Ardmore: A Walkable Main Line Town Just a Train Ride from Philly

Expériences à ne pas manquer

1. Explore an outdoor shopping destination

Before malls went indoors, Place de la banlieue 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 Marché fermier d'Ardmore 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

2. Find singular buys at Lancaster Avenue stores

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.

Au 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.

3. Refresh your palate with excellent cuisine

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.

Et Tired Hands Brewing Company’s Fermentaria brews and serves bold concoctions like milkshake IPAs that draw beer snobs from miles around.

4. Catch a show

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

Où séjourner

A few minutes’ drive away, the iconic Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue hotel provides a homebase that’s equidistant from Ardmore, Manayunk et Centre ville. Further west, L'auberge de l'université de Villanova offers a rural, historic retreat.

  — Photo courtesy of The Inn at Villanova University

Conseils locaux

Prêt à découvrir la ville par vous-même ? Voici quelques conseils pour vous aider à vous lancer :

• Visit Ardmore on First Friday for food and drink specials, live music and other festivities.
• Enjoy Ardmore’s hidden enclaves: Pop into the renovated Place Schauffele to view murals and native plants, or head into the alleyway next to Past Present Future, lit with bistro lights.
• Take a mini thrifting detour and browse the clothes and housewares at the Junior League Thrift Shop et La friperie Penny Wise.
• You can take the Amtrak train directly to New York City or the Amtrak or SEPTA train to Philly from Ardmore Station.
• You don’t need a car once you’re in Ardmore, but if you have one, you can park at metered spots or opt for the One Ardmore Place Garage for an all-day rate that matches the meters.

  — Photo courtesy of Downtown Ardmore District