Skippack: A Village That Stands the Test of Time

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1. Stroll through parks and historic sites

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

2. Sample the local restaurant scene

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.

3. Enjoy arts and culture

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.

Nan 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.

4. See what’s in store

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.

5. Get festive

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.

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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 ak Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Lansdale.

Hotel Fiesole   — Photo courtesy Hotel Fiesole

Konsèy lokal

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• Parking in walkable Skippack can be limited. Keep an eye out for lots behind shops. Note: Most parking is free, but there can be a charge during special events.
• For a small town, Skippack boasts a large number of spas and salons. Design your own self-care crawl at The Body Serene, Blue Willow Day Spa, Terra Cove Studio epi SALTability Retreat.
• On warm nights, locals and visitors alike gather at the outdoor Cabana Bar for live music and bar eats.
• Dave’s Garage Tours leads tours of the village and its antique cars by request.