Old School/New School Pampering in New Cumberland

I spent part of Saturday taking a break from baby preparations and celebrating my birthday. The lovely D-Jo make me an appointment at a massage therapist, and I preceded that with an old-school shave-and-a-haircut. Both places were within a mile of each other in New Cumberland, which made for an interesting contrast.



First up was Semoff's Barber Shop on 3rd Street, as recommended by my friend Brandon. Semoff's is as old-school as you can get, a third-generation barber shop with walls covered with photos, news articles, and memorabilia from the last 50(?) years, including autographs from Joe Paterno and Bobby Knight, among others, and a plaque marking the high-water mark of the 1972 flood. They specialize in military cuts -- it's apparently one of the few places you can get a razor-cut high-and-tight. I certainly didn't go that far, but I got a standard short back-and-sides and as an added treat got a shave as well and if anyone noticed, or cared about, my captive-bead earrings, no one said anything.

It was the first time I've gotten a shave like that and it was niiice. Very relaxing, and I got a great shave to boot. I'm sure I'll be going back there regularly - you can't beat a shave and a haircut for $18. Semoff's is at 205 3rd St. in New Cumberland and their phone number is 774-9816.

My next stop was Stevenson Family Massage, just over the creek. D-Jo had gotten a great massage from Shani a few weeks ago, something which passed from luxury to necessity once she hit the nine-months-pregnant mark. While she was there she made an appointment for me, which was awfully considerate if I do say so myself.

I haven't had a massage in a couple years and was really looking forward to it. I was not disappointed. Shani showed me into the massage room, which is in her house rather than in a storefront. Much homier and friendlier. There was nothing unusual about the massage -- it was your basic relaxing, new-age-music playing, scented-oil using massage, and it left me feeling rejuvenated. I highly recommend her for a massage, and apparently she also teached yoga so check that out too if you're interested. Stevenson Family Massage (her husband Tony is a massage therapist as well) is at 100 Ross Ave. in New Cumberland and their phone number is 571-2993.