Amanda Higginbotham, Realtor

09/26/2026

Looks like we may be in for a rainy first weekend of fall! ☔🍂 No worries — there are still plenty of ways to get out of the house without getting soaked. Here are three INDOOR events happening around Berks County this weekend!

⚙️ Belt Running Day at Gruber Wagon Works
📅 Saturday, September 26th | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading, PA
Step inside the historic Gruber Wagon Works and see the factory come to life! The original line shaft and belt system will run from 11 AM–4 PM, with demonstrations of the historic 15-horsepower Otto engine at 11:30 AM, 1 PM and 2:30 PM. The Wagon Works will have guides stationed throughout the museum, and admission is FREE. 👉 More info: https://www.bctv.org/calendar/belt-running-day/

📚 Leaves Are Falling, Books Are Calling!
📅 Saturday, September 26th | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Exeter Community Library, 4569 Prestwick Drive, Reading, PA
Calling all young readers! Learn more about your favorite graphic novel authors while enjoying a morning at the library. There will even be free graphic novels and snacks available while supplies last. This event is FREE, but registration is encouraged. 👉 More info: https://www.berkslibraries.org/branch/exeter

🧪 Slime Saturday: Make Your Own Slime
📅 Saturday, September 26th | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Reading Public Library – Main Library, 100 S. 5th Street, Reading, PA
Get a little messy without having to head outside! Kids can measure, mix and experiment to create their own slime during this FREE hands-on activity in the Children’s Department. The program is geared toward children ages 0–11 and their families, and supplies are available while they last. 👉 More info: https://berksconnect.com/programs/reading-public-library-slime-saturday

09/23/2026

🌟 OPEN HOUSES THIS WEEK! 🌟 Three days, three fabulous homes, and three chances to find the one! From easy one-floor living to timeless character and a spectacular Exeter Township home, this week’s open house lineup has a little something for everyone.

📍 410 N Kemp Street, Kutztown
📅 Wednesday, September 23rd
🕟 4:30 PM–6:00 PM
This well-cared-for home offers three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, convenient one-floor living, a spacious fenced backyard, and a two-car garage.

📍 1608 Olive Street, Reading
📅 Thursday, September 24th
🕓 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
Filled with character, this three-bedroom home features hardwood floors, a fireplace, leaded-glass details, an updated kitchen, and a beautiful front porch.

📍 206 Lincoln Drive, Reading
📅 Saturday, September 26th
🕛 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
This pristine Exeter Township home offers four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and four levels of living space. A wet bar, wood-burning fireplace, newer mechanicals, private backyard, deck, and koi pond make this one extra special!

Come see me at one—or all three! If you can’t make an open house, message me to schedule a private tour.

🏠 Amanda Higginbotham, REALTOR®
✅️ Keller Williams Platinum Realty
📱 Cell: (610) 621-7708
☎️ Office: (610) 898-1441
📧 [email protected]

09/22/2026

🍂 HAPPY FIRST DAY OF FALL! 🍂 One of my favorite things about living in PA is that there is no shortage of fun things to do this time of year! Here are a few ideas for your Fall bucket list:

🐐 Keller Williams Platinum Fall Festival | Morgantown, Berks County
Join us October 18th at Caernarvon Friendship Park for games, crafts, a petting zoo, face painting, and family fun! DM/text me to RSVP!

🍎 Local Apple & Pumpkin Fun | Berks County
Pick apples and pumpkins, sip cider, and grab seasonal treats at Frecon Farms in Boyertown, Weaver’s Orchard in Morgantown, or Plum Creek Farm Market in Bernville.

🍁 Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival | Jim Thorpe, Carbon County
Enjoy gorgeous fall scenery, live entertainment, and the charm of historic downtown.

🎃 Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards | Media, Delaware County
Enjoy hayrides, mazes, barnyard animals, apple picking, pumpkins, and fall treats.

🌽 Cherry Crest Adventure Farm | Ronks, Lancaster County
Take on the Amazing Maize Maze and enjoy farm activities and live entertainment for the whole family.

👻 Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary | Philadelphia, Philadelphia County
An immersive haunted experience inside one of PA’s most famous historic locations—for those who like a real scare!

🍬 Halloween Days & Spooky Knights at Dutch Wonderland | Lancaster, Lancaster County
A kid-friendly celebration with rides, costumes, trick-or-treating, and just the right amount of spooky.

🎢 Hersheypark Halloween | Hershey, Dauphin County
Enjoy rides, sweet treats, seasonal fun, and Dark Nights for those looking for something scarier.

🏰 PA Renaissance Faire | Manheim, Lancaster County
Step back in time for jousting, live performances, costumes, food, and themed weekends.

Save this list and tell me which one you’re most excited to visit! Check each event’s website for current details before heading out.

