Wyomissing, PA

Evans Grist Mill stands as one of the first industries in Wyomissing, and was followed by a real estate and textile company. As it grew into a quiet and safe suburb, the desire to make it more than just a borough grew. The Yocum Center for the Arts offer culture and enrichment for residents who do not care to venture outside of Wyomissing. Most events are productions from The Yocum Institute for Art Education.The lone museum in the area, Reading Museum, recently opened an arboretum and planetarium, and provides additional culture to the area. Before that, residents relied upon Albright College and Reading Area Community College's Miller Center for the Arts for entertainment. As for annual events, Santa Claus always comes to Exton Square Mall for pictures.

Alebrije Mexican Restaurant off of Slate Hill Road has live music along with authentic Mexican food. Diners rave about foods as simple as beans and rice and as complex and time-consuming as mole. Free soda refills and quality food draw diners back, some for more than 10 years. This location gets better ratings than their sister location down in the city of Reading. As winner of best Mexican food in Taste of Berks County, try the queso fundido-it was the people's choice.

Tokyo Hibachi & Grill on Woodland serves both Chinese and Japanese foods. The addition of hibachi grilling and aesthetically beautiful food makes this restaurant one to visit. Credit the four master chefs who ensure that their food is not only delicious but that it looks appealing as well. Be sure to bring a group that is ready to be entertained by the Hibachi chef.

West Reading has Ady Cakes but the east side has Sublime Cupcakes. Open until 8 pm most days of week, this restaurant looks like it was showcased on "Cupcake Wars." Tucked away off Broadcasting Road in Village Square has customers complaining that these cupcakes need a bigger venue. Flavors change with the season and the bakery has several gluten-free cupcakes. Enjoy a pecan pie cupcake, but only on Mondays because they bake specific flavors on certain days of the week.

Families frequent Slick Willy's Karts & Eats. Go-Kart rides and fun foods make it the perfect place to take the kids. Adults wont mind downing speciality coffees while junior makes his way around this $5 million indoor track.The kids will also enjoy ice-cream and funnel cakes.

After parents put the kids to bed, and call the babysitter they beeline to Willoughby's Bar and Grill. Craft beers rotate according to supply and average between $4-6. Restaurant favorite, the Willoughby's classic boasts a half pound of prime blended beef with pepper bacon, American cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, all served on a pretzel bun.

Although it borders a city that never sleeps, especially at night, Wyomissing residents can choose to walk much of the length of the 4-square mile neighborhood. Berks Regional Area Transport services the area for those who need it for less than $2, but more than 90% of the population drive themselves to work and around town, rarely necessitating the need for Uber. As a small community, it is safe to walk and bike the neighborhood. There is ample free parking throughout town and outside of events at the Yocum Center and the Fox Berkshire theatre in town. Highway 422, 12, and 183 surround the borough, making many different way to access Interstate 76 and beyond.

Gring's Mill Recreational Area stands as the most multi-purposed of the five Wyomissing parks. The community holds events like tree lighting and group meetings on the 33 acres of the property. The facility has provisions for many different kinds of sports, including lesser known sports such as shuffleball. Groups of 25 or more need to schedule a reservation starting at $50 and up to $100 for a maximum occupancy of one-hundred. There is no fee and there is plenty of free parking. Fun kid-friendly activities fill up the calendar at the recreational area. Eager local children look forward to yearly Go Fly a Kite day. The numbers for the Children's Fishing Rodeo grow with each passing year. Children also anticipate the summer series of activities held through Gring's Mill. Evening concert series beckon families to bring picnic suppers and stay for the evening.

Gring's Mill has a fitness cluster for those who want improve agility and skills. Children will also enjoy the two extensive playgrounds in the borough. While teens can practice pitching and catching on the athletic field.

Compared to Reading, Wyomissing is high-end. Taking a bus from Wyomissing into the city of Reading costs less than $2. Renting in this city costs $1,100. A pint of craft beer at Willoughby's Bar and Grills runs from $4-6. The gas price is 1% more than the national average.

The major shopping areas convene around Route 422. The Berkshire Square Mall has a Boscov's, which opened its first doors in Reading, and is one of the last family-owned department stores.

The Shoppes At Wyomissing has fancy high-end speciality stores. Dandelion Jewelry sells jewelry that embraces a spirituality not often found in retailers today, going above the standard crucifix. Mak Nail Bar & Organic Spa has special spa treatments for environmentally conscious clients. Parabens and sulfates never go into any of the products. Customers enjoy manicures and pedicures to soothing music.

The VF Outlets are on the border of Reading and Wyomissing. This 75-store outlet sells merchandise at about 70 percent discount and has many free parking spots. Unlike some outlet stores, parking spots remain close to the stores so shoppers can deposit bags in their cars and return to the store for more.

Smaller shops, such as Carlino's Market, offer a selection of specialty items that can't be found anywhere else. Purchase a customized gift basket for someone special, or sample one of the many International gourmet items.

Market on Evans and Sammy's Food Market are the local grocery stores. The Farmers Market of Wyomissing is smaller and more familiar to residents than the one at Fairground Square mall. Similarly outfitted, both markets feature booths from neighboring communities that sell Pennsylvania Dutch items. Regional Clover Hill Vineyard & Winery has a table at the market.