NORTHAMPTON, Pa. – Just in time for filling Easter baskets, a new multi-vendor market –dedicated to handmade, locally sourced goods including candles, clothing, jewelry, drinkware, home decor and much more – has opened in the Lehigh Valley.
The Atlas & Ellie Emporium, featuring a wide array of hand-crafted items from dozens of Lehigh Valley area vendors, opened March 7 at 1813 Main St. in Northampton.
Ryan Kneller
Owner Kathryn Zuber of Northampton is excited to showcase unique, locally made pieces while supporting the talented artisans and small business owners who call our region home.
“Our space was created with the vision of bringing people together — connecting customers with makers, and providing a platform where creativity, craftsmanship and entrepreneurship can thrive,” Zuber said.
“Each vendor in our shop represents a unique story, and every purchase made supports a local dream.”
Shoppers can browse a large assortment of one-of-a-kind pieces, including handmade clocks, coasters, cutting boards and charcuterie boards, baby toys and accessories, adult and children’s sweaters and other apparel, handbags, wristlets, throw pillows, etched mirrors, wind chimes, bird houses, stained glass pieces, 3-D art, plush figurines and more.
Ryan Kneller
Other unique pieces include hand-crafted beeswax candles, soy candles, lip balms and glosses, stickers, keychains, magnets and bookmarks.
There’s also local honey, herbal remedies, air plants and seasonal and holiday decor such as felt garland and 3-D Easter eggs that you can put gifts and treats inside.
The market currently carries items from more than 40 Lehigh Valley area vendors, and there is room for about 20 more to join the mix, Zuber said.
Small business owners interested in joining the emporium can visit atlasellieemporium.com for more information.
Kathryn Zuber, owner of The Atlas & Ellie Emporium, is pictured inside her newly opened multi-vendor market at 1813 Main St. in Northampton.
Ryan Kneller
“More vendors are already coming soon,” Zuber said.
“We have one vendor who’s going to be selling greeting cards, and there’s another vendor who’s going to be selling dog treats, bandanas and other pet accessories.”
Zuber is an artisan herself, making items such as hand-sewn handbags, reversible aprons and 3-D printed toys and home decor, through her business, Atlas & Ellie, since 2015.
She also makes eco-friendly items such as reusable facial cloths, paper towels and snack bags.
Ryan Kneller
The business’ moniker is a nod to two names that Zuber has long loved, with Atlas being her one son’s middle name and Ellie being short for Elliot, a name she considered using if she had a daughter.
Previously, Zuber sold her items at other local markets, including the former Hive in Nazareth.
“I wanted to create a unique market that really supports local makers and brings the community together,” Zuber said.
“A big focus of the business will be hosting vendor workshops and events where the makers guide community members in creating a unique item to take home.”
Upcoming events include a macrame plant hanger workshop (1-3 p.m. May 3; materials included; $35), where participants learn the art of macrame with Sarah Estevez from Threadwork Addict; a make-and-take Mom’s Market (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9), featuring make-your-own flower bouquet, free kids activity, charm bar by Chelsea Marie Jewelry and more; and a stained glass Moravian star workshop (1-3 p.m. May 23; materials included; $80), where participants learn how to make a stained glass Moravian star with Katie Pfenninger from KatieDid Crafts.
Ryan Kneller
“In a time when supporting small businesses is more important than ever, we are proud to serve as a hub for collaboration, growth, and community engagement right here in Northampton,” Zuber said.
“We regularly work with local makers and are continuously building opportunities for networking, events, and partnerships that strengthen our local economy.”
Zuber credits her husband, Robert Zuber, for supporting her throughout her business journey, including helping with the 3-D printed items and renovating the Northampton space.
The Main Street space, featuring new ceiling tiles, flooring, wall paint and other upgrades, was previously home to NJT Arms, which moved to Lehigh Township last year.
Ryan Kneller
The Atlas & Ellie Emporium, which also offers gift cards, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday (closed Easter Sunday).
For the latest updates, follow The Atlas & Ellie Emporium on Facebook and Instagram. Info: 610-732-8115; atlasellieemporium.com.
More Northampton County news‘Back to our roots!’: Popular Lehigh Valley strudel maker finds new home at familiar spot
U. NAZARETH TWP., Pa. – A much-loved business offering authentic Hungarian specialties is making moves in Northampton County.
Mattie’s Strudel Haus, offering a wide variety of authentic Hungarian stretched strudels, reopened on Wednesday at its new homebase at 299 Industrial Drive in Upper Nazareth Township.
The Upper Nazareth spot is where owner Kelly Vlasics began conducting Mattie’s operations nine years ago before increasing demand led her to relocate the business in 2020 to 126 W. Main St. in Bath.
Last year, Vlasics announced that she was closing the Bath location in order to have a better work-life balance, with plans to continue offering the handmade strudels at local events and farmers markets. Full story here.
Mattie’s Strudel Haus
‘Something for everyone’: Score your favorite teams’ merch at new Lehigh Valley shop
PALMER TWP., Pa. – As baseball season gets into full swing, a new store is offering a wide array of MLB jerseys, hats and other items, along with a full lineup of other licensed sports gear in Northampton County.
