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From the editor: spending the holidays curled up with a coffee

By Trista Thurston tthurston@observer-Reporter.Com 3 min read

Since we’re in mid-November, we’re in the thick of the holiday season.

Like many of you, I have no idea what to do with myself each weekend now that I can’t comfortably hike in my favorite park or take a day trip to a scenic location. If left to my own devices, I’ll make a cup of tea, curl up under my favorite fuzzy blanket and finish a book in a few days.

However, if you’d rather get off the couch and spend some quality time with your loved ones, I’ve gathered a dozen ideas in and around Pittsburgh for you that are friendly for various ages, interests and abilities. If you’re hunting for something to do with your family in the coming months, I hope this list gives you an idea. Even if you don’t partake in an activity from the list, maybe it will inspire you to create a new tradition together or create a memory with those you hold dear. Or maybe you’ll end up watching your favorite Hallmark movie again. No judgment on my end! I’m determined to finish the stack of to-read books on my bedside.

Also in this edition are two separate stories on coffee shops. I love coffee, so I guess my bias is showing here. First up is our cover story on the new Needle and Bean in Mt. Lebanon. This cozy spot isn’t simply a place to pick up your favorite brew or sit and get some work done. It’s part cafe, part record store. Order your favorite drink and browse the more than 1,000 vinyls on sale. You won’t find the radio hits on owner Mike Butala’s shelves, though. He’s catering to a more niche, indie-appreciating clientele.

“I’m not necessarily driven to compete against places that carry a lot of pop music,” he told writer Katherine Mansfield. Read her story within, and if it’s up your alley, stop by Needle and Bean.

Next is an expansion of a coffee shop that’s become a Washington-area favorite and is making more of a mark in the South Hills with its new Peters Township location: Crazy Horse Coffee. Owner James Bendel borrowed the name of his Army unit when he opened in 2018. The second location opened in McMurray at Donaldson’s Crossroads in August. Crazy Horse, besides offering coffee and tasty treats, also works to give back through Bendel’s nonprofit, Help-Hard.

Also inside is a feature on the business voted the top South Hills business at our annual Best of the Best gala earlier this month and an update from the South West Regional Chamber of Commerce. I hope you enjoy.

As always, thank you so much for reading. If you have feedback or a story suggestion, call me at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421 or email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com.

Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.

As always, thank you so much for reading. If you have feedback or a story suggestion, call me at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421, or email me at tthurston@observer-reporter.com.

Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.

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