In honor of our “BEST OF BERKS” edition, we asked our Best of Berks winners to share their bests – here's what they had to say!
The best thing about February is…
We will be releasing our latest sangria kit, Chocolate Strawberry! It's the perfect addition to an at-home date night for Valentine's Day. — Andrea Folino, Folino Estate
Hot chocolate on a cold or snowy day. And the Super Bowl! — Adam Kenderdine, Benchwarmers Coffee & Doughnuts
The best steps I’ve taken to reach my goals are…
Staying positive, creative and thinking outside the box. Our ultimate goal is to create the best experience in these challenging times for our members and customers. — Rebecca Olson, Colonial Fitness | CHB Sports
To take action and work towards them every day! They certainly aren’t going to happen overnight. You need to create positive habits and have a measurable plan in place. — Samuel G. Padovani, RE/MAX of Reading
The best day trip from Berks is…
One of our favorite local destinations is Chanticleer Gardens in Wayne, PA. It is slightly more than an hour away. We have found that Chanticleer rivals the more famous Longwood Gardens. With a more naturalistic style of gardening, there are surprises around every corner. It certainly makes a great escape for the day, to unwind, and to reconnect with nature. As landscape designers, we find much inspiration there. — Tom Connelly, Connelly Lawn & Garden
Bear Creek Mountain Resort! This has always been our family fun place, and where my husband and I like to go for getaways. It’s beautiful, the food is delicious, the staff is friendly, the spa is relaxing and it’s just fun all year round. Right now, we are planning ski trips through the season. Additionally, they have wine and food festivals in the spring and fall. We have had many extended family and work-related dinners at the Grille. It’s not too far, and not too close. Bear Creek is always just right, even during COVID! They are doing all they can to stay open and follow safety procedures for skiing and snowboarding, which our children love to do! — Stephanie R. Becker, VMD, Wyomissing Animal Hospital
The best thing I’ve learned this year...
Is to expect the unexpected and embrace it to your advantage for as long as you can! — Cheryl Heckman, Manor Golf Club
Is to stay flexible, remain curious, and to explore opportunities to their fullest, because they can open doors you never expected. — Tim Compton, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
Is that while remaining customer-focused, I have had to learn more patience with our customers and staff. Everyone has a different way of handling stress from this pandemic. — Bill Woolworth, Dans at Green Hills
The best part about living in Berks is…
That I’m surrounded by the people, places and things I cherish most in the world. There’s no place like home! — Stephanie H. Shaak, CMP, Reading Public Museum
First and foremost: the people! They are amazing! And the four seasons! — Eric & Nicole Ray, Diggity Dawg Daycare Resort & Spa
That Berks County has such a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the arts, culture, sporting events and dining, as well as great education and health care systems. It’s a wonderful area to be able to enjoy the outdoor parks, trails and recreation venues. There’s something for everyone. — Amy Gipprich, Gipprich Jewelers
