A tiny gem of a town tucked away from the more prosaic vistas we have become so accustomed to, Skippack Village is the place to consider if you are looking for something out of the ordinary to do on a weekend. Only about half an hour from Eastern, the main street lined with boutiques and classy restaurants is perfect for a casual day of window shopping and lunch.
The buildings, many restored 18th- or 19th-century homes or barns, have a sweet country charm. Americana décor, half-barrel planters filled with pansies, and Vera Bradley bags are everywhere.
In keeping with the native charm, the shopkeepers are friendly. Billie Wanamaker, the manager of the Village Irish Shop, chats amiably in a tiny, one-room display filled with sweaters, t-shirts, hats, and novelty items that display Irish pride. As she explains how the village has grown significantly in the past ten years, patrons peruse Irish fisherman’s sweaters and shamrock shot glasses.
Down the block, the informal Sportsabilia boasts memorabilia and novelty items at prices that won’t break the bank. Everything from t-shirts to hot sauce is labeled with team logos. The Peyton Manning Super Bowl XLI helmet, priced at $750, lies opposite a cooler filled with 75 cent Gatorades.
Several restaurants line the sidewalk, including the picturesque Parc Bistro and Basta Pasta! Italian Café. Lunch and dinner at both restaurants run around $12 before beverages or appetizers. Dinner entrees average $20. It might be considered a pricey outing unless it marks a special occasion.
Settled behind Basta Pasta is the outdoor Cabana Bar, appearing more casual and less expensive than the café. There are also ice cream shops along the way that offer dessert or a quick sandwich and drink.
Hotel Fiesole is an impressive building that offers live music on weekend evenings and a $6 wine and cheese plate while you listen.
A perfect time to head down to the Village would be Oct. 6 and 7, titled “Skippack Days.” The street will be full of artisans and crafters and bustling with tourists.
Skippack Village Route 73, Skippack, Pa.
Information compiled by Amanda Gagnon, Katie Doud and Amanda Kaminsky.