Next Stop: Ambler Borough

A classic town with a current vibe.
Maryanna S. Phinn

On the outskirts of Ambler, a welcome sign reads: “A hard-working, friendly community founded on harmony and commitment.” That sign reflects how this tiny borough reinvented itself from a declining old industrial town into a vibrant destination spot proud of its early roots and enthusiastic about its future.

Ambler’s renaissance started in the early 1990’s with a collaborative vision plan of its residents, business owners, government leaders and local developers. The birth of a live performance venue in 1998 and the rebirth of a treasured movie theatre in 2003 further ignited the town’s renewal.

The re-opening of the Ambler Theatre, a town icon since Warner Brothers opened it on New Year’s Eve 1928, makes it the toast of the town once again. The popular, non-profit community theater features independent, art and foreign films, Hollywood classics and Saturday children’s matinees while hosting filmmaker’s groups, special events and private parties.

The Act II Playhouse, a few doors down from the theatre, has quickly become a local and regional favorite for its professional live performances. From September through June, the 130-seat non-profit venue presents dramas, musicals and comedies, earning it Barrymore nominations and awards.

Good restaurants usually open near great entertainment and Ambler represents this natural partnership.

“Even during this recession, we’ve opened three new restaurants this year,” notes Mayor Charles “Bud” Wahl, adding that restaurant owners frequently express interest in Ambler.

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission designated Ambler as one of 20 “Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia” for its walkability, access to transit and historic significance.

Commuters have excellent train service available downtown with connections to bus lines and shuttles to Temple University’s Ambler Campus making it a model for transit-oriented development. Its 6,500 residents can walk to schools, the library, the post office, churches, barber shops, coffee shops, pizza parlors, ice cream shops, or local institutions such as Deck’s Hardware (in town for 100 years) or Ambler Savings Bank (a hometown bank for 135 years).

“Almost every student walks to school, which you really don’t get in the suburbs” notes borough manager Mary Aversa, “it’s a gem.” The borough, county and state have worked closely to continuously revitalize the business district’s appearance with better lighting, crosswalks, benches, decorative fixtures, signage and parking upgrades, she adds.

Capital improvements in the business district have enhanced Ambler’s growing popularity for good food, entertainment and shopping, notes Mayor Wahl. “The fact that we continue to add to the lighting in town has made such a difference. It’s worth a visit at night to see it,” he adds.

Ambler Borough, originally called the Village of Wissahickon, is about 16 miles northwest of Philadelphia in Montgomery County. Originally a mill town producing flour, wool and lumber, its history is inextricably linked to the railroad. In 1855, the North Pennsylvania Railroad established a depot nearby. One year later, a terrible train accident dubbed, “The Great Train Wreck of 1856,” changed the tiny village’s history forever. An estimated 59 people died instantly and others sustained fatal injuries. A local Quaker woman named Mary Johnson Ambler worked diligently to assist the injured. The Village of Wissahickon was eventually renamed “Ambler” in her honor.

By the late 1800’s, Italian immigrants settled in Ambler. Many were master stonemasons and craftsmen who built magnificent Victorian stone homes for the executives of the town’s major employer at the time, a manufacturer of asbestos products. One remarkable building is the Lindenwold Estate on Bethlehem Pike, a massive stone replica of England’s Windsor Castle. These architectural masterpieces add to the borough’s history and charm and offer another reason why Ambler is worth the visit.

Our Visitor’s Guide to Ambler Borough

Getting to Ambler
Ambler is minutes from Route 309 and the Fort Washington exit of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. SEPTA’s R-5 Regional Rail Line (Lansdale/Doylestown) stops in the heart of Ambler at Butler Pike & Main Street. Major renovations are in progress to upgrade the station’s platform and other physical improvements.

Trax Restaurant & Café
at the Ambler Train Station
27 W. Butler Avenue
(215) 591-9777
www.traxcafe.com
Located at the train station, this popular BYOB features indoor or outdoor dining. Trax Café opened in 1998 and worked to beautify its outdoor space adjacent to the station. In 2009, it earned the Community Greening Award from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for transforming its landscape into flower, vegetable and herb gardens.

