Cedar Park based gift shop, VIX Emporium, has recently gotten its own product line, just in time for holiday gift shopping! Made by a local black-owned business, Urban Essence, exclusively for VIX the Cedar Park Soap line features vegan, all-natural body products. The collection includes three scents of handmade lotion and detergent-free liquid soap, and 10 types of bar soap. The products are unisex and make a great gift for just about anyone.

If you want to check it out, stop by the store located at 5009 Baltimore Ave. For information on their holiday hours, go to: www.vixemporium.com.

Christmas trees are back for sale in the neighborhood (check the locations here). And if you’re looking for a nice handmade holiday wreath, Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) is holding its annual sale this Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. The sale will include a great selection of decorated and undecorated wreaths, centerpieces, and fresh evergreens.

There will also be a holiday marketplace with a variety of local vendors, free “make + take” workshops, music, children’s activities, a baking competition, and more!  Continue Reading

The annual Cedar Park Holiday Basket Drive is here! The Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) community association is partnering again with local nonprofits and places of worship to provide food baskets to neighbors in need during the holiday season.

Last year, CPN was able to reach over 200 local families (nearly 800 people total!) – a great testament to the goodness and willingness to help by the community. A suggested donation this year is again in the amount of $36. Support at this level will provide baskets to two families.  Continue Reading

If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving in the neighborhood, check out information below on holiday hours and closings at some popular local stores and cafes. We also included information on SEPTA holiday service. Information on Thanksgiving Parade is available here.

SEPTA Holiday Service

• Buses, trains, and trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day.

• Broad Street and Market Frankford and Broad Street Line and trains will operate with all night service beginning Thursday, Nov. 28 at 12:01 a.m. Regular Owl Bus service will resume Friday, Nov. 29 at 12:01 a.m.  Continue Reading

Here are some Easter Egg hunts happening in the area this weekend. Please note that some of these events require registration. If you’re holding an Easter egg hunt please post your event in the comments below.

Saturday, April 20

• Easter Egg Hunt in Clark Park, 43rd and Regent (near the toddler playground), 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Renewal Church is holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids ages 0-6. Registration for the egg hunts takes place 10:45-11:15 a.m. Crafts, games, and egg hunts will be presented by age group. Everything is FREE. There will also be a free raffle for gift baskets and gift card donations from the following local businesses: Booker’s Restaurant and Bar, Clarkville, Ice Cave, Lil Pop Shop, Lulu Cafe, Firehouse Bicycles, and The Nesting House!  Continue Reading

If you’re looking for something to do on New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day, check out events below, plus some useful information on SEPTA service during these days.

There will be two New Year’s Eve fireworks shows on the Delaware River waterfront – at 6 p.m. and midnight. There are several locations where you can watch the show, including Penn’s Landing, Race Street Pier, and more. For more details, go here.

SEPTA will have enhanced New Year’s Eve service on Broad Street and Market-Frankford lines on New Year’s Eve:  Continue Reading