18 Reasons We Love Bryn Mawr

by Carole Felton Shore

From Lancaster Ave. to Bryn Mawr Ave. to Rosemont Square, Bryn Mawr is where hip and artsy meet sophistication, all of it grounded in local history. 

“The town is always incorporating new ideas, sensibilities and trends,” said Hank Wilson, president of the Bryn Mawr Civic Association and Bryn Mawr Beautiful, which maintains the town’s seasonal plants and flowers. He also owns Creative Way Needlepoint located in the heart of the town. “This influx of new ideas and progress enhances the heart of the town — families who have lived here for generations. When people come here, they see it’s special.”

Ready to plan a day trip to Bryn Mawr? Here are our top picks for the arts, dining and shopping. 

Dining

The Pullman is one of Bryn Mawr’s newest restaurants. Housed in the Bryn Mawr train station, it is a swank update to Tango, a longtime local favorite. Celebrating its first anniversary, Fiore Rosso is located in the former (and much loved) Tredici Enoteca. Award-winning chef Marc Vetri’s Italian steakhouse is open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday and specializes in pasta and other Italian dishes. 

Avalon Bistro offers new age French-Italian, and a unique brunch selection on Sundays. Looking for European fusion? Head to The Choice. Greek classics are available at Lourdas, and Ekta has a menu full of Indian culinary favorites. Arrowroot Farmacy & Cafe is dietary restriction-friendly, with gluten-free and vegan options.

And for something sweet, check out The Bakery House. They’ve been making delicious treats for 33 years. Owner Sandy Stauffer said whether they bake a cupcake or multi-tiered wedding cake, they “take enormous pride in everything they bake.” 

The Arts

Music fills the air throughout the summer at Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts held at the Bryn Mawr Gazebo near Ludington Library. Co-produced by Rising Sun Presents and Lower Merion Twp. Parks And Recreation, the concerts start at 6 pm and are open to the public. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show. Bring a lawn chair and some pals!  

Ava Grabar and Rose Weathers, seniors at Harriton High School, started Singer Songwriters of the Main Line three years ago. They reach out to high schoolers in the area who have written and produced original songs for spring and fall concerts held at Gazebo Park. Donations are requested and subsequently fully transferred to WXPN Musicians on Call, which perform bedside at area hospitals.

Wolf Performing Arts Center keeps musical performances going all year, showcasing younger community members’ talent. Performances of Jungle Jamboree, Seussical, and 12th Night are on tap for the fall. 

Every week, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church hosts concerts featuring talented musicians who play the bell system. Known as Carillonneurs, they come to the church from around the world. Concerts start at 7 pm. Check the website for the full schedule. 

Shopping

One of favorite hidden gems: The Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift Shop. Furniture, clothes, housewares; this shop has something for everyone. You can find great finds here! The shop is run by the Bryn Mawr Hospital Women’s Board and all proceeds benefit the hospital.

Rachelle is another great store that stocks gently-used clothes. This upscale consigment store has name-brand clothing, shoes and accessories that are perfect for any fashionista’s closet.

Redecor also has consignment and gently-used pieces … of furniture. The options are almost endless and new inventory is stocked all the time. Looking for that perfect piece for your home? Look here.

The family-owned and operated, century-old Camera Shop has expanded from selling camera gear and equipment to signage, graphics, scanning and restoration services. 

Clover Market and the weekly Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Farmers’ Market feature local artisans, farmers and merchants who bring the world to Bryn Mawr through their baking, crafts and produce. 

You won’t want to miss Grove 1.2.1, an award-winning boutique that focuses on personal styling. If you want a wide variety of offerings, Skirt is perfect for you with diverse labels and styles. And for all the hottest, young and fresh styles made for all ages, take a stop by Kindred Collective. 

Carole Felton Shore is the creator of Bryn Mawr Night. She sits on the board of the Bryn Mawr Business Association. 

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