[Kate]

During the holidays it is always good to support the small business owner.

This afternoon I had some time off from work so I decided it was a good time to get my car's oil changed. So I drove the The Pit Stop on Lincoln Highway East.

They changed my car's oil, checked the fluids and tires and recommended a gas treatment which I accepted. All for $39.99 - that's really not too expensive considering I sat inside my car while they did the deed with a smile.

Just before driving off they handed me a small jewelry box with a red bow on top. Inside was a coupon for $3 off my next oil change and a wrapped chocolate in the shape of a dollar coin.

So I encourage all of you to give your car a winter prep and support The Pit Stop.

[Big Bad Wolf]

During the holidays it is always good to support the small business owner.

This afternoon I had some time off from work so I decided it was a good time to get my car's oil changed. So I drove the The Pit Stop on Lincoln Highway East.

They changed my car's oil, checked the fluids and tires and recommended a gas treatment which I accepted. All for $39.99 - that's really not too expensive considering I sat inside my car while they did the deed with a smile.

Just before driving off they handed me a small jewelry box with a red bow on top. Inside was a coupon for $3 off my next oil change and a wrapped chocolate in the shape of a dollar coin.

So I encourage all of you to give your car a winter prep and support The Pit Stop.

That's where I take my car-they are very nice. They also give free "toppers" in between the oil changes if you have an older car-just to let you know!

[tugrad]

I often feel compelled to shop on black friday but I can't stand the crowds and I like to support small local businesses.

We have spent the past few black Friday's shopping in Wrightsville. We usually start at Shank's Mare where we can get good quality outdoor gear for friends and family. Then we to to the John Wright store for great iron pieces (wrought iron door mat, $10), fun holiday items and lunch.

This year we had lunch at the 2nd Lock it is a cute little place next to Shank's Mare. We also stopped at Moon Dancer winery. We got to taste several local wines and picked up a few bottles for friends.

It was a very relaxing and productive day.
BTW while at Shank's Mare we were discussing the hand warmers (gel packs you put in gloves) my brother has recent asked from some for his boots. We were trying to figure out if they would work for him. The owner over heard us discussing the situation.
When we went to pay for out items (including 10 packs of hand warmers) the owner told us there would be no charge for the hand warmers. And asked us to send his thanks on to my brother.

[Kate]

Ad Lib Cafe 51 North Market Street has reorganized and reopened. Located in Place Marie Mall close to Market Street just down from The Quilt Museum.

3 large screen TV's, billiards, darts, games.

The dining room is really quaint with exposed brick walls and an adjoining outdoor courtyard. Full menu available.

Tonight they're having Celtic folk music, featuring artist Chris Loughery, from 8 - 10pm.

Sunday will feature a Christian Music Fest from noon to 6:00pm with bands "Dunamis" and "The Backwards Band".

Please consider supporting this new business. This afternoon I stopped in with a friend after market. I had a fruit smoothie and she chose black bean soup and a pulled pork sandwich. My friend was raving about the food choice she made.

www.adlibcafepa.com

[Big Bad Wolf]

Ad Lib Cafe 51 North Market Street has reorganized and reopened. Located in Place Marie Mall close to Market Street just down from The Quilt Museum.

3 large screen TV's, billiards, darts, games.

The dining room is really quaint with exposed brick walls and an adjoining outdoor courtyard. Full menu available.

Tonight they're having Celtic folk music, featuring artist Chris Loughery, from 8 - 10pm.

Sunday will feature a Christian Music Fest from noon to 6:00pm with bands "Dunamis" and "The Backwards Band".

Please consider supporting this new business. This afternoon I stopped in with a friend after market. I had a fruit smoothie and she chose black bean soup and a pulled pork sandwich. My friend was raving about the food choice she made.

www.adlibcafepa.com

I just saw the absolute cutest store right by Central Market this morning and I can't for the life of me remember the name. It was two words. Perhaps Bella something? I'm not sure. They have THE BEST selection of baby, infant and toddler merchandise in Lancaster County!!! I could go crazy in there. I'm still waiting for the grandchildren to come along.(patiently tapping foot) LOL

[Kate]

I just saw the absolute cutest store right by Central Market this morning and I can't for the life of me remember the name. It was two words. Perhaps Bella something? I'm not sure. They have THE BEST selection of baby, infant and toddler merchandise in Lancaster County!!! I could go crazy in there. I'm still waiting for the grandchildren to come along.(patiently tapping foot) LOL

You're right, Bella Boo has some very nice items for babies however at a high price.

Does anyone shop at Details?

[Big Bad Wolf]

You're right, Bella Boo has some very nice items for babies however at a high price.

Does anyone shop at Details?

That's it! They are well worth it though. A lot of the things are from Germany and other countries.

[Artie See]

I am REALLY concerned about what is going to happen to small businesses in downtown Lancaster over the next few years. I am thankful that a genuine renaissance has been taking place downtown, in spite of all the obstacles. Some of these businesses have recently made costly improvements, based on the assumption that tourism will increase dramatically over the next few years.

Three restaurants that have been fixtures downtown for many decades have recently paid for major renovations. All of these have newly obtained liquor licenses, where previously none had ever served any drink stronger than beer. A fourth liquor license was approved, but the restaurant never opened.

None of these restaurants can afford to pay for this additional financial burden without a dramatic increase in regular business. My concern has been heightened when an employee of one of these restaurants recently told me their business has not yet returned to the level it was before the renovations were performed, in spite of a substantial increase in menu prices. I was told that the next year will determine whether this long-time family-owned business in downtown Lancaster will be able to survive.

[gp80mac]

I went to the Re-uzit shop in Mt Joy (next to Weis Markets on Rt. 230) last Friday. Got two collared shirts for under $5.

My other favorite place is Weavers Inc. in Fivepointsville. Its where I get my work boots, along with my Carhartt stuff, boot socks, and some other work clothes. I can never get out of that store without spending a fair amount of change. The prices are pretty fair. Not rock bottom, but not high, and they always have what I want. (I only go there every few months).

This post has been edited by gp80mac: 01 December 2008 - 01:50 PM

[crazycatwoman]

I went to Lancaster Bead Co. on black Friday, and dropped about 50 bucks, but I can make multiple presents with the gorgeous beads and hooks I bought. I really love that place, although their prices are not as good as the upcoming Bead extravaganza in York this Saturday and Sunday.

[AngelFace]

We did much of our Christmas shopping on Fri and Sat downtown -- from Timbuktu to the shops in Hagar Arcade to the shops surrounding Central Market to 300 block N. Queen St. -- but then we aren't techie electronics people ... everyone nice, the places festive ... many validate parking in Prince St. garage ...