holiday Archives - Solo Real Estate | Philadelphia Real Estate Brokerage

Featured Business: Shane Confectionery

Posted on December 16, 2023December 16, 2023 by Stephanie Aviles

This is the season when Shane Confectionery, America’s oldest continuously operating candy shop, offers scrumptious holiday treats made with 100-year-old recipes in vintage molds, using local and traceable ingredients. Take a journey back in time with us as we visit this historic Philadelphia candy shop.

Stepping through the front door of Shane’s at 110 Market is a form of time travel. In 2011, the exterior and interior were restored by the current owners, the Berley brothers, to replicate the shop’s original Victorian appearance. This not only earned Shane an award by Preservation Alliance; it also attracted a new generation of customers who were charmed by, not just the confectionery’s Back-to-the-Future appearance, but by its commitment to combining vintage recipes with ethically sourced ingredients.

Holiday chocolates in gift box. Images: Shane Confectionery

Shane’s prides itself in using cocoa beans imported by Uncommon Cacao. They then sort, roast, and grind the cocoa beans into chocolate used for all their products, including historical drinking chocolates and homemade ice cream served in their Chocolate Cafe.

Other commitments to the environment and sustainability include Shane’s partnership with The Philadelphia Bee Co., providing locally produced bee products including honey, wax, and pollen all gathered from hives within city limits. How local? Beehives were installed on the Confectionery’s rooftop! Jars of honey are also available for sale in the shop. They also source locally whenever possible. Their maple syrup is from PA and distributed by Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op and their large hand-twisted pretzels are from Shuey’s Pretzel Factory. a family-owned business based in Lebanon, PA since 1927.

Winter Candies. Image: Shane Confectionery

Nowhere else will you find a large selection of handmade chocolates and candies using ingredients, molds, and techniques that have been passed down for generations. This includes hand-pulled candy canes, nonpareils, jelly fruit slices, historic clear candy toys, and a mouth-watering selection of chocolate bonbons, cordials, and buttercreams. All gifts are boxed and wrapped elegantly in Victorian perfection.

Eric and Ryan Berley. Image: Shane Confectionery

History

When the confectionary first opened at 110 Market Street in 1863, it was owned by the Herring family who ran it as a wholesale business. At the time, Philadelphia was already the most active port in the country with ships delivering cocoa, sugarcane, fruits, and spices at the Delaware waterfront. All the prominent names in American chocolate and candy – Goldenberg’s of Peanut Chew fame, Wilbur Buds, Hershey, and Whitman Chocolates – had their first shops in Philadelphia which were synonymous with its high quality.

The shop passed through several owners, before acquiring the Shane name in 1910. That is when the Baltimore firm of Reinle & Salmon, the finest drugstore cabinetmaker of their day, installed the shop’s charming Victorian decor with curved glass showcases, marble countertops, and beautiful cabinetry which continues to draw visitors today.

The neighborhood changed throughout the sixties and seventies, and fewer people frequented the store. Yet year after year, customers would line up at Christmastime and Easter. However, in 1983, the grandson of the original Shane owner, took over the business for the next 25 years, refusing to implement modern production techniques and insisting on the old-fashioned handmade methods that had created the confectionery’s reputation.

In 2010, Shane’s was sold to the Berley brothers, owners of The Franklin Fountain, a Victorian-style ice cream parlor at 116 Market that also sources ethical and fair trade ingredients. They were in sync with the confectionery’s historic chocolate and candy-making traditions and reintroduced Shane’s to a new generation.

Find your inner Willy Wonka

Candy making process. Image: Shane Confectionery

Shane Confectionery hosts public programs, tours, tastings, and private parties. They offer two varieties of tastings, Traditional Craft Chocolate Tasting and Chocolate Taste & Paint Workshop. Every Friday Shane welcomes the public into their 150-year-old building to sample chocolate and confections while exploring their historic shop, kitchens, and production spaces. Learn about the antique equipment and recipes still in use today, while admiring the building’s architecture, decorative arts, and businesses, and immersing yourself in early chocolate and candy-making culture. For more information, contact Laurel@FranklinFountain.com

Holiday Gift Guide 2023: Philly Markets & Local Gift Ideas

Posted on November 27, 2023November 27, 2023 by Stephanie Aviles

This holiday season, support Philly’s local makers, crafters, and nonprofit organizations for a more sustainable gifting experience. In this guide, we cover holiday markets in Philadelphia and gift ideas to put a smile on the faces of everyone on your list.

Holiday Pop-Ups

Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Now through Jan 1, 2024, Sun – Thurs: 12 pm – 8 pm; Fri – Sat.: 12 pm – 9 pm.

