EASTON, Pa. – A cosmetic tattoo artist has inked a deal to open a new business – offering a curated selection of vintage fashions – in Northampton County.
Bittersweet Vintage, specializing in 1990s and Y2K women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, is expected to open in mid-August at 347 Ferry St. in downtown Easton, owner Makayla Pfeifer said.
Bittersweet Vintage is coming soon to 347 Ferry St. in downtown Easton.
Ryan Kneller
“I’ve always been interested in fashion, and I feel like I’m the most expressive with my clothing,” Pfeifer told 69 News.
“I grew up thrifting and with second-hand clothing, and it’s just been a continuous passion of mine throughout my life. So, I want to share that passion with the community and help others find cool clothes, too.”
Pfeifer also owns and operates another Easton area business, Makayla Belle Cosmetic Tattoo, offering customized, natural-looking cosmetic tattoo results designed to enhance your features, in Palmer Township.
With Bittersweet Vintage, Pfeifer aims to further help individuals look and feel their best with a wide assortment of unique apparel, footwear and accessories.
Bittersweet Vintage
Shoppers will be able to browse a wide assortment of ‘90s and early 2000s pieces, including flared and low-rise jeans, spaghetti-strap slip dresses, pieces incorporating butterfly, floral and paisley motifs and colorful blouses, camis and other tops featuring vibrant designs, among others.
“I’m opening this store because I have an overall passion for vintage clothes, and I feel like almost everything nowadays is made out of plastic and nothing is unique and fun,” Pfeifer said.
“So, that’s what I hope to bring – not only fun and unique clothes, but also a fun and unique environment for people to meet each other, hang out and just have fun.”
In addition to vintage clothing, Bittersweet Vintage will feature 90s and Y2K shoes and accessories such as belts, hats, jewelry, scarves, purses and sunglasses.
Bittersweet Vintage
The store also will carry unique fashions and other items from Europe and Asia.
“I travel a lot internationally,” Pfeifer said.
“So, people will be able to shop a lot of imports. I tend to frequent Asia, and I’m actually going back to Japan in October. So, I plan on bringing over a lot of second-hand designer bags and also vintage toys – a lot of Hello Kitty, Sanrio, anime and other stuff like that.”
The shop also will offer some vintage lamps and other home decor – “anything that’s ‘90s/Y2K-inspired and kind of girly – think rhinestones and colorful designs,” Pfeifer said.
Bittersweet Vintage will be Pfeifer’s second Easton area business, supplementing her six-year-old Makaya Belle Cosmetic Tattoo studio, at 3606 Nicholas St., Suite E, in Palmer.
To celebrate the shop’s debut, Pfeifer plans to welcome a few other small businesses on the grand opening day.
“I’m really connected to a lot of other small businesses in Easton, and so I hope to have a coffee bar, permanent jewelry and a bunch of other businesses at the grand opening,” she said.
“Overall, I’m just really excited to be opening this new shop. It’s been a longtime dream of mine, and I recently posted a TikTok about it, which got around 50,000 page views and further gave me the confidence to really put my foot on the gas.”
For the latest Bittersweet Vintage updates, including an official opening announcement, follow the business’ pages on Instagram and TikTok.
Bethlehem buzz3 new cafes are coming soon to Bethlehem. Here are the details
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Bethlehem is home to several great cafes, including longstanding favorites such as The Joint, The Wise Bean, Lit Coffee Roastery & Bakeshop and Deja Brew Coffeehouse & Deli along with fresh finds such as Paradise Kafe, North Street Cafe, Ay Bendito Café and Cozy Café & Restaurant.
Now, three new cafes are planning to bring even more tasty food and beverage options to the city within the next few months.
Here’s a round-up of new cafes coming soon to East Third Street in south Bethlehem. Full story here.
Caffeena
Lehigh Valley dining, entertainment venue to celebrate mini golf expansion with giveaways
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A destination for fresh food, flavorful drinks and family-friendly fun has leveled up with a 12,000-square-foot addition – featuring mini golf, a second bar and more – in Northampton County.
