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The seat of Delaware County, Media emerged in the 1840s to accommodate a commercial center and government business. That sense of purpose and cohesion runs through its grid of charming storefronts, stately municipal buildings and Victorian-era homes.
With deep Quaker roots and a legacy as an Underground Railroad town, Media has always enjoyed a reputation as a diverse and welcoming community. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Media also served as a summer getaway for Philadelphians traveling by train or trolley.
Decades later, Media adopted the tagline “Everyone’s Hometown” to emphasize its ongoing commitment to inclusion and livability. In 2006, Media became the first fair trade certified town in the United States, ensuring that ethically sourced products can be widely accessed here.
These days, Media’s downtown, particularly its State Street corridor, bustles with restaurants, bars, memorable shopping and dynamic public events. Tour its thoughtfully preserved historic districts — Courthouse Square, Providence Friends Meeting House district and Lemon Street — for Greek Revival, Italianate and Gothic Revival architecture, plus landmark homes like the 1681 Minshall House.
Make sure you leave plenty of time for outdoor exploration, as Media is well located between beautiful parks, gardens and trails.
Read on for some suggestions to guide your visit to the borough of Media.
The Media area boasts a wealth of parks and outdoor recreation.
Start a few miles north of Media proper at the 650-acre Tyler Arboretum, where the 17 miles of hiking trails and changing terrain include thousands of trees, some of which date back more than 150 years.
The landscape is wilder next door at Ridley Creek State Park, but a five-mile multiuse trail paves the way for cyclists, runners and walkers while additional trails open up possibilities for hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.
At the Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, open late March through December, you can observe life on a working farm in the 1700s with actual farm laborers well versed in the crafts and skills of the era.
History and nature also mix at Rose Tree County Park, famous for its hawk-watching, running trails (including the second largest cross-country running trail in the state) and, in the summertime, its amphitheater concerts.
Arts and culture thrive in Media with live music, art galleries and two theaters. With a combination of live performance and repertory film, Media Theatre for the Performing Arts activates a 1920s movie palace in the town center, highlighting local talent in award-winning productions.
Founded in 1923 just outside the borough, Hedgerow Theatre embodies the spirit of the 19th-century Arts and Crafts movement with a history of leading-edge productions. At this converted gristmill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, expect a mix of classics, new works and children’s fare.
Media Theatre for the Performing Arts — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Agriculture comes alive in many dimensions at Linvilla Orchards, with its 300 acres of working farmland and family activities.
Go during the summer and fall to harvest your own fruit or flowers, take a hayride, or enjoy special events and entertainment during themed festivals. Year-round, you can shop the farm market and garden store, as well as pet the barn animals. During the winter months, count on ice skating and indoor mini golf.
An updated diner with an all-day menu, the petite Bittersweet Kitchen serves a mean egg sandwich in the morning, and deep dish pizza at night — just be prepared to wait for a table.
A couple of blocks down, in the center of town, the industrial chic Media outpost of Brick & Brew welcomes diners with expertly made whiskey cocktails and a burger to remember.
For higher-end dining, nibble on pan-Asian dumplings and sushi in Azie Media’s chic indoor and outdoor seating areas. The classic French cuisine at La Belle Epoque Wine Bistro might include escargot or crepes, served with a glass (or flight) from the restaurant’s impressively large cellar.
And tasty quick bites also abound in Media: Get a Greek fix with pork souvlaki at Yeeroh Media, or bring a group to the popular Dim Sum Mania for Shanghai-style soup dumplings and roast pork buns.
With its independent shops and emphasis on fair trade products, Media’s retail scene merits a deep dive.
For gifts, check out the pottery and crafts from around the world at Earth & State or the stylish vintage-inspired stationery and trinkets at Three Potato Four.
A few doors down, Greatest Hits Records & Books turns out a well-curated selection of previously owned wares with helpful guidance. New books and book-related items reside at Bookish Notions, which also hosts author and reader events.
And set in an old five and dime, Deals Variety provides an all-purpose scope: hardware, toys, office supplies and much more.
For accommodations within walking distance to the center of town, opt for the Gothic Revival Victorian manse Gifford-Risley House. Or if you have a car, book at the Alpenhof Bed & Breakfast, just a five-minute drive away.
The Gifford Risley House — Photo courtesy of the Gifford Risley House
Ready to experience the town firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
Dining Under the Stars — Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city of vibrant neighborhoods bordered by a region of charming towns, with each area owning a distinctive personality. Explore the neighborhoods and towns in and around Philadelphia — their storied streets, interesting attractions, buzzed-about restaurants and year-round happenings.
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Contributing Writer
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