From food to fashion, fitness, health and wellness, we’re talking trends with Downtown Scranton business owners as we celebrate spring in the Electric City!

A Taste of Spring

You’ll notice updated menus at local restaurants this spring as chefs incorporate seasonal ingredients and flavor profiles into their signature dishes. Fork N’ Bowl, 305 Penn Avenue, is among them. The restaurant offers made-to-order, gluten-free bowls using locally-sourced ingredients. “This spring, we’ll launch an updated menu beginning in April, incorporating some new flavor profiles and seasonal vegetables,” said Rich Kloss, co-owner. “We’ll also revamp our homemade fresca line, infusing some spring flavors, and we’re adding a line of premium ice cream (including some amazing tropical flavors) to prepare for the upcoming warm weather.”

In addition to menu changes, the restaurant will implement a 10 percent discount for police, fire fighters, members of the military, and veterans in a show of appreciation for their service.

Check out Fork N’ Bowl’s menu at forknbowl.com and be sure to follow them on social media for updates.

Looking Your Best

Blazers, icy blue, and bidding farewell to skinny jeans are on trend in the fashion world this spring. Lynn Farrell, co-owner, Penn House Boutique, gave us the scoop the latest styles to update our wardrobes this season:

• Color(s) on trend: icy blue and lavender.
• Must-have item of the season: the blazer. Start with a basic black, then build your spring wardrobe with a blazer in your favorite color. “I love a blazer,” Farrell said. “Pair it with jeans and a nice shoe, and you instantly look put together.”
• Important staple: the dramatic trench coat. “It’s all about the trench this season,” Farrell said. You’ll see cargo style pockets and new details in updated styles.
• The deal with denim: Perhaps one of the biggest shifts in style this season, wide legs take over as the skinny jean has finally become extinct. Waists are higher now, too, and you’ll notice medium wash jeans and colored denim in shades of pink and lavender.
• White dresses: Not just for brides anymore, white dresses are everywhere this season.
• Keepin’ it casual: Loungewear remains popular as so many people appreciate cozy style in hoodies, shorts and all things comfy.
• Silver beats gold: Hints of silver are everywhere, even in metallic threads on clothing.
• Vests: They were a big hit in the fall, and they’re back for spring. Is there a vest in your closet yet?

These are just highlights of what’s trending at Penn House Boutique. See for yourself at the shop located at 314 Penn Avenue, shop online at pennhouseboutique.com and follow them on social media.

Feeling Your Best

Taking steps toward better health is always on trend, and you’ll find professionals in Downtown Scranton ready to guide you through your wellness journey this spring.

Health & Wellness

Melissa Cianci, owner of the DRIPBaR, an IV therapy clinic, said the center is focusing on three key areas of health this season: allergies, weight loss and mental health:

• Allergy Program (Weekly or bi-weekly treatments for 2+ months recommended) ― Created to reduce inflammation and help boost immune function, the allergy program is a combination of IM (intermuscular) shots and IV (intravenous) drips that regulate the body’s immune response and allergic reactions. The program is tailored to individual needs. Some patients with serious pre-existing conditions may not be candidates for IV therapy, therefore new patients are required to undergo a telehealth consultation with the DRIPBaR’s physician prior to starting a new program.
• Weight Loss Program (Weekly treatments for 3+ months recommended) ― This program is a combination of IV drips and IM shots designed to improve fat oxidation and regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.

The center also offers peptides, including semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), and tirzepatide. A physician monitors the program, and a registered nurse administers all treatments, monitoring vital signs before and after the therapy.

Cianci said the program should be used as a tool to develop healthy habits during your weight loss journey. While the therapy will suppress appetite, it’s important to continue to eat a healthy diet with adequate amounts of protein, practice portion control, and implement an appropriate exercise plan after the IV therapy has ended. “It’s not a miracle drug. There’s no such thing. You have to put in the effort. When you finish the program, you will have good habits that you just created over the course of the last 16 weeks to keep you going.”

There are eligibility requirements to participate in the weight loss program. Prior to starting this therapy, the physician determines if you’re a good candidate through a medical intake process.

• Mental Health Program (Every other week, 1-2 months recommended) ― This program combines IVs and IM quick shots to help regulate mood levels. “Our physician recommends adding vitamin D to your regime, which is optimal in so many ways,” Cianci said. As one of the fat-soluble vitamins that stays in the body longer than other vitamins, it is possible to take too much vitamin D. For this reason, all patients are required to have lab work done prior to starting vitamin D so the physician can determine eligibility.

The DRIPBaR Scranton is located at 200 Adams Avenue. To learn more, visit  thedripbar.com/scranton/ and follow them on social media.

Fitness

Need motivation to get fit before beach season? Look no further than the professionals at Scranton Pilates, who embrace Pilates as a way of life. “This is the time of year when everyone is excited about warmer weather, and they want to get ready for summer,” said Ayla Palfrey, founder.

Specializing in reformer Pilates, the studio at 120 Franklin Avenue offers classes to accommodate a wide range of schedules and skill levels. Everyone is welcome – men, women, students, senior citizens – there are plenty of options available. “Scheduling your month ahead of time is a great way to get motivated,” Palfrey said. “Try out a class and soon you’ll look forward to it whether it’s once a week, twice a week, or three times a week. I think that’s the best bet to get back into the groove of things and to find that motivation.”

This spring, Scranton Pilates is offering a certification course in Pilates. The self-paced course is 90 percent virtual. It’s ideal for aspiring instructors or those interested in personal enrichment. The studio is also actively hiring Pilates instructors.

To learn more about classes and the certification course, visit scrantonpilates.com and follow them on social media. To inquire about instructor opportunities, contact Palfrey at ayla@scrantonpilates.com.