A new location of Pro Image Sports, offering licensed sports apparel, headwear and fan gear, opened Friday at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township, franchisee Aman Singh told 69 News.
The updated space was previously home to a Claire’s store, which closed last year.
Pro Image was founded in 1985 by brothers Chad and Kevin Olsen with a single store at the ZCMI Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, according to a company description. Read more here.
A new location of Pro Image Sports, offering licensed sports apparel, headwear and fan gear, operates at the Palmer Park Mall in Palmer Township.
Ryan Kneller
‘Next chapter is about to ignite’: Popular brewery’s new Lehigh Valley location opening soon
TATAMY, Pa. – Just in time for Lehigh Valley Beer Week, a longstanding craft brewery will soon welcome beer buffs to its new location in the Lehigh Valley.
HiJinx Brewing Company, offering a wide array of hand-crafted, freshly brewed local beer, is planning to open a new location within the next couple of weeks at Tatamy Volunteer Fire Company, 164 Bushkill St., Tatamy, HiJinx owner Curt Keck told 69 News on Wednesday.
The new location will occupy a soon-to-be renovated space that previously housed the fire company’s social hall.
HiJinx’s original taproom, at 905 Harrison St. Suite 111 in Allentown, closed on Dec. 20 with brewing operations at the same site ceasing Dec. 31. Read more.
HiJinx Brewing Company
‘Custom, high-end hair transformations’: Salon to hold grand opening in Northampton County
HELLERTOWN, Pa. — A salon specializing in luxury hair extensions and color will celebrate the grand opening of its new Lehigh Valley location later this month.
Mirror Beauty Studio’s grand opening celebration will take place noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at 800 Main St., Suite 102, in Hellertown, according to a news release.
The salon invites the community to experience one of the region’s most sought-after beauty destinations. Full story here.
Mirror Beauty Studio
‘I’ll be your guide’: New Coopersburg business combines art and yoga for mental wellbeing
COOPERSBURG, Pa. – A new business in Lehigh County is bringing art and yoga together.
The concept hoping to make an impact on mental health and overall well-being.
Off of Rt. 309 in Coopersburg sits a new space for creativity and serenity.
“Our minds are going, going, going. When you have something that can make you so present focused, I think that is so special. That’s why I want to share the painting experience so people can grab onto that,” said Roey Ebert, the owner of Roey Ebert Art & Wellness. Full story here.
Bethlehem buzzNorthside Hot Fitness to fire up workouts – with temps topping 105 degrees – in Bethlehem
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new fitness facility will soon heat up downtown Bethlehem’s business scene.
Northside Hot Fitness, offering a variety of instructor-led fitness classes in a state-of-the-art space heated to 105-plus degrees, is expected to open in late spring at 77 W. Broad St. Suite 5C in downtown Bethlehem, co-owner and instructor Rachel Griffith told 69 News.
The new fitness studio will be located next to Ripper’s Pub and near the Sun Inn Courtyard.
It will occupy a soon-to-be updated space that was previously home to the Fraternal Order of Police, Bethlehem Star Lodge #20, which recently relocated to the former Adagio seafood restaurant on Pembroke Road in Bethlehem. Read more here.
Northside Hot Fitness is coming soon to 77 W. Broad St. Suite 5C in downtown Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
‘Celebrate with us’: Couple announces opening date for new Lehigh Valley bookstore
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A new spot to “slow down, unwind, and get lost in a good book” is coming soon to Northampton County.
Semicolon Books, a neighborhood bookstore offering a wide array of genres, will host its opening weekend celebration from noon to 8 p.m. on April 11 and 12 at 559 Main St. Suite 007 in downtown Bethlehem.
The new store will occupy an updated space that previously housed a staffing agency on the lower level of the Main Street Commons.
Individuals can expect thoughtfully curated stationery and books of varying genres for readers of all ages, along with “little surprises and freebies,” according to an announcement on the business’ social media pages. Read more.
Husband and wife Charles Debski and Udval Yun pose outside of their new bookstore, Semicolon Books, coming soon to 559 Main St. Suite 007 in downtown Bethlehem.
Semicolon Books
Lehigh County news‘Come hungry, leave happy’: New operator takes over longtime diner in Lehigh County
WASHINGTON TWP., Pa. – A longtime spot for omelettes, meatloaf, chicken croquettes and other homestyle favorites is starting a new chapter in the Lehigh Valley.
873 Country View Diner, a full-service restaurant offering freshly prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, opened Thursday at 6210 Route 873 in Washington Township, Lehigh County, operator Nick Orendach told 69 News.
The longstanding restaurant building has been home to several other restaurants over the decades, with its most recent occupant – New Country View Diner – ceasing operations late last month.
Orendach, who’s been running the West Penn Diner in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County for the past four years, told 69 News that he’s excited to serve another great community with freshly prepared food. Full story here.
