Wednesday, July 31 2024 11:12

Do It Better in Delco

Written by Shannon Montgomery

Delaware County is cooler than you think

Dining Under the Stars. Photo: M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

Delco. Long considered a gritty, blue-collar county by outsiders, the county has seen its reputation changing lately. These days, you might run into Jason Kelce at the Havertown Grille or spot Mark Ruffalo filming his new show Task at the Media courthouse. There’s also talk of a second season of Mare of Easttown. Even Taylor Swift stopped by Delco this spring to spend Easter with the Kelces.

While Delaware County is certainly having its moment in the spotlight, locals will tell you Delco has always been cool — myself included. As someone born and raised there, I can attest that Delco was hip long before celebs and TV crews started arriving.

Here are some local favorite spots that capture the soul of Delco, both old and evolving. These are just a few places we recommend for a visit this summer and beyond.

Good Eats

Rosemary

Look past hoagies and “wooder” ice and you’ll find Delco is a true foodie destination. Locals know Media is the place to be for fine food and drink, especially during Dining Under the Stars.

On Wednesday evenings through September, over two dozen of Media’s restaurants spill out onto State Street for al fresco dining. Taste food from around the globe — Asian fusion at Azie, Mexican at Dos Gringos, Indian at Shere-E-Punjab. Indulge in Fellini Cafe’s decadent pasta dishes, or sample crispy, thin-crust pizzas from sister restaurant Ariano. Choose Brick & Brew’s gastropub fare, rye byob’s seasonal small plates or Two Fourteen’s new American cuisine. With so many options, you’ll want to keep Wednesday dinners open on your calendar all summer long.

The Original Clam Tavern

That said, Delco’s dining scene is thriving beyond Everybody’s Hometown. In Ridley Park, for example, Rosemary opened last summer to a lot of buzz, including from the Inquirer’s food critic, Craig LaBan. Sample their seasonal, locally sourced menu in the main dining room, 12-seat bar, all-weather greenhouse or in the charming garden, and complement your meal with a mocktail or cocktail, like the Rosemary — blanco tequila, blood orange liqueur and grapefruit over crushed ice.

Cafesphere

Or make your way to Clifton Heights for one of Delco’s hidden gems: The Original Clam Tavern. For over 50 years, locals have flocked to this old-school seafood haven — complete with wood paneling and nautical decor — for creamy New England clam chowder, jumbo lump crab cakes, buttery lobster tail and, of course, their signature baked clams. For landlubbers, there’s also chicken and veal, juicy steaks and heaping plates of pasta.

Kung Fu Tea

Thirsty? There’s a coffee shop for every vibe in Delco. Pair your latte with a European-style pastry at Ridley Park’s Ardour Bakery + Coffee, join sleepy college kids at Swarthmore’s Hobbs, or sip fresh-roasted beans from Philly’s Ox Coffee at Cafesphere, the newest of Media’s many cafes.

If you’re looking for something other than your usual cup of joe, then see what all the hype is about with some boba tea. You can find this trendy Taiwanese drink — known for chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom — at Kung Fu Tea and TSAoCAA in Media or S&P Boba Tea in Upper Darby.

Game On!

Anyone who’s ever been to Delaware County — or seen Silver Linings Playbook — knows that sports are a big deal there. But Delco sports are more than just the Phillies and Eagles, though their devotees certainly put the “fan” in “fanatic” (or should I say Phanatic?).

Philadelphia Union

Chester is home to the Philadelphia Union, our Major League Soccer team. Diehard soccer fans have supported the Union since their founding season in 2010, but now the MLS is a hot ticket, especially since superstar Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami last year. Plus, the Union recently made headlines after signing 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan, a Norristown native who became the youngest player in the history of North American pro sports after his debut on July 17 against the New England Revolution.

The Crossbar

This month, the Union plays the Columbus Crew at home on August 24, plus a special Leagues Cup game against Mexico City’s Cruz Azul on August 4. For away games (or if you can’t score tickets), join fellow fans at The Crossbar in Havertown. Owned by soccer-loving brothers, this pub’s got major Ted Lasso vibes, and their shiny mahogany bar is a great place to watch a match with an ice-cold beer and satisfying sandwich — or fish and chips.

Delco is also a great place for golfers and pro golf fans. It’s home to two of the nation’s top golf courses, host to several PGA and USGA championships over their storied histories. Look forward to the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, coinciding with the nation’s semiquincentennial (that’s the 250th anniversary). Plus, Haverford’s Merion Golf Club will host the 2026 U.S. Amateur, as well as the 2030 U.S. Open, for you (very) long-term planners.

Springfield Country Club

While both Aronimink and Merion are private clubs, Delco also has excellent public golf courses to enjoy. In Broomall, Paxon Hollow Country Club has a classically designed 18-hole course, plus a practice range, banquet facility and Anthony’s at Paxon restaurant. Originally a private club, this 90+-year-old course was designed and built during golf’s golden age of architecture and includes many of the design elements found at the area’s exclusive clubs.

Or you can play a round at the Springfield Country Club’s beautifully landscaped course. Then enjoy a meal inside or outside at the lively Tavola Restaurant + Bar. Need more? Unwind with a postgame massage at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa & Salon.

