(2 thumbs up) Add A Thumbs Up
- |
- (1)
- Comments
Category: Misc.
.jpg)
Philadelphia's Main Line: Villanova and Rosemont's Gothic College Campuses, Ice Cream, and Nightlife
There is nothing like the Philadelphia Main Line colleges in spring. Their Gothic architecture and richly landscaped campuses make them a great place to visit, just a train ride, or short car trip from Philadelphia. It is the rare suburban region in Greater Philadelphia that can be enjoyed, without a car. That having been said, you will be able to see more of the sights if you do bring your car. Accordingly, I'd strongly recommend driving there, particularly if you're coming on the weekend, when the campus lots are far less full.
Villanova Church
Villanova University - Library-Falvey
800 East Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085
The title just refers to the library’s specific location – go see the entire campus. Villanova University sprawls over 222 gorgeous acres. Best of all, if you are taking the train, it has the R5 Villanova train station literally built into the center of the campus. In addition, it has two Route 100 trolley stops on the south end of the campus.
You can take the formal tour, but self-guided tours work just as well. The Gothic architecture, is stunning. In particular, seek out Corr Hall, the twin-spired church that you see in the photo, and the buildings on West Campus. Plus, go up to a high floor at Falvey Library and look through the picture windows. If you go around one floor, you can see the campus from all directions. It’s best to go at sunset, when you can see the orange-streaked lights of the waning day behind the Gothic buildings. It’s really something to behold.
For lunch or a snack, make sure you go to the Connelly Center. For a very reasonable price, they have outstanding grilled chicken sandwiches and fries, and at Holy Grounds Coffee (get it?) they have terrific muffins. I’d recommend the chocolate on chocolate muffin and the banana chocolate chip, but they’re all good.
On the eastern part of the campus, check out the Pavilion and Jake Nevin Field House, the current and former homes of the powerhouse Wildcats basketball team.
The title just refers to the library’s specific location – go see the entire campus. Villanova University sprawls over 222 gorgeous acres. Best of all, if you are taking the train, it has the R5 Villanova train station literally built into the center of the campus. In addition, it has two Route 100 trolley stops on the south end of the campus.
You can take the formal tour, but self-guided tours work just as well. The Gothic architecture, is stunning. In particular, seek out Corr Hall, the twin-spired church that you see in the photo, and the buildings on West Campus. Plus, go up to a high floor at Falvey Library and look through the picture windows. If you go around one floor, you can see the campus from all directions. It’s best to go at sunset, when you can see the orange-streaked lights of the waning day behind the Gothic buildings. It’s really something to behold.
For lunch or a snack, make sure you go to the Connelly Center. For a very reasonable price, they have outstanding grilled chicken sandwiches and fries, and at Holy Grounds Coffee (get it?) they have terrific muffins. I’d recommend the chocolate on chocolate muffin and the banana chocolate chip, but they’re all good.
On the eastern part of the campus, check out the Pavilion and Jake Nevin Field House, the current and former homes of the powerhouse Wildcats basketball team.
Hope's Cookies in Rosemont.
Hope’s Cookies in Rosemont, a short walk from the Rosemont train station. There is also parking on the street.
Hope's Country Fresh Cookies
1125 East Lancaster Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Although it has a Bryn Mawr mailing address, it’s in Rosemont, geographically, near Rosemont College and the Rosemont train station.
The food is incredible.
The cookies – especially the chocolate chip and those studded with M&Ms – are awesome. Their milkshakes also are among the finest in the Western world. A distinction at Hope’s is that the milkshakes are so large that they don’t fit in the standard cup – so they give you the spillover in a small plastic cup, similar to that used for ketchup or other condiments. It’s a must-stop for cookies and/or ice cream.
Although it has a Bryn Mawr mailing address, it’s in Rosemont, geographically, near Rosemont College and the Rosemont train station.
The food is incredible.
The cookies – especially the chocolate chip and those studded with M&Ms – are awesome. Their milkshakes also are among the finest in the Western world. A distinction at Hope’s is that the milkshakes are so large that they don’t fit in the standard cup – so they give you the spillover in a small plastic cup, similar to that used for ketchup or other condiments. It’s a must-stop for cookies and/or ice cream.
Kelly’s
Kelly's Pub
1107 E Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Kelly’s is a former dive pub that went into hiatus for several years. However, in recent years it was revived and converted into a highly respectable, modern bar and restaurant with great food and atmosphere. When the Wildcats have a big game on the road (or if you can’t get tickets), this is the place to be for the raucous atmosphere and many large-screen TVs to catch all of the hoops. And it’s a lot of fun even when the Wildcats aren’t playing.
Kelly’s is a former dive pub that went into hiatus for several years. However, in recent years it was revived and converted into a highly respectable, modern bar and restaurant with great food and atmosphere. When the Wildcats have a big game on the road (or if you can’t get tickets), this is the place to be for the raucous atmosphere and many large-screen TVs to catch all of the hoops. And it’s a lot of fun even when the Wildcats aren’t playing.
Lancaster Avenue, location of Villanova University, Hope's, and Kelly's
Villanova’s campus is bisected by Route 30 West (Lancaster Avenue), which will take you directly to Villanova, Hope’s, and Kelly’s. Rosemont College is on Montgomery Avenue, which is just north of Lancaster and runs parallel to it. From the Blue Route (I-476) just go to Exit 13 “Villanova/St. Davids”, and follow the ramp to the right, where there will be a sign saying “Villanova” and “Rosemont” with an arrow pointing right.
Rosemont College
One of Rosemont’s most beautiful buildings.
Rosemont College
1400 Montgomery Avenue Rosemont, PA 19010
Originally, Villanova was only open to male students, with next-door Rosemont as its “sister school”, only open to female students. Although Villanova went co-educational decades ago, Rosemont has remained women-only and thrived. Within walking distance of Villanova’s campus, its Gothic architecture and natural beauty are just as breathtaking.
SEPTA R5 (i.e., "Main Line") Villanova Regional Rail Station
275 N. Spring Mill Road Villanova, PA 19085
This sits in the dead center of Villanova’s campus, taking you directly from all Center City train stations right to the school in about 30 minutes or so.
Sign for Rosemont Station
Coming west from Philadelphia on the R5, Rosemont is the station just prior to Villanova. You can walk from one to the other, but it’s a long walk. The Rosemont Station is just north of Route 30, a stone’s throw from Hope’s.
Brought to you by Guidespot.com
Copyright 2008 - Local Matters Inc.
.jpg "Philadelphia-Based Guides, And Others Which Mention Philadelphia Attractions")
.jpg "Guide to the Main Line")
.jpg "The Top Four Nightclubs in Scottsdale, and then Some!")
.jpg "Getting Drunk When You Can’t Afford a Cab to Old City: Tacony Edition")
.jpg "Denver Girls: A Field Guide")
.jpg "University of Richmond Survival Guide")
.jpg "libertyplace")
.jpg "A Guide to Historic Philadelphia - For the Visitor Who Has Only A Day")
.jpg "The Broad Street Subway: The Phillies and Post-Game Revelry (Forget the Car!)")
.jpg)
