Stepping off the R5 train at the Bryn Mawr station places you a little more than a block away from the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and Milkboy Coffee, the perfect escape from a rainy day with film screenings and hot chocolate or lattes – as long as an umbrella made the trip with you. What became a soggy adventure for three unprepared students, who were caught in a downpour, would be a pleasant stroll on a mild day.
Located on Lancaster Avenue, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute has the appearance of a classic theater, with film names spelled out in white block letters on the overhang. Before passing through the glass doors into the sunlit lobby, posters advertising (500) Days of Summer and Julie and Julia – the movies currently being played – were displayed to the left and right.
A colorful poster with swirling letters announced an upcoming film: Taking Woodstock: A Generation Began in His Backyard, Inspired by a True Story.
Another obscure film was advertised on the opposite wall: Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg: An Aviva Kempner Film. On this particular afternoon, there was a 4 p.m. screening of (500) Days of Summer, and a white board standing in the lobby announced that a film discussion would be held directly following the screening.
Attached to the corner of the Film Institute is a small café called Milkboy Coffee, with all the dim lighting, comfy couches and unique artwork one would expect. You can even buy t-shirts printed with a Milkboy Coffee logo.
According to the young woman behind the counter, the café offers a 10 percent discount to anyone who presents a student identification card. Another 10 percent can be taken off the purchase of a drink if you present your movie ticket from the film institute. In this case, one could sit down with a medium hot chocolate for about $2.
Awarded “Best Open Mic of 2007,” Milkboy Coffee hosts an open mic night every Wednesday at 7 p.m. It also holds the Socrates Café, an event where people can come and discuss the latest philosophical ideas over drinks and treats, every third Monday from 7 to 9 p.m.
Being situated on Route 30 has its perks: The Milkboy Coffee is surrounded by shops and businesses, including Piccadilly, a re-sale clothing store, and Amkor Karate where recreational fencing sessions are held Saturday mornings. Take the time to explore, just don’t forget to check the weather before you go.
Bryn Mawr Film Institute
General Admission: $9.50
Member Admission: $5.00
Students with ID, Seniors (65+), children under 18: $6.75
Matinees (before 5:00 p.m.): $6.75
BrynMawrFilm.org
Theater hotline: 610-527-9898
Milkboy Coffee
www.milkboycoffee.com
610-527-0690