Styche: Affordable Luxury

Located at 57 W Lancaster Avenue, Styche boutique opens its doors for people seeking the experience of a big-city boutique in a small town. Such a location makes Styche exactly what it strives - "I love the diversity of Ardmore", says owner Nikki. "A lot of towns, you could pass straight through them and never notice, but Ardmore has a real sense of identity, or character" she explains.

Despite the quaint location of Styche, Nikki has a clear sense of aesthetic in mind for her store. "We're an upscale womens boutique, featuring small, mostly European brands", says Nikki. Such unique brands include Petit Bateau, a French line that originally started as a children's brand before expanding into women's clothes. "We want to introduce affordable luxury in women's clothing", says Nikki with a smile. In terms of being affordable, Styche is currently having a blow-out sale. Stop by!

By: Eric McGarity

30 Years In Business at Trilium Flower Shop

After years in Gladwyne, Trilium flower shop opened its doors at 