🏠 Amanda Higginbotham, REALTOR®
✅ Keller Williams Platinum Realty
📱 Cell: (610) 621-7708
☎️ Office: (610) 898-1441
📧 [email protected]

09/21/2026

09/18/2026

It may technically be the LAST weekend of summer ☀️, but fall is definitely on the horizon! 🍂 Make the most of the weekend with some family fun happening right here in Berks County. Which one are you most excited for? 👇

🍎 Weaver’s Orchard Festival Day
📆 Saturday, September 19th
📍 Weaver’s Orchard, 40 Fruit Ln, Morgantown
Kick off the weekend with some fall fun at Weaver’s Orchard! Enjoy a day at the orchard with pick-your-own fruit, seasonal treats, and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect way to start getting into the fall spirit! 🍎🍂
More info 👉 https://www.weaversorchard.com/

🎉 West Reading Fall Fest
📆 Saturday, September 19th | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
📍 Penn Avenue, West Reading
Spend Saturday on Penn Avenue with 200+ craft and retail vendors, food trucks, live music, and plenty of activities for the kids. The festival is FREE to attend!
More info 👉 https://visitwestreading.com/festivals-events/

🎻 2026 Berks Fiddle Fest
📆 Sunday, September 20th | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Fleetwood Community Park, 333 W. Main St., Fleetwood
Spend the last Sunday of summer enjoying live music, an all-ages fiddle competition, workshops, jam sessions, children’s entertainment, craft vendors, and plenty of food. Admission is FREE, with donations appreciated!
More info 👉 https://fleetwoodparks.com/fiddle-fest

Have a great LAST weekend of summer, Berks County! ☀️🍂

FallFun

09/17/2026

🌟 OPEN HOUSE TONIGHT!🌟 This newly renovated home in Mt. Penn offers so much flexibility! This home features an attached in-law suite, nice updates throughout, owned solar panels, and a peaceful backyard that backs directly to Berks County Conservancy land!

📍 2132 Highland Ave, Reading
📅 Tonight, September 17th
🕔 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

🛏️ 4 bedrooms
🛁 2.5 baths
🏡 Attached in-law quarters
✨ New LVP flooring, fresh paint, and new carpeting
☀️ Bonus rec room/sunroom
🚗 Separate driveway and garage access for the in-law quarters
🌳 Large terraced backyard
🔋 Owned solar panels
🌿 Paver patio and newly constructed front steps

🌟 Offered at $299,900

Come take a look tonight or schedule a private tour!!

🏠 Amanda Higginbotham, REALTOR®
▶️ Keller Williams Platinum Realty
📱 Cell: (610) 621-7708
☎️ Office: (610) 898-1441
📧 [email protected]

Listing courtesy of the Chris Marella Team with Keller Williams Platinum Realty

PARealEstate

09/04/2026

Have an amazing weekend, Berks!!! Anything you are planning to do? 👇

🎣 Family Fishing Day
📅 Friday, September 4, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Antietam Lake Park, 230 Angora Rd, Reading, PA
Spend an evening fishing with Berks County Parks staff and rangers! Families can learn fishing knots, practice casting, and try to hook the big one. No experience, equipment, or fishing license is needed—rods, bait, and tackle are provided. The event is free, but registration is required.

🍔 Taste of Hamburg-er Festival
📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Downtown Hamburg, PA
Come hungry for one of Berks County's biggest festivals! Downtown Hamburg will be filled with 48 grills, 75 makers, live entertainment, contests, and kids' activities. Admission is free, and the festival happens rain or shine.

🦋 The Magic of Moths
📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
📍 Berks Nature, 575 St. Bernardine St, Reading, PA
Stay up a little later for a special nighttime nature adventure! Berks Nature will set up a moth observation station where visitors can get an up-close look at these fascinating nocturnal insects while learning how to safely identify and observe them. This event is free, with registration closing September 3.

09/01/2026

🍂 Monthly Home Maintenance Series: SEPTEMBER - PRE-WINTER PREP🍂

Each month, I share a simple, seasonal home maintenance checklist with the top things homeowners should focus on to keep their homes safe, efficient, and in great shape year-round. These monthly tips help you stay ahead of repairs and protect your investment—one month at a time.

Here’s what to focus on this September:

✔️ Service & test your heating system. Turn the heat on before temperatures drop to make sure everything is working properly. Replace the filter, check vents, and schedule HVAC service if needed.

✔️ Winterize outdoor faucets & pipes. Disconnect garden hoses, check exterior faucets for leaks, and insulate exposed pipes in colder areas to help prevent freezing.

✔️ Clean gutters & inspect the roof. Clear leaves and debris, make sure downspouts drain away from the home, and check for damaged or missing shingles.

Your Quick “To-Dos”:

🪟 Seal gaps around windows and exterior doors to help keep warm air in and cold air out.

🚨 Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.

🔥 Inspect your fireplace and chimney before the first fire of the season.

🪑 Clean up outdoor areas and begin storing seasonal furniture, cushions, and equipment.

💧 Check that water is draining properly away from your foundation.

Taking care of these items now can help prevent bigger problems once cold weather arrives, improve energy efficiency, and make the transition into winter much easier.

Save this checklist and get your September home maintenance done before the first cold snap!

08/31/2026

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