The start of every great holiday rom-com centers in on a quaint Christmas village. Picturesque shops with frosted window panes line narrow streets. The small town is nestled into a beautiful rural backdrop.
Pittsburgh has its very own Hallmark holiday town — the borough of Sewickley. The town spans about a one square mile, so while Sewickley has a lot to offer, it’s also walkable. Here’s why you should visit or stay a while.
Charming Local Shops
Sewickley has a few dozen local boutiques and shops all conveniently located along Beaver Street. From apparel to fine jewelry and home goods to gardening, there are many places to shop local in this neighborhood. Check out Bellwether’s lifestyle store and RoZo’s boutique, just to name a few.
Grab Brunch at a Cozy Café
No Hallmark town is complete without a cozy brunch spot. Swing by Café des Amis for crepes, pancakes or an omelet with friends. And don’t miss the Ultimate Pastry Shop – we hear it lives up to the name.
Stock Up on Craft Supplies 
Into crafting? You’ll love some of the local shops in Sewickley. If you’re a knitter or crocheter, you can find yarn to your heart’s content at Yarns Unlimited and Sewickley Yarns. Shop finished projects as well as yarns, fibers and canvases at The Porcupine Needlepoint Shop.
Eat Your Heart Out With Fining Dining Options
After exploring the local boutiques, grab dinner within walking distance. The borough offers several fine-dining options from tapas and sushi to French and American cuisine. Make a reservation to enjoy small plates at Vivo Kitchen. Partake in American and French cuisines at Cocothé or Bruneaux. Pittsburgh is known for its great food, and Sewickley adds to that reputation.
Get Pampered
Also along and near Beaver Street are several spas. Make a spa appointment at Casa Dolce or Sewickley Spa for a massage, facials, waxing, or body wraps. If you’re looking for medical-grade skin care treatments, check out Village Skin Medical Spa or Sewickley Med Spa.
Discover a New Salon
Get a new hairstyle or color at one of the several salons in Sewickley. Craig Allen Salon, Finishing Touches, and Van Salon are all conveniently located in the old town. There’s also an esthetics office if you’re looking to get a facial or wax.
Read Up With a Good Book
Looking for a new novel? Rekindle a love for paperbacks at Penguin Bookshop. They have books for the young and young at heart, so you can grab a new read for yourself or something for the little ones in your life. Big Bang Comics on Broad Street offers comics and graphic novels in addition to toys and apparel.
Namaste in a New Place
Sewickley has several yoga studios along Beaver and Broad Streets. Try power vinyasa flow classes at Salt Power Yoga Studio. New students are welcome at Yoga in Sewickley, or sign up for a contemporary class at Yoga on Broad St. Why not drop in for a class after exploring the borough?
Celebrate the Seasons
While Sewickley is a charming winter town with old-fashioned Yuletide fun, there’s just as much to offer in the other seasons. Shop under the stars at the Night Markets during the summer. You can also enjoy taste-tests and local produce at Sewickley Farmers Markets.
Convenience to Downtown Pittsburgh
There is some truly gorgeous real estate in Sewickley. Just driving through the town, you’ll pass dozens of suburban homes with that old-timey Pittsburgh charm. Only 11 miles from downtown, this borough offers a suburban feel with close proximity to the city. If you’re looking to move to an area that has the best of both the burbs and the city, you may want to consider this charming neighborhood.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.