Students who opt to leave the “Bucknell Bubble” have probably already explored what the Lewisburg community has to offer. While a large portion of the borough’s popularity is accredited to the University, the U.S. Penitentiary at Lewisburg, and Geisinger Hospital, the lucrative nature of the small businesses cannot be ignored.

One of the newer additions to downtown Lewisburg is the Fantasy Escape Room, located on Market Street, between South Fourth Street and South Front Street. Escape rooms have popped up all over the country, quickly becoming a new team building exercise and activity.

The Lewisburg location is home to four differently themed rooms: “The Bank,” “The Heist,” “Jailbreak/CSI,” and “The Grail.” Using clues and puzzles, the room’s occupants must resolve these simulations in 60 minutes or less.

A more relaxing and tasty addition to Market Street is Tastecraft Market, located between South Fourth Street and South Front Street. The shop is home to locally-sourced treats and delicacies, from macaroons to cookies and ice cream. Many of these novelty food items are new to the Lewisburg market.

Store owner Coleby Kauffman saw an opportunity for business when he realized there was a lack of hard ice cream available in Lewisburg. Tastecraft’s most popular flavor is “Black and Tan,” which is a swirl of chocolate and caramel.

Tastecraft Market also serves espresso drinks such as pumpkin spice, cinnamon maple, and white chocolate macadamia. The market, which held its grand opening on May 20, participated in the University’s annual Welcome to the Neighborhood, a signature event of the New Student Orientation Experience.

The newest downtown business is All Star Bagels, located on Market Street in the former CVS Pharmacy space. The bagel and coffee shop is holding its grand opening celebration on Saturday, Sept. 2. The shop will sell breakfast, lunch, coffee, and other drinks. Additionally, All Star Bagels partners with the Lewisburg food pantry and donates unsold food items at the end of each business day.

Owner Andre Garrote, gained his appreciation for quality bagels growing up in New Jersey. Andre decided to pick up and move to Lewisburg about two years ago when he was driving through the town and fell in love with the charm of rural Pennsylvania.

Everything at All Star Bagels is baked fresh with a famous recipe, shared among other independently owned “All Star Bagels” joints. The shop partners with the Lewisburg food pantry and donates unsold food items at the end of each business day.

Andre says he is excited to bring business to a college town. All Star Bagels’ specialty? A bagel rolled thin and pressed into a hot panini.