Twisted Tees, a sports bar and entertainment destination featuring multi-sport simulators, pool tables, yard games, elevated pub fare, a full bar and more, has more than doubled in size with a new addition on the lower level of The Outlets at Wind Creek Bethlehem.
The expansion held a soft opening on June 19, and a grand opening celebration is scheduled for 5 p.m. July 23.
Twisted Tees’ expansion brings more ways to play, relax and have fun with a realistic, 18-hole miniature golf course; larger and more private simulator spaces; a second bar and dining area; and a live entertainment area. Read more here.
Ryan Kneller
Hotel Bethlehem to feature ‘Megabar,’ unique eats and live entertainment for Musikfest
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Musikfest guests visiting Hotel Bethlehem Platz will find daily entertainment, space to cool off at a giant “Megabar” and a special food menu that includes lobster mac and cheeseburgers.
The hotel’s chefs created a unique food menu just for the festival, according to a news release.
“People are going to line up for this,” executive chef Rodney Rivera said in regard to the lobster mac and cheeseburger, which will be available exclusively at the Hotel Bethlehem Platz tent. “We have a fresh grilled burger heaped with house made lobster mac and cheese. It’s absolutely delicious and decadent.”
Other limited edition Musikfest menu items include Coastal Carolina BBQ Chicken, Clambake, and Island Rubbed Salmon. Read more.
Ryan Kneller
Lehigh County newsBig Woody’s location to close as owners eye new spot for Lehigh Valley sports bar
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A longstanding, family-run restaurant known for its wings, pizza and plentiful sports viewing opportunities is bidding farewell to one of its locations as it prepares to set up shop at a new Lehigh Valley spot.
A location of Big Woody’s Sports Bar & Restaurant is set to close on July 26 at 1302 Hanover Ave. in Allentown, according to Matthew Marcks, Big Woody’s chief operating officer and director of marketing.
The business’ other five locations: at 1841 S. Fourth St. in Allentown, 1928 W. Hamilton St. in Allentown, 2625 Easton Ave. in Bethlehem, 1855 Sullivan Trail in Forks Township and 3941 Chestnut St. in Upper Milford Township will continue to operate as normal, Marcks said.
Big Woody’s was established in 1985 by the late Elwood Marcks Sr., who was nicknamed “Big Woody” and played as a defensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1960s. Full story here.
A location of Big Woody’s Sports Bar & Restaurant is set to close on July 26 at 1302 Hanover Ave. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
‘Time has finally arrived!’: After storm damage, Lehigh Valley restaurant to reopen with raffles
COOPERSBURG, Pa. – More than four months after a storm ripped off part of its roof, a popular restaurant in Lehigh County will welcome back customers with a tasty promotion.
The New Santiago’s Restaurant, a family-run eatery offering freshly prepared dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, is set to reopen on July 27 at 125 S. Third St. in Coopersburg, according to an announcement on the business’ Facebook page.
The restaurant, which opened in 2018, has been temporarily closed since a March 16 store after strong winds partially ripped off its roof and caused other damage to the property. Read more here.
The New Santiago’s Restaurant is located at 125 N. Third St. in Coopersburg.
Ryan Kneller
‘Fresh, high-quality and delicious’: Score premium pasta, other Italian favorites at Allentown eatery
ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A popular mom-and-pop business, known for its homemade pastas, sauces, desserts and prepared meals, is making moves in Lehigh County.
Cuz’n Vinny’s Homemade Pastas, offering a wide array of freshly prepared Italian specialties, is now selling its specialty foods at Jay’s Local in Allentown’s West End.
Husband and wife Vince and Natalie Tannasso established Cuz’n Vinny’s in 2022 and previously operated the business at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market over the past three and a half years. Read more.
Cuz’n Vinny’s Homemade Pastas
Tasty events39th annual Blueberry Festival to showcase bevy of blueberry treats, crafters, family fun
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A Bethlehem summer staple returns this weekend with blueberry-infused favorites such as pies, doughnuts, ice cream and lemonade, along with more unique eats and drinks like blueberry grilled cheese, blueberry shrimp tacos, blueberry mango sticky rice and blueberries and cream dirty soda.