This year’s makers market on the West Side of City Hall features area artisans, designers, crafters, and jewelers offering unique handmade gifts for all ages. Bring the kids to enjoy the Rothman Roller Rink. Dilworth Park at the West Side of City Hall Philadelphia 1 S 15th St.

Thunderbird Salvage Christmas. Now through Dec. 31, Fri-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This beloved Kensington Thift and Vintage Shop offers Christmas decor including trees, ornaments vintage gifts, plus a Christmas photobooth and a Friday wine series. 2856 Frankford Ave.

Bartram’s Garden Handmade Holidays, Sat., Dec. 2, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Local artisans and other vendors with a gift-wrapping station, s’mores and snacks, a pie-baking contest, card- and wreath-making, a family holiday portrait opportunity, and more. 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

Mrs. Claus Holiday Market, Sat., Dec. 2, 12-4 p.m.

The Sisterly Love Collective and South Street Headhouse District presents gifts from local woman-owned businesses. Headhouse Shambles, 2nd and Pine.

reFlea Vendor Market, Sat., Dec. 2, 12-5 p.m.

The Resource Exchange,1800 N. American St., offers a selection of refurbished or upcycled DIY supplies, clothes, jewelry, decor, gifts, and more.

Fiber Craft Holiday Market. Sat., Dec. 9, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Weavers House presents a fiber arts holiday market with 60 vendors offering items from yarn to woven earrings. Bok Bldg., 821 Dudley St.

HANDMADE x El Mercado Cultural, Sat., Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St., presents a market featuring local artisans and vendors participating in their initiative focused on contributing free creative and marketing resources to new merchants, restaurant owners, and vendors. 719 Catharine St.

Trans Art Market, Sun., Dec. 10, 11 a.m – 5 p.m.

This market offers gift ideas made by local trans artists. Bok Bldg. 821 Dudley St.

Memberships

Gifting a membership at a local cultural institution is a great way to support one of the many nonprofits in our City. It can also be a sustainable choice as you are gifting experiences and resources, instead of physical items. Below is just a short list of the many possibilities.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)

Join Solo Real Estate in supporting PHS efforts to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region with access to fresh food, healthy living environments, deep social connections, and economic opportunities. A tax-deductible gift entitles you to year-round benefits, including a discount or complimentary tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show, discounts at garden centers and florists, and invitations to members-only events.

The Franklin Institute

An individual or family membership at the Franklin Institute will provide countless hours of special events and educational activities for little scientists, techies, and future doctors. Their membership will also be valid at over 250 science museums nationwide.

Athenaeum of Philadelphia

This architecturally significant, historic library hosts book clubs and lectures featuring authors, architects, and scholars from the humanities and sciences.

The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia Museum of Art and PAFA

Gifting a membership in one of Philly’s fine art museums is a thoughtful gift for art lovers of all ages. It will expand their appreciation and participation in exhibitions, lectures, and special events.

Philadelphia Zoo

Pandas may be gone from the Washington Zoo but adorable red pandas are still frolicking at the Philly Zoo, along with a huge array of fascinating animals. A family or individual gift membership will provide countless hours of pleasure and support animal conservation. Or Adopt an Animal of your choice for $75 and your recipient will receive a plush version delivered by mail with a certificate of adoption and an animal fact sheet. Talk about bragging rights!

Workshops & Classes

Whatever their passion or age, your gift of a class will expand their knowledge and support their interest. Consider Old City Kitchen cooking classes for kids, adults, and couples. Art, dance, music, and theater arts classes for children at UArts on Saturdays. Or art classes for high school students at PAFA for all ages at Fleisher Art Memorial. No wasteful wrapping is required!

Support Independent bookstores

Totally befuddled about what to get Uncle Marvin or looking for a gift for the book lover in your life? Give them a gift certificate from a local independent bookstore. Here are just a sampling of our favorites.

The Head & The Hand, 2230 Frankford Ave.

This charming Fishtown shop is also a Philadelphia-based non-profit book publisher and writers’ workshop. They regularly host events, writing classes, and arts programming, including children’s story time, private date nights, and more. H&H stocks new and used fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books, as well as many books from local authors.

Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane, Mt Airy.

This woman-owned bookstore has a diverse selection representing its community. Books for kids, teens, and adults from all walks of life with an inviting second-floor reading room.

Uncle Bobby’s Bookshop, 5445 Germantown Ave.

Besides books, this fun bookshop offers coffees, chai, bagels, vegan pastries, and more.

A Novel Idea, 1726 E. Passyunk Avenue.

