We’ve always loved Media, a suburb in Delaware County, and now we love it even more. PHG agents Kate Kyle and Patrick Hatfield grew up in “Everybody’s Hometown” and we couldn’t resist appointing them as our tour guides for a team trip around the neighborhood.
Urban Suburban
It was clear when we hit the streets, this was a different kind of suburban town. “Urban Suburban” if you will. State Street, the central drag of Media, looks as though it has been lifted from a New England main street or from a small town in the Midwest. However, hearing the clang of the trolley and strolling past the array of top-notch restaurants and shops, you quickly realize that this is a happening place just outside of Philadelphia.
There are a few ways to easily travel to Media. The SEPTA train pulls into the station just off State Street and the trolley (Route 101) takes you from Media directly to the 69th Street Transport Center. From Philly, it takes about 30 mins on public transit and 40 minutes by car, thanks to it’s close proximity to I-476. As a high-schooler with an ear for female singer songwriters (fun fact), Patrick and friends took advantage of the close by Philly nightlife. They would hop on the trolley and make their way to their concert venue of choice. Riding in style!
Voted one of the coolest suburbs by Apartment Therapy, Media was formed in 1848 as a planned community, with a hub at the center. As the county seat of Delaware County, it has held onto its roots and original vision, offering residents an extremely walk-able town and and green spaces nearby. Delaware County Courthouse, Glen Providence Park, shops, restaurants, and even schools are an easy stroll away. Bustling on a Tuesday afternoon when we visited, it’s clear that the people who live here take pride in shopping and supporting local.
Kate fondly recalls sleeping over a friends house that was just off State Street when she was younger. They would don their teenage outfits, styled just so, and head down to peer into the jewelry shop windows and stop in at Woolworth's. Today, Deals Variety fills that fix of 10 cent candy and other essential odds and ends from the very spot where Woolworth’s used to stand. Classic buildings provide homes to businesses along State Street and nearby: Beautiful Victorian homes have been converted to house commercial offices for lawyers, accountants, and the like; The historic Media Armory now houses Trader Joe’s, complete with a cute outdoor seating area; and the old town Post Office built around 1915 is now home to Spasso’s Italian Grill.
Strolling, Shopping and Dining
Food is a central focus to the downtown. Patrick pointed out his favorite spot, House, where comfort food warms the soul. Shere- E- Punjab offers delectable Indian dishes (gluten free and vegan options too). A few years ago Kate and her husband held their Sangeet ceremony before their wedding in the party room! Both of our Media hometowners have sweet memories of Towne House, a restaurant and event venue that offered popcorn in the lobby. It’s currently under renovations and new ownership, complete with courtyard dining and 5 bars! Residents are anxiously awaiting Media’s Towne House opening in Fall 2020. If you’re looking to cook at home, visit the farmers market on Sundays for local produce and wares. Personally, we can’t wait to come back next summer for Dining Under the Stars, a weekly event where the streets are blocked to cars and it’s all about dining and strolling.
Although Covid restrictions have canceled the big crowd attractions such as the Arts & Crafts Festival, Super Sunday, Summer Concerts in Glen Providence Park, and the Halloween Parade, Media has stayed true to it’s hometown spirit with virtual events and socially-distanced alternatives. Check out Stoneleigh Garden where you can get your hands dirty and garden together, or learn virtual tips to keep it green. Media Arts Council has an online music series and other events. Glen Providence Park has socially distanced walks and bird watching. Don’t forget the beloved Fall Pumpkinland at Linvillia orchards for family fun.
Another favorite pastime is strolling and shopping down State Street. Pop into Earth and State and browse the a fantastic selection of artistic gifts from near and far. Kuta offers Fair Trade jewelry and clothing for women and kids. Wonderfully curated Silver Moon Studio Antiques features unique objects, jewelry, and vintage-inspired clothing. There are many more shops in the community to explore and find your special treasures in. Check out our Exploring Media map for a full list.
Fair Trade Community
Media’s slogan is “Everybody’s Hometown,” but another catchphrase represents this suburb’s values. In 2006, resident Hal Taussig had a vision to embrace Fair Trade in local Media businesses, government buildings, and schools. Meeting the criteria outlined by the British Fairtrade Foundation, Media became “America’s First Fair Trade Town”. Certified products are used at local cafes, sold at many of the businesses around town, and are present in schools and buildings such as the sprawling county courthouse. As part of the honor and designation of being a Fair Trade town, awareness events are held at various times throughout the year. It has even inspired other towns and cities to follow suit.
We had a lovely day exploring Media, home to residents who say hello when passing by, and a true local town with a thriving commercial district. If you’re looking for a family-friendly suburb with green spaces and great schools, or need the convenience of a city nearby, Media is a beautiful spot. Philly Home Girls would love to show you around and tour new and historic homes together. Of course, we will start or end (how about both?) the day by grabbing a fair trade coffee at our favorite local cafe. Looking for tips on other places outside Philly?
With its current moniker of Philadelphia’s “Little Italy”, Bella Vista prides itself on celebrating the best of Italian history and culture. In recent years, the neighborhood has become even more diverse, with growing Vietnamese and Mexican immigrant populations. The history of Bella Vista is vast, and one of the neighborhood’s modern highlights is the availability of different cuisine options.