Best of the Main Line & Western Suburbs 2017 Critics' Choice: Sports, Arts & Entertainment

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.

www.mavbbl.com


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.

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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.

www.brickhouse319.com

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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.

www.kennettcreamery.com


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.

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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.

www.nps.gov/vafo


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.

www.mainlinehaven.com


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.

www.themotherchic.com


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


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.

www.rtcwc.org


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.

www.theclovermarket.com


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.

www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org

Our Best of the Main Line Final Ballot is open through February 28!