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Ever since I got my Senior Fare Card that allows me to use all public transportation for FREE, I've been taking advantage of it. However, I don't ever use it on our buses or subways because I walk everywhere in this city. I use the card primarily to ride the Septa Regional Railway whenever I want a complete change of scenery. And I'm so grateful for that card because it saves me a shitload of money on train ticket fares. 

Over the upcoming months, I will highlight different places that I visit and share them on my blog once a month. There are so many beautiful areas in the state of Pennsylvania. Over the past 21 years, I feel that I've shared all I can when it comes to Philadelphia; therefore, I want to start sharing what's outside the city limits. 

I also want to say that in a future post, I'll express how my feelings have changed about city living. 

But in the meantime, allow me to give you a tour of one of my favorite spots outside of Philly.

 Ardmore, PA-

By train, it only takes a mere 22-minutes to get to Ardmore. Over the years I've been to Ardmore, but only a handful of times, and mainly for work-related things. But it's always been a place that I enjoyed visiting because it has a really cool "urban suburban feel." It's got a lot of nice pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Ardmore is a mix of privately-owned independent businesses, and corporate businesses. I've often thought that if I ever moved out of Philadelphia, I could definitely live in Ardmore because I wouldn't need a car; it's totally walkable. 

Ardmore is also very friendly. People actually say, "Hello", when they walk past you. I once had a woman walk past me on the street; smile, and say , "Hi...good morning!" And it took me completely by surprise, because no one does that here in Philadelphia. Here, people don't even look at you, let alone smile, or speak. That is, unless it is to say, "Yo bro, I hope the Eagles (pronounced "ig-gles") win this year!"

So, without further ado, allow me to introduce you to the charming town of Ardmore.

*note: with the exception of one photograph, I found all of these online.

Enjoy...


Some of the homes in Ardmore...


Downtown Ardmore...





These final photographs are Suburban Square, which is a faaaaaaaabulous mingling, shopping and eatery square, with so many choices. And Suburban Square is literally right next to the train station, so all you have to do is walk a few steps, and you're there. 

Like their website says, 

"Suburban Square is a modern oasis filled with activities to help you revitalize, relax, and recharge."

And, yes, it truly is!





*my only picture...



This is one of the restaurants in Suburban Square called, Not Your Average Joe's. I love the look of it...


Photos of the interior...

*the menu is diverse and looks delicious!

Oh, and one last thing! Look what I discovered while strolling through Suburban Square... a TRADER JOE'S and a FARMERS MARKET. And they were right next to each other!

As soon as I spotted the Trader Joe's, I thought, "Yup...I could definitely live here!"

 Hope you enjoyed my tour of Ardmore.

Have a spectacular rest of your week, folks!
💗

28 comments:

  1. Well...hello, hello dear Ron!! I was thinking you had taken a break from blogging. Oh how I'd love to be there, walking with you. Such fabulous places to see, places to go, places to dine. I like friendly too ...it's kinda a culture shock. We had that experience moving from Denver area to Tucson...everyone was so courteous (even drivers) in Tucson. And then, same here in Texas...they respect elders (there is always a rotten apple,no matter where) and I love the amenities of a larger city and yet a down-home atmosphere. Great photos & I look forward to more.

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  2. Hellooooooooooo, dear Anni!

    No, I wasn't taking a break, I just had a busy work week last week. I worked extra hours to cover someone who called out TWICE!

    Doesn't Ardmore look fabulous? And I love that it's walkable.

    " I like friendly too ...it's kinda a culture shock. We had that experience moving from Denver area to Tucson...everyone was so courteous (even drivers) in Tucson. And then, same here in Texas...they respect elders (there is always a rotten apple,no matter where) and I love the amenities of a larger city and yet a down-home atmosphere."

    That's AWESOME! And yes, I so hear you about being a culture shock because whenever I travel outside the Philadelphia city limits, people seem to be so much more friendly. And they make eye-contact with you. Like you said, there is always a rotten apple no matter where. But when you live somewhere (like the city of Philadelphia), where the majority of people have no consciousness of anyone else around them, you forget how nice and considerate people can be.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy your week!

    X

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  3. Oh Ron, just from the photographs you shared, I can tell that I would LOVE Ardmore!

    " it has a really cool "urban suburban feel." That's my kind of living. I like a place that offers the amenities of a city, but has a small town, friendly feeling.

    Suburban Square looks gorgeous! And I checked out the menu at "Not Your Average Joe's" and you're right, so diverse and yummy. I laughed at your mention of having a Trader Joe's nearby because I'm the same. I don't think I could live without a Trader Joe's. LOL!

    Looking forward to your future posts, Ron. I like enjoy being introduced to places I've never been. It's like traveling without traveling! xo

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  4. Morning, Candice!

    " I like a place that offers the amenities of a city, but has a small town, friendly feeling."


