Rediscover Philadelphia’s Main Line

Visiting Ardmore and Bryn Mawr.
By Maryanna S. Phinn

Ardmore & Bryn Mawr
Philadelphia’s “Main Line” collectively evokes images of stately homes in towns with exclusive country clubs, private schools and upscale businesses catering to old money and the nouveau riche. But visitors soon discover that the tony towns dotting East and West Lancaster Avenue offer delightfully eclectic choices for shopping, dining or entertainment.

Two of the Main Line’s oldest towns, Ardmore and Bryn Mawr, were established in the nineteenth century along Pennsylvania Railroad’s main rail line. Wealthy Philadelphians took the train service from the city to their country homes built close to the rail stations. Eventually well-to-do families left the city and moved permanently to these villages.

Today, several rail lines including Amtrak and SEPTA’s regional commuter services continue to impact the vibrancy and livability of Ardmore and Bryn Mawr. Both towns are appealing for their accessibility to Philadelphia, public transportation and major highways. It’s easy to walk to the post office, banks, libraries, hardware stores, salons, schools, parks and churches. Plus, Ardmore and Bryn Mawr have family-owned toy stores stocked for kids of all ages (Mapes Toy Store in Ardmore and Pun’s Toys in Bryn Mawr).

So don’t bypass the Main Line for the King of Prussia Mall. Stop back and visit again–maybe since your old college days at Villanova. Put Ardmore and Bryn Mawr on that “to do list” and enjoy!

First Friday Main Line
One creative way to explore is to spend an evening at First Friday Main Line, held in Ardmore, Bryn Mawr and Haverford every month (except July and January). Use the free trolley service to enjoy art and music in unexpected places, says Sherry Tillman, Director of the all-volunteer group that organizes the event.

“First Fridays open up opportunities for visitors to connect with visual and performing artists within all kinds of businesses in each town,” says Tillman. June features a classic car parade. August is for “Dancin’ Down the Line.” Take a Blues Stroll in September and watch a Howl-o-ween Puppy Pageant in October. In November, view the works of young emerging artists and the lights of Christmas and Hanukkah in December. Visit www.firstfridaymainline.com.

Milkboy Coffee: Hot and Cool in Ardmore and Bryn Mawr
Sip hot coffee from huge cups and veg out to singers/songwriters/musicians playing for all ages at these popular local coffeehouses. Folk, roots rock, soul, blues, covers, pop, spoken word, open mic, a cappella and acoustic at Milkboy Main Stage in Ardmore or the Milkboy Acoustic Café in Bryn Mawr. Visit www.milkboycoffee.com.

Historic Bryn Mawr
The Village of Bryn Mawr (pronounced “Brin-Mar” like Katharine Hepburn) is synonymous with society, fine boutiques, excellent schools and a long history of community involvement.
Plans are underway for the Bryn Mawr Centennial Initiative to honor many stellar Bryn Mawr institutions that are more than 100 years old, such as The Bryn Mawr Trust Company (1889), Bryn Mawr College (1885), and the Main Line’s oldest retailer, John Fish & Son Jewelers (1888).

Better in Bryn Mawr

People are passionate about Bryn Mawr and work toward its continued prosperity. Just recently local residents, civic and business leaders saved a theatre and brought a farmers market to town.

•    The Bryn Mawr Film Institute
The 84-year old historic Bryn Mawr Theatre was saved from becoming a health and fitness club a few years ago through the joint effort of the community. The non-profit theatre, renamed The Bryn Mawr Film Institute, brings a refreshing destination place to the Main Line. Businesses, universities and individuals contributed to its restoration and renovation, including the grand marquee shining over Lancaster Avenue. The theatre’s attractions include new releases, classics, one night only showings, kids matinees, film courses and discussion groups. Stop by Milkboy Acoustic Café adjacent to the theatre before or after the movie. Visit www.brynmawrfilm.org.

•    The Bryn Mawr Farmers Market
The countryside arrives in Bryn Mawr on Saturday mornings in spring and summer bringing local farm fresh vegetables, fruit, milk, yogurt, cheeses, meats, eggs, bread, baked goods, honey, chocolates, plants and cut flowers. “Two of our residents had the idea for the market and worked with the township and an organization called ‘Farm to City’ to make it happen,” explains Scott Zelov, Lower Merion Township commissioner. Located in Municipal Lot 7 in the town square near the train station and library. Visit www.brynmawrfarmersmarket.blogspot.com

Shop, Dine, Enjoy Bryn Mawr

“We have a lot of unusual places for shopping,” notes Kathy Bogosian, president of the Bryn Mawr Business Association. “You’ll find things here that you just won’t find in the mall and we provide personalized service.”

