Welcome back to our 8 Weeks of Joy series!
For the 8 weeks leading up to the new year, our team members are sharing what brings them joy or ways that they’re spreading joy to others.
Last week, Sandy shared her joy of surprising local businesses with a gift to say “thanks” on behalf of Downtown Frederick Partnership.
This week, our PPR Strategies team members are sharing what brings them joy about their home and community! Here are our team members…
From Hanna, our Director of Client Relations:
I’ve lived in Fairmont, West Virginia for almost 10 years now and my favorite event every year is Feast of the Seven Fishes! Fairmont is a very Italian community and this street festival and Christmas market honor the city’s Italian roots with food vendors serving up fish and seafood dishes. It’s a weekend we look forward to every year that now includes a tree lighting to kick things off and a beautiful Christmas market full of local vendors – a great place to shop for the holidays. The weekend is capped off by the Christmas Parade – the largest parade of the year! Buon Natale!
From Sophie, our Director of Operations:
Each winter, Carroll Creek in Frederick transforms into a festive wonderland with illuminated boats. This tradition, which happens right outside the PPR Strategies’ office, brings joy and light to the darker days of the season. It’s a cherished part of Frederick’s winter celebrations.
From Caleigh, our Communications Specialist:
I love visiting home for the holidays. Not only do I get a break from school, but I get to relax and spend quality time with my family. One of our favorite activities is hiking. We’re all very active and enjoy the outdoors. Maryland has many different hiking trail options for all levels. Maryland has such a gorgeous landscape. Anywhere we go, it takes our breath away. We’re blessed because to see the stunning sunsets, we can step onto our back porch or travel to one of the many hiking trails nearby. For example, Weverton Cliffs in Knoxville, MD, is at the top of our list.
From Sandy, CEO of PPR Strategies:
I love exploring the parks in Maryland and Virginia. Recently, my boyfriend and I explored a new park in Prince William County – the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk. We can’t wait to go back to visit their new walking Christmas light display.
From Kayla, our Social Media Coordinator:
I love trying new restaurants and recipes, but nothing beats the treats you have in your hometown and the memories you have because of them! Some of the best food experiences in my hometown of Tamaqua, PA have included:
- Picking up mini strawberry cheesecake bites from my high school classmate’s bakery, Kay’s Kakes
- Ordering a custom sandwich–always with a pretzel bun–from the WHEEL Restaurant, a build-your-own gourmet grilled cheese spot
- Driving up the road from my parent’s house to Skip’s Dairy Bar & Grill for some salty caramel truffle ice cream
- Catching up with my friends at our local Mexican restaurant, Sister’s, over chips & salsa and yummy quesadillas
This holiday season, it brings me joy to see these small businesses continue to grow and receive support from our community, and I’m excited to visit them again when I’m home for the holidays! (In the picture below, I’m having a meal with my mom at the WHEEL. In the other, I’m with old friends in Tamaqua, outside of Sister’s Mexican Restaurant.)
From Mia, our Public Relations Specialist:
I took a quick, 5-minute drive to one of my favorite places that makes me love my “home.” Growing up in New Jersey, I’ve been 45 minutes from the bustle of New York City, a 5-minute drive to my local Christmas Tree farm, and an equal distance in the opposite direction from my favorite beach, my entire life.
The beach is my happy place; I walk the boardwalk year-round and even bring my dogs along for a dip in the ocean! There’s nothing like a Jersey Shore summer day spent on the beach from dawn to dusk with some of your favorite people. In the summer you get to witness the beach at its tranquil moments in the morning and watch as crowds of people take over throughout the day. My favorite time of the year is “local summer” during September and early October when there are still patches of warm weather to enjoy, the “bennys” are home, the beaches are quiet, and parking is abundant. Below are some photos of Asbury Park Beach in some of its calmest moments!
We’d love to hear what brings you joy about the place that you call home! Hit reply to share, or tag us in your post or story on Instagram here.
Reimagining Places With You,
The PPR Strategies Team
