10 spots to hike in and around Media | Inquirer Greater Media
Plus, how a dialect coach helped the cast of ‘Task’ perfect the region’s distinctive accents.
Hi, Greater Media! 👋
The air is getting crisp and the leaves are just starting to change, making it the perfect time to get outside. We’ve rounded up 10 spots for hikes and nature walks in the area. Also this week, Task’s voice coach shares how she captures the region’s distinctive accents, an emergency order is causing delays for Regional Rail riders, and Wawa is now tied with Sheetz in a new ranking.
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As the leaves begin to change and the weather cools, it’s the perfect time to hit the trails, do a little leaf peeping, and reconnect with the outdoors. Luckily, you don’t have to head to the Pocono mountains thanks to a number of local preserves, arboretums, and parks.
We’ve rounded up 10 spots for hikes and nature walks in and around Media, whether you’re looking for a stroller-friendly paved path or a rigorous half-day trek through the woods.
Here’s our guide to hikes in and around the region.
💡 Community News
The Federal Railroad Administration has ordered SEPTA to perform emergency inspections of its 225 Silverliner IV Regional Rail cars following five recent fires. Removing the 50-year-old cars from service has caused delays, overcrowding, and cancellations for commuters this week.
Sunday’s episode of Task, the fifth in the seven-episode HBO mini-series, took the drama to other reaches of Pennsylvania, including the Poconos. But before the cast ventured north, one Delco location was spotted. Check out our updated map of filming locations here.
If you’ve been watching Task, you know that many of its cast members have leaned into the region’s distinctive accents. To ensure each character captured the idiosyncrasies, show runner Brad Ingelsby tapped the same Yardley-based dialect coach that worked with him on Mare of Easttown. She’s interviewed about 100 people to capture the quirks and eccentricities that make the regional sounds so unique.
Wawa has lost its top spot among convenience chains, according to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index’s Convenience Store Study. The beloved local chain is now tied at No. 2 with its cross-state rival, Sheetz. Kwik Trip has taken the No. 1 ranking.
Coffee cart Common Grounds opened in the Delaware County Government Center’s lobby in Media yesterday. It’s operated by nonprofit ANEWAY for Purpose, which provides employment to neurodiverse adults. It serves hot, iced, and decaf coffee, tea, bottled drinks, as well as pastries and bags of candy.
Main Line Health is considering building an urgent care facility in Riddle Hospital’s parking lot, spurred by an influx of patients following Crozer-Chester Medical Center’s closure earlier this year. Main Line Health’s CEO also said the health system does not plan to bid on the shuttered hospital, which is going up for auction soon. Crozer’s parent company, Prospect Medical Holdings Inc., last week said it wants to “abandon” the center as well as Springfield Hospital unless local authorities agree to its property tax demands. (Philadelphia Business Journal)
In case you missed it, a new independent bookstore opened in the heart of Swarthmore over the weekend. Celia Bookshop has roughly 8,000 books, will host various events, and aims to be a community gathering space.
Missed the first Delco Downhill Derby late last month? The Inquirer’s Stephanie Farr captured video of the creative carts that cruised Edgmont Street in Media.
Media is kicking off its curbside leaf collections next week based on your current trash collection dates. Nether Providence Township’s curbside leaf collection also begins next week, based on ward. You can see your schedule here. And Middletown Township has announced its curbside leaf collection plan, which starts the week of Oct. 27 and will be made weekly through Dec. 12. Learn more here.
Think you have the coolest Halloween display in the neighborhood? The Nether Providence Township Police Department is hosting a Halloween display contest and will award first, second, and third place prizes. Judging begins Oct. 20 and you just need to submit your home to be considered. Learn more here.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Tomorrow is picture day at Nether Providence Elementary School, and next week, Wallingford-Swarthmore School District is hosting spirit week in the lead-up to homecoming.
Tomorrow is “Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day” at Media Elementary School. The Rose Tree Media School District is hosting its Festival of Bands on Saturday. PSATs will take place on Wednesday, with altered schedules for certain students. See the district’s full calendar here.
