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Charming vibes await in Skippack, a Montgomery County village that prides itself on quaint shopping and historic character.
The creekside settlement — named “Schippach” by German immigrants in 1683 — still feels like it’s rooted in an earlier era, with history at every turn.
The Indenhofen Farmstead, built in 1713, served as a supply base and encampment for the Continental Army, linking Valley Forge and Philadelphia. And in 1795, Jacob Reiff opened the first store in town, thus beginning Skippack’s long reign as a shopping hub.
Visit today, and you can still see remnants of the past, like the restored trolley (bar) at the Hotel Fiosole and the covered Skippack Village Bridge.
In and around these landmarks, Skippack shines as a shopping destination with a variety of boutiques and antique dealers, alongside a lively dining scene and beloved annual festivities.
Read on for a guide on some of the best ways to experience Skippack.
Skippack’s close proximity to outdoor recreation attracts visitors with a taste for adventure.
For a dose of history, glimpse Skippack’s origins in the ruins of old mills, 18th- and 19th-century homes, and in the Indenhofen Farmstead — a site on the National Register of Historic Places which today also houses the Skippack Historical Society.
Nature fans love Skippack Creek, which runs through Evansburg State Park, meandering across its forests, meadows and farmlands. Spend a day fishing, hunting or exploring miles of trails on foot, bike or horseback.
Inside the park you’ll also find the Skippack Golf Club, a full-service 18-hole course open to the public for daily fees.
Evansburg State Park — Photo courtesy Pennsylvania State Parks
A hospitality town at heart, Skippack keeps energy high with a dynamic food scene.
The all-day brunch menu at Well Fed might include an Italian-inflected avocado toast or a “smashpatty” melt with mushrooms, onions and garlic aioli.
For lunch and dinner, the kitchen at Basta Pasta serves classic pizzas and pastas, either indoors in the dining room and smoke-free bar or, in the summer, outside at the Cabana Bar.
Look for quick-service eats and picnic supplies at Skippack Village Italian Market, known for its hot and cold hoagies, Italian soda, and cannolis.
Mistral, located inside the Hotel Fiosole, delivers an elegant fine dining experience, focusing on European-inspired cuisine, including linguine and clams and an herb-crusted rack of lamb.
And bring your own food to Brothers Kershner Brewing Company and sample the fermentaria’s Kölsch-style ale or hazy IPA, plus cocktails made from local spirits.
Originally founded in Lansdale in 1949, Playcrafters Theater moved to Skippack a decade later. The rustic auditorium hosts 60 performances a year — a mix of comedy, musical, dramas and avant-garde fare — along with special events.
The small but mighty Philip and Muriel Berman Museum at Ursinus College houses a collection of contemporary works, including a globally renowned body of work by French artist François Gilot, while hosting thought-provoking seasonal exhibitions and special events.
At Pennypacker Mills, visitors can tour the home of former Pennsylvania governor Samuel W. Pennypacker and view his prolific collections of antiques reflecting the region’s history.
Skippack is quaint in all the right ways, with plenty of locally owned purveyors to peruse.
Every picturesque town needs a cheese shop, and The Grand Fromage obliges with 80 varieties, plus gourmet accompaniments and related gifts.
Support a local business and a low-waste lifestyle at Earthware Sustainable Goods, a refillery with gifts and plant-based vegan products.
Browse the racks at Hazel Mac for women’s fashion and accessories with a fresh point of view. Floral and Hardy’s oasis includes a beautifully curated garden and gift shop set in an airy farmhouse. And The Copper Partridge Uniquities specializes in antiques and artisan wares with a country-chic aesthetic.
A highlight for locals and a draw for visitors, Skippack Days in October celebrates art and artisans with scores of vendor booths lining Skippack Pike, plus live music, food and drink.
As the holiday season comes into focus, Skippack is set aglow with Illuminaire Nights, held Friday nights between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Shops stay open late, candles light the pathways and the streets fill with festive anticipation.
Hotel Fiesole is a Skippack mainstay. Not only does it offer 16 upscale rooms for lodging in the heart of Skippack, but its multiple restaurants and bars — and weekly live entertainment — make it a nightlife destination.
Those looking to maintain their loyalty points can find more brand-name hotels 15 minutes away near Lansdale, including the Holiday Inn Lansdale and the Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Lansdale.
Hotel Fiesole — Photo courtesy Hotel Fiesole
Ready to experience the town firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
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.
Use the menu above to explore Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Contributing Writer
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