Posh body jewelry shop Alluring Moon opens in New Hope

AlluringMoon body jewelry in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Alluring Moon jewelry store and studio is open for business, designing, handcrafting, and selling unique jewelry, including gold and diamond nose rings, belly rings and earrings.

Founded in 2002 by partners and co-owners Carolyn and Ellie Stutzman, Alluring Moon began as an online business. After exploring much of the country, they "fell in love with New Hope's artistic vibe, friendly people, and the serene beauty of the Delaware River and surrounding countryside."

Carolyn and Ellie decided to moved from Seattle to New Hope and open a jewelry shop. Ellie is Alluring Moon's principle designer, while goldsmiths Carolyn and Kara bring Ellie's designs to life in their workshop to the rear of of the store.

The main focus at Alluring Moon clearly is the fun, high-end selection of body jewelry, but the premium ancient coin pendants and precious gemstone rings are eye-catching and top-quality, as well. Diamonds and gems seem vibrant in creative settings, and all jewelry is handcrafted with nickel-free solid gold or pure platinum, then hand polished for high luster.

Despite the posh feel, folks there seem welcoming and down-to-earth. Alluring Moon is located at 9 W. Bridge St. 

My My boutique hits New Hope

My My, what a funky boutique in New Hope (photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Maureen Ferguson has moved her retail showcase of independent artists, crafters, and vintage clothing from Doylestown to New Hope, and West Ferry Street may never be the same.

In fact, the retail-challenged street once known as "Antiques Row" has shown signs of life lately, not only with the opening of My My, but also the advent of Little Barn Antiques next door and the expansion of Sally Goodman Antiques further up the hill.

Ferguson seems charming, intelligent and understated, as are her offerings. She believes that her tagline speaks for itself: "handmade. vintage. awesome."

Prices start at around $6 for a bar of handmade soap. Of note were the vintage fabrics, radio collection, and newsprint flower sculptures. The space is airy and inviting.

My My is located at 15 W. Ferry St.; 215-693-1318.

Towpath House in New Hope may go condo

Five-building complex as seen from South Main Street, New Hope (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

The restaurant portion of the five-building complex bordered by the Ingham Creek, Delaware Canal and West Mechanic Street is now called 'Tuscany', and before that it was 'Esca', but most still remember it as the 'Towpath House'. It sat directly across the canal from Johnny Francis' Canal House, and at one time both were bustling nightly with large, loyal crowds.

The Canal House and adjacent businesses are long gone, and in their place stands builder George Michael's largely unfinished and unoccupied townhouse complex overlooking the dry, crumbling Delaware Canal.

And now Towpath landowner Paul Licitra has indicated to Borough Hall that he will be submitting a sketch plan for Borough Council to review at their August meeting -- a plan widely expected to take the form of a residential development.

Licitra confirmed that conversion of the property from mixed use to residential is being contemplated.

"I can't provide much detail at this early stage, but I can say that we intend to improve the property and make it an asset to the neighborhood," he said.