A neighborhood bookstore that supports local authors. They not only have a wonderful collection of books. Give a gift certificate so your recipient can choose their own adventure.

Holiday Sustainability Tips

Posted on December 13, 2021 by Solo Team

At Solo Real Estate, where sustainability is a year-round commitment, we want to help you celebrate the joys of the season while keeping the environment in mind. Here are some tips for a more sustainable holiday.

Keep It Real: Avoid Artificial Trees

If you are concerned about the environmental impact of Christmas trees, read on! A real tree spends around eight years growing in the field before it is harvested. So instead of being manufactured and shipped from China like an
artificial tree, a real tree converts CO2 into Oxygen, provides a habitat for wildlife, and keeps large tracts of space green across North America.

Unlike artificial alternatives, when you are done with a real tree, it is 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable. When you choose a real tree, you put money back into the local economy. It supports your retailer and their
employees, as well as the growers who provide the trees.

After the holidays, recycle your tree at one of the Streets Department’s tree recycling drop-off locations throughout Philly or any one of the City’s Sanitation Convenience Centers. Local compost services like Bennett Compost and Circle Compost will also pick up and compost your tree for a fee. Remember to remove all lights and decorations before you recycle your tree!

Use LED lights to decorate your tree

Use LED lights to decorate your tree. They use at least 75 percent less energy than traditional lights and last 25 times longer. Avoid plastic decorations. Instead, visit Ten Thousand Villages, 1315 Walnut, for an excellent selection of Fair Trade Christmas tree ornaments. West Elm, 1330 Chestnut, also stocks Fair Trade products including tree ornaments, Christmas stockings, tree skirts, and more. We love the hand-crafted, felt Silk Road tree ornaments at Moon & Arrow, 742 S. 4^th Street. Another place to find recycled tree decorations is at a thrift shop. If you have holiday lights to dispose of, take them to Mom’s Organic Market for recycling. They will accept holiday lights from November 26th through January 31st.

Choose Eco-Friendly Wrapping Paper

Forego commercial wrapping paper which sacrifices our already endangered woodlands. This year, consider using newspapers or magazines instead. For fashionistas, get creative and wrap gifts in the colorful New York Times Style Section. For investors, use the Wall Street Journal Stock Report. Or pick up a roll of recycled brown paper at a local shop and add a decorative touch with snippets of fresh ferns, holly berries, or candy canes.

Shop Local

Supporting local businesses is good for the environment in many ways. It reduces the transportation costs associated with your goods, and your carbon footprint while also helping the local economy and strengthening our communities. Here are a few more places to shop locally this holiday season:

Good Buy Supply on East Passyunk – Photo: goodbuysupply.co

East Passyunk’s Good Buy Supply is dedicated to plastic-free home, kitchen, and bath alternatives. Their offerings include all-natural bath bombs, beeswax food wraps, and a bulk bar of pretty refillable soaps. For foodies, consider a Minimalist Utensil Set or the No-Waste Vegetarian Cookbook.

United By Blue, 205 Race St, cleans trash from the ocean for every item purchased. Thoughtful gifts at every price point include recycled cashmere sweaters, backpacks, and pom beanies.

Moon & Arrow offers a selection of socially responsible, handmade, and vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings.

Nice Things Hand Made, LLC, 1731 E. Passyunk, is a creative boutique and gallery with ceramics, jewelry, clothing, and art by indie artists.

Downerss 2026 Frankford Ave, is a women-owned and operated boutique in Fishtown, specializing in young contemporary clothing, vintage, vegan leather, handmade jewelry, and all-natural skincare products.

For more businesses to support, check out our Small Business Saturday guide highlighting local small businesses owned by Solo tenants.

However way you decide to celebrate this special season, Solo Real Estate wishes you a happy, healthy, sustainable New Year!

Shop Local: Solo Real Estate 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Posted on December 1, 2020November 27, 2023 by Solo Team

This holiday season, Solo Real Estate is sharing its commitment to the environment with a guide to local, sustainable holiday gifts from Philadelphia businesses. All of our suggestions below may be purchased online in the comfort and safety of your home and shipped directly to the lucky recipient.

We love the selection of unique fair trade crafts at the Barnes Foundation Shop. Give a child a gift, not found at any big box store, that will be passed down for generations with a hand-carved Noah’s Ark set. It comes with fourteen charming animals made from sustainably harvested jacaranda wood in Kenya. The Ark’s roof serves as a lid to house this collection which includes small sculptures of Noah and his wife. The Ark measures 12” long, 7.5” high. $120.

For the adult art lovers on your list, the Barnes Shop offers a large selection of fine art books, apparel, accessories, and distinctive jewelry.

