Travel Destination: Funky West Reading PA

About a two-hour drive from Baltimore and a one and a half-hour drive from Philadelphia, a tiny burg sits tucked between a Pennsylvania industrial town and a hoity-toity suburb. This place is experiencing a silent explosion of artistic shops and one-of-a-kind eating nooks. Sidewalk cafes flooded with potted plants and frequent nights for free music and openings at galleries mark this new Bohemia where creativity is the rule.

The offerings include an international chocolate shop which is not to be believed, two bistro-type restaurants, two coffeeshops, a spacious pizza restaurant, a Middle Eastern one with the freshest, crunchiest tabouleh I have ever had, a dark old pub, and a shiny aluminum diner straight from the 1950's. Additionally are a Chinese and Italian cafe. Now, there are whispers of a wine bar soon to open. And these all are found just by walking down the main thoroughfare, Penn Avenue. Then when one wanders either a few steps or a few blocks from the main street, a sub shop, another Italian restaurant, and more treasures await.

Some of the above-mentioned have packaged, retail products or a carry-out menu. However, there is also a unique candy shop and an African grocery store. Yes. For those who have served in the Peace Corps, these African goods are the real deal. I am happy to see that this store is thriving and increasing its product selection.

A shop with the most outrageous shoes anyone could design has opened. Its offerrings rival anything one could find in New York city. Plus, a retro clothing and "everything" store is tucked in a basement of a coffee shop. Apparently, it has done so well that competition has moved in "on the Avenue." Upscale consignment shops, bridal, and a fur and leather store await shoppers who want a unique experience. There are also several jewelers, a running shoe shop, and a Women's Exchange.

In this artsy borough, one can get a tattoo, get a massage, and take yoga or African dance classes. Children can practice their cooking skills at an academy just for them. Furthermore, one of the most honest and down-to-earth computer repair professionals has his base there on Penn Avenue. And one can take traditional music lessons or world hand-drumming at specialty music stores. To polish things, the street bursts with hair and full-service salons for all ages.

Of course, there is an antique store which has a delightful back building reached only by passing through the high-walled "secret garden." Mosaics, tiles, hand-blown glass, yarns, and brass can be had at other establishments. There is a shop specializing in indie music recordings. Another sells vacuum cleaners and ceiling fans. If this is not enough, one can meander into the art gallery, celtic -wicca shop or stationary seller.

But wait! There is a new shop: Mexican crafts and artwork. Also, there are the flower shops, the farmers' organic markets on Sundays, the special shopping evenings on the FIrst Thursday of the month, the Saturday events on the Avenue, the....... This hub cannot include it all. If you are in the area, it is worth experiencing.

Maren Morgan-Thomson absolutely loves the sense of artistic freedom and small-town friendliness that permeates this jewel of a borough! It is multi-cultural, safe to walk around and live in, and very much ALIVE! No wonder she finds reasons to spend time there!