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Close enough to commute into Center City, but just distant enough to have its own rhythm and character, Jenkintown’s motto could easily be “IYKYK.” Off the beaten path of typical tourist destinations, it’s a vibrant hometown that deserves a deeper dive.
Settled in 1697, the borough was named for Welshman William Jenkins. The onetime stagecoach stop became a key station in the North Pennsylvania Railroad, cementing its status as a retail hub. Two of the area’s largest department stores, John Wanamaker and Strawbridge & Clothier, opened locations here in their heyday.
Since then, Jenkintown’s reputation as a diverse community and its celebrity connections — TV actor Joey Lawrence, writer-director Adam Goldberg and movie star Bradley Cooper were born here — have put this unassuming town on the map.
On your visit, scope out the retro downtown, with National Register of Historic Places points of interest like the Strawbridge & Clothier Building and the Jenkins’ Town Lyceum Building.
And the active arts and culture scene, religious landmarks, and lush parks all serve as the cherry on top.
Read on for your guide to Jenkintown, curated with help from Jenkintown Borough.
Originally built in 1913 as a silent movie palace, the renovated Hiway Theater — known for its neon tower — now serves the community as a nonprofit cinema, showcasing international and art films.
Abington Art Center, housed in the historic Alverthorpe Manor, encompasses galleries and a sculpture park, as well as workshops and special events for the artistically inclined — or artistically curious.
Plus, in nearby Glenside, the Art Deco-style Keswick Theatre attracts major music, theater and comedy acts across all genres. Fun fact: The theater was designed by Horace Trumbauer, the same architect behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
One of the great joys of visiting Jenkintown is taking advantage of its lush green spaces.
At the free public garden at PHS Meadowbrook Farm, you can explore the many garden “rooms” with themed plantings and gorgeous architectural and water features. Open April through October.
Get a close-up view of the natural world at the 12.5-acre Briar Bush Nature Center, where you can wander the mile of trails, check out the pollinator garden, or learn about plants and animals in the Dede Long Nature Museum.
Curtis Hall & Arboretum, onetime home to music and magazine publisher Cyrus Curtis, spans 48 acres. Amid the rolling hills and over 50 tree species lie two ponds and a dog park.
PHS Meadowbrook Farm — Photo courtesy Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Jenkintown’s food scene excels in little treats.
Grab a latte or signature sundae from White Horse Coffee and Creamery, or try one of their sandwiches at lunchtime.
Cake and cupcake specialist Velvet Sky Bakery opens to walk-ins on select days with fun flavors like raspberry lemonade and peanut butter banana.
Order housemade gelato by the scoop or the pint at Carminati Creamery or stop in to Grandma Jannah’s Ice Cream Parlor for a matcha float or cinnawaffle topped with ice cream.
Human Robot Jenkintown produces and serves its fruit bomb sours, stouts and IPAs in an expansive dining room that also hosts fun events like jazz brunch and book swaps. You can order food from the Cantina La Martina on-the-go menu and enjoy James Beard award-winning Mexican fare alongside the beer.
And count on homey American cuisine and pizza in a steampunk-inspired setting at Newbolds Food and Libations, while gluten-free eaters flock to Jules Thin Crust for flatbread pizzas with fresh rotating toppings.
Human Robot Jenkintown — Photo courtesy Human Robot
The only temple Frank Lloyd Wright ever designed, Beth Sholom Synagogue stuns as a spiritual space and a mid-century modern architectural marvel. Public tours are available on Sundays and weekends by reservation.
In nearby Abington, visit Salem Baptist Church to view the first Black church in Montgomery County (originally built in Jenkintown before recently relocating), which played a major role in civil rights activism, hosting Martin Luther King Jr. among other historic luminaries.
Beth Sholom Synagogue — Photo courtesy Beth Sholom Synagogue
Jenkintown’s shopping district should not be overlooked.
Check out independent shops like Capricorn Books, Second Chances Thrift Shoppe, mixed-use retail center Piazza on the Square and 7th Dimension Games.
Hotel options are limited in Jenkintown’s immediate vicinity, but visitors can find a variety of accommodations in nearby towns and neighborhoods.
Lodging options include the Homewood Suites Horsham/Willow Grove, the Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia/Fort Washington, the Courtyard by Marriott Willow Grove and the Chestnut Hill Hotel — all a short drive away.
Ready to experience the town firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
Jenkintown Festival of the Arts — Photo courtesy of the Jenkintown Festival of the Arts
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