainland Grille after for a great meal! Visit their website here for more information and to book a tee time!

Love Farm-to-Table? You'll Love "The Local"!

Tucked away in the heart of Souderton beside the train tracks is The Local, a delicious and socially responsible farm-to-plate restaurant with an ever-changing menu.

Just a sampling of their current dinner menu:

Large Plates 

16 OZ Ribeye with Chimmi-Churri (30)

Sirloin with Veal Demi (24)

Sausage Apple Stuffed Pork Chops (22)

       Soy Sesame Ginger Salmon (24)

Dou of Ravioli in Garlic Sauce (21)

 Grilled Lamb with Mint Vinaigrette (26)

Call (215) 721-1001 for reservations. For more information, click here!

Spring Fashion Show Coming to Franconia!

The Souderton-Telford Business and Professional Women's Foundation will be hosting a Spring Fashion Show at Franconia Heritage on Saturday, April 26th at 11am!

http://www.soudertontelfordbpw.org

Tickets are $30 and fashions will be provided by Chico's.  Makeup demonstrations, raffles, shopping, and lunch will be provided. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance from Souderton-Telford BPW!

Spring Cleaning? Recycle Your Clothing At Local Drive!

Souderton Area High School's SAVE (Students Against Violating the Earth) program is organizing a Spring Clothing Drive that is taking place now through May 3rd. Simply drop off your unwanted clothing at any school in the district, and the clothing will be recycled responsibly!

Plus, stay tuned for SAVE's enormously popular Recycling Day on May 3rd! Hosted at Oak Ridge Elementary School, SAVE will be offering an opportunity for the community to responsibly dispose of unwanted items such as appliances, car batteries, ink cartridges, tires, cardboard, and more. Be sure to click here for more information.


And of course, a big THANK YOU to the students and faculty supporting this great program... we're lucky to have neighbors like you!

Have You Seen Souderton's Viral Video?

Souderton Area High School's lip dub of Sara Bareilles' "Brave" has gone viral and benefited children at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, thanks to the hard work of a few ambitious seniors! The inspiring video has even caught the attention of Sara Bareilles, who further publicized the video on her Twitter.  Be sure to watch their Youtube Video here!

The video and campaign have been spearheaded by Bianca Picard, Kassidy Mason and Richard Curtis of SAHS. Check out more about their organization here!

Favorite Local Coffee Shop: Main Street Java!

Tucked away in a renovated brick building on Main Street, Souderton, is my favorite local coffee spot: Main Street Java! The relaxed atmosphere, friendly owners and employees, and delicious artisan sandwiches are just a few of the reasons that I bet you'll love Main Street Java, too.

Main Street Java is a great neighbor, too: they only offer fair trade, organic coffee and teas...some of which are even from local distributors!
And if you're really lucky, you'll visit on a day or evening featuring live music from some of the area's most talented artists.

Check out their site here!

Mainland Grille's Special Events

Mainland Grille is one of Harleysville's favorite restaurants, and the offer a ton of special upcoming events!

A few of my favorites include Wednesday trivia nights with half price appetizers, and live music every Saturday from 6-9pm!


Be sure to check out their website with a menu here!

Spotlight on: Harleysville Books!

Tucked away in Salford Square Shopping Center is a friendly and cozy local business: Harleysville Books!

Harleysville Books is owned by a Harleysville resident, and participates in local events, community gatherings, and hosts plenty of kids activities! Plus, the store is known for hosting well-loved authors for signings and meet-and-greets.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, April 9th at 7pm to enjoy a dinner at Brazzo's Italian Restaurant with novelist Priscille Sibley. Reserve a spot on their website.

Be sure to check out their website here!

Weekend Day Trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show!

With another big storm approaching (ughhh), it's tempting to get out of the house and do something different! One idea is to take a mini-day trip into the city for the Philadelphia Flower Show, hosted at the Pennsylvania Convention Center at 12th and Arch Streets.

This year's flower show will run from March 1st-March 9th and will be featuring special events including  a girls night out, wedding specials, and a black tie preview party! Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

One of my favorite attractions includes the miniature displays--this display is smaller than a shoebox!!

Visit their site here for more information!