    Me as well. And that's one of the draws to Ardmore. I like that I can get there quickly; not need a car; and can walk everywhere. Also, that's it friendly. And it's sooooooooo clean!

    "I checked out the menu at "Not Your Average Joe's" and you're right, so diverse and yummy."

    Isn't the menu scrumptious? And there is something for everyone's palette.

    HA! My sentiments exactly about Trader Joe's!!! Having one close by is MANDATORY. LOL!!!

    Now that I have my FREE Senior Travel Fare, I'm planning to visit various places outside of the city. My next post will have more of my own photographs.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Have a great rest of your week!

    X

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  5. Ron, is that a Kate Spade store I see in Suburban Square?!?! I have two Kate Spade bags (pink and black), and I also used to wear her fragrance. She was such a talented designer. Miss her!

    Not only Suburban Square, but Ardmore looks like such GREAT town. And I can see why it's one of your favorites. I'm so happy you have your Senior Fare Card, so that you can get away from the city when you desire. That's how I felt when I lived in NY. I liked that I lived outside the city, but could get there (via train) whenever I wanted. It's like having the best of both worlds.

    I can't wait to see more of your posts on various travel spots. And how could anyone live without a Trader Joe's? LOL!

    Have a great week, Ron! Happy to see your post today! XO

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  6. Hola Denise!

    OMG, I know...I was so sad to hear about Kate Spade. And you're right, she was SUCH a talented designer. And had her own unique STYLE! And everything she designed looked so bright and happy!

    "I'm so happy you have your Senior Fare Card, so that you can get away from the city when you desire. That's how I felt when I lived in NY. I liked that I lived outside the city, but could get there (via train) whenever I wanted. It's like having the best of both worlds."

    Meeeeeeeeeeeee too! I'm so grateful that PA offers senior travel cards because it's saves so much money, and allows you to travel wherever and whenever you want! I'm feeling the desire to spend more time outside the city. Philly is not in a good space right now.

    You said it....how could anyone live without having a Trader Joe's nearby? I certainly couldn't. LOL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Have a most excellent day and rest of your week!

    X

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  7. Ooops. forgot to mention in my first comment about "Only Murders in the Building." Are you watching season 2? It's so good!!!!

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  8. Yes, Denise I am. And OMG...you're right...it's SO good! In fact, I just watched episode 7 last night. I checked to see how many episodes there are in season 2, and apparently there are TEN. Can't wait to see the rest!

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  9. Ron, this looks like a great place to live -- so many things to see and do! I, too, like the looks of that restaurant, especially the upstairs terrace for outdoor eating. And the building with all the mosaic on it looks wonderful. I really love Suburban Square, with that fabulous water fountain (you KNOW how much I love water fountains!!) surrounded by all those cute stores.


    Thank you for introducing me to another part of your state. I don't think I've ever been to Pennsylvania, so this new series of yours is going to capture my attention. Have a wonderful rest of your week, and stay cool in all the heat (and humidity!) we're sending you. xx

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  10. Hello there, Debbie!

    Doesn't it? And what's very attractive to me is that it's totally walkable. Anything you need is within walking distance. I am seriously considering a relocation. In fact, I looked at three different apartments in the past two months.

    Isn't that restaurant fabulous-looking? The upstairs terrace is just the coolest! Me too, love that mosaic. Yup, I do know how much you love fountains. Me too! And not only the look of them, but the relaxing sound they make.

    After 21 years, I feel as though I've shared all I can about Philadelphia. It's time to share different areas of surrounding area. Pennsylvania is such a beautiful state, particularly the areas closer to nature.

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. OMG, I know...the heat here has been pretty intense. Although, we got a break for a few days last week, yet tomorrow it's supposed to rise into the HIGH 90's. YIKES!

    Stay cool!

    X

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  11. Yo, Ron. I’ve been reading your posts and have enjoyed. I can’t wait until I become a senior citizen. I want all the discounts. As always your pictures are beautiful. Stay well.

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  12. Hey there, Val, GREAT to see your comment!

    Here in Philly, when you turn 65, you can sign up for a Senior Fare Card that you can renew every four years. Also, the card allows you to travel on New Jersey Transit for 1/2 off, which is AWESOME!

    I found out about the card from someone I used to work with, or I wouldn't have even known about it.

    What a great perk to being a SENIOR, hu?

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you're enjoying a fantastic summer. I know how much you love it!

    X

    P.S. Listen, are you still blogging? If you are, leave me the link so I can add your feed to my reader.

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  13. Ron, those home are gorgeous! And each one has a completely different charm. I can see why you like Ardmore, it's really cool! You and I seem to be in the same headspace when it comes to city living. Over the past several years, I found myself desiring a different king of energy. A little more laid back, chilled, and people-friendly. I enjoy the convenience of city living, but I'm tired of so many things that come with city life. I'm curious to read your upcoming post on your feelings.

