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A town of connections/connectivity, Ardmore was settled by Welsh farmers and grew into a commerce center between Lancaster and Philadelphia. Today, it serves as an entry point to the Main Line suburbs, the first of several walkable town centers connected by Lancaster Avenue.
Easily reachable from Philly by train or car, Ardmore, originally called “Athensville,” was actually renamed by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The railroad and easy access to Philadelphia helped define Ardmore as an inclusive, welcoming town with vibrant commercial appeal. These days, you can still catch a SEPTA commuter train on those tracks as well as an Amtrak train to New York or Harrisburg.
Ardmore’s history emerges in its architecture: the Furness-designed St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with Tiffany stained glass windows, the manicured gingerbread houses from the late 1800s, and one of the nation’s first shopping malls, Suburban Square. Today, it has become one of the most sought-after food, drink and nightlife spots in the Philly suburbs.
Use this guide, created with input from Downtown Ardmore District, to plan your visit.
Before malls went indoors, Suburban Square set the standard that has since come back into fashion — an elegant walkable shopping center that encourages gatherings at its fountains, plazas and outdoor cafe areas. The mix of upscale chain stores and independent local shops covers most retail bases.
Grab a bite at the Ardmore Farmers Market or have lunch at one of the many upscale or quick-service restaurants tucked in between shops.
Lola's Garden at Suburban Square — Photo courtesy of Suburban Square
Ardmore shopping doesn’t end at Suburban Square. Lancaster Avenue and its side streets, like Cricket Avenue and Rittenhouse Place hold their own on the shopping front.
At Maido!, a Japanese grocer and eatery, you can find imported gifts and homemade mochi, in addition to okonomiyaki at the lunch counter.
Wallace Dry Goods caters to the low-proof crowd, with nonalcoholic beverages, glassware and mixers.
The high-quality, domestically produced minimal chic fashions at American Trench have gained national attention.
A kid’s fantasy of a toy store, pucciManuli’s magical window displays hint at the lavish, handmade and high-end play objects within.
And on Cricket Avenue, the BIPOC women-owned Mavey Books and community space offers a tightly curated selection and the kind of personal attention that will match you to you new favorite read.
Ardmore’s food and drink scene has exploded in recent years, with some of the most acclaimed eateries and bars in Greater Philadelphia.
Charge up for the day with a coffee and an Au Fornil danish at Char & Stave, or a traditional French croissant at Delice et Chocolat.
Whiskey cocktails match up with inventive bar fare at Ripplewood. Next door, and operated by the same team, the tiny Izzy’s offers an intimate Japanese izakaya experience with craft cocktails and a tailored, ever-changing menu.
Set in a grand former bank building, DePaul’s Table steakhouse brings the drama alongside classic prime rib and chops.
The family-owned Ethiopian eatery Eshkol specializes in homey stews, fluffy injera and vegan options ringing with flavor.
And Tired Hands Brewing Company’s Fermentaria brews and serves bold concoctions like milkshake IPAs that draw beer snobs from miles around.
Ardmore Music Hall maintains a steady calendar of live music, cabaret and comedy acts that ordinarily play big city stages. This versatile yet small venue makes for an approachable place to see a band, and family programs can be found throughout the year.
Ardmore Music Hall — Photo courtesy of Downtown Ardmore District
A few minutes’ drive away, the iconic Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue hotel provides a homebase that’s equidistant from Ardmore, Manayunk and Center City. Further west, The Inn at Villanova University offers a rural, historic retreat.
— Photo courtesy of The Inn at Villanova University
Ready to experience the town firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:
— Photo courtesy of Downtown Ardmore District
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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