873 Country View Diner operates at 6210 Route 873 in Washington Township, Lehigh County.
Country View Diner
Lehigh Valley’s newly rebuilt Taco Bell features dual drive-thru, outdoor patio, other upgrades
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After more than 30 years, a destination for Burrito Supremes, Nachos Bell Grande and Mexican pizzas has a new, modernized home in Lehigh County.
A newly rebuilt location of Taco Bell – the quick-service chain known for its made-to-order tacos, burritos and other Mexican-inspired dishes – held its grand opening on Wednesday at 2113 MacArthur Road in Whitehall Township.
The Whitehall Taco Bell’s original restaurant, which opened in 1994, was razed a few months ago, and an entirely new building was constructed at the same site, according to Deanna Lyons, the restaurant’s general manager.
The larger, state-of-the-art restaurant features “new everything,” including state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, a lobby and dining room, Lyons added. New features include a dual drive-thru and covered outdoor dining patio. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Promenade Saucon Valley welcomes another new tenant
U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. – In recent months, Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township has welcomed more than a half dozen new tenants, including Sephora, Sunglass Hut, Norman’s Hallmark and Barley Creek Taproom Saucon, and another addition just joined the shopping center’s roster.
Mental Strength Ritual held a soft opening in late March and will hold a grand opening in late April in Suite 610, next to Altar’d State, according to Christine Kolodi, Mental Strength Ritual’s executive director.
Mental Strength Ritual is a “unique wellness destination specializing in an FDA-cleared technology called Transcranial Mental Stimulation,” according to a recent news release.
Designed to help guests reset and restore their physical and mental well-being, the studio provides a guided experience for those looking to enhance their health through cutting-edge recovery methods. Read more.
Mental Strength Ritual is pictured at Promenade Saucon Valley.
Ryan Kneller
Berks and Bucks countiesBerks County Chick-fil-A to temporarily close for remodeling
EXETER TWP., Pa. – A popular destination for chicken sandwiches, nuggets and more will soon be temporarily shuttered for months as a renovation project takes place.
A location of Chick-fil-A, the quick-service restaurant company known for its freshly-prepared chicken selections, will temporarily close in the coming months, at 4675 Perkiomen Ave. in Exeter Township, a manager told 69 News.
An official date for the temporary closure has not yet been determined, but it should be sometime later this spring or in early summer.
The temporary closure would last for approximately 17 weeks, the manager said. Full story here.
Chad Blimline | WFMZ-TV
‘We’re all cleaned up!’: Quakertown area grocery store reopens following fire
RICHLAND TWP., Pa. – Just in time for Easter celebrations, a popular upper Bucks County grocery store has reopened following a fire.
The Quakertown area location of Grocery Outlet, an “extreme value retailer” of quality, name-brand consumables and fresh products sold through a network of independently operated stores, reopened on Friday at 70 N. West End Blvd. in Richland Township, owner Donald Bucelli told 69 News.
“We’re all cleaned up!” Buccelli said.
“We’re still restocking some items, but it’s important for people to be able to get their Easter products. So, while we might have some items to fill, we’re looking pretty good overall.”
The store, located in the Trainer’s Station shopping center, had been temporarily closed for a week following a minor fire on March 27. Read more here.
Holiday happeningsCommunity gathers at Allentown Farmers Market for last-minute Easter purchases
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Easter Sunday is quickly approaching and people all around the region are preparing for the holiday.
In the Lehigh Valley, business is booming at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market.
Nine-year-old Cadie and her sister, Callie, are preparing for the Easter Bunny to make a visit.
“He’ll hide eggs everywhere and leave big Easter baskets for both of us,” said Cadie. “I’m always excited because Easter is one of, like, my favorite holidays.” Read more.
More than century-old Schuylkill County kielbasy shop bringing in big crowds ahead of Easter rush
SHENANDOAH, Pa. – A traditional Easter dish and more than century-old legacy are bringing in big crowds to a family-owned shop in Schuylkill County.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay takes us to Shenandoah with the hustle and bustle behind the counter and lines of customers looking for kielbasy.
Family tradition means the world to the Kowalonek family, but there’s something they also love almost as much; kielbasy.
“It’s my life, it’s all I’ve ever known, it’s the only job I’ve ever had so it’s literally my life,” said Luke Kowalonek, a 4th generation manager at Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop. Full story here.
Shoppers pack local stores for last minute Easter Sunday items
MUHLENBERG TWP., Pa. – It was a jam-packed crowd here at the farmers market as shoppers picked up all kinds of things to celebrate Easter on Sunday.
“Yeah, big crowd. I got my kielbasa over here. I got a ham yesterday. It was busy here yesterday also,” said Mike Knapb of West Reading.
It’s busy at the Fairgrounds Farmers Market in Muhlenberg Township as shoppers search for those special foods, flowers, and treats for Easter Sunday as some we spoke to say they’re staying close this holiday.
“For Easter, I’ll be with my wife. I live in a log home. Spending it there,” said Rich Pawling of Gouglersville.
According to the National Retail Federation, Easter spending is expected to reach a record $24.9 billion this year. Read more here.