Homefront: Shopping Ambler
When the renovated Ambler Theatre reopened in 2003, it brought a flood of new shops and restaurants to Butler Avenue and Main Street. These days, the once sleepy downtown is a shopping hotspot for those in search of luxury home goods and accessories.
Find style on any scale at Cottages and Castles (215-591-9102). Owner Eileen Kelly fills the 800-square-foot boutique to overflowing with a royal selection of candle sconces, Tracy Porter decorative planters, hand-painted plates, tole lamps, needlepoint pillows and other items with classic country French flair.
True to its name, PS Vintage (215-540-1920), which opened last December, sells period American textiles from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s by the yard, plus retro reproductions and decorative accessories like coasters and memo boards covered in 1950s barkcloth. “I work with anyone looking for vintage fabrics, from redoing ’50s furniture to making Art Deco damask pillows,” says owner Pamela Simón.
Hop over to Cricket (215-643-9190) for fun items like Lolita martini glasses, with drink recipes hand-painted underneath the stems, or boxed Paris bistro appetizer plates that make great hostess gifts. Gardeners will love the animal-shaped watering cans and
colorful Wellies.
Unwind while browsing at Mojave Moon (215-646-1609), where relaxing options include candles (stock up from a vast selection of tapers and pillars) and Cake Enchanted Soaps, which, in flavors like banana and chocolate, smell as good as
they scrub. For the wine lover, there are Oenophilia totes and wine rack bookends.
New this summer is Fine Things Antiques (215-283-0990), where owner Alice Sheerr fills her space—and possibly yours—with antique furniture and accessories from high-end auction houses including Christie’s in New York. Look for nicely worn Fortuny pillows and Scalamandré drapes along with standout sterling silver.
When you’re ready to break for a bite, head to Trax Café (215-591-9777), an American bistro in the old station house where a colorful perennial garden envelops the deck overlooking the tracks. The grilled chicken, brie and hot mustard wrap with sauteed spinach is a house favorite.
