Holiday Date in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #153
During my wonderful Thanksgiving holiday in Pennsylvania, Jeff and I had the opportunity for a date day that Saturday. I was itching to go thrift shopping, on a quest for some skirts to style with my ever growing collection of colorful tights, and we were hankering for a peaceful kid-free lunch somewhere. We were deciding which direction to head for our date day when I remembered that I had a gift certificate that was so generously given to me back in July when I visited Jim Thorpe to see my fave band, Fireside Collective, perform at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.
I spent that sweltering July afternoon visiting the local drinking establishments in Jim Thorpe which included Tony Stella’s Encore. I only had time for a drink at the bar but Tony was so kind and wanted me to return for a dining experience, so he bid me farewell with a $50 gift certificate to ensure that I would return. And so I returned on Small Business Saturday in the company of my dear husband.
We began by perusing the extensive drink menu and both started with cocktails from the bar made by the very talented and heavy handed barkeep, Phil. I had a fig martini which nearly wrecked me half way through it. I spent the rest of the afternoon with a significant buzz. And Jeff had a Corpse Reviver which is an absinthe cocktail that lived up to its name.
When it came to choosing our lunch entrees, we had much difficulty as everything on the menu looked so delicious. Jeff went with a mushroom burger and I asked Tony to surprise me. Little did I know that I was about to have an epic experience with the homemade pappardelle and vodka sauce. As I shared bite for bite with Jeff because I simply could not withhold this experience from him, we both were in an ecstasy that rivaled the best sexual experiences of our lives. The homemade pasta possessed a heavenly texture that nearly melted in my mouth and the robust and flavorful vodka sauce was as intoxicating as love at first sight bite.
With full bellies and the sensual sounds of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett filling the air around us, we both kind of needed a cigarette upon finishing our meals (and I don’t even smoke). If it were socially acceptable, I may have possibly licked the remnants of sauce from my empty dish. But I refrained, with much difficulty, from doing so. Instead of licking plates and smoking cigarettes, we opted instead to indulge in dessert. Again, we asked Tony to surprise us and he happily obliged presenting us with a gigantic serving of the most delectable tiramisu that has ever crossed my lips.
After we basked in the afterglow of this ethereal culinary experience, we visited Annette and company at the outside bar and grabbed two beers for our stroll through the quaint streets of Jim Thorpe.
Next we made our way to Horizons Gift Shop which specializes in tobacco products and lots of fun Grateful Dead memorabilia and hippie apparel. We picked up a few small gifts in there, supporting local small businesses this holiday season.
Once we were done there, we proceeded to look for the consignment shop that was on my radar. On the way there, I spotted the most amazingly colorful and unique footwear on display outside of Mabacol, a eco-friendly shoe and accessory brand handmade right in Jim Thorpe. Owner Maria Lloyd grew up as a child artisan learning to express her emotions through fabric art which eventually led to the founding of Artisanal Gifts by Mabacol International. Maria handcrafts rice sole shoes with recycled mola fabric, natural treated leather bags and wallets, as well as natural recycled seed jewelry. Due the nature of her craft work, no two patterns are ever the same so you are guaranteed to have a unique and very special item when purchasing from Mabacol. If you have a penchant for one of a kind items, you absolutely must check out her products. They are simply breathtaking with a whole ton of wow factor.
As we were starting to run out of time on our date day, we finally made it to my destination, Wear It Again Boutique, a lovely little consignment shop nestled right in the heart of the main avenue in Jim Thorpe. I have shopped here before and was wholly satisfied with their collection of preloved fashions for men, women, and children. Jeff, who is definitely not a shopper like me, even found some things that he liked. Unfortunately none were in his size. Like I said earlier, I was on the hunt for some cute, colorful skirts for this season of tights. And I was not disappointed. I found four that I really loved. Two were from Loft, one was J. Crew, and one was Target. I paid $23 for all four. I have already styled and photographed them all, but have only shared the black and white one on the blog so far. So stay tuned for the other three coming soon.
And then it was time to head home so we wouldn’t miss the Penn State game. While I haven’t been feeling very festive this holiday season, a day spent in beautiful Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, certainly helped to catapult me into the proper mood. If you ever get the opportunity to visit this pretty little Pennsylvania town, I highly recommend it.
Stop by tomorrow if you want to see what I wore for our holiday date in Jim Thorpe.
What have you been doing to get in the holiday spirit?
And now your featured favorites from last week.
Reader Favorites (Most Clicked)
Anna of Mutton Years Style and I shared her post, Match Made in Seven-What to Wear to Host a Holiday Party. If you need inspiration for your party hosting outfits, go check out this post. Anna has shared many different looks, but my favorite is her sequined tiger top!
And Kathrine of Kathrine Eldridge, Wardrobe Stylist, has shared a very cool and edgy holiday look in her post, Moto Jacket Christmas. This is one of my favorite outfits ever on Kathrine!
