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Our favorite local small business is Octavio's La Burrita Mexican Restaurant.  The owner, Octavio, is so kind and fun.  He always welcomes you with a smile and remembers your name.  He is very personable and down to earth and his food is amazing!  I know it's been a struggle for his small business this year but we hope he's around for years to come!

My favorite small business is the "Yankee Doodle Family Restaurant", located at 860 N Front St, Wormleysburg, Pa (by the Rodeway Inn).  In addition to the standard diner fare, they serve the most authentic mexican food that's out-of-this-world!

There is a store in Waynesville, Ohio called Lilly's Corner Mall. It is an antique store that is a delight to visit. One can easily go down memory lane just walking through the store. 

Lilly's Corner Mall is not just an antique store, it is a long time fixture in Waynesville. The building was built in 1917 and was divided into two with the Miami Theater on one side and the Kilpatrick-French Motor Car Company, of Lebanon, Ohio on the other.

The Miami Theater opened in 1918. Admission was 10 cents plus a one cent "War Tax" while the doors to the showroom of the car dealership opened and introduced Ford Automobiles in the area. In 1959, Lilly and her husband purchased the building. The theater and car dealership were gone and an auction house occupied both sides of the building. Some time ago, Lilly converted the entire building into an antique mall. Lilly's Corner Mall still has the original beams and frame work along with the original double doors and showroom windows from the car dealership. The theater section has the original 22 foot high wood ceiling along with the original wood cornices along the walls Toward the top of the 22 foot walls are original movie theater character cut outs such as Elvis, the 3 Stooges, and Glenda from the Wizard of Oz. As Lilly is now well in her 90s and unable to work in the store, her daughter now owns the store and mans  the day to day operation of the store while Lilly still handles the financial books. Lilly's is open 6 days a week so I am sure it is hard work.

The store contains antiques, collectibles, and decorative items.  Items are very well priced and the stock constantly changes so if you don't find something one week, it may well be there the next. It is a delight to visit and a destination in and of itself. Whenever I have been in the store, the people behind the counter are always friendly and willing to help. When my sister-in-law visits from Columbus, we head to Lilly's. I think she loves it as much as I do.

Olive Cart in quintessential small town of South Haven, MI has the friendliest staff and welcoming atmosphere. You can sample anything in the store, and you will want to. They help with recipes and cooking ideas. You can join their punch card club to earn a free bottle of oil. Check their website out to learn more: https://www.olivecart.com/

Sunny Day Cafe in Bel Air, MD is one of the best family diners I have ever been to. Delicious breakfast and lunch items including crepes, omelets, sandwiches and salads. Friendly service and prices are very reasonable. Check them out!

Tea by Two in Bel Air, MD is a quaint little shop and restaurant offering tea from around the world.  A special place for tea lovers.

The Dragongate Chinese Restaurant in Pembroke Pines, FL is my favorite local business. They have been here for more than 30 years and consistently have great food with generous portions. They also have yearly celebrations for the community.

Pine Hill Nursery outside of Elk Rapids in northern Michigan is like walking through a magical place. Full of beautiful flowered walkways and numerous greenhouses with every flower, vegetable, plant, and herbs there is. Love seeing the fairy garden section and fish pond.

Our favorite here in Kailua, (Oahu) Hawaii is Paniolo's. There's a delicious, fresh array of ingredients to pick & put together a burrito, box, or bowl.  Portions are generous. Staff is great.

Soon after moving from the Midwest to the Phoenix, AZ area, we discovered the fantastic Greek & Italian Restaurant called Dino’s in the suburb of Goodyear. It is family owned and operated and has the most wonderful variety of Greek and Italian specialty food choices as well as superior service. I can truthfully say dining at Dino’s is absolutely addicting. Peter, the owner is so welcoming and friendly to all and has a good sense of humor. Our family has definitely lost count as to how often we go there. It is well worth it.  ----- Lynn Assimacopoulos