Many Philly dwellers know that the Main Line is the suburban area outside of the city that follows Lancaster Ave and the former Pennsylvania Railroads’ “Main Line” route. Some know that Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, and Wayne are all towns on the Main Line. A lesser known (and more confusing) fact is that each of the towns reside in 2 different counties and/or townships! Ahhh Pennsylvania, where the boundaries always leave one scratching their head. No matter which county or township you are in, you’ll find a quaint strip with restaurants, coffee shops and retail storefronts that give you the hometown feels. Take a stroll with us on a recent sunny day and plan which stops you’ll be making while on your house hunting tour.
Ardmore
Located in: Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County and Haverford Township in Delaware County
The Downtown Vibe
We pulled into a spot right next to Char and Stave, a classy coffee shop by day and cocktail haven by evening. As it was sunny and 10am, we ordered up an Iced Chai Latte and strolled the neighborhood for some window shopping. There’s plenty to choose from. You’ve got your day to day errand running such as auto tags, nail salons, hardware stores, and florists. Then you have your decorating needs be it lighting or high end used furniture. Your casual (and delish) lunch & dinner spots, coffee joints and our fav—thrift stores! Just a bop away you’ll find Suburban Square with tasteful chain stores such as Eileen Fisher, Apple and Hip City Veg. If you can survive navigating the parking lot of Trader Joe’s and the Ardmore Farmers Market you’ve won suburbia.
Where to visit
Char and Stave | 21 Rittenhouse Pl, Ardmore, PA - “Coffee made by Whiskey People” The folks at Bluebird Distillery apply their art of the beverage to include coffee. Laptops were hooked up and coffee was fueling the line of work from home-ers. We gave our Chai Latte 10 stars!
PucciManuli | 2 Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA - Every inch of this store is covered in wonder. Matchbox Mice and their accouterments, toys, mindful gifts and all the magic in between.
Lulu’s Casita | 6 Cricket Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003 - A café for parents and place space for children up to 5yrs old. Don’t miss their weekly events like story time, tiny tot jam, and music circle.
Penny Wise Thrift Shop | 57 Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA - You know we can’t walk by a thrift shop and not have a quick round about. We walked out of there with a chip and dip bowl, a hand thrown pottery piece and a will to go back asap! Psst. extra bonus: All proceeds benefit patient care programs at Jefferson Hospital so you can feel good about dropping those pennies!
Maido! | 5 E Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003 - Japanese grocery store with an eat-in lunch counter doling out sushi, bento boxes & other food.
Haverford College Nature Trail | 88-2 College Ln, Haverford, PA - Located on the grounds of Haverford College. Go get lost with yourself among the trees
Wynnewood Lanes | 2228 Haverford Rd, Ardmore, PA - Old school bowling spot!
Carlino's Market | 2616 E. County Line Rd, Ardmore, PA - Aisles of everything you need to entertain! Hard to find ingredients, prepared foods, and exotic oils. It is a local favorite for catering.
Ardmore Farmer’s Market | 120 Coulter Ave, Ardmore, PA -. If you’re looking for that rare cut of meat, gourmet cheese or perfectly unblemished produce you can find it here!
Ardmore Music Hall | 23 E. Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA - A fav venue of WXPN, get on the list to not miss the live music, comedy and tribute nights here.
Bryn Mawr
Located in: Radnor Township and Haverford Township in Delaware County, and Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County.
Where are we exactly?
This town takes the trophy for confusing boundaries. Bryn Mawr, the Welsh meaning of “big hill” is spread across three townships that are included in the US Census. However there are 2 other areas of Bryn Mawr that sit in Radnor and Haverford Townships in Delaware County that are not included in the Bryn Mawr census numbers. Confusing? Perhaps it’s easier to understand that this area sits just about in the middle of the Main Line. In fact, that proximity is what made it home to the country escapes of Philadelphia’s wealthiest back in the day. Today its cute main drag doesn’t disappoint with lots of retail therapy, restaurants, and shops to help cross your errands off the list.
Where to visit
ReDecor | 880 and 874 W. Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA - With two storefronts to shop from we shimmied and shook through tables, armoires and outdoor sets. Tap into their IG to stay on top of new items arriving daily.