My Favorite Fashion Post
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style caught my eye in this beautiful floral embroidered tulle dress in her post, Lace and Tulle Dress…or a Skirt? Christmas Outfit. Whether Nancy decides to keep this pretty number as a dress or deconstruct it into a skirt, it is still wonderful and fabulous and ever so pretty! I am also dying over her boots!
My Favorite Non-Fashion Post
Claire of Fashion on a Shoestring made me laugh and gave me a serious earworm with her adorable post, I’m at a Pay Phone Trying to Call Home. And now you will have the earworm as well. You’re welcome.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
66 Comments
Laurie
I’m hungry now! I love fresh pasta xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh no, now I am hungry, too, Laurie! I need to go back there! Thanks for reading. I hope you are enjoying your holiday season!
xoxo
Shelbee
cate
wow to me this town looks a bit like stars hollow of Gilmore Girls (: happy holidays!
Cate // 35mminstyle / blogging + photography
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, that is such a great reference, Cate! I just photographed my Gilmore Girls graphic tee during this trip, too! I should have worn that for my date day! Thanks for stopping by! Happy Holidays to you as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
Looks like it was the perfect date day. Shopping and food? Yes please! Thanks so much for the feature and the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Kathrine! It really was a great day! Relaxed and the weather was beautiful, too.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
“Pre-loved!” That’s a great description! And you guys are just cute. So glad you had the opportunity to share that experience together.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Michele! Pre-loved is a super trendy term for used! And like I always tell my kids, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure!”
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
What a perfect way to spend the day! All the food and drinks sound delicious! And how fun are those eco-friendly shoes!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! It was an amazing day! If I get good food and drinks and indulge a little bit of my shopping addiction, it’s a good day!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
Sounds like an amazing date outing! Hubby and I sometimes take advantage of nap time on Saturdays to go out for lunch and browse the shops in our little town. That shoe store looks really neat and great finds with your skirts. Skirts are going to be my main shopping goal in the next few months: need to retire a few of mine I just don’t wear and find some that I will.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! We really did have a great time. Low key and relaxing and it was a beautiful day! I am loving skirts right now for some reason. I hadn’t worn many and when I did, I went for midi or longer lengths. But now I am embracing the short hemlines! I look forward to seeing what kind of skirts you end up with!
xoxo
Shelbee
OSC24
Just awesome! I think you enjoyed the trip.
💔
http://www.OSC24.blogspot.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much! We really did have a great time.
xoxo
Shelbee
Iris Duhamel
The skirts look nice but have you tried that sequins dress on? and the white shirt? They also look great. 🙂
Xo,
Moumous
http://www.lamoumous.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Moumous! No, I didn’t try those on! I wasn’t really in need of a sequined dress or another white shirt. LOL. They do look amazing though!
xoxo
Shelbee
Shauna
Love this cute little spot for a date night! The decor is so warm and inviting and that food looks DE-lish!! xo
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Shauna! It is such an adorable little town! I try to visit it occasionally when we go to Pennsylvania.
xoxo
Shelbee
Ellibelle
Such great pictures and looks like a perfect day spent with your husband! The food looks and sounds so delicious. Tiramisu is mine and my husband’s most favorite dessert. I usually make it for his birthday but not this year as I ran out of time planning and couldn’t find any lady fingers last minute. It’s possible to make it with baked layers of cake but it’s not the same.
Those skirts look wonderful! Such great finds!
Ellibelle’s Corner
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Ellibelle! It really was a wonderful day. We don’t get to do things like this very often. It was low key and relaxing. We came home with full bellies and completely satisfied and didn’t spend a ton of money either. I ahve never attempted to make tiramisu. I bet your husband appreciates it so much!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jean | Delightful Repast
Shelbee, love a fun date day! Enjoy that snow! Thank you for hosting #spreadthekindness.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Jean! It really was such a wonderful day. We don’t get opportunities like this often so we enjoyed every moment!
xoxo
Shelbee
Ashley
What a super fun (and yummy!) date day! Now I’m off to hunt for a fig martini- I love fig anything!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Ashley! OMG, it was so delicious! This was my very first fig martini and I would seriously drink them for any cocktail occasion! Good luck in your fig martini hunt!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lauren Sparks
What a lovely date!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Lauren! It really was!
xoxo
Shelbee
Karren Haller
Can you believe its Christmas next week! December goes by so quickly!
Happy Holidays!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I know, Karren! I am so not ready.
xoxo
Shelbee
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I need a date day with my husband, but maybe we’ll wait till it warms up! Ha!! My husband and I had the best tiramisu in Italy when we went… oh, I dream of going back just for the tiramisu! The food looks yummy!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Carrie, thanks for reading! OMG, tiramisu in Italy! How perfect. Although stepping into Tony Stella’s felt a little bit like I was in Italy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
What a cool time. So very nice. That is a lovely place and I would love to visit there. Very cool.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Patrick! I think you would really enjoy Jim Thorpe. If ever you make your way to Pennsylvania, definitely add this little town to your itinerary!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
What a lovely day in Jim Thorpe! I did giggle at the description of your drinks – the effect of yours, and the name of Jeff’s. Corpse Reviver. I don’t believe I’ve ever been in an establishment that used absinthe in their drinks, although I am not unfamiliar with its taste.