    Love that mural on the wall. And those photos of the pubs/restaurants almost looks like the towns in Europe. Suburban Square looks like a place I would enjoy hanging out. Beautiful fountain!

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  14. Hey there, Daniel!

    Aren't those homes gorgeous? I was in Ardmore about two weeks ago and walked to one of their parks. And along the way, I spotted so many charming homes. And I like that they were all older homes. I love old architecture because it has such a historical feel.

    Yes, you and I are definitely in the same headspace when it comes to city living. Like you, my whole outlook on city life has changed. More and more, I find myself wanting to spend my days off outside of the city. I've been visiting different places in surrounding area of Philadelphia and checking them out. So far, Ardmore is my favorite. It's got everything I need within walking distance, and close enough to the city if I need to get here. Plus, my Senior Fare Card allows me to travel for FREE!!!!

    *doing the happy dance*

    You're right, downtown Ardmore does resemble towns in Europe!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Have a most excellent rest of your week!

    X

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  15. Thanks, Ron, for the tour of Ardmore which is a town I never visited despite the fact that I attended college in Philly. Now, I can see what I missed 😕 It is great that the free senior fare card enables you to travel outside the city. There is a senior discount, also free, card here in Nashua but it doesn’t go very far outside the city and is only for bus travel, as there are no train lines (sigh).

    While we enjoy living in a city where we can walk downtown, admittedly, it does not have a small town feel as the photos you showed of Ardmore. It looks like the type of place you could happily relocate too, especially with one of your favorite store, Trader Joe’s, being there.

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  16. Good morning, D!

    Isn't Ardmore, lovely? I've been spending a lot of my time off there, and also other areas out that way.

    I feel so lucky to have this free Senior Fare Card, and that it includes train transportation. It also includes using the New Jersey Transit for 1/2 price! One of the great things about the state of PA is that it generously support their seniors, which is so nice.

    "While we enjoy living in a city where we can walk downtown, admittedly, it does not have a small town feel as the photos you showed of Ardmore. "


    Wow, I'm surprised to hear that about Nashua because from the photos you've shared, it looks like it has a wonderful small town feel. As you know, city living has it's pluses and minuses. I love the convenience of walking everywhere and not needing a car, but I've been feeling the desire to live somewhere outside Center City. I'm longing for more peace and quiet. Philadelphia has drastically changed over the past 5 years. And not for the better.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Hope it's not too hot there. We've been experiencing a lot of humidity and heat. I can't wait for FALL! :)

    X

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  17. Ron, I love all the outside sitting areas in Suburban Square. It's so inviting! I can see WHY you like Ardmore, charming indeed! Everything seems so convenient and walkable. Do you think you might move there?

    I chuckled at your passion for Trader Joe's. I feel the same. I also shop at Whole Foods, but Trader Joe's has better prices.

    Hope you're having a good weekend!

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  18. Hi Clair!

    I know, aren't the outside sitting areas faaaaaaaabulous? And they are so well-kept. That's the main draw for me about Ardmore, the walkability. Yes, I am seriously investigating my options for possibly moving there. Over the past few months, I've looked at three different apartments.

    "I chuckled at your passion for Trader Joe's. I feel the same. I also shop at Whole Foods, but Trader Joe's has better prices."


    I agree! Trader Joe's prices are WAAAAAAAAAAY better than Whole Foods. I will occasionally shop Whole Foods for thing like specific essential oils, but I don't shop there for food.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, Clair. Hope you're having a good weekend too!

    X

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  19. Ron, the photo you shared of the mosaic is awesome! Dude, I can see why you like Ardmore, it's looks really cool. That first shot of the lights under the bridge is stellar. I visited Ireland several years ago and the photograph of McCloskey's Foor & Spirits resembles many of the pubs in there.

    Glad to hear that you're enjoying your FREE public transportation pass. I think it's great that PA offers that to seniors. More states should do that.

    Hey, is it hot in Philly? We're having such a heat/humidity wave here. I can't wait for summer to be over

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  20. Hiya Matt!

    Isn't that shot from under the bridge fantastic? I wish I had taken it. I found it online. I actually walk under that bridge whenever I'm in Ardmore to get to the train station.

    "I visited Ireland several years ago and the photograph of McCloskey's Food & Spirits resembles many of the pubs in there."

    That's interesting to here. I've never been inside the pub, but from the outside it sure looks like an Irish pub!

    Isn't it great that PA offers a Senior Fare Card? And I am soooooooooooo enjoying it. I plan on doing more traveling once Fall starts rolling in, so that I can capture the color change on the trees.

    OMG, it's been so freaking hot AND humid here. Last night when I walked home from work, I was dripping in sweat. Can't wait for AUTUMN!!

    Thanks for stopping by, Matt. Hope you're enjoying a great weekend!

