Periwinkle Fox: Highland Park's Enchanting Oasis for Families
Neighborhood Spotlight Emily Askin February 2, 2024
Neighborhood Spotlight Emily Askin February 2, 2024
Emily recently sat down for a chat with Amanda Crossland, owner of Periwinkle Fox, Highland Park’s first and only stylish children’s boutique and community space for your kiddos.
Why Pittsburgh?
Amanda’s only reference for Pittsburgh before her husband suggested they pack their rucksacks and move from Atlanta was the Kaufmanns’s tag she remembered from the inside of her grandmother’s fur coat growing up. Flash forward to Amanda and her hubs taking the leap to move to Pittsburgh where the allure of the affordable cost of living coupled with world class museums and amenities that you can really only find in big urban cities melded with the friendly vibe you can only get from a small city ranked 3rd in the country for the Nosiest State. (Pittsburghese translation: NEBBY.)
Family-Friendly Roots in Lawrenceville:
A love affair with Lawrenceville was the starting point, where Amanda and her husband could both work remotely and still feel connected to city life. As their family grew, Highland Park became their ultimate destination. Amanda noticed that Highland Park, with its high walkability score and proximity to parks, playgrounds and schools, not to mention great restaurants like Park Brugge and Teppanyaki Kyoto, and The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, is one of the best neighborhoods for families (I tend to agree!).
Highland Park isn't just a neighborhood; it's a bit of a fairy-tale haven where families can flourish. Picture a mother navigating the city, searching for a kid friendly store and, frankly, a community of parents with whom she could jam. From Aspinwall to Lawrenceville and finally, a serendipitous find on Bryant Street – Periwinkle Fox was born.
A Collaborative Oasis in Highland Park:
Amanda has managed to mirror the warm embrace you feel entering Highland Park within the 4 walls of the Periwinkle Fox shop. Take it from this tired mom of a 4 year old when I tell you that the space and offerings are nothing short of magical.
This shop is not just a destination; it's a delightful dance of characters, regularly welcoming grandparents, regulars from the generation alpha crowd seeking playtime, and lucky visitors to the neighborhood who are drawn in by the delightful window displays. Friday music sessions with Linda from Kindermusik and Wednesday art classes with Dana from the roving Wilds Art Project are just a small sampling of the community of kid-friendly events you can find here.
Amanda’s involvement with the Highland Park Community Council’s kids committee is evidence of her dedication to creating a collaborative oasis where families are encouraged to play, explore and connect weaving Periwinkle Fox into the vibrant fabric of the Highland Park community.
Save the Date
Circle April 21st in your calendars for a celebration filled with whimsy – Periwinkle Fox's First Anniversary Extravaganza! Get ready for expanded retail wonders on Bryant Street and outdoor events on the back deck, creating moments of sheer delight for families. In the heart of Highland Park, Amanda invites you to a world where shopping draws you in, but the magic of the community she has created is like a page from a storybook. Come, be enchanted, and make memories that sparkle in the whimsical wonderland of Periwinkle Fox.
The next time you're on Bryant St, stop in and get your Askin | Wilson Wilson Group client discount. All Askin | Wilson Group clients are eligible for 15% off at Periwinkle Fox. Tell Amanda and her team we sent you!
We’re in the Experience Business, Not the Transaction Business “It is not enough that we build products that function, that are understandable and usable, we also need to build products that bring joy and excitement, pleasure and fun, and, yes, beauty to people’s lives.” – Don Norman, Author, The Design of Everyday Things
