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Holiday Happenings, Pizza Hut Buffet, and Chocolate all the Buzz in the Southern Tier
Holiday Happenings, Pizza Hut Buffet, and Chocolate all the Buzz in the Southern Tier
Holiday Happenings, Pizza Hut Buffet, and Chocolate all the Buzz in the Southern Tier
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with festive events, Pizza Hut buffet making a return, inclusivity in sports, free weekend events, a new business to watch for, and more!
Hello Southern Tier
Nov 27, 2025
November 26, 2025 - Edition No. 19 |
Hello, Southern Tier, and happy Thanksgiving!
Get ready for a heaping helping of holiday events coming up this weekend near you, including parades and gatherings in Olean, Portville, Allegany, Ellicottville, and beyond!
Here’s what’s coming up in today’s newsletter:
The latest buzz on social media: Is the Pizza Hut buffet really coming back?
Holiday gifts abound: Hallmark ornaments and local merch
New biz to watch for: Enchanted Mountain Chocolate
Local video spotlight: Take an inside look at Sports Locker
Southern Tier events: The holiday season gets in full swing |
Trivia Question❓As of the 2020 census, what was the population of Hinsdale, NY? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS |
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Celebrate the holiday season in our region with parades, Santa visits, Victorian events, and small-town charm.
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THE BUZZ ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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Pizza Hut Buffet Making Return in Olean |
Our photo on Facebook announcing that Pizza Hut on Union Street in Olean was bringing back lunch and dinner buffets brought hundreds of likes and positive comments. You people must really love your never-ending plates of pizza, breadsticks, and dessert pies! |
GOOD NEWS IN THE SOUTHERN TIER |
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Celebrating Inclusivity in Sports |
As the Pinclusivity Bowling League wraps up its season, organizers are offering a big thank-you to the local businesses that helped make this inclusive program possible.
Tony’s Napoli, Toad’s Butcher Shop, Focus Physical Therapy of Olean, Droney Fit & Wellness, ASAP Glass, Staci Werlau – State Farm, PowHaul Junk Removal, and Good Times of Olean all stepped up without hesitation to support the league.
Their generosity helped create something the local community didn’t previously have: a safe, welcoming league where local children and young adults with exceptional needs could bowl together, wear their own custom jerseys (thanks to Sports Locker), and fully be themselves. Plans are already underway to expand Inclusive Leagues into new sports such as tee-ball, baseball, and soccer.
A special shout-out also goes to the young volunteers who served as “buddies” for the athletes. Cole, Julious, and Lennox showed patience, kindness, and true inclusion as they supported participants, taught new skills, and built meaningful connections.
Programs like this happen because of caring local businesses, dedicated organizers, and amazing kids who lead with empathy. Support the businesses that support our community! |
THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS |
CLICK THE EVENT FOR MORE DETAILS!
Friday, November 28
Saturday, November 29
Sunday, November 30 Community Holiday Photos at Wellsville Howe Library, 9 a.m. Santa Express Train Rides in Gowanda, 11 a.m. Christmas in Ellicottville in downtown Ellicottville, noon Santa Sunday at Rusty Rooster, 1 p.m. Sunday BBQ at Parkway Ridge, 1 p.m. |
FREE TO DO IN THE SOUTHERN TIER |
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The Allegheny River Valley Trail in Olean offers a scenic and accessible 6.2-mile loop connecting the Town of Allegany and the City of Olean. |
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Score a touchdown this holiday season with the BUFFALO BILLS HALLMARK HOLIDAY ORNAMENT. |
SOUTHERN TIER NOSTALGIA |
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Hills department store at Olean Center Mall was a beloved locally in Olean for over two decades.
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You can support the Hello Southern Tier newsletter plus add new local merch to your wardrobe. Please browse our growing selection of local clothing at our standalone store or on Etsy. Thank you! |
SAVE THE DATE |
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NEW BIZ TO WATCH FOR |
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Enchanted Mountain Chocolate |
A sweet new destination has arrived in our region! Enchanted Mountain Chocolate celebrated its soft opening this weekend, inviting the community in for an early look at their beautifully transformed space on Route 16 in Hinsdale.
