Montgomery County: Big Attractions, Premium Shopping

Eksperyans ou pa dwe rate

1. Walk, hike and bike through history

A pivotal site in the Revolutionary War and one of Pennsylvania’s most enduringly popular destinations, Valley Forge National Historic Park should not be missed.

Start in the Visitor Center to get the lay of the land with exhibitions and short films that explore the Revolutionary War and the six months George Washington’s troops camped here.

From there, plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the 26 miles of trails on foot or by bike (you can rent a bike at the Visitor’s Center), book a 90-minute guided trolley tour in advance, or drive the self-guided car loop to see major sites like the encampment, the National Memorial Arch, the Patriots of African Descent monument and many others.

  — Foto pa D. Knoll pou Visit Philadelphia

2. See what’s in store

The third largest mall in the U.S., Yon tèt pi fò dazzles with its variety and luxe atmosphere.

Its 2.9 million square feet of retail space includes high-end brands like Burberry and Louis Vuitton, as well as more everyday fare (H&M, Primark and much more). Add in dozens of restaurants, two children’s play areas, the Japanese arcade Gatcha, ak Eataly’s heavenly Italian culinary marketplace, and you won’t want to leave.

Yon tèt pi fò   — Foto pa D. Knoll pou Visit Philadelphia

Closer to Philly in the Main Line suburb of Ardmore, Suburban Square represents one of the earliest shopping mall concepts in the country.

The walkable complex includes grassy knolls, fountains and seating areas around the stores, a well-curated mix of independents and chains like West Elm and Sephora.

Tip: Stop at the Ardmore Farmers Market for international cheeses or a panini at DiBruno Bros.

3. Venture outdoors

Located on the farm where John James Audubon first settled when he came to the U.S. from France in 1803, the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove celebrates his love of ornithology and natural art. You can tour the Museum and Historic House before traipsing the 5 miles of trails, where you might spot 175 species of birds.

Stretching from Berks County to Philadelphia, the Senti Rivyè Schuylkill follows the flow of the river along mostly abandoned railroad tracks with a 20-plus-mile span through many Montco towns: Conshohocken, Norristown, Bridgeport, King of Prussia and Pottstown.

Bring a bike and ride to Valley Forge National Historic Park or hop off the trail to go shopping in Conshohocken.

Schuylkill River Trail in Conshohocken   — Photo courtesy Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

Green Lane Park, tucked in the northwest corner of the county, provides outdoor recreation all year round: boating and fishing; camping and hiking; ice skating and skiing; and more than 20 miles of trails.

4. Eat across the county

Between its urban, suburban and rural enclaves, Montgomery County covers just about every dining experience you can imagine.

At Blue Bell’s Radice, you might dine on tagliatelle with wild mushrooms and truffle oil or a pork chop with fontina and prosciutto stuffing. While in Ambler, Bridgets updates the traditional steakhouse with international flavor accents and prefix options.

Overlooking the Schuylkill River in Bala Cynwyd with sleek banquettes and a rooftop terrace, Lark delivers a rotating menu of stylish coastal Mediterranean cookery — helmed by James Beard Award finalist and Pi gwo Chèf winner Nicholas Elmi.

Other local faves include The Biscuit Lady’s sweet and savory biscuits and sandwiches in Plymouth Meeting, and the top-tier tomato pie — a classic Philly food — at Norristown’s Corropolese.

5. Make it a family day

At King of Prussia’s Netflix House, visitors can explore exhibits of the streaming network’s hits like Wednesday, play mini-golf and engage with their favorite TV universes via VR.

For younger kids, the Legoland Discovery Center in Plymouth Meeting offers countless ways to build and get active with play spaces, VR games and a 4D movie theater.

A Norristown fixture since 1924, Elmwood Park Zoo houses a surprisingly wide array of species (100-plus) for a suburban campus, along with a treetop climbing park, playground and rides.

Elmwood Park Zoo   — Photo courtesy Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board

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For traditional hotel lodging that’s conveniently situated to major sites and highways, book a room at The Alloy King of Prussia oswa Hotel West & Main Conshohocken.

Plus, the independently owned and operated Hotel Fiesole anchors the charming little town of Skippack, and in North Wales, the Joseph Ambler Inn showcases 52 guestrooms with historic pedigree.

Guestroom at Hotel West & Main Conshohocken   — Photo courtesy Hotel West & Main Conshohocken

Konsèy lokal

Ou pare pou w dekouvri zòn nan poukont ou? Men kèk konsèy pou kòmanse:

• A car is recommended in Montgomery County, but Sepa trains can take you to Ambler, Jenkintown, Ardmore and the Main Line towns, among other destinations.
• Designed for beverage enthusiasts, the Montco Makers Passport offers a fun way to check out the county’s many breweries, wineries and distilleries with the chance to win prizes.
• Like the Makers Passport, the mobile app Arts Montco Pass guides you to area galleries, museums and arts venues. Check in to win points and prizes.
• Montco music lovers should check out storied venues like Glenside’s Teyat Keswick epi Ardmore Music Hall.
• Montco is home to see-it-to-believe-it museums off the beaten path, like Stoogeum nan in Ambler or The American Treasure Tour in Oaks.

Mize American Treasure Tour   — Foto pa Visit Philadelphia