Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

The counties outside of Philadelphia have grown into destinations distinct from the nearby city thanks to thoughtful development and preservation of the towns’ assets without compromising the integrity of the towns’ important history and friendly atmosphere. The small cities that make up Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties each offer a distinct experience and together create an area packed with restaurants, nightlife, shops, attractions, museums, history, art, theaters, gardens and much more.

Bucks County:
The northernmost county, Bucks County is not only a scenic destination full of rolling hills, blue water vistas and sweeping fields of lavender—it’s also famous

NEW HOPE
New Hope, Pennsylvania, the popular riverside artist colony recently named as one of the “Top 25 Art Destinations in the Country” by American Style Magazine, offers eclectic charm comfortably offset by casual sophistication. Peppered with bed & breakfasts, galleries, historical attractions, restaurants and nightlife along Main Street and beyond, New Hope is as enchanting now to the diverse crowds that peruse its streets—from bikers to the GLBT crowd—as it was to so many eminent figures of yesterday. Here are some of the many ways to spend a day or a weekend in town:

Things To Do:

• New

WEST CHESTER
Chester County’s seat of government is a tree-lined and welcoming city where a stately historic courthouse dominates the skyline; West Chester University students populate the shops, bars and noodle houses; and the popularity of the skateboarding culture (plus the presence of hometown celebrity prankster Bam Margera) draws enthusiasts from all over the country. Here are a few suggestions for spending time in West Chester:

Things To Do:

• Chester County Historical Society – An award-winning History Center, workshops and walking tours tell the American story from a local perspective, and the Cultural Center houses a performing arts venue

MEDIA
Self-designated as the first fair trade town in the country, Media is also the last suburban town in the nation to run a trolley through its downtown. Residents call Media “Everybody’s Hometown” because the town’s friendliness welcomes all visitors. Brick sidewalks and tree-shaded streets encourage walking to the centrally located shopping district. Here are some suggestions for a trip to the town:

Things To Do:

• The Media Theatre – Housed in an old vaudeville theater, The Media Theatre stages a full season of mainstream Broadway musicals, children’s programming and more. 104 E. State Street, (610) 891-0100, mediatheatre.org
• Pennsylvania

AMBLER
Residents describe Ambler as a town where even visitors feel a sense of place. It’s a “real town” where locals and out-of-towners join together to enjoy professional theater and independent film, to admire art displayed in the storefront of a refurbished Art Deco building and to partake in a movie and progressive dinner through three restaurants the first Thursday of each month. A look at how to spend a day or a weekend in Ambler:

Things To Do:

• Act II Playhouse – For more than a decade, the Act II Playhouse has put on award-winning shows in its

The towns of the Philadelphia countryside are serious about food, and that means great eating on any budget. Chic lounges, elegant restaurants and casual pubs in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties provide a sophisticated day or evening on the town that’s just a short drive from Center City Philadelphia. And when the weather is favorable, foodies can enjoy the fresh air, as many of the region’s restaurants include outdoor seating. Here are just a few suggestions for high-, moderate- and low-priced dining:

Money-Is-No-Object Options ($40 per person and up):

• A bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) establishment set in a charming West

Southeastern Pennsylvania is continuing to emerge as a major force in the nation’s wine industry. As wineries usher in major changes that promise to significantly enhance their visitors’ experience, Pennsylvania wines as a whole are continuing to make steady gains in quality, quantity and recognition. Over the past eight years, the number of the state’s wineries has doubled, increasing from around 60 in 2000 to 120 today. And, by winning top awards at the prestigious San Francisco and Los Angeles County Fair Competitions and international critics’ tasting challenges, Pennsylvania vintners have proven they can craft worthy wines.

The

Much Ado About Arboretums
In part because the Quakers who settled in Pennsylvania were meticulous about identifying and cataloguing the forms of natural life they discovered here, the Philadelphia region is internationally recognized for its wealth of arboretums. Chestnut Hill’s Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania breaks ground this fall for a new Horticulture Center. The first new major building at the arboretum in 100 years, the 33,000-square-foot center will boast a large indoor assembly space. This project will be Penn’s first newly constructed “green” building, with plans to achieve Platinum Level LEED™ Certification. Also this fall, the arboretum’s

Bed and breakfasts have been popular in the towns of the Philadelphia countryside since George Washington first trekked to Valley Forge. With more than 100 area B&Bs from which to choose, all conveniently located close to top area attractions, restaurants and nightlife, the region’s tradition of personalized hospitality offers a world of options.

Bucks County:

• Doylestown Inn – Just steps from quaint downtown Doylestown, this elegant inn has welcomed local celebs, including Pearl S. Buck and Oscar Hammerstein. Free off-site continental breakfast, high-speed Internet and concierge service are among the amenities. Ask about the fireplace suites. 18 W. State

For more than a century, Philadelphia’s suburbs have been home to some of the nation’s most elegantly appointed men and women of style. While the traditional shops and book traders still thrive along the Main Streets, they now convivially co-exist with lively and contemporary boutiques that outfit discerning shoppers of all ages and tastes. And it’s along these quaint Main Streets that visitors can stroll at a slower pace and linger in owner-operated boutiques until they find just what they’re looking for.

Couture and Accessories:

• The cute Ashley & Whitney clothing and home accessories store is owned by two