Most areas have qualities and products that make them unique in one way or another. For Pittsburgh, it’s Primanti Bros. Sandwiches and its 446 bridges. For Philly, it’s the cheesesteak and the Liberty Bell. Berks is no exception. We’ve asked two prominent residents to weigh in on what makes our area one-of-a-kind and what they love about it. Check out what they had to say…
Justin Spannuth, 40, of Blandon, VP/COO of Unique Snacks
How long have you lived in Berks County? All of my 40 years.
If you were hosting a guest and wanted to show them the top three spots in Berks that you love, where would you go and why? Because it’s always a request, the Pagoda. Down Penn Avenue to enjoy the local microbreweries. Although we don’t do public tours, I’d have to give them a tour of Unique Snacks to enjoy a fresh hot pretzel right out of the ovens.
When I want to enjoy my favorite snack in Berks, I go to: Dutch Maid Bakery for their donuts!
My favorite event in the area is: The Pretzel and Beer Fest in West Reading
Runner-up: Fire + Ice Festival in downtown Reading
If I’m looking to enjoy an upscale dinner for a special occasion, I would make a reservation at: Building24 in Wyomissing. I would order the smoked wings (black truffle cayenne flavor), an Old Fashioned, and one of the specials because they are always amazing.
A hidden gem in Berks County is definitely: The Bridge Inn in Oley with the upstairs martini bar and Frank and Diannah’s Arbor Inn are both great! The trails and scenery for biking and hiking, like Hawk Mountain and the converted rail beds, they are way underrated as well.
My favorite Berks-based business to get some shopping done at is: Boscov's Fairgrounds Farmers Market is great, but when shopping for Melissa, my wife, Sorrelli jewelry is the way to go.
If I’m looking to experience true Berks culture: I’d be a bit stumped. The culture is so diverse that it is difficult to take it all in at any one stop which is what makes the county so amazing! I’d go downtown Reading to experience the city, the art on the buildings and drive up to the Pagoda to take in the scenery, and visit the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. But then I’d still have to drive out to the scenic areas to take in the beauty of our area. Maybe I’d visit the Oley Turnpike Dairy or Clover Hill Winery.
Team Scrapple or Team Ring Bologna? Oh man, this is a tough one, but I’m going Team Scrapple!
My favorite local sports team is: Reading Fightins.
When I’m looking to spend some time outdoors, I always head to: my backyard, but when visiting areas I don’t have a go-to, I just love exploring new things while being outside and enjoying warm weather.
If I’m craving something sweet, my go-to spot is always: dependent what side of town I’m on, either Sweet Ride Ice Cream in West Reading or Shell’s Dairy Swirl in Temple.
Margo DeRouchie, 55, of Exeter Township, National Sales Director of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region Visitors Bureau
How long have you lived in Berks County? At least a nifty 50!
If you were hosting a guest and wanted to show them the top three spots in Berks that you love, where would you go and why?
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- Our beloved landmark, the Reading Pagoda, not only for the scenic views but also because it’s the only Pagoda in the world that has a chimney, a fireplace and a variety of architectural details.
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- Our scenic outdoor adventures and trails, there are so many: Antietam Lake, Blue Marsh Lake, Exeter Scenic River Trail, Gring’s Mill, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Neversink Mountain and the Schuylkill River Trail. (I can ride my bike from my house to Neversink Mountain, the Exeter Scenic River Trail and eventually to the Schuylkill River Trail!) Did you know that we’re the only IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Ride Center in the Northeast? We currently have a Bronze-level designation, but BAMBA (Berks Area Mountain Biking Association) is trying to get us to the Silver level!
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- One of our many historic sites and museums, it’s so difficult for me to name just one (especially since I work in the tourism industry)!
When I want to enjoy my favorite snack in Berks, I go to: Tom Sturgis, Dieffenbach’s and Unique Snacks for a sweet and salty treat…Little Cheesers from Tom Sturgis, Dieffenbach’s for chips and chocolate-covered Splits from Unique Snacks!
My favorite event in the area is: The Mid Atlantic Air Museum WWII Weekend
Runners-up: Kutztown Folk Festival, Reading Liederkranz Oktoberfest and Koziar’s Christmas Village. I love our seasonal events!
If I’m looking to enjoy an upscale dinner for a special occasion, I would make a reservation at: Judy’s on Cherry, Folino Estate or Mom Chaffe’s Cellarette. I would order something from their “Special menu” as I enjoy trying something new and different.
A hidden gem in Berks County is definitely: The fact that our area has more than 35 historic sites, museums and societies. If it weren’t for the docents and volunteers, they wouldn’t be able to pass that knowledge and passion on to their visitors.
My favorite Berks-based business to get some shopping done at is: Our fabulous Main Street boutiques and our local farmers markets. GoggleWorks Center for the Arts for unique gifts and either the Pagoda or Reading Public Museum for local souvenirs.
When I’m looking to be pampered, I go to: Meraki Salon in Wyomissing for a fabulous new “do.”
If I’m looking to experience true Berks County culture, I’d visit: the Berks County Heritage Center, Berks History Center, the PA German Cultural Heritage Center, or the self-guided Barn Star Art Tour, and the day wouldn’t be complete without a bite to eat at Deitsch Eck in Lenhartsville.
Team Scrapple or Team Ring Bologna? Neither, I’m Team Lebanon Bologna all the way!
My favorite local sports team is: The R-Phils.
When I’m looking to spend some time outdoors, I always head to: one of our great parks for a hike, a bike ride or kayaking on Blue Marsh Lake.
If I’m craving something sweet, my go-to spot is always: Sweet Ride Ice Cream, Scoupe deVille in Birdsboro or the Pennside Drive-In.
