If you are looking for something interesting, FUN, and good for your health, head on over to the scenic small town of Bristol, Pennsylvania. You will be surprised when you experience all that it has to offer with its riverside eateries, antique shops, a beautiful theater, and many cultural attractions. One of my new Bristol Borough favorites is a place that opened last January called VALLERINA. Vallerina is located on Mill Street and is the perfect space for people to discover dance, fitness, art, and feel-good fun. What’s great about this small borough in Pennsylvania, is that not only is it historical, settled back in 1681 and incorporated in 1720, but it is also home to the Delaware Canal Towpath, one of my favorite places to go with family and friends. The towpath runs from Easton to Bristol and is 60 miles in length.
My daughter invited me to join her on a Saturday morning for the Coffee Barre class. I am by no means a dancer, having only taken a year of ballet when I was young. I am so glad I went! Emma, the owner, operator, and founder of Vallerina is a graduate of the Temple University Dance Team and is an amazing individual! She shared her goal with us which is to give artists the opportunity and bring dance to a more fun and accessible platform. Before the pandemic, she started a production company and held classes from her living room with her mom and family. She continued classes virtually for a couple of years and held her first in-person class at a Booze and Barre event right in Bristol’s very own Itri Wood Fired Pizza. If you have never been to Itri, it is another spot to put on your list! Have you ever tried a Honey Hot Sop Pizza? Oh my! It is out of this world topped with red sauce, shredded mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, soppressata, hot honey, and grana padano-yum! It is within walking distance from Vallerina, so you could get a great workout in and finish it off with a slice of pizza heaven and a fun drink!
Before class, we treated ourselves to a hot cup of coffee. The music and atmosphere were relaxing, yet motivating and FUN. In addition to lit candles, the ambiance and attention to detail were evident in the decoration of this amazing space. Barre, Yoga, Sound Healing, Ballet, Community Acupuncture, and even Puppy Yoga are some of the classes that are offered. How cool that the Wet Nose Rescue partners with the studio? There are drop-in classes, class packs, monthly memberships, or six-week personalized sessions. For small businesses, this space can be rented for a quiet, comfortable place to think, do art, dance, you name it! My daughter and I were excited to get a sneak preview of the Sunday Stroll performance that Emma and her mother, Tina are a part of for this April event. The Sunday Stroll takes place on Mill Street with vendors, food trucks, live music, and loads of fun. We learned the choreography to the Flash Mob dance-simple, yet exciting! Check out Vallerina’s website for all they have to offer Vallerina. You will leave there feeling good about yourself, positive, and excited to explore the town. The Delaware River is so close by and worth the walk to the pier. Both Vallerina and Bristol Borough are must-see, must-experience small business and town located in the beautiful county of Bucks right by the Delaware River. Be sure to check it out whether you bring your family, your pup, friends, a date, or even just YOURSELF!
