little black dress, cowboy boots

The Best of Times in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #132

July 23, 2019 / 48 Comments
little black dress, cowboy boots
This is not a sponsored post.

Have you ever visited Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania? It really is one of the coolest little towns in Pennsylvania. It is a small mountain community in Carbon County with a total area of less than 15 square miles and a population of under 5,000 people. Yet it draws tens of thousands of tourists each year because of its picturesque Victorian beauty and quaint romantic atmosphere. The narrow streets bustle with people dining at the many provocative eateries that offer an eclectic array of culinary choices. There are all sorts of shops imaginable and the local residents who run the businesses in downtown Jim Thorpe all welcome you into their establishments as if you were a long lost family member reuniting after decades of separation.

little black dress, cowboy boots
little black dress, cowboy boots

My mother-in-law lives about 10 miles from Jim Thorpe and when I saw that my band crush, Fireside Collective, was playing at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe this past weekend, I knew that I had to make the short drive over the mountain to attend the show. Local bluegrass band, Serene Green, was the opening act and I had only heard rave reviews about their musical talents so I was super excited to get a double bluegrass experience at this historical and hauntingly alluring venue.

little black dress, cowboy boots
little black dress, cowboy boots

The occasion of a double bluegrass experience called for my favorite red cowgirl boots (c/o Country Outfitter), however, they didn’t remain on my feet for very long once the music started. I kicked those babies off and danced until I had cramps in my feet and my little black dress (thrifted) was soaked in perspiration…the kind of sweat excreted only by those who are having the most fun ever. You know that old saying, dance like nobody is watching? Yeah, that was me for two hours straight without a care in the world, completely lost in the moment, swaying in ecstasy right inside the soul of that brilliant mesmerizing music.

little black dress, cowboy boots
little black dress, cowboy boots

But before I get lost in my attempt to recreate the sound of these heavenly harmonies with my mere words (an impossible task, in fact), I do want to share a bit about the amazing hospitality that I received from every establishment that I visited while wandering the streets of Jim Thorpe before the show. A dear old friend of mine, Chelsea, was planning on meeting me for dinner and the show, but unfortunately she fell victim to a debilitating migraine and had to cancel. I do hope she is feeling better by now (note to self: reach out to Chelsea). So I was on my own for a few hours. As you probably know by now, venturing out to explore new places on my own is becoming quite the comfortable activity for me (although I have visited Jim Thorpe many times before, but never have I paid such close attention as I do when I plan on sharing my experience here).

little black dress, cowboy boots
little black dress, cowboy boots

My first stop was the designated meeting place that Chelsea and I had chosen ahead of time, Back to the 80’s Bar. A tiny little drinking hole nestled right in the heart of the downtown area, the front window adorned in brightly colored block letters reminiscent of that generation that makes many of us cringe while still capturing that innocent nostalgia of our youth. I first met Matt, the bartender, outside the front doors of the bar as he was enthusiastically offering some tourists (Greg and Heather, to be specific) suggestions for places to visit in town. I joined the conversation and shortly thereafter found myself scooting a stool up to the bar while Matt made me my go-to drink of Ketel One and water with lime.

80’s bar
Meet Matt, Bartender at Back to the 80’s Bar
Inside the Back to the 80’s Bar where every customer gets to add something to the wall of flowers.

The Back to the 80’s Bar does not serve food, however, Antonio’s Pizzeria, located directly next door happily delivers upon Matt’s request. Offering the staples in typical pizzeria fare, I opted for chicken tender and fries, wanting something substantial enough to keep my stomach somewhat satiated enough to handle the vodka. I did end up consuming way more vodka than the chicken tenders were equipped to offset. Oops. Novice fail on the drinking front. In any event, the server promptly delivered my basket of grub and took my payment from my barstool in the business next door. As far as chicken tenders and fries go, they were piping hot and perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, as chicken fingers and fries should be.

80’s bar
Me and Matt

After two double vodka cocktails, I decided to continue on down the line, making my way toward the opera house. During my aimless meanderings through the streets, I had stopped a few times to exchange pleasantries with Annette, the bartender who was holding down the outdoor beer garden of Tony Stella’s Encore. So I decided that would be my next stop before heading off to the show. Why not enjoy one more drink to make sure I was relaxed enough to dance the night away.

Tony Stella’s Encore
Phil, Tony, and Annette of Tony Stella’s Encore
Tony Stella’s Encore
Tony Stella’s Encore

Unfortunately, it was much too hot and humid to relax in the outdoor gardens, so I decided to go inside and cool off in the air conditioned bar instead. I was met at the door by Tony Stella himself and I seriously felt like I was a long lost friend who just showed up on his doorstep as he welcomed me and escorted me to the bar where I was introduced to Phil, the barkeep who took wonderful care of my spirituous needs. Tony Stella’s Encore offers an extensive variety of absinthe and absinthe cocktails that were ever so intriguing. However, trying to be a responsible (sort of) drunk on this occasion (since I was on my own), I decided I had better just stick with the Ketel One, water, and lime. But I do believe I will be going back to Tony Stella’s the next time I travel that way. Especially since he was so kind as to hand me a $50 gift certificate before I walked out the door. I also want to check out the Prohibition Era Speakeasy that is housed on the upper level of Tony Stella’s.

Tony Stella’s Encore, cocktail, absinthe
Tony Stella’s Encore
Phil, Me, and Tony in Tony Stella’s Encore

It was right about this time that my dear friend Carson from Fireside Collective texted me that he had a few minutes before show time to get some coffee. So I met him a few yards up the street at Muggles Mug Coffee Shop, a Harry Potter themed cafe serving traditional coffees with a magical twist. As we were sitting and chatting at an outdoor table, two gentlemen stopped, one donning a Fireside Collective tee shirt. They were so excited to spot Carson on the street and were totally star struck when I recommended that a photo was in order. It is so fun to be recognized on the street as I just experienced a few weeks at the Busy Bird Bluegrass Festival. It was super cool to witness my friend experience that same rush that I did.