The shop offers an elegant atmosphere where visitors can even watch chocolate being made — and yes, the hand-crafted treats are every bit as good as the buzz suggests.
Owners Greg and Michelle Clark, along with a few friendly faces, have turned the former JD’s Smokin’ Grill into a warm, classy, chocolate-lover’s haven.
While they’re still building and refining the space, the doors are officially open and the shelves are stocked with small-batch sweets ready to take home. Follow them on Facebook! |
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Show off your hometown pride with the Olean High School Alumni Hoodie! |
ONLY A SHORT DRIVE AWAY |
Wellsboro's Dickens of a Christmas |
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If you’re craving an old-fashioned Christmas experience, mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 6. Wellsboro, Pennsylvania will host its 41st annual Dickens of a Christmas, transforming Main Street and nearby side streets into a Victorian-style marketplace filled with festive food, handcrafted gifts, and holiday cheer.
Starting at 9 a.m., visitors can enjoy strolling musicians, singers, dancers, costumed performers, and dozens of vendors stretching across Main, Waln, Crafton, and part of Central Avenue. With streets closed to traffic and lit by Wellsboro’s signature gas lamps, it’s the perfect setting for a magical, nostalgic holiday outing.
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DID YOU SEE THIS? |
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Good Times of Olean recently shared on Facebook that its new arcade is coming together and more games will be added in the coming weeks. |
LOCAL HEROES! |
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The Cutco Foundation was named recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation Award by the AFP WNY Chapter during National Philanthropy Day in Buffalo.
For generations, the Stitt family and the Foundation have strengthened the Greater Olean region with dedicated support for healthcare, education, the arts, and community development.
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JOKE OF THE WEEK! |
Why did the pie go to the dentist?
It needed a filling, hahahaha! 😂 |
HOUSE FOR SALE OF THE WEEK |
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Victorian Charm in Cuba
Step into a beautifully preserved Victorian/Gothic Revival home that blends timeless character with modern comfort. From its ornate gingerbread trim to original hardwood floors and wainscoting, this storybook property is filled with rich details and warm charm. Inside, you’ll find multiple living and dining areas — perfect for hosting, relaxing, or even converting an extra room into a bedroom.
A flexible bonus room makes an ideal office, studio, or workout space. The private primary suite feels like a retreat, complete with a spa-style tiled walk-in shower. Convenience shines with first-floor laundry and a spacious backyard offering endless possibilities, from gardening to building a garage.
Located within walking distance of downtown Cuba’s shops and restaurants, and just minutes from Cuba Lake, Oil Spring Casino, golf, skiing, and outdoor recreation, this home offers small-town serenity with adventure close by.
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PET OF THE WEEK |
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Meet Zeus!
Zeus is a lovable, extra-large German Shepherd from Cuba, who’s looking for a new family after his owner passed away. Born in August 2018, this gentle senior is house-trained, great with other dogs, and adores people of all ages. Because he doesn’t always realize his size, a home without small children is best.
Zeus rides well in the car, walks nicely on a leash, and even stays close off-leash with a little reminder. He’ll need arthritis support (like NSAIDs) to stay comfortable, and he can’t live with cats — they’re just a little too fun for him to chase.
Despite arriving underweight and with some hair loss from past fleas, Zeus is bouncing back beautifully. He’s a big-hearted guy who deserves a cozy, committed home ready to love him through his golden years. Visit Joyful Rescues to adopt! |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: 2,119 |
THANK YOU! |
Thanks, as always, for taking the time to read the latest edition of Hello Southern Tier. Please forward this email to a friend who might be interested in staying up to date on things happening locally. If you haven't yet subscribed to our newsletter, sign up here!
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