Is Ardmore basically Fishtown? | Inquirer Lower Merion
Welcome to the first edition of our weekly newsletter.
Hello, Lower Merion! 👋
Welcome to the first edition of our weekly newsletter, rounding up what’s happening in your community, from restaurant openings and things to do to the latest news out of your local government and school district. We’re happy to have you here.
First, a heads up to keep a close eye on the roads this morning with the potential for slippery conditions. The Lower Merion School District has already announced a two-hour delay, but be sure to check the school’s website for updates.
Meanwhile this week, we dive into just how similar Ardmore is to Fishtown, look at a fight playing out over Lower Merion’s zoning rules, and explore some of the best spots to thrift.
As we start this journey together, we’ll want your feedback. Are we missing something? Should we add a section? What community events or groups should we keep an eye on? You can tell us by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.
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Is Ardmore the Fishtown of the Main Line? Between its food options (think kimchi jjigae at Bam Bam Kitchen or a posh steak from DePaul’s Table where Saquon Barkley recently paid a visit) and its shops that range from Suburban Square’s West Elm to bargains at the Junior League Thrift Shop, food and dining reporter Jenn Ladd argues it’s the Main Line equivalent to Philly’s buzziest neighborhood.
To hear some describe it, Ardmore has a “gritty side” with “more variety” that makes it stand apart from other parts of Lower Merion.
“You have this mix of hipsters and people that want to move into Ardmore to have the walkability to public transit, to shopping, dining, schools, parks, you name it,” said Main Line realtor Erica Deuschle.
Dive into a guide on Ardmore’s highlights here.
💡 Community News
The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court will soon decide whether Lower Merion has the authority to limit where guns are sold, and the ruling could have implications for the power of local governments across Pennsylvania.
Lower Merion’s notorious 2010 “WebcamGate” scandal is coming to a TV near you this spring. Mark Wahlberg is executive producing “Spy High,” which follows Harriton High student Blake Robbins after he was accused of selling drugs based on a photo secretly captured by a school-issued laptop.
The Righters Ferry to Pencoyd Landing trail project and the Penn Wynne Library community reading garden are each getting $100,000 as part of new grant funding intended to improve our “greenways, trails, and recreation, and projects to mitigate flooding.”
Did you catch it? Bucks County’s Sabrina Carpenter gave us a shoutout while accepting her Grammy for best pop vocal album on Sunday, thanking her mom “for driving me to every voice lesson in Bala Cynwyd.”
William A. Graham IV, of Gladwyne, award-winning businessman, philanthropist, and former co-owner of The Inquirer, has died of complications from pneumonia at Bryn Mawr Hospital at the age of 83.
Bob Hart, the longtime township manager in East Norriton, will be Montgomery County’s new controller.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Snow and ice in the forecast Thursday morning has forced a two-hour delay for Lower Merion School District, but be sure to check the district’s website for any further updates.
Some schools in our area are giving kids and teachers a delayed opening the Monday after the Super Bowl, but Lower Merion isn’t one of them.
As Lower Merion parents press for inclusive playgrounds at its six elementary schools, officials say renovations could carry a “hefty cost.”
Amid President Donald Trump’s threat to pull funding from K-12 schools over DEI and gender policies, counsel for the LMSD says the school’s “current policies are not inconsistent with the recent executive order.”
🍽️ On our Plate
Date night on the brain? Bryn Mawr’s newest Italian spot, Carina Sorella, has been highlighted in our recent roundup of seven great Italian restaurants in the Philly suburbs.
John Henry’s Pub of Ardmore is closing, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page: “Jim and Kathy will be retiring from the bar/restaurant business after 39 years. We would like to thank our customers who supported all of our family businesses on Cricket Ave since 1976!”
🍽️ Things to Do
🛍️ Thrift: John Romani, the owner of Sales by Helen, shares the best secondhand shops on the Main Line.
🎤 Shake it Off - Taylor Night: A Taylor Swift dance party. // ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 8, 8:30 p.m. 💵 $15-35 (plus fees) 📍 Ardmore Music Hall
🌾 Bark, Berries, and Boughs Garden Tour: A winter garden walking tour with Stoneleigh staff. Registration is required. // ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m.-noon 💵 $10 for members, $15 for non-members📍Stoneleigh: A Natural Garden
🏮 Lunar New Year at Suburban Square: Join the Philadelphia Suns lion dance group as they kick off a parade through the Square to help ring in the new year. // ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.📍Begins at Ardmore Farmer’s Market
🦅 Watch the Super Bowl: If you don’t feel like heading out to a bar or venturing into the city, check out our guide on where to order last-minute party trays and platters — (hello, Maido!) — before the Eagles take on the Chiefs Sunday. // ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m.
🏡 On the Market
Looking to get away? This $1,150,000 home, designed by architect Robert McElroy, features four bedrooms, four bathrooms (two full, two half) and sits nestled among trees beside Mill Creek. It also boasts an open floor plan, high ceilings, and an outdoor balcony.
Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com.
📈 Lower Merion market report
Median listing price: $925,400 (up $55,400 from November) 📈
Median sold price: $759,000 (down $10,500 from November) 📉
Median days on the market: 70 (up 19 days from November) 📈
This Lower Merion market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for December from realtor.com.
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