Barnes Foundation: hand-carved Noah's Ark set, $120 — Barnes Foundation: hand-carved Noah’s Ark set, $120

Remark Glass is a local company based in the BOK building that keeps glass out of landfills by making beautiful homewares out of recycled post-consumer bottle glass. They have a great selection of glassware on their website and also custom-made lighting. For the beer-lover on your list, we love the draught glass, made from beer bottles sourced from Philadelphia. Each glass holds 28 oz and is dishwasher safe. $15.

If there’s someone on your list who has been very good, dazzle them with custom-designed, ethically sourced jewelry from Bario Neal. They offer gold extracted by responsible, artisanal miners. Their diamonds are traceable and primarily recycled. All of their gemstones have been repurposed without impact on the environment.

Our pick? The Knottedrush Ring, handcrafted in Bario Neal’s Queen Village workshop in 14 carat yellow gold, starting at $115. This delicate golden knot ring connotes friendship, love and bigger things to come. If you are really ready to the tie the knot, Bario Neal can redesign family heirloom gemstones into a spectacular contemporary setting. Their 524 S. Fifth Street showroom is open by appointment only; they also offer virtual appointments.

For the globetrotters on your list, temporarily grounded due to the pandemic, give them a taste of adventure from Bali to Bala. This online market, curated by local artist Laura Cohn, presents a collection of crafts by Indonesian artisans. A portion of the proceeds supports the South Philly Indonesian Community and non-profits in Indonesia. Choose from hand-painted sarongs, home décor, housewares, and jewelry.

Bali to Bala: Melted Glass Wine Carafe, $88

Oenophiles will covet this Melted Glass Wine Carafe on Driftwood Unique to Bali, the carafe is made from recycled glass and found driftwood. This one-of-a-kind carafe is created by blowing molten glass directly into driftwood. The carafe may be removed for cleaning purposes. 12” High, 8” Wide, 11” Long. $88.

Fashionistas of all genders will covet a gift from Lobo Mau, a Philly-based, slow fashion clothing line specializing in original silk-screened prints and innovative textile designs. Headquartered in the Bok Building in South Philly with a boutique at 6^th and Bainbridge, Lobo Mau was named Philadelphia Magazine’s Best Sustainable Local Brand in 2019.

You will find a wide range of super comfy, head-turning casual wear for men and women. Our favorite? The vintage inspired Scribble Pom Jacket. This has been their best-selling jacket for six years and is now available in a limited edition, hand-drawn print by Philly artist Ben Jones. 92% Cotton. 8% Spandex. $398.

Imagine a retail store dedicated to saving our oceans. That is the mission of United By Blue which removes one pound of trash from waterways for every product purchased. Based in Philly, their flagship store is located in Old City with a branch in University City. Their products are made from sustainably sourced materials and are created to last.

For the vegan on your list, check out their best-selling 25L Transit Pack. 100% vegan, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. 100% recycled polyester with recycled nylon straps. Oodles of expandable compartments for holding cell phones, laptops, you-name-it. 19” High, 14” Wide, 7.75” Deep. $68.

Has your best friend been baking bread during quarantine? Get them the beginner’s bakers bundle from The Kitchen Garden Series. Designed to make kitchen projects easier from start to finish, this bundle is part of a holiday set that includes a bread bag and a linen kitchen tea towel. Linen has anti-bacterial qualities that help keep your bread (or cookies, or muffins) fresh longer. $38

The Kitchen Garden Series: Bread Bag from Beginners Baker's Bundle, $38 — The Kitchen Garden Series: Bread Bag from Beginners Baker’s Bundle, $38

We saved the best for last. Handmade chocolates from Philly’s own John & Kira’s. As seen in the New York Times, Oprah’s Magazine, and Martha Stewart, these are chocolates that raise the bar. Using organic ingredients from carefully selected sustainable artisan food growers, John & Kira’s offers chocolate lovers a decadent selection from which to choose. We were totally seduced by their Chocolate Figs featured in Wine Spectator. Each dried fig is filled with a silky smooth, whiskey infused Valrhona dark chocolate ganache. Then, they are hand-dipped in 62% dark chocolate and gift boxed. Six pieces for $24.95. Buy one box for someone special and another for yourself.

Gift cards to your favorite Philly restaurants and bars are also a good option to help support local businesses who have experienced a hefty dip in revenue this year and have limited seating as COVID restrictions continue. Bennett Compost now has gift cards as well. If they’re within the pick up areas, encourage your friends to keep food waste out of landfills by getting them a gift card they can apply towards a subscription.