Fireside Collective
Carson and some Fireside Collective fans.

Once coffee was finished, we headed to the opera house and I briefly caught up with the other band members for a few minutes back stage before show time. Then I made my way to my seat for the magic that was about to begin. Coincidentally, I found myself seated right beside a man that I was having quite the entertaining conversation with earlier in the evening. We became fast friends before the night’s end. However, due to my overconsumption of vodka, I cannot remember his name.

Mauch Chunk Opera House
Mauch Chunk Opera House

This my first time watching a Serene Green performance and the word that keeps coming to mind is bewitching. Spellbinding even. Watching these four young men control the stage and the crowd with such poise and confidence and extraordinary talent was nothing short of immensely inspiring. I actually did not get up from my seat during their performance because I was just that enchanted that I sat in a nearly static trance and just absorbed the magnificent energy that was drifting out into the antediluvian air of that venerable opera house.

Serene Green, bluegrass
Serene Green

After their performance, I met up with my new friend Julia (whom I met in Asheville) and her parents (totally awesome folks) and we had the opportunity to speak with some of the Serene Green band members. And here again is where the universe and her crazy law of attraction, or whatever it is, makes you realize just how connected we all are in this very big, yet very small world that we exist within. As I was chatting with the guitarist, Mike, we realized that he had graduated from the very high school where I had coached the swim team during his junior and senior years. As we started some casual name dropping, we quickly formulated a list of no less than 20 people whom we both knew quite well, in common. That is always such a cool thing, especially when I have lived 300 miles away for the past 6 years.

Fireside Collective, bluegrass
Fireside Collective

After a short intermission, Fireside Collective took to the stage in the same manner as they always do…bringing an energy and a presence that draws every single person directly to the stage. Each individual hoping to get close enough to stand a chance of catching just a drop of that energy. Their energy livens any dullness you may have been feeling and lightens any load that you may have been carrying. The intensity of their collective spirit has the ability to overwhelm, uplift, and move an entire crowd of people to a mystical place that exists within some other realm of artistry and utopian reverie. One leaves a Fireside Collective show confident in the fact that they have reached a certain level of transcendence and have been elevated to a better place as a result of this anagogic experience. If you are needing, or merely just craving, some sort of spiritual fulfillment, I cannot stress enough, you must go see this band perform live.

selfie
Our traditional post-show selfie.
Hanging after the show with some of the opera house volunteers who were so very accommodating and entertaining. Larry, seated on the right, might very well be the funniest human being I have met. And he saw The Grateful Dead perform live 459 times. Do not round up to 460 because he will correct you!
Tommy getting into his music groove listening to the live recording of their show. There is something so very ethereal and touching about this photo. I wish I could have captured it with better photographic quality.

I cannot conclude this post without giving a great big shout out to the Stone Row Pub & Eatery where we enjoyed the most delicious lunch the day after the show. Specializing in dishes that incorporate locally sourced organic ingredients and accommodate almost all food allergies with a completely gluten free menu, not only is the cuisine absolutely out of this world, but the service is beyond compare. The staff is so friendly and genuinely grateful for every patron who walks through their door. Being a bit hungover when we sat down to dine, I chose the sunflower hummus served with the house baked focaccia. It was the perfect portion for my upset insides and I literally have never tasted hummus so creamy and exquisite in my life. Go check out their Facebook page to see the following photo of this fashion blogger hungover sans makeup and sporting pulled back unwashed hair!

Stone Row Pub & Eatery, Fireside Collective
Photo c/o Stone Row Pub & Eatery

If you ever get the chance to visit this amazing little tourist town, check out The Inn at Jim Thorpe. It is a beautiful Victorian hotel that offers all the comforts one needs during a relaxing extended vacation or a short weekend getaway.

The Inn at Jim Thorpe

Eventually, I left Jim Thorpe and headed down to visit my best friend of 30 years, Jane, where she put me up for the night in her beautiful new home. I even have my very own floor complete with a private bathroom, bedroom, and living room. My outfit photos in this post were taken at her home as well (I redressed myself the following day in my disgusting sweaty clothes from the concert!)

The view from the back of Jane’s house, my bed, and my mess on the pull out couch in the bedroom.
Jane and I showing you that pigtails are appropriate at any age!
Jane’s front porch.
Shamelessly plugging my favorite band.
Jane’s Wall of Dead Relatives/Ancestors and my driving outfit.

And now your featured favorites from last week.

Rebecca of Rebecca Tries Trousers shared her post, Casual Top. A master of second hand wardrobe finds, I always love Rebecca’s style. But even more than that, I love that she has been stepping outside of her comfort zone with her outfit choices and inspiring others to do the same!

Rebecca of Rebecca Tries Trousers

Kathrine of Kathrine Eldridge, Wardrobe Stylist, shared a review of her Navy Eyelet Dress from eShakti. This wrap style dress looks so amazing on Kathrine and navy is definitely her color. Go check out the details for ordering your own customized dress!

Kathrine of Kathrine Eldridge, Wardrobe Stylist

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Tell me honestly, are you having as much this summer as I am? I am really living life and enjoying every moment! And seriously, find a Fireside Collective show near you and go see them! They will be touring all summer long. And get yourself some awesome fan gear while you are at it! Also, Serene Green will be touring the northeast this summer as well. Go check them out, too! (I need a Serene Green tee shirt to add to my growing collection!)

hoodie

Living my best life on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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