    X

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  21. Hi Ron! Sorry for the late comment, but we just got back from vacation. I’ll be posting about it later this week. But omg, I can’t believe how upscale Ardmore looks! It’s like a big city only without the trash, noise, and homeless people laying on the sidewalks! I could totally see you living there. The homes are lovely, esp. that brick mansion. That’s one thing I love about the east coast: all the houses are so unique. You do not get that in places like CA or AZ.

    And holy cow, a Kate Spade store? In Ohio, you’d be lucky to find one of those at an outdoor mall or outlet mall. Never in the middle of a beautiful town. Same with nice restaurants. The suburbs here are just not walkable. I’d kill for a French bakery anywhere in Cleveland. It just doesn’t exist. And Trader Joe’s. . . sigh . . . There are only TWO in all of Cleveland and neither are close to me. There is going to be a new retail/office complex being built in our town and all I ever hear anyone say is, “I hope we get aTrader Joe’s!!!” That would be a dream come true. With our luck, it will just be more banks, dry cleaners, and nail salons! LOL!

    Have a super week, Ron! XO

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  22. Hello there, my friend!

    No worries, I too have had busy week and have not responded to comments as quickly as I usually do. Hope you had a faaaaaaaaabulous time on your vacay. Can't wait to hear all about it!!!!

    "But omg, I can’t believe how upscale Ardmore looks! It’s like a big city only without the trash, noise, and homeless people laying on the sidewalks! I could totally see you living there. "


    Yes! You nailed it. Ardmore is like a big city, without all the CRAP of a city like Philadelphia. In a future post, I'll be sharing graphic photos and my feelings about city living and how they have changed. In fact, I've been actively looking at apartments in Ardmore. More about that later.

    Isn't the Kate Spade store lovely? And even here in Philly, you would NEVER see one of those. All you see in Philly are a series of trashy outlets. The shopping here is horrendous. That's why everyone here goes OUTSIDE the city to shop.

    "There is going to be a new retail/office complex being built in our town and all I ever hear anyone say is, “I hope we get a Trader Joe’s!!!” "

    I couldn't live without a Trader Joe's LOL! Thankfully, I have one about 4 blocks from where I live, so I go often. And one of the great perks of Ardmore is that they have one there!!!!!

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing your a terrific week!

    X

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  23. Ron, I love when you share posts about different areas of Philadelphia and surrounding locations because I'm always anxious to GO there and check them out for myself. In fact, hubby and I are going to take the train out to Ardmore this week because it looks INCREDIBLE! And why did I never know about Ardmore?!? The homes you shared are gorgeous, but that the same time charming and cozy looking. And we can't wait to check out Suburban Square. Kate Spade?!?!? GOING! LOL! We also just recently signed up for Senior Fare Cards so we can go there for FREE!

    I completely understand why you would like to move there because it has all the things a city offers, but also has a small town feel - urban/suburban.

    Looking forward to reading about the other places to visit, Ron. You should be a travel writer!!!

    Question: How frequent do the trains run (to and from)?

    Are you enjoying this intense heatwave? NOT! LOL! xo

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  24. Helloooooooooooo there, Elaine!

    OMG, you're going to LOVE Ardmore! And I am so freaking happy to hear that you signed up for a Senior Fare Card. I did it last year and have been really taking advantage of it. And you can renew it every four years.

    The only reason I knew of Ardmore is because I used to travel there for work (store trainings and also freelance work). I immediately fell in love with it. Yes....KATE SPADE! And they have many other really nice stores and eateries. And what's great is that the train stops directly next to Suburban Square, so that all you have to do is walk down the platform and you're there! And don't forget to check out downtown Ardmore, it's so cute!

    The trains run (to and from) every hour on the hour. And they pretty much run on time. Take the Paoli/Thorndale Line, either from Jefferson Station or Suburban Station. It's literally a 22 minute ride!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! And I am NOT enjoying this intense heatwave. UGH! I can't wait for it to SNOW. LOL!!!!!

    X

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  25. Thanks, Ron! I downloaded that train schedule onto my cellphone.

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  26. You are welcome! Yup, I did the same thing. I also have a paper copy that I got at the station, but it's more convenient to have it on my phone.

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  27. Oh my goodness! What a charmer! It would totally be worth the 22 minute drive into the city for work to live there and preserve some sanity. And, didn't you say you were about ready to leave the city? Hope your week is going well and enjoying that Autumn is almost here!! X

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  28. Hi there, Lisa!

    Isn't it CHARMING!? In fact, I was just there today and had a wonderful time.

    " And, didn't you say you were about ready to leave the city?"

    Yup! Stay tuned for next weeks' post, when I will be more specific about WHY I'm ready to leave the city.

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. And yes....I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooo ready for Autumn!!!!!

    *doing the happy dance*

    Have a great weekend!

    X

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