The skirts you found are awesome! I love all of the colors.
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Michelle! We were laughing at the name of Jeff’s drink, too. We laughed even harder at how strong the taste was, living up to its name that it could quite possibly revive a corpse! It wasn’t bad though and I am not a huge fan of absinthe.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
What a cute place to visit and fun idea for a date! It looks like you had a good time 🙂
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Lizzie! It really is such a wonderful magical place. I try to visit there often when we travel to Pennsylvania.
xoxo
Shelbee
Heather Noire
Great style! Love these photos 🙂
http://www.bauchlefashion.com/2019/12/fashion-forecast-whiteout-accessories.html?m=1
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Heather!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tianna
What a fun date day! Looks like you had a blast 😀
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Tianna! It really was a great day!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
What a fun day date Shelbee! The food looks so delicious and that Tiramisu – just wow! And I don’t even have a sweet tooth! I am so glad you found the skirts that you were looking for. A great way to end a perfect day out! I have been trying to soak it all in Shelbee. At least as much as I can. With so many parties, activities and commitments, I feel like I can’t really just embrace the season. For me, I love to take the time to process and relive what happened. I can’t seem to fully do it when there’s another event or activity waiting in line. In the meantime, I am just rolling with the punches!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Maureen! I really was looking for a plaid skirt but have had no luck lately with that. I might have to take to Amazon. We had such a great day though and I love my new skirt purchases. This time of year can get really crazy, for sure. I haven’t had too much on my agenda other than regular life obligations and a few little events here and there. It just doesn’t feel very festive with my husband gone anyway. I do hope you get the chance to relax and enjoy soon!
xoxo
Shelbee
jodie filogomo
Those are the best kinds of dates…food and shopping.
What a fabulous place to spend the day.
XOXO
Jodie
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I agree, Jodie! Getting Jeff to shop with me is a very rare occasion indeed! But once I get a few drinks in him, then he is way more willing to sit and let me have at it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Katie
What a wonderful town! Those drinks look fantastic and strong! Nothing wrong with that!
-Katie
http://www.hellokatiegirlblog.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, Katie! It really was such a wonderful time. We enjoyed every minute of it!
xoxo
Shelbee
Darlene
What a charming little town! And such a fun post to read! One drink is all it takes, huh? Lol! That’s about where I am today! Bummer.
Thanks for sharing,
xx Darlene
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Darlene! It is a super cute town and definitely gives all the feels of a simpler time with a modern twist. And yeah, one drink, is that what happens in midlife?! I just don’t drink very often at all so it catches up to me pretty quickly!
xoxo
Shelbee
Tamar A Strauss-Benjamin
What a fun place to explore!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
It really is a great place and it is small enough that you can cover the whole place in one afternoon.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
It looks like such a fun town! I love the quaint historical feel that so many towns on the east coast have!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks for reading, Laura! It really is very quaint and makes me feel all nostalgic-like.
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I went to Jim Thorpe, PA years ago in another life—this looks much cuter than what I remember!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh how cool that you have been there before, Cheryl! I don’t remember what this town was like way back when, but I am sure it has grow a bit over the years.
xoxo
Shelbee
Nancy
Don t you just love date days! We had a date night last night! Dinner and a movie! Love it! Thanks for the feature!!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nancy! I do love when we get the chance to go do adult things without children! We so rarely get the opportunity to go at a leisurely pace and really enjoy ourselves. I am so glad that you had a fun date, too.
xoxo
Shelbee
Dee | Grammy's Grid
I have nothing to share today but I invite you to link up at my themed party (for Christmas trees and ornaments) and my unlimited monthly party 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Dee! I don’t think I really have anything to share on your themed party, but I will certainly link up at your unlimited party.
xoxo
Shelbee
Deborah Stinedurf
What a cool little town! I love Shop Small Saturday and my husband and I actually had a date that day too! xo
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Debbie! I actually had forgotten it was Shop Small Saturday and was pleasantly surprised that there were great sales everywhere!
xoxo
Shelbee
the real cie
I can’t drink anything but the occasional few sips of beer because my body is a trash fire and has horrible reactions to it. I would like a refund on this stupid body, it doesn’t work very well at all.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh my word, Cie! I hear you! Sometimes, I’d like to exchange my body for an upgraded version as well! Happy Holidays to you as well1
xoxo
Shelbee
Donna
I always enjoy your wonderful posts, Shelbee! My son went to Pennsylvania a couple of years ago for work – all the way from Australia- and he loved the architecture of it. The pictures you’ve included are very beautiful – thank you for sharing!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🐝
https://donnadoesdresses.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Donna! That is so cool that your son traveled to Pennsylvania! I am so glad that he enjoyed it.
xoxo
Shelbee
lorena
I was certainly surprised to see mola fabric all the way over there! Its made by one of our local indians, the Kunas.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Oh wow, Lorena, that is so cool! Thanks for sharing. I nee to do some more research on it because really is quite fascinating.
xoxo
Shelbee