Learning to Live in Wayne

As a born and bred Philadelphian, moving to the suburbs for college was a strange experiment. I was worried about finding places to go and things to do that could match the variety of my home city. While Wayne is not quite the bustling metropolis that Philly is, it certainly did not disappoint my hopes for activities. In the following piece, I have compiled my favorite places to eat, study, explore or have fun with friends!

One of my first goals was finding a good study spot. Luckily, Wayne boasts several coffee shops and cafes that are perfect for an afternoon of reading, writing and sipping. The top contenders are the Gryphon Cafe–where some of our esteemed Waltonian staff happen to work–and Mad Anthony’s. Both within easy walking distance from campus, about fifteen to twenty minutes, both spots have yummy food and good drinks. The Gryphon has more seating, but tends to be busier, so headphones might be needed to really lock in on homework. My go-to order is a large cafe au lait with oat milk, and a scone of the barista’s choice. Mad Anthony’s, located at the Wayne train station, is less crowded, but the wifi tends to be a bit spotty, so it’s a good place for analog work, reading for pleasure or catching up with friends. The paninis are a perfect lunch choice and the seasonal drinks are unique and delicious!

There are several other food options that Wayne has to offer, catering to a variety of tastes. Minella’s Diner and The Great American Pub are havens for classic American cuisine. My personal favorite at The Great American is the Reuben sandwich with fries and lemonade. If you’re craving Mexican food, look no further than El Limon and Buena Vista. The steak enchiladas at El Limon are to die for, and the rojas sauce will absolutely change your life. Prepare to be dazzled by Buena Vista’s authentic menu and bright interior, with nachos that made my move-in day exceptionally memorable. 

But a college student does, in fact, need more than just good food to make these four years interesting. Beyond the taste buds, Wayne has several fun activities and places to visit. There is a Color Me Mine on Lancaster Ave, The Alley Door thrift shop and the Radnor Library. One of my favorite activities in the fall is walking around the residential areas, looking at Halloween decorations and admiring the foliage. The park right next to campus, accessible by walking past Kea-Guffin onto a little path along a pond, is a great spot for a picnic or nature walk. 

Wayne’s crowning achievement, in this English Major’s eyes, is Main Point Books. They have an incredible selection of books, from fiction to cookbooks, poetry to children’s stories and classics to history. The people inside are always friendly and inviting, willing to help you find whatever book you’re looking for. It is a well-organized, aesthetically pleasing space that any book lover is sure to enjoy. 

If you want to branch out a bit from Wayne, there are a few choice places on the Main Line worth exploring. Cup of Dreams cafe in Paoli is a comfy space with tons of pastries, coffee and bubble tea, as well as a stack of board games available for customers. Char and Stave is a great workspace in Ardmore for those who lean more towards the specialty coffee world. The King of Prussia mall is a short fifteen minute drive from campus, with plenty of shops to explore. I highly recommend Lolli and Pops, a candy store in KOP that feels like something out of Willy Wonka’s imagination. Valley Forge National Historical park is a twenty minute drive from campus. It is a lovely historical site with plenty of wide open fields to walk around and picnic areas to relax in. 

Of course, I think the best activity to do in Wayne is walk down to the St. Davids train station, hop a train heading for Center City, and explore Philadelphia. There are plenty of museums, parks, restaurants and more to explore. But if the city is too daunting for you, I hope this article has helped encourage you to explore the town of Wayne and the surrounding area that Eastern University calls home.