The 39th annual Blueberry Festival, presented by Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, will be held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Burnside Plantation, 1461 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, according to a news release.
The event features a wide array of blueberry-flavored food and drinks, craft vendors, live music, pie-eating contests, family activities, historical demonstrations and tours and more. Full story here.
Pictured are blueberry shrimp tacos from The Taste Budz.
The Taste Budz
2 Lehigh Valley restaurant weeks, over 30 participants serving up tasty promotions
A smorgasbord of dining deals are satisfying foodies’ appetites in Northampton County.
Easton and Hellertown-Lower Saucon restaurant weeks kicked off on Sunday, July 12, and continue through Saturday, July 18.
In total, more than 30 restaurants are offering fixed-price, multi-course menus and other promotions during the events. Read more here.
Antonio’s Pizzeria operates at 114 S. Third St. in downtown Easton.
Ryan Kneller
Sheetz to celebrate 9th Lehigh Valley location’s grand opening with free coffee, soda and gift card giveaways
HELLERTOWN, Pa. – A chain offering gas, made-to-order food and drinks and various convenience items continues to expand its footprint in the Lehigh Valley.
Sheetz, the Blair County-based chain with more than 830 locations across seven states, is planning to open its ninth Lehigh Valley location on Thursday, July 16, at 1740 Main St. (Route 412) in Hellertown.
Sheetz offered customers free self-serve coffee and soda for the entire day on July 16.
The grand opening event, scheduled for 9-11 a.m. July 22, will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Z-Card giveaways.
The store’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. July 22. This new location will also welcome customers by offering free self-serve coffee and soda during the grand opening celebration (July 22, 9-11 a.m.). Read more.
A new Sheetz location is coming soon to Main Street (Route 412) and Kichline Ave. in Hellertown.
Ryan Kneller
Berks, Bucks countiesBerks brewery to close full-service restaurant, continue operating location as event center
READING, Pa. – A restaurant serving up burgers, beers and more is bidding farewell in Berks County.
The full-service restaurant at Saucony Creek Franklin Station Brewpub will hold its last day of operation on Aug. 1 at 100 S. Seventh St. in downtown Reading, according to an online announcement.
Saucony Creek plans to continue operating the historic Reading Railroad Train Station as an event center for private company parties, corporate events, weddings and other functions.
For the next two weeks, the Reading restaurant will operate regular hours from Tuesday through Saturday (closed on Sunday, July 19, and Sunday, July 26).
The Saucony Creek team announced the “difficult decision” on the business’ Facebook page, attributing the upcoming closure to a changing downtown Reading business climate and cultural scene. Full story here.
‘Fun for all ages’: Local video game store leveling up with retro arcade, set to open next week
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. – Gamers looking to test their skills at Galaga, Jr. Pac-Man and other beloved arcade games will soon have a new spot to score fun times.
Planet Retro Video Games, a two-year-old video game store where individuals can buy, sell and trade new and gently used video games, consoles and accessories, is expanding operations with a retro arcade at 109 W. Broad St. in Quakertown.
Planet Retro Video Games and Retroware Arcade, featuring more than 30 arcade games, is set to open on Wednesday, July 22, owner Daniel Schepis told 69 News.
Individuals will be able to play all of the games for as long as they want for a daily admission fee of $15. Read more.
Planet Retro Video Games operates at 109 W. Broad St. in Quakertown.
Ryan Kneller
Twin Valley Coffee reopens original location in Caernarvon Township after COVID closure
CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — It’s a homecoming years in the making. Twin Valley Coffee is back in Berks County.
Across from the company’s first-ever location, a gazebo.
“We are all extremely grateful. We have come full circle with reopening back here where it all started,” said Robyn Saunders, daughter of owners Lynn and Lynnie Burkholder.
Twin Valley Coffee had to close its original location at 4043 Main Street in Caernarvon Township in 2020 due to COVID. Saunders says it’s been a goal to bring the location back. Read more here.