Good news for swimmers: Springton Lake Middle School’s pool will open to members starting Monday from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Memberships are $250 for families, $185 for adults, $50 for students, and $35 for seniors.
🍽️ On our Plate
Popular chain Iron Hill Brewery has officially filed for bankruptcy after abruptly closing all its restaurants, including one in Media, at the end of September. Iron Hill owes more than $20 million to creditors and has about $125,000 in the bank, according to recent documents.
White Dog Cafe in Glen Mills is hosting a “Ghouls Night Out” event next Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m., complete with candy cocktails and tarot card readings. Tickets are not required, but readings are on a first-come, first-served basis and cost $25 for a 10-minute session.
🎳 Things to Do
🍺 Craft Beer Fest Fundraiser: This fundraiser for Middletown Free Library includes seasonal craft brews, local wines, games, food, live music, and more. ⏰ Thursday, Oct. 9, 6-9 p.m. 💵 $60 📍 Roosevelt Community Center, Media
🔥 Fire Pit Fridays: Roast s’mores over a fire pit at this community event. Hot chocolate will be available to purchase. ⏰ Friday, Oct. 10, 6-8 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Rocky Run YMCA, Media
🐕 Bark in the Park: This dog-friendly 5K and one-mile walk benefits Providence Animal Center. After, there will be a fall festival with food trucks, music, vendors, and pet-friendly activities. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 💵 $30-$45 for the run/walk 📍 Rose Tree Park, Media
🍦 Nether Providence Family Fun Day: Shop handmade goods from local vendors, jump on a moon bounce, explore police and fire vehicles, check out the petting zoo, and grab a snack at this event. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 11, noon-3 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Strath Haven Middle School upper parking lot, Wallingford
😂 Delco Improv Company: As part of Delco Arts Week, ComedySportz Philadelphia will perform unscripted comedy live. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 11, 7:30-9 p.m. 💵 $20 📍 Park Avenue Community Center, Swarthmore
🖼️ Community Arts Center Fall Festival: This inaugural festival will feature fine arts and crafts, demonstrations, music, and food trucks. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 Community Arts Center, Wallingford
🌕 Fly Me to the Moon: Hedgerow Theatre’s 2025-26 season kicks off with this show by Irish playwright Marie Jones that hilariously explores what happens when regular people are tempted with extraordinary opportunities. ⏰ Wednesday, Oct. 15-Sunday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. 💵 $20-$35 📍 Hedgerow Theatre Company, Rose Valley
🍫 Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat: St. John Chrysostom Church is hosting this family friendly event for those looking for lower-sensory experiences. It also includes face painting, crafts, and games. RSVPs are requested. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 19, 4-6 p.m. 💵 Free 📍 St. John Chrysostom Church, Wallingford
🏡 On the Market
Built in 1927, this architecturally distinct five-bedroom home in Swarthmore has a living room, a reading nook, and an open-concept family room with space for dining and several spots for lounging, including by a gas fireplace. The adjacent kitchen has cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, plus a walk-in pantry. There are three bedrooms on the second floor, including the primary suite with its own window-lined sitting room and walk-in closet, and two additional bedrooms on the third floor. Other features include a deck with a pergola and awning, a stone patio, and a fenced yard.
See more photos of the listing here.
Price: $750,000 | Size: 2,777 SF | Acreage: 0.23
📈 Greater Media market report
Median listing price: $699,999 (up $22,549 from August) 📈
Median sold price: $570,000 (down $115,500 from August) 📉
Median days on the market: 28 (down 10 days from August) 📉
Median listing price: $469,000 (down $56,000 from August) 📉
Median sold price: $440,000 (down $28,000 from August) 📉
Median days on the market: 22 (down 45 days from August) 📉
Median listing price: $590,000 (up $215,100 from August) 📈
Median sold price: $490,000 (down $142,500 from August) 📉
Median days on the market: 26 (down 18 days from August) 📉
This Greater Media market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for September from realtor.com.
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