Kitchen Connection
We’ve found yet another reason to love downtown Lancaster! On the 300 block of North Queen Street, a team of mother and daughters has opened a unique kitchen store. The owners feel that downtown Lancaster is the perfect fit for their haven of kitchen tools and accessories. Mise en Place (which is French for "everything in its place" in the culinary world) carries a wide variety of products such as bakeware, cooking gadgets, serving utensils, and delectable food products. Since the store opened in November, customers have adored the vegetable spiralizer, wooden spreaders, and white ware. The shop offers a mix of practical and specialty items that appeal to both the milk-and-cereal chef as well as the smoked tomato confit foodie. If you're looking for fun essentials for the home, you can be sure that Mise En Place will bring them to the table. - K.Y.
Mise en Place Kitchen Store / 341 N. Queen St., Lancaster / www.miseenplacekitchenstore.com / 717-925-7755
POPular Demand
The warm scent of popcorn mingled with drifts of sugary sweet treats floats through the air inside a vibrant and inviting store. This is the greeting upon entering The Popcorn Loft. Located in York, this popcorn boutique aims to please those who appreciate the nuances of old and new by providing quality products, reminiscent of “better times,” in a modern setting. With more than seventy-six unique popcorn flavors popped every day, the shop is sure to please even the most specific palate. Those who prefer a sweeter snack will appreciate the assortment of homemade fudge, old-fashioned sodas, and candy galore. With customizable flavors and colors, the Popcorn Loft provides the perfect favor for special events or other gifting needs. Be sure to keep an eye out for Free Popcorn Day in May, where visitors will receive complimentary servings of the popcorn of their choosing. -R.C.
The Popcorn Loft / 2175 York Crossing, York / www.thepopcornloft.com / 717-430-6472
Bakery Bliss
We can never have too many bakeries. In fact, any place that specializes in sugar and dough is welcome in the Susquehanna Valley. The new Bella Torta Bakery in Lemoyne is ready to provide your morning pastry or dinnertime bread. Family-owned and operated, this local bakery is dedicated to offering quality treats and satisfaction to each customer. Their countless sugary options include cannolis, bear claws, eclairs, and cupcakes. Or, opt for a savory treat like a cheddar broccoli quiche or eight-grain sunflower bread. Don’t miss the coffee cake and muffins, which are both customer favorites. Planning a special event? Bella Torta is also available to create specialty cakes for weddings and other occasions. - K. Y.
Bella Torta Bakery / 324 Market St., Lemoyne / www.bellatortabakery.net / 717-737-7494
To the Nines
Boutique No. 9, a Millersville store offering contemporary fashion and accessories, has officially opened its doors for business. Owner Jane Brighton saw a need for this type of boutique, citing that there was nothing similar located in the area. She and her daughter created Boutique No. 9, named after her mother-in-law’s quote of dressing “to the nines.” The business offers the components for the perfect outfit, including dresses, leggings, and blouses, most of which are under $30. Jewelry and scarves, as well as Kleancolor nail polish and Big Buddah bags, are available to add that special touch to any look. Boutique No. 9’s affordable prices mean that you will able to treat yourself by adding more than one new addition to your closet. –S.S.
Boutique No. 9 / 28 S. Prince St., Millersville / www.boutiquenumber9.com / 717-584-5753
Reader's Lens
This month, @shantellrobertson shows us how she stays stylish on the bank of the Susquehanna River in Harrisburg.
We asked our Facebook fans:
What's your favorite spot for outdoor activities in the Susquehanna Valley?
“I love spending the weekend or just an afternoon at Gifford Pinchot Lake and Park, camping, picnicking, biking, kayaking. Just being outside.” - Teri Jakob
By Raechel Chapman, Serena Stauffer, and Kaila Young