Explore Summer at Home

Summer is one of my favorite times of year, and I love all things we do do right here in our own backgroud. From farmers markets to outdoor concerts to scenic walking trails to patio dining, there are countless ways to enjoy the season close to home.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon, a family outing, or a new local favorite, here are a few places worth exploring this summer.

Summer Concerts

Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts — Bryn Mawr

Free outdoor concerts on summer evenings in the heart of Bryn Mawr. Bring a lawn chair, meet friends, and enjoy live music in a relaxed community setting.

Live Music at Suburban Square — Ardmore

Enjoy outdoor performances while shopping, dining, or grabbing ice cream. A fun way to spend a summer evening without traveling far.

Merion Concert Band — Various Lower Merion Locations

A local tradition featuring free performances of marches, patriotic favorites, Broadway tunes, and popular classics throughout the summer.

Parks & Walking Trails

Saunders Woods Preserve — Gladwyne

A peaceful nature preserve with wooded trails, streams, and native plants. It's hard to believe you're still in Lower Merion.

Cynwyd Heritage Trail — Bala Cynwyd

A favorite for walking, biking, and strollers. Continue across the Manayunk Bridge for beautiful views of the Schuylkill River.

Haverford College Nature Trail — Haverford

A quiet trail winding through meadows and woodlands on Haverford College's picturesque campus.

Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden — Villanova

One of the Main Line's hidden gems. Explore native gardens, walking paths, and seasonal blooms on this former estate.

Al Fresco Dining

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a meal outdoors. Whether you're meeting friends for lunch, grabbing coffee, or enjoying dinner on a patio, the Main Line offers plenty of options. Local favorites:

The Landing Kitchen — Bala Cynwyd

Waterside dining overlooking the Schuylkill River with plenty of outdoor seating.

Ripplewood Whiskey & Craft — Ardmore

A neighborhood favorite with a welcoming patio and great burger menu.

DanDan — Ardmore

Creative Sichuan and Taiwanese dishes with outdoor seating in the heart of Ardmore.

Ryan Christopher's — Narberth

A cozy Narberth staple known for its outdoor dining and neighborhood atmosphere.

Worth the Drive

Terrain Café — Devon

Beautiful garden-inspired setting that's especially lovely in summer.

Talula's Garden — Philadelphia

One of Philadelphia's most charming outdoor dining experiences.

Farmers Markets

One of my favorite summer traditions is visiting our local farmers markets. Beyond fresh produce, you'll often find flowers, baked goods, coffee, honey, and foods you won't see at a grocery store.

Bala Cynwyd Farmers Market

Wednesdays • 3:00–6:00 PM

Narberth Farmers Market

Thursdays • 3:00–7:00 PM

Bryn Mawr Farmers Market

Saturdays • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Spotlight on Narberth

One of my favorite things about Narberth is that it still feels like a true small town. You can park once, stroll Haverford Avenue, grab a coffee, browse a few shops, and spend an afternoon exploring.

Shops

Character Development Books & Toys — A beloved independent children's bookstore and toy store that's become a community institution.

Narberth Bookshop — A thoughtfully curated independent bookstore for adults and avid readers.

Sweet Mabel — One of the most distinctive shops on the Main Line, featuring local art, handmade gifts, pottery, jewelry, and Philadelphia-themed items.

The Cave Antique and Vintage — A treasure hunt for vintage finds and unique home décor.

Food & Drink

The Cheese Company — Perfect for gourmet cheese, sandwiches, and picnic supplies.

Cup Of Gold Coffee & Tea Company — A charming neighborhood coffee and tea shop with locally roasted coffee, loose-leaf teas, spices, and gifts.

GET Cafe — A community-focused café with great coffee and a mission of inclusion.

Yiasou Greek Market and Cafe — A fun stop for pastries, coffee, and specialty Greek foods.

Sweet Trading Company — Handcrafted chocolates, candy, and treats that are especially popular around holidays.

Summer Treats

No Main Line summer guide would be complete without ice cream.

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams — Ardmore/Narberth

Creative flavors and consistently long lines on warm evenings.

Lu & Aug's — Ardmore

Soft-serve ice cream made locally with seasonal flavors.

The Landing Kitchen — Bala Cynwyd

Grab a cone and enjoy a walk along the river trail.

Van Leeuwen Ice Cream — Ardmore

Known for rich, classic flavors and a growing local following.

Worth the Drive

• C&C Creamery — Philadelphia

• Handel's Ice Cream — Berwyn

• Chester Springs Creamery at Milky Way Farm — Chester Springs

Lessons & Activities

Ice Skating

Stay cool all summer long with camps, clinics, and group lessons at the Philadelphia Skating Club & Humane Society in Ardmore. Programs are available for beginners through advanced skaters.

Sports, Arts & Enrichment Programs

One resource many residents overlook is Lower Merion Parks & Recreation. The township offers year-round programming for children and adults, including basketball, pickleball, soccer, tennis, yoga, chess, art classes, STEM programs, science workshops, and much more.

Summer doesn't have to mean a big trip or a packed itinerary. Some of the best experiences are right here in Lower Merion and along the Main Line. Whether you're discovering a new walking trail, enjoying a concert under the stars, or picking up fresh produce at a local market, I hope this guide helps you enjoy everything our community has to offer this season.