Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs 2017 Critics' Choice: Sports, Arts & Entertainment
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Alternative Sports League
Mid-Atlantic Vintage Base Ball League
Playing the sport as it was in the 19th century, teams dress in period uniforms. The relaxed vibe of local clubs—including the Mohican BBC of Kennett Square, the Brandywine BBC of West Chester, and the Athletic BBC of Philadelphia—ensures a family-friendly experience.
Boutique Instagram Account
@ashleyaustinboutique
Guaranteed to make you smile, this colorful feed is filled with cute products from Kennett Square’s Ashley Austin, and dotted with inspirational—at times, quippy—quotes and fun photos.
www.instagram.com/ashleyaustinboutique
Concert Series
Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts
From late May through July, Bryn Mawr finds its inner Coachella, offering live music under the stars and a positive community vibe.
www.brynmawrtwilightconcerts.com
DIY Blog
Brick House 319
John and Susan Fogwell’s Brick House 319 is like no home improvement blog we’ve seen before. The contractor and flight attendant bought a Main Line house once owned by a hoarder, tirelessly transforming it. They’ve documented the whole amazing process, providing fun and practical makeover tips along the way.
Family-Friendly Activity
Escape West Chester
For one hour, attendees must work collaboratively to solve puzzles in the quest to escape a locked room. With family-friendly themes and also more advanced challenges, Escape West Chester provides a welcome break from digital connectedness.
116 S. High St., West Chester, (484) 266-7118, www.escapewestchester.com
Family-Friendly Destination
The Creamery
It’s official: the Creamery is Kennett’s summer hot spot. With its laid-back vibe, casual-chic environs, great beers, dog-friendly area and abundance of games, there’s little question why this reclaimed space has become so popular with families both near and far.
Historic Day-Trip Destination
Washington Crossing Historic Park
What is it about the gaping divide between the Western Suburbs and Bucks County? Heck, you’d think they were in different states. Truth is, a drive to gorgeous Washington Crossing State Park will take you about an hour. Situated on the banks of the Delaware River, its 500 acres make for an invigorating stroll in almost any season—and visitors can explore Revolutionary War dwellings and experience reenactments.
1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, (215) 493-4076, www.washingtoncrossingpark.org
Historic Hiking Trails
Valley Forge National Historical Park
George Washington’s once-bleak winter headquarters now offers a bounty of picturesque nature trails. And with 19.5 miles of hiking paths, there’s something for beginners and advanced hikers alike.
Home-and-Garden Blog
Main Line Haven
Realtor Haven Duddy describes herself as an “interior design enthusiast,” and after reading her blog, it’s impossible not to feel her energy. Pick Duddy’s brain on everything from color schemes to tips on buying your first home.
Local Instagram
@brandywinevalley
The Chester County Visitors Bureau offers a beautifully curated look at Chester County and its surrounds. In a given week, followers will find photos of Longwood Gardens, rolling countryside, the area’s waterways, and cafés and shops in towns like Kennett Square.
www.instagram.com/brandywinevalley
Local Celeb Facebook Page
Tracy Davidson
Whether you’re looking for traffic updates, a live look at the latest happenings in the area, or an inspirational photo, NBC10’s Tracy Davidson’s FB page is a one-stop shop to get you through your day.
www.facebook.com/tracydavidsonnbc10
Local Fashion Blog
The Motherchic
Perhaps it’s her seemingly effortless style, or her honesty about the craziness that comes with raising four boys. Either way, there’s something extremely relatable about Lindsey Schuster as she dispatches fashion trends, sales, makeup finds and other fun tidbits for fellow moms through Facebook, Instagram and her blog.
Museum Instagram Account
@mainlineartcenter
Be prepared to spend hours getting lost in the mesmerizing art featured in both in MLC’s gallery and online. In-depth looks at sophisticated works form the bulk of this feed—but there’s cute artwork by kids, too.
www.instagram.com/mainlineartcenter
New Art Gallery
Gallery 222
Andrea Strang’s Malvern art space breaks down the barriers most museums put up. Artists are featured on a rotating monthly basis, and a few maintain studio space above the gallery. Take advantage of the garden and kitchen for an intimate experience.
222 E. King St., Malvern, (610) 608-6636, www.gallery222malvern.com
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Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center and Resident Theater Company |
New Theater
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center
This nonprofit has transformed the historic West Chester National Guard Armory into a spectacular theater. With just over 300 seats, audiences never feel far from the action on stage.
226 N. High St., West Chester, (610) 356-2787, www.uptownwestchester.org
New Theater Company
Resident Theatre Company
Led by artistic director Kristin McLaughlin Mitchell, RTC prides itself on bringing Broadway-caliber entertainment to West Chester. From its early cabarets to its official launch this past spring, this creative and resourceful bunch has done just that, with both intimacy and depth.
Outdoor Inspirational Instagram Account
@nicolfloraldesign
Can’t get out of the office on a beautiful day? Take a look at this local florist’s photos for an outdoorsy boost. Images of her gorgeous and creative flower walls will make you feel as if you’re exploring Longwood Gardens—no matter where you are.
www.instagram.com/nicolfloraldesign
Restaurant Instagram Account
@tavolarestaurant
It’s always happy hour at Springfield Country Club’s Tavola Restaurant + Bar—on the Instagram, at least. Tempting cocktails—and bites to enjoy along with them—will have you asking, “Is it 5 yet?”
www.instagram.com/tavolarestaurant
Roving Seasonal Market
Clover Market
With dozens of vendors, food and entertainment, Clover Market is a true gem. We only wish it was in town longer. The market switches location throughout the season, visiting Chestnut Hill, Bryn Mawr, Kennett Square and Collingswood, N.J. Wherever it is, there are always treasures to be found.
Unexpected Tours
Laurel Hill Cemetery
A cemetery is probably the last place you’d want to hang out. But this historic gem is a surprising hot spot for fun, educational tours and events. Laurel Hill offers self-guided tours, ghost hunts, themed tours like musical legacies, and Civil War tours.