Staying Local: Stash Collective – Crave & Co.

I’m a big fan of supporting local small businesses and this post is about 2 of my new favorites in downtown Harrisburg, PA. Both places are within easy walking distance of the capital buildings, Strawberry square and city island.

If you’re in search of creative handcrafted gift items like jewelry, organic candles, soap and beauty products or a vintage outfit or housewares, make sure to visit Stash Collective.

Stash Collective
234 North Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-232-2207
Hours: Wed. – Sat. 12pm-8pm, Sun. 11am -4pm
www.stashhbg.com   MAP
This little gem of a shop opened in the spring of 2013, it’s run by 4 creative friends, Haley Harned, Jen Merrill, Anela Bence-Selkowitz and Jess Flynn.
With a mission to bring new life to old, vintage items they provide a hip place where you’ll find vintage, handmade, repurposed and up-cycled clothing, accessories, housewares and furniture. Beside all the vintage goodies you can also find some really nice original art for sale. I really enjoy the way Stash is carefully curated. It’s cozy, hip and very affordable.They focus on supporting local artists and crafts people while offering a nice variety of fairly priced items. Stash is a welcome retail experience for downtown Harrisburg, where it can be a challenge to find unique, charming gifts and clothing. With an ever evolving inventory there’s always something interesting to see at Stash and the folks working there are friendly and helpful. I have my eye on a few goodies for gifts…mental note…the holidays will be here soon so start shopping LOCAL…now!

After you’ve done some vintage shopping at Stash, head west on North Street for 2 blocks. Turn left at the light on 2nd Street to find Crave & Co. Have a cup of organic coffee, a snack or a yummy vegan lunch. I love their curried egg salad or the black bean and quinoa burger! Oh and the Israeli sandwich with a nice tall iced coffee….amazing.

Crave & Co.
614 North 2nd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-695-6229
Hours: Monday thru Friday: 7am to 2pm, Saturday 9am – 2pm  craveandco.com  MAP
Like Stash, Crave & Co. is a newcomer to downtown Harrisburg. Crave provides fresh organic ingredients and vegetarian-vegan food for breakfast and lunch. The interesting menu offers a nice variety from the usual lunch options on 2nd Street.
The interior is a happy mix of red and white striped tables and fun chalk-board painted walls covered with coffee related quotes, messages and artwork left by customers and staff.There’s usually some good tunes being played and the music themed decorations combine to make Crave & Co. a cool place to relax while enjoying your breakfast or lunch. You may even catch someone strumming one of the guitars found inside.During one of out visits we had a great time chatting with the owner and chef Kristie and her husband John about music, food and of course coffee! John can usually be found helping out on weekends along with some of their kids. He’s also responsible for some of the fun sidewalk chalk art in front.

Kristie, and her family have made it their mission to bring the “Healthy” back to Harrisburg. Join them in their quest and visit Crave & Co. soon!  If you want to see whats happening visit their Facebook page…the Organic Pumpkin Spice Lattes with caramel drizzle, spotted there, look SO AMAZING! I’ll definitely be having that on my next visit.

I hope you get to visit both of my new favorite places in downtown Harrisburg – and if you go I’d love to hear about it and as always if you have any places you’d like to recommend we visit, please leave a comment, we’d love to hear from you.

More Later…
Tour de Thrift