Lucky Duck Toys | 832 W. Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA - Can’t keep PHG away from a good toy store. All ages will find something to delight. A karaoke microphone may have been purchased on this trip- one will never tell.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute | 824 W. Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr PA - This is not your typical theater! A not-for-profit theater that features new and classic films. Pair a viewing of select classics with a film study workshop.
Gazebo Twilight Concert Series | 9 S. Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA - BYOC (that's a “C” for chair or cocktail, take your pick) and gather around the gazebo for talent booked summer eves. You will need to purchase your tickets in advance. The best bet is to do it directly from their website.
Renaissance Consignment | 848 Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA - There were so many stylish duds in this store that more than one of us left with a big bag piled high with new items for our closet.
Main Line Art Center | 746 Panmure Rd, Haverford, PA - Offering extensive art classes for all ages (kids to adults) as well as summer camp programs. Their mission is to “inspire and engage people of all ages, abilities, and economic means in visual art through education, exhibitions, and experiences.” With almost 60 years of “accessible art programs for artists with disabilities have been a cornerstone of our programming” they are immersed in community partnership.
Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift Shop | 804 County Line Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA - You can’t mention thrifting on the Main Line without someone chiming in about this mecca of treasures! Better set some time aside in this large store so you can navigate the nooks and crannies and take in each and every item.
Lifecycle WomanCare Birth Center | 918 County Line Rd, Bryn Mawr, PA - LWC is a Birth center, gynecological care, lactation services, and education. Although they do not provide abortion services, they support a full range of choices for clients and support reproductive justice.
Wayne
The Hustle and Bustle
Continue along Rt 30 and you will find the bustling downtown of Wayne. You know the magic of Main Line towns by now… cute shops, places to dine and small business for your day to day needs like dry cleaners and hair salons. Wayne felt a bit larger than the previous towns we stopped at and by then our stomachs were grumbling! After a regroup on the library porch, which was incredibly peaceful, we set out to find some lunch that accommodated vegetarians, vegans and meat lovers.
Where to Visit
Radnor Library | 114 W. Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA - It was comforting to be in a library once again. So quiet and a helpful staff waiting to help find what you need. The large patio complete with rocking chairs is a great meeting point on a sunny day!
Teresa’s Cafe | 124 N. Wayne Ave, Wayne, PA - Accommodating a large group at the drop of a hat always wins stars in our book! Matched with a well-rounded menu including salads, pizza and gastro pub fare earns you even more.
Gryphon Café | 105 W Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA - A local establishment! Down-to-earth coffeehouse with organic & gluten-free lunch options and occasional live music.
The Wayne Hotel | An established landmark and award wining hotel that has been reinvented with the style, comfort, and needs of today's traveler in mind. You can also enjoy the scene in their Italian restaurant, Rosalie.
Radnor Trail | 520 Conestoga Rd, Wayne, PA - A former railroad bed that has been converted into a 2.5 mile winding trail. It is fully paved and accessible by wheelchair. There is only one point on the trail with a slight grade, otherwise, it’s ideal for bikes, jogging and wheeling! Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed.
Fenimore Woods | 98 Paul Rd, Wayne PA- Watch the turtles warming in the sun, feed the ducks and walk the trails at Fenimore Woods. Not the slickest park but that is exactly what the locals love about it.
Wayne Art Center | - 413 Maplewood Ave, Wayne, PA- Established in 1931 and still going strong. Along with changing exhibitions, they offer classes for all ages and abilities. They even have culinary workshops that include team building groups and private parties! They also host the Plein Air Festival each spring, attracting artists from around the country.
Lancaster Country Farmers Market | 389 Lancaster Ave, Wayne, PA - An all-year-round marketplace where you can stock up on your grocery items and other goods while supporting local farmers and vendors. There is even an area to grab lunch and take a seat for a few. Open Wed, Fri and Sat (6a-4p).
Chanticleer Garden | 786 Church Rd, Wayne, PA - Pack a picnic and head to the peaceful walkways of Chanticleer Garden. Plan ahead as parking reservations are often required. Admission and hours can be found here.
These are only a few of our favorite spots along the Main Line. Take a day to explore and discover the places you want to add to your list! Visiting comes with a warning: You may fall in love with all the area has to offer. If so, just go with it, pick up the phone and give us a call. We’ll get the home search started and we’ll even help explain the township lines.
