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IN THE LOOP – DECEMBER

Christmas Tree Tradition Changes Hands Beloved Phoenixville tree farm Varner’s—a longtime tradition for Main Liners in search of a Pinterest-worthy Christmas tree (and free hot chocolate)—is no longer. After their son was involved a serious…

Christmas Tree Tradition Changes Hands
Beloved Phoenixville tree farm Varner’s—a longtime tradition for Main Liners in search of a Pinterest-worthy Christmas tree (and free hot chocolate)—is no longer. After their son was involved a serious car accident last spring, the family made the difficult decision to sell the farm, including all the livestock and machinery. The new owners—Arader Tree Farm —offer precut trees and wagon rides to cut your own but no live animals or hot chocolate (sigh).

Chick-fil-A Coming to Downtown Wayne?
Chick-fil-A has submitted a plan to Radnor Township to take over the old Chili’s restaurant at 316 Lancaster Avenue in downtown Wayne. Initial plans call for two drive-through lanes (like the King of Prussia location), which has some residents voicing concerns about traffic congestion and flow. Others are championing the arrival of any new business and counting down the days ‘til they can get their chicken sandwich and waffle fry fix.

Gopuff Goes Brick and Mortar
The fast-growing start-up Gopuff has taken over the old Mapes hardware store on Rittenhouse Place in Ardmore. Founded by two Drexel University students, Gopuff aims to make adulting a wee bit easier by delivering beer, snacks, toiletries and more to your door in about 30 minutes for a flat $1.95 delivery fee. The company has been steadily acquiring brick-and-mortar locations nationwide and currently operates storefronts in Florida, Texas and California. The Ardmore location will serve walk-in and online customers.

Outdoor Ice Rink Opens in Newtown Square
Delaware County’s first outdoor skating rink will open on Friday, December 3 at 4889 West Chester Pike, in Newtown Square (next to Bonefish Grill). Called “Flight on Ice” and produced by local events company Flight Entertainment, the space will feature a full-size ice-skating rink and winter pop-up village where guests can warm up with hot chocolate and chow down on dishes from local restaurants. The village will also host family-friendly events like Brunch with Santa and special programming for winter break, New Year’s Eve, Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. A portion of Flight on Ice proceeds will benefit the Veterans Memorial Charitable Foundation. Seasonal and day passes are available, along with skate rentals.

Luxe Labels in Wayne
Now open in downtown Wayne, HJ Boutique brings a luxe and lavish assortment of labels to the Main Line, from Gucci and Hermes to Carolina Herrera and Tory Burch. Owner and former New York-based celebrity hairstylist Hillary Jean has spared no expense in designing a lush, inviting setting where clients can browse her carefully curated selection of high-end clothing, shoes and accessories.  “I’m dedicated to bringing the best of New York style to this area. I want to give ladies a sense of Saks Fifth Avenue right here in their hometown,” she says.  A Haitian immigrant who came to the United States as a teenager, Jean always dreamt of opening her own boutique and helping others discover their inner fashionista. At HJ Boutique, she offers personalized styling and shopping advice, along with one-of-a-kind high-fashion finds.

Sabrina’s Café Named a Best Brunch Spot
The Philadelphia Inquirer recently published its list of Best Brunch Spots with just one Main Line restaurant making the cut. Iconic eatery Sabrina’s Café in Wynnewood was singled out for its “indulgent meals meant to satisfy all of your cravings,” specifically its banana-stuffed French toast made with thick slices of challah bread and topped with a vanilla bean syrup and its Kick A** Burrito stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, black beans, corn, potatoes, spicy jalapenos, guacamole, pico de gallo, pepper jack, and Queso Bravo (got all that?).

The Boutique by A Taste of Britain Now Open
The Boutique by A Taste of Britain is now open. This new boutique, located right next door to their award winning tea shop, will feature brilliantly British Gifts, British housewares, kitchen goods, gorgeous wool, personal care products and more. Open 10-5 everyday just like A Taste of Britain.

COMING SOON!! NIC+ZOE
Nic+Zoe is opening soon at Eagle Village Shops in Suite 520 next to ViVi G. Shoes. This high end fashion boutique is a fiercely female, mother-daughter led brand known for high quality knits, pretty prints and clever design details. The collections are infused with artful inspirations powerful color stories and playful whimsy. Nic+Zoe will be open for the holidays so stay tuned!

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