But there's nothing to do around here!
I'm a senior and I've been experiencing the towns surrounding Arcadia for a few years now. I'll be the first to admit that our towns don't feel like an adventure. We're near Philly, but we're not in an area with a nightlife like Temple or Drexel. However, I've learned in my time here that Glenside and Keswick have their own hidden gems and whether you're a freshman or a senior, there are a few places and events you may want to check out before you graduate.
1. Anne's Kitchen Table
Anne's is a little family owned restaurant by the train station, on Wesley Ave. It's open between 9 and 4 Mondays through Thursdays, but stays open later on Fridays and Saturdays. I'm a big advocate of the ham and apple sandwich, but all of their food is delicious. The restaurant is small and even has outdoor seating for the nicer days. Plus, they'll deliver to Arcadia if you order enough food!
2. Game Junkie
It's like a Gamestop, but with a much more welcoming feel. To make it better, they're right by the train station so you don't have to drive to get there! Every wall is covered in games and they have old consoles to play on. The guys at the counter love to talk to you about any and all things nerdy. Plus, like a Gamestop, they don't just sell old games. I recently pre-ordered the newest Pokemon game there (I went with Moon, if you're wondering).
3. Festivals
Not everyone goes to them, but I sincerely feel that they're always really worth it. There's art festivals in Glenside and Keswick in the Fall and Spring, which always have local businesses and restaurants supporting them. Independent artists and small businesses set up vending booths along the streets of the towns and people walk through. I've enjoyed going to them for various reasons--looking at art, trying new foods, and (now that I'm 21) sampling different drinks--and each festival features different vendors.
4. Dreams
If you haven't been to Dreams Ice Cream Factory, you're definitely missing out. The two best things about them? Everyone is so friendly and they deliver. I've never had a bad experience with the staff of Dreams. The owners are kind and funny and the people they hire always have an upbeat attitude. They're often at Arcadia events, too, and talk about how much they love us. When they first opened, I had a long conversation with the owners where they expressed an interest in making Glenside a community more accessible to Arcadia. One way they're doing that is through coming to the school and with their delivery services. You can give them a call and they deliver your ice cream right to Oak or campus.
5. Weldon Soda Fountain
Yes, I'm putting another ice cream shop on the list. The Soda Fountain is across the street from the Keswick Tavern. It's styled after the old fashioned ice cream shops you might see in movies. The ice cream is delicious and they have the best cookie cones. They also have old fashioned malt milkshakes and penny candy displays. The aesthetic is just great and you can sit and eat what you ordered there. Sometimes, after dinner at KT, I'll go there with friends for dessert.
6. The Keswick Tavern
It seems lik everyone you ask will tell you to go to KT if you're looking for good wings, a drink, or somewhere to take your family when they visit. Barely anyone even says Keswick Tavern, we all just seem to inherently know what KT is. They have different deals every night and Tuesday is Wing Night. For $13, you can get all you can eat wings. And for those of us over 21, they have great deals on drinks almost every night of the week.
7. Humpty's Dumplings
I envy the people who never had to know a time at Arcadia without this place. Located in Keswick, Humpty's has some of the best dumplings I've ever had. I'm partial to the cheesesteak and apple pie ones, myself. I believe it was my sophomore year when they came into my life, in the form of a food truck at Arcadia. Now, I seek them out at Arcadia events, festivals, and go to their storefront in Keswick.
8. Queen Sushi
Queen is another Arcadia student staple. Queen is a Chinese and Japanese restaurant that delivers to Arcadia. My freshman year, everyone ate at Queen probably once a week until our bank accounts wanted to cry. My first time eating sushi was in Oak Summit and we had ordered it from Queen. I could happily survive solely on their fried rice if it was biologically probable. If you ever have the time, go to the restaurant, too. Their sushi plates are beautifully crafted and a lot of people seem to forget that you can eat there.
9. Michael's Diner
You'll get mixed opinions on Michael's, but I personally will miss eating here immensely when my time at Arcadia is over. I've had so many meals here, from midnight milkshake runs to tired breakfasts with friends. I love the staff here, they've always been kind and friendly to my friends and me. Personally, I love breakfast food, and they make a fantastic breakfast sandwich and one of my favorite Eggs Benedict. Even if you're not huge on breakfast, they have great milkshakes and fries.
10. The Keswick Theatre
Someone once told me they don't count the theatre as somewhere to go because it seemed somewhere that old people might go. I told them I disagreed. In my time here, multiple relevant people and groups have come through the area and performed at the theater. Most recently, William Shatner visited and even went to Elcy's cafe at the train station. Keep an eye out for cool events in Keswick!
11. Honorable Mentions
Here are a few great places that I would recommend checking out at well: Penny's Flower Shop, The Keswick Virtual Reality, The Keswick Diner, Elcy's Cafe, Lily of the Valley Cupcakery, and Produce Junction. Many of the things I listed cost money, but just window shopping at the cute stores or hanging out in the parks is a great way to spend time with friends in Glenside and Keswick. Enjoy the time you have left in the area, guys. College is made greater by utilizing the towns around you.