•    Gold Million Records, 851 Lancaster Ave., www.goldmillionrecords.com, Wow! A must for boomers and music lovers. Wall-to-wall vinyl and tons of handcrafted “cool stuff made from records.” Celebrating 33 1/3 years in music (formerly Plastic Fantastic in Ardmore). Still spinning, Always creating.
•    K.T. & Company, 841 ½ and 857 Lancaster Ave., www.ktandcompany.com, a truly incredible inventory of estate items, antiques, collectables and furnishings for home and business decor.
•    The Camera Shop in Bryn Mawr, 572 Lancaster Ave., www.thecamerashoponline.com, independent family-owned business since 1920 and in Bryn Mawr since the 1970’s.
•    Latrice, 1024 Lancaster Ave., 610-525-1109, a specialty boutique celebrating 20 years in Bryn Mawr. Staff provides outstanding personalized service for selecting exquisite hand-picked European designer formal wear for black-tie, weddings and special occasions. Wide selection of sportswear, sweaters, purses and statement jewelry.

•    Kelly’s Taproom, 1107 Lancaster Ave., www.kellystaproom.com, “V” for Villanova! You haven’t experienced the Main Line until you had a beer at Kelly’s.
•    Sola, 614 W. Lancaster Ave., www.solabyob.com, contemporary American BYOB designated as “America’s Top Restaurants” by Zagat’s in 2009.
•    Lourdas Greek Taverna, 50 N. Bryn Mawr Ave., www.lourdasgreektaverna.com,
Experience the Greek islands on the Main Line. BYOB

For more information, visit www.brynmawrvillage.com.

It’s All About Ardmore

In 2009, CNN Money Magazine ranked Ardmore 12th out of 25 “best places for the rich and single” in the United States. Ardmore, the Main Line’s most diverse socio-economic town, received that distinction alongside Hermosa Beach, Califorinia and Arlington, Virginia (ranked first and second respectively).  Suburban Square in Ardmore is known for its fine national and international retailers such as Coach, Apple Computer, J. Crew, Trader Joe’s, Urban Outfitters, Lily Pulitzer and Free People. The Ardmore Farmers Market at Suburban Square offers fresh produce, cheeses, vegetables, baked goods, pastas, breads, meats and poultry, gourmet, and ethnic cuisine. Visit www.suburbansquare.com.

Ardmore Takes the Initiative: Spending Dollars Downtown

The Main Street of the Main Line received plenty of media coverage for its innovative “stimulus” response to the economic downturn. The Ardmore Initiative, the town’s business district authority, created “Downtown Dollars” to put additional cash in consumers’ pockets while supporting local businesses at no extra cost to shoppers or merchants. The organization used $10,000 from its self-funded marketing budget for the program. Shoppers can purchase up to $200 of Downtown Dollars at half the cost and use them as real money at more than 100 local businesses through September 6, 2010.

“Shoppers are saving 50 percent and we’re reimbursing the merchant in full,” explains Christine Vilardo, the organization’s executive director. “The goal is for these dollars to end up with the local merchants. It’s a way to give them a boost. We’ve had a lot of snow this winter and we’re in a long recession. We feel that the economy is slowly improving but we want to hurry that process along.” Here are a few places to spend Downtown Dollars or real money (of course!):

•    Just Chairs & Tables and Barstools Too, 333 W. Lancaster Ave., www.justtablesandchairs.net, family business since 1977.
•    Sabrina Ann Once Worn & Never Worn Bridal, 24 Ardmore Ave., www.sabrinaann.com, designer wedding apparel once worn, never worn and samples for brides and bridal parties and formal wear.
•    Lucky Girl Clothing and Lucky Again, 10 Anderson Ave., www.luckygirlclothing.com, retail and consignment stores for kids, tweens and teens.
•    Past* Present*Future, 15 W. Lancaster Ave., www.past-present-future.com,  handmade gifts, crafts, collectables home and office décor by hundreds of artists.
•    Aqua Hut Dive & Travel, 51 Rittenhouse Place, www.aquahut.net, scuba and snorkeling gear, travel planning, training and dive center .
•    A La Maison, 53 W. Lancaster Ave., www.alamaisonbistro.com, a classic French BYOB.
•    The Original Fellini Café Trattoria, 31 E. Lancaster Ave., www.fellini-cafe.net, enjoy homemade traditional Italian specialties BYOB.
•    Gillane’s Tavern, 43 Cricket Ave., 610-896-1622, friendly neighborhood Irish pub with traditional grub.

Visit www.ardmore-pa.org for Downtown Dollars merchants and information.

More Things To Do in Ardmore

The Clover Market at Schauffele Plaza, across from Brownie’s 23 East Pub on Lancaster Avenue, is downtown Ardmore’s latest place for lucky finds. Clover Market is the Main Line’s only outdoor art and antiques marketplace. Selected dealers offer “vintage upscale furniture, lighting, estate jewelry, home accessories, original art and architectural salvage.” Open on alternating Sundays from April through June and September through November. Visit www.clovermarket.blogspot.com.

Ardmore Blossoms is an annual community event held downtown featuring an outdoor festival with food, music and kids activities with emphasis on reducing, reusing and recycling. Food drive, plant exchanges, paper shredding, electronics recycling and a showcase for local nonprofits. Visit www.allaboutardmore.com.

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