Feature Article |
Main Street Shopping: West Chester
This quiet, historic town has movie-set appeal and gets a steady dose of fresh energy thanks to its local university
By Ashley Primis, Editor
OFF THE RETAIL PATH
Grab a burger (turkey or beef) and fries at Buddy’s Burgers, Breasts and Fries (11 West Gay Street, 484-631-1006, buddysbbf.com) to refuel before heading to Chester County’s other nearby gems, like the 1,050 acres of manicured greenery at Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, longwoodgardens.org) and cellar tours and tastings at pretty Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, chaddsford.com).
Grab a burger (turkey or beef) and fries at Buddy’s Burgers, Breasts and Fries (11 West Gay Street, 484-631-1006, buddysbbf.com) to refuel before heading to Chester County’s other nearby gems, like the 1,050 acres of manicured greenery at Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, longwoodgardens.org) and cellar tours and tastings at pretty Chaddsford Winery (632 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, chaddsford.com).
Grandiflora
Gourmet teas, locally made bracelets, breezy Pine Cone Hill PJs, handmade greeting cards, keepsake baby gifts and bath products are just a few of the items in this tranquil gift shop, where you’ll want to buy all the goodies … for yourself. 122 East Gay Street, 610-918-4880, grandifloragifts.com.
Malena’s Vintage Boutique
The treasures in this store (’50s cocktail dresses, ’20s beaded handbags, Gucci, Dior) keep colorful customers coming back, and have vintage naysayers in shock: Pieces are chosen with trends in mind, so a visit feels less like dumpster-diving and more like wardrobe-amping. 145 West Gay Street, 610-738-9952, malenasboutique.com.
Fairman’s Skate, Snow & Surf
This skateboard shop opened in 1977 — which gives it street cred and has created a loyal community of skating, boarding and surfing heads to boot. It’s also the place to outfit your little surfer dude — or dudette — in-the-making with fly threads (Volcom, Billabong) and gear. 43 West Gay Street, 610-344-9959, fairmans.com.
Nich
We love affordable stores that don’t have the words Old and Forever in their names. That’s why we adore Nich, where guys can indulge in denim and button-downs, and ladies in colorful cardigans and standout, but never bank-breaking, dresses. 29 South High Street, 610-436-8181, shopnich.com.
Plain Jane
The bright walls, buzz-worthy lines like Fresh and Buddha Nose, and in-store events at this beauty/everything store are miles from cold department-store cosmetics counters. And the adorable owner helps you find the perfect products and shades. 128 East Gay Street, 610-918-0230, plainjaneboutique.com.
Blink
Tiny, apparel-stuffed Blink may be girly, but its mix of casually classic brands (French Connection, Susana Monaco) with lesser-known designers (Jenny Han) gives it weight. Bonus: Blink only orders six of any one piece — reducing the chances of bumping into someone in your outfit. 136 West Gay Street, 610-431-2212, shopblink.com.
Gourmet teas, locally made bracelets, breezy Pine Cone Hill PJs, handmade greeting cards, keepsake baby gifts and bath products are just a few of the items in this tranquil gift shop, where you’ll want to buy all the goodies … for yourself. 122 East Gay Street, 610-918-4880, grandifloragifts.com.
Malena’s Vintage Boutique
The treasures in this store (’50s cocktail dresses, ’20s beaded handbags, Gucci, Dior) keep colorful customers coming back, and have vintage naysayers in shock: Pieces are chosen with trends in mind, so a visit feels less like dumpster-diving and more like wardrobe-amping. 145 West Gay Street, 610-738-9952, malenasboutique.com.
Fairman’s Skate, Snow & Surf
This skateboard shop opened in 1977 — which gives it street cred and has created a loyal community of skating, boarding and surfing heads to boot. It’s also the place to outfit your little surfer dude — or dudette — in-the-making with fly threads (Volcom, Billabong) and gear. 43 West Gay Street, 610-344-9959, fairmans.com.
Nich
We love affordable stores that don’t have the words Old and Forever in their names. That’s why we adore Nich, where guys can indulge in denim and button-downs, and ladies in colorful cardigans and standout, but never bank-breaking, dresses. 29 South High Street, 610-436-8181, shopnich.com.
Plain Jane
The bright walls, buzz-worthy lines like Fresh and Buddha Nose, and in-store events at this beauty/everything store are miles from cold department-store cosmetics counters. And the adorable owner helps you find the perfect products and shades. 128 East Gay Street, 610-918-0230, plainjaneboutique.com.
Blink
Tiny, apparel-stuffed Blink may be girly, but its mix of casually classic brands (French Connection, Susana Monaco) with lesser-known designers (Jenny Han) gives it weight. Bonus: Blink only orders six of any one piece — reducing the chances of bumping into someone in your outfit. 136 West Gay Street, 610-431-2212, shopblink.com.
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