As it turns out, Delco has produced lots of top athletes, including 50 Olympians. Discover their stories at the Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum in the Radnor Township Municipal Building. Don’t miss the statue outside the building of Radnor native Emlen Tunnell, World War II hero and the first African American to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Artsy Vibes

It’s no secret that Delco is the birthplace of some seriously talented people, from Tina Fey to Joan Jett to Andrew Wyeth. So it should come as no surprise that the arts are thriving in Delaware County.

Brandywine Museum of Art. Photo: J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Of course, Delco is home to the Brandywine Museum of Art, housing works by the Wyeth family (N.C., Andrew, Jamie and more) as well as other American artists, set along the picturesque Brandywine Creek.

And Delco has a collection of top-notch art centers as well. Perhaps best known for its Plein Air Festival in the spring, the Wayne Art Center is a cultural hub all year round, offering classes in the visual, performing and culinary arts, and hosting over 20 exhibitions annually. Through August 16, see the “Student Works 2024” exhibition, featuring works in a variety of mediums by the Art Center’s adult students.

Community Art Center

Located in a gorgeous 122-year-old estate, Wallingford’s Community Arts Center hosts classes, workshops and studios for artists of all ages, plus exhibits in their spacious gallery and an artisan gift shop. On August 10, join them for an Alcohol Inks Landscape Paint-Along with visiting artist Theresa O’Neill. And mark your calendar for their Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, September 28 on Swarthmore’s Park Avenue.

The Media Theatre. Photo: R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Plus, the Media Arts Council hosts exhibits and performances, provides public art installations, offers classes and hosts community events.

Hedgerow Theatre Company

For the theater-lovers among us, catch a show at one of Delco’s performing arts venues. At the Media Theatre, see a children’s production of Tuck Everlasting, August 2 to 11, and a concert by John D. Smitherman with full orchestra and special guests on August 17 and 18. Celebrating over 100 years, the Hedgerow Theatre Company in Rose Valley presents a modern reimagining of A Midsummer Night’s Dream through August 11. You can also see Shakespeare’s original version at the Players Club of Swarthmore, August 16 to 24, to compare and contrast the approaches.

Rose Tree Summer Music Festival

Since the days when David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen graced Upper Darby’s Tower Theater, Delco has been a great place for live music. You’ll find musicians performing at bars and restaurants across the county and, in summer months, at Rose Tree Park in Upper Providence. A beloved tradition of over four decades, the Rose Tree Summer Festival’s free concerts in the outdoor amphitheater continue through August 11. Upcoming performances include the Merion Concert Band, Reggae Thunder and Jamison Celtic Rock.

118 North

For more, visit Wayne’s 118 North for innovative cuisine, cocktails and brews paired with excellent musical talent. This month, see tributes to Santana, Tom Petty and the Grateful Dead, special Happy Hour and Dinner Sessions, and much more.

Or catch a show at Jamey’s House of Music in Lansdowne, a self-described “American livehouse” — a small live music club concept that originated in Japan. This intimate, 60-seat venue inside a historic bank building hosts rock, jazz, blues, folk concerts and more, plus a Conshohocken Brewing Co. taproom and restaurant that fittingly serves Asian-inspired American fare.

 

From new arrivals to longtime faves, there’s lots to do and see in Delaware County. Spend some time in Delco before summer draws to a close — you just might find our eastern neighbor is cooler than you think.

To keep up to date with what’s happening in Delco, check County Lines’ event coverage — in print, online and in our twice-a-month newsletter. For more, VisitDelcoPA.com.


You may already know that Delaware County used to be part of Chester County, but did you know …

  • Sir Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr

    The Delaware River (and its namesake county) was named after Sir Thomas West, aka Lord De La Warr, the first governor of the English Virginia colony. He’s also believed to be a descendant of the real-life Robin Hood.

  • Delaware County is Pennsylvania’s oldest settled area. Under Swedish rule, Tinicum Island was settled by Governor Johan Printz in 1643.
  • Before there was William Penn, there was Henry Hudson. He was Delco’s first explorer in 1609, followed by Swedish, Dutch and English pioneers.
  • Morton Homestead

    One of Pennsylvania’s oldest buildings is in Prospect Park. A testament to the craftmanship of Swedish settlers, the Morton Homestead invites visitors to step back in time and relive the past.

  • When Swedish and Finnish settlers refused to sell their property in Chester and Delaware Counties, Penn was forced to look northwest to Philadelphia to expand his land holdings.
  • While Philly surged skyward with its iconic buildings, neighboring Delaware County retained its picturesque rural charm well into the 20th century.
  • By the mid-19th century, however, the advent of railways sparked the development of vibrant town centers around commuter stations. This unique blend of agricultural roots and booming business hubs shaped Delco into the diverse community we know and love today.
  • As of the 2020 census, Delco’s population was 576,830, making it the fifth-most populous county in the state at that time, despite being the third-smallest in area. Small but mighty!

Now that you know a little Delco history, here are some geographical facts to impress your friends:

  • Illustration of Media’s public buildings from History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania (1862)

    Spread over 184 square miles, Delaware County is made up of 49 municipalities, with only one city: Chester.

  • It also contains the lowest point in the whole state, located in Marcus Hook on the Delaware River.
  • Delco is the only county to border both Delaware and New Jersey. It’s also just one of four counties in the U.S. to border a state of the same name.
  • John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

    Delaware County is home to two protected areas: the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Tinicum and Ridley Creek State Park. These conservation areas enrich the community, providing serene retreats and preserving local wildlife and ecosystems.