Evansburg State Park: A Forest Oasis

Located just a few miles down the Germantown Pike in the quaint little town of Collegeville, Evansburg State Park is a less-traveled pocket of unspoiled wilderness that has become a favorite for outdoor-loving Pennsylvanians. The most prominent feature of the park is the Skippack Creek, which flows through beautiful valleys and ridges that give the park spectacular scenic views. The park was originally a settlement in the 18th century, and if you look closely around the grounds you can find remnants of mills and other buildings. Parkgoers now go to enjoy trout fishing in the creek, play baseball at one of the park’s four ballfields, or just meander through over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Overnight camping is also available. The park is also home to a popular 18 hole golf course with a par of 71 that is open to the public.

Evansburg State Park
851 Mayhall Road
Collegeville, PA 19426
(610) 409-1150
http://www.yelp.com/biz/evansburg-state-park-collegeville

Miss Riddle’s Candy Shop: Classic Candies and More

For classic candies, there’s no place better than Miss Riddle’s Candy Shop. Located at a beautiful Victorian building on Skippback Pike, Miss Riddle’s is a shop where memories are brought back. Remember that piece of candy that you used to love as a kid? Chance is you’ll find it all at Miss Riddle’s. How about Candy necklaces, whirly pops, pop rocks and Necco wafers? They’re all here! Wax bottled and wax mustaches are also in stock, as well as all of the classic Hershey and Mars products. Become a kid again, and bring your kids with you – they’ll love perusing the cases of candy and having just as hard of a time choosing as you. There are also hand-made chocolates for sale, and come into Miss Riddle’s for some tasty gelato.

Miss Riddle’s Candy Shop
4019 Skippack Pike
Skippack, PA 19474
(484) 991-8135
http://www.yelp.com/biz/miss-riddles-candy-shop-skippack

Now Playing at the Society Hill Playhouse: Cooking with the Calamari Sisters

Phil’s Tavern: A Neighborhood Spot

The sign at Phil’s Tavern says it all: Good Food, Good Drink, Good Times. Located at the corner of Butler and Skippback Pikes in Blue Bell, Phil’s Tavern is the place to meet friends to watch the game or just for an after-work get together. The fully stocked bar has many beers on tap and by the bottle, wine by the glass and terrific mixed drinks. Take a seat and share an appetizer while you watch the game on one of the ten big screen televisions. For lunch and dinner, you’ll need to take your time checking out the enormous menu. And speaking of enormous, wait until you see the large portions! And the prices are right, too. If you’re planning a party, you can have Phil’s cater it for you.

Phil’s Tavern
931 Butler Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422
(215) 643-5664
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-phils-tavern-blue-bell

Green Lane Park: Aquatic Wonderland

Considered to be one of Montgomery County’s best parks, Green Lane Park boasts a spectacular 3,400 acres and three gorgeous lakes for all kinds of recreational activities. Miles of nature trails wend through the property, appropriate for hikers, bikers and horseback riders equally. The Reservoir is zoned for both boating and swimming, and there are boat rentals available at Deep Creek Lake as well. Recreation areas have charcoal grills for public use, picnic tables, and other amenities. In the summer, various community organizations use the park for a number of festivals, including free outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and more. In the winter, there is still plenty to see and do here, as trails open up for cross-country skiing and the lakes form a very thick crust of ice perfect for skating. Pets are welcome if kept on a leash, but it is prohibited to let them into the lakes or creek areas.

Green Lane Park
2144 Snyder Road
Montgomery County, PA 18074
(215) 234-4528
http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-lane-park-montgomery-county

Holiday Events Going on Now in Our Area!

Varner Farms: Treats of the Holiday Season!

Tis the season for pumpkins, apples, cider, and… festive trees! And one of the best spots near ARK by Korman Blue Bell to find a tree to decorate your space for the holidays is Varner Farms in nearby Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Varner Farms's tree harvest began November 23, and continues throughout December. There's a variety of species here, ranging from spruces and pines to firs. Varner Farm is also decorated for the season, so you can enjoy a complimentary cup of cider or hot cocao as you stroll through the bucolic landscape. If you want mementos in addition to a tree, there's an on-site gift shop selling delectable jams, candies, and holiday ornaments. You can even take a wagon ride around the 90 acre property. Whether you're here for a tree or a pleasant day trip, you'll have a memorable time at Varner Farms. Check the website for directions, hours, and more information.

Varner Farms
746 S. Trappe Road
Collegeville PA 19424

Maple Acres Farm

Fresh, in-season produce, local dairy products, eggs, meats, poultry, homemade spreads, preserves and pies – in short, Maple Acres Farm is the place to stock up on super healthy food in a friendly, fun environment right in Plymouth Meeting. Fresh flowers are on hand – buy them already picked or pick your own zinnias from their giant field of flowers. It’s a fun activity to share with the kids, so be sure to bring a camera. A small array of crafts for sale includes bird baths, baskets and yard art. Stop in for special events like autumn hay rides, strawberry picking, a pumpkin festival and monthly farm tours where you get a behind the scenes look at the animals who live on the farm, plus planting, composting and harvesting. Maple Acres Farm is open Mondays through Sundays from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Maple Acres Farm
2656 Narcissa Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
(610) 828-7395 
 

Upper Merion Farmers Market: Farm Fresh Flavors

The local food phenomenon is bringing attention back to America’s small producers, and it’s benefiting everyone. Locally-grown produce is tastier and healthier for you, as well as better for the environment. Pennsylvania has long been one of the East Coast’s most productive farming regions, and a great way to get a sample of the good stuff they make here is at the Upper Merion Farmers Market. Only accepting vendors from within 100 miles of King of Prussia, the market is relatively small – only 20 or so vendors – but all of them are of unilaterally high quality. Some of the most popular include the Great Harvest Bread Company for fresh-baked loaves, Shellbark Hollow Farm for excellent goat cheese, and the fruits and vegetables from Livengood Family Farm. Also sample excellent local mushrooms for just five dollars a bag. There is plenty of parking in the area as well. The market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May through November.

Upper Merion Farmers Market
175 W. Valley Forge Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 265-1071
http://www.yelp.com/biz/upper-merion-farmers-market-king-of-prussia

King of Prussia Mall: Retail Therapy

If you’re looking for a one of the best shopping experiences in Philadelphia, King of Prussia Mall is certain to slake your thirst for retail therapy. The largest shopping mall on the East Coast, it was originally opened in 1963 but after its owners recognized a growing demand for more upscale retail in the area, the 1970s and 1980s saw tremendous expansion in the area, culminating with a complete reconstruction of the mall in the early 1990s to lure high-end stores like Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom. The mall today has over 400 stores and restaurants, anchored by Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, JCPenney and Sears. This place is absolutely huge, so expect to spend a solid day shopping if you want to see everything. One complaint that frequent shoppers have is that parking can be a chore – there are plenty of spots, but when the mall gets crowded you might have to walk a bit from your parking space.

King of Prussia Mall
160 N. Gulph Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
(610) 265-5727
http://www.yelp.com/biz/king-of-prussia-mall-king-of-prussia

Pin It on Pinterest