Living Hope Farm in Harleysville

Have you heard about the Living Hope Farm in Harleysville? Once we caught wind of this Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) venture, we were inspired to learn more and share the good works of the dedicated folks behind it! We were lucky to get in touch with their friendly Executive Director, Jill Landes, to learn a bit more about their mission:
The Living Hope Farm defines CSA as a method of farming that emphasizes safe, locally grown food with a real focus on supporting our local economy and engaging community members. Plus, anyone can join! By joining, you’re entitled to receive a variety of healthy produce each week (or every other week, depending on membership) and pick-your-own flowers and herbs too! You’ll also have the ability to spend some time on the farm, helping out & learning about CSA practices. Pretty awesome, right?
If you’re interested in other ways to support Living Hope Farm, consider checking out their market stand for naturally grown produce available to the public beginning in late May, or make a donation. They'll also be hosting a vegetable plant sale for the public this Saturday from 8am-noon! For more information, check out their website at www.livinghopefarm.org
And, of course, a big "Thank You!" to the hard-working team at Living Hope Farm. Thanks for being great neighbors and helping to make Montgomery County such a wonderful place to live.

Shop Locally This Valentine's Day!

Have you ever tried Asher's Chocolates? One of the nation's finest chocolatiers is right in our backyard, and their sweet treats make wonderful Valentine's Day gifts. Yum!

 Located on Wambold Rd in Franconia, Asher's Chocolates is a family-owned candy factory with incredible specialties. My favorite is their chocolate-covered graham crackers, and they can all be purchased at their factory's old-fashioned candy store or at Henning's in Harleysville.

Plus, Asher's has a reputation for being a responsible employer and community member. We're glad to have them in the neighborhood!

If This Frigid Weather Is Getting You Down...

Brrrrr! It's been a really chilly winter, and I've been feeling the effects of this brutal weather. If you're suffering from cabin fever like I am, check out these fun local things to do this weekend:

Hatfield Ice is just minutes from Harleysville, and offers public skating, lessons, hockey leagues, clinics, and camps. Check their website for the most up-to-date information!


Indian Valley YMCA offers a ton of great classes and programs for kids and adults of all ages!
Located on Maple Avenue in Harleysville, the YMCA is convenient, welcoming, and so much more than a gym.

Montgomery Theater, located in the heart of Souderton, is an intimate live theater offering great shows throughout the year and classes for kids and teens.

Souderton Area School District: A Great Place to Learn!

Souderton Area School District has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence, and 15 eighth-grade students will be heading to the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science state competition in May! Students were encouraged to design their own experiment and develop their project outside of school, and then mentor sixth-and seventh-graders.

Check out the article here!

Enjoy A Great Meal & Benefit The Keystone Opportunity Center!

The Keystone Opportunity Center (KOC) is one of the area's most comprehensive social services program, and it's located in our own backyard! The KOC seeks to educate, encourage, and empower community members by offering education assistance, housing assistance, and a helpful food pantry.

www.keystoneopportunity.org

To help benefit this great organization, consider dining at one of these great local restaurants. They'll be donating a percentage of every meal purchased!


The dates are as follows:

Tues.- Jan. 21- Down to Earth Café-Perkasie- All day
NO FLYER

Tues.- Jan. 28- Texas Roadhouse, Montgomeryville 4-10 PM
FLYER REQUIRED- head to keystoneopportunity.org to print

Tues.- Feb. 18- Red Robin, Quakertown All day
FLYER REQUIRED

Mon.- March 10- Red Cedar Grille, Colmar- lunch & 4 PM-close.
MUST MENTION KEYSTONE

Tues.- March 11- Franconia Square Cafe, Souderton- 5:30 AM - 2 PM
MUST MENTION KEYSTONE

Sat.- April 19- Applebee's- Quakertown 8-10 AM
TICKETS REQUIRED

Mon.- May 12- Franconia Heritage, Telford – 4 PM-close
MUST MENTION KEYSTONE

Mon.- May 26- The Local, Souderton – Breakfast, Lunch
NO FLYER

Mon, Tues, Wed.- June 23, 24, 25- Ruby Tuesday's, Lansdale –All day
FLYER REQUIRED

Wed.- July 16- Rising Sun Inn, Telford – 5-9 PM
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED Call 215-721-6350 for reservations

Friendship Connection through Peaceful Living

Looking for a rewarding way to kick off the New Year? Consider becoming a volunteer through The Friendship Connection, a non-profit organization provided by Peaceful Living which pairs community members with people with special needs looking for companionship. Check out more information here!

www.peacefulliving.org

 

Peaceful Living is an organization in Harleysville which seeks to create belonging in the community for people with mental and physical disabilities.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Franconia

If you're looking to recycle your Christmas Tree, head to Franconia Township Park (Allentown Road entrance) on Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th from 9am-3pm!

http://savesahs.webstarts.com

The event will be hosted by S.A.V.E. (Students Against Violating the Earth), a renowned student-run environmental program at Souderton Area High School.