See a Movie or a Show
“The theatre and playhouse are the number one draw in Ambler,” notes Tony Isabella, borough council president and owner of Caffe Maida, “we all benefit from both.”

Ambler Theatre
108 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 793-4970
www.amblertheater.org
Web site lists films now showing, coming attractions and special programming in partnership with The County Theatre in Doylestown.

Act II Playhouse, LTD
56 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 654-0200
www.act2.org
Upcoming performances include The Philly Fan (February 9 –21), Any Given Monday (March 3 – 28) and Story of My Life (April 27 – May 23).

Stay for Lunch or Dinner
Dettera Restaurant & Wine Bar
129 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 643-0111
www.dettera.com
Receives great reviews for its progressive American cuisine, cosmopolitan décor (two floors, outside seating, fireplaces) and incredible wines.

Bridgets 8 West
8 W. Butler Avenue
(267) 465-2000
www.bridgetssteak.com
An upscale steakhouse since 2004 offering traditional menu selections and innovative “butcher block” and “small plates” choices.

Saffron Indian Kitchen
60 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 540-0237 or (215) 540-2466
www.saffronofphilly.com
Saffron’s second location just steps from the Act II Playhouse. Also in Bala Cynwyd.

From the Boot Restaurant
110-114 Butler Avenue
(215) 646-0123
www.fromtheboot.com
Approachable and affordable traditional Italian cuisine. Also in Lafayette Hills.

Enjoy Appetizers or Libations
KC’S Alley Food & Spirits
10 W. Butler Avenue
(215) 628-3300
www.kc-alley.com
A leader in Ambler’s renaissance since opening in 1999. Enjoy drinks, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, fries and salads in a cozy tavern-style atmosphere.

The Shanachie Irish Pub & Restaurant
111 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 283-4887
www.shanachiepub.com
No town is complete without a great Irish pub! Irish-American fare, happy hour and live authentic Irish music and entertainment.

Stop for Coffee, Tea or Dessert
Caffe Maida
95 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 939-6250
A European-style café where friends meet and enjoy authentic espresso, cappuccino and gelato.
Many of Ambler’s Italian families arrived in America from Maida in southern Italy.

Cafe Tea
9 N. Main Street
(267) 470-4729
www.CafeTea.biz
Discover why tea is hot! Enjoy organically grown teas and shop for tea accessories.

Toto’s Gelateria & Caffe
35 N. Main Street
(215) 628-3980
Italian specialties featuring gelato, panini, espresso, chocolates and desserts.

Don’t Forget to Shop!
Ambler Flower and Gifts
107 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 646-6500
www.800gift360.com
And
Corner Chocolates
107 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 654-1811
www.cornerchocolates.com
These two great shops at one location make it a “must-stop” for Valentine’s Day and every special occasion.

The Flour Pot
73 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 542-5951
www.flourpotcookies.com
Owners are a mother-daughter custom-cookie team who wowed The Oprah Magazine, Roker on the Road, House Beautiful and The Food Network (to name just a few!). Cookies baked on-site. Cookbooks, cookie cutters and baking accessories. Available for cookie birthday parties.

New Hope Candle Shop
71 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 654-1770
Candles of all brands, sizes and scents. Melissa & Doug toys and puzzles. Original store in New Hope.

Chamaeleon
12 Cavalier Drive
(215) 325-1462
www.mychamaeleon.com
Let’s Accessorize!

Free Shop
3 E. Butler Avenue
(215) 643-3771
www.freeshopclothing.com
Featuring Juicy Couture, haute hippie, American Retro and much more. Locations in Cape May and Stone Harbor.

Daytime, Nighttime, Anytime…Ambler!
Many restaurants and shops offer deals on “First Thursdays” or “Second Sundays.” Ambler Borough hosts holiday events and festivals throughout the year. For information, visit  www.amblermainstreet.org.

Maryanna S. Phinn is a freelance writer from Washington Crossing, PA.