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Founded by Quakers, Ambler is that rare hometown community with tourist appeal. A walk down Butler Avenue — its main street, lined with shops and restaurants — or down its side streets of Victorian, Gothic and Colonial houses evokes nostalgia for the small-town life of the 20th century.
Once called Wissahickon, the onetime mill town was later renamed for local resident hero Mary Johnson Ambler, who came to the rescue of passengers during an infamous train accident in 1856. A few decades after that, Ambler transformed into a manufacturing hub, followed by a post-industrial era of decline.
By the early 2000s, another set of heroes — a committed band of local residents — set about reviving Ambler. With the addition of the Act II Playhouse and the restoration of the Ambler Theater, a vibrant new downtown sprang forth, including a world of dining, breweries and independent retail.
Now in what could be considered its third incarnation, Ambler retains its hyperlocal, eclectic character while embracing its status as a destination.
Read on for what to expect in this charming Montgomery County town.
Founded in 1998, Act II Playhouse set the literal and figurative stage for Ambler’s revitalization. The Barrymore Award-winning community theater presents a year-round lineup of classic and original works, including dramatic plays, musicals and cabarets — all with an approachable sensibility.
The architectural crown jewel of the town, the Ambler Theater holds court in a 1928 Spanish Colonial movie palace originally built by Warner Brothers, where the nonprofit cinema showcases arthouse films and repertory selections.
— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
The brainchild of a lifelong Three Stooges fan and Ambler resident, The Stoogeum encompasses three stories of displays, plus a library and auditorium where 16mm films are screened. Note that visits are available by appointment only.
Ambler’s location in the heart of the Wissahickon Valley makes it an ideal jumping-off point for exploring parks and trails. At the Four Mills Nature Reserve, you can visit the 19th-century Four Mills Barn and explore two short loop trails through the forest and across multiple creeks.
Take the Green Ribbon Trail to the 18-acre birding hotspot Wissahickon Waterfowl Preserve.
Or make your way to the Briar Hill Preserve along Prophecy Creek, and walk the outer loop trail (just under one mile long) to observe local flora and fauna.
Distinctive gifts and fashion lie ahead in this trendy but welcoming shopping district. A woman-owned clothing boutique, Paper Dolls caters to customers of all ages and sizes with personal attention and apparel by independent designers.
Browse previously owned furniture, art and home decor while minimizing environmental impact at Re:Love home consignment.
Need a shower gift or baby clothes? Check out Swaddle for stylish infant and toddler clothing and toys.
Serving Ambler for more than three decades, Bussinger’s Trains caters to train collectors with models and memorabilia as well as kid customers with a smart selection of toys and games.
And at XTRA 101 Boutique, you can shop for new or secondhand fashion, accessories and housewares.
You don’t need to leave Ambler to dine around the world — and you don’t even need to leave Ridge Hall, the festive food court established in a 150-year-old factory building.
The BYO Geronimo’s Peruvian Cuisine serves classic dishes like ceviche and pollo a la brasa in an upscale setting, while Mary, a romantic homage to Ambler’s namesake, specializes in comfort cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
A lively Mexican restaurant and tequila bar with a sister location in Philly, Cantina Feliz’s creative fare includes a Cobb salad with black beans and chipotle ranch dressing and crispy chicken tacos with avocado relish.
Plus, when it comes to brewpubs and beer gardens, both Forest & Main Brewing Co.’s brewery and its flagship pub call Ambler home.
And for folks looking for tasty pub grub, the Tannery Run Brew Works offers a menu of fun bar food eats (like waffle fry poutine and Mexican street corn flatbread), while the ten-barrel taproom at Well Crafted Ambler lets you sit outside in the beer garden and eat at its on-site food truck during operating hours.
Choose historic, charming accommodations at the 153-room Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center in nearby Blue Bell or at the more intimate William Penn Inn in Gwynedd.
— Photo courtesy Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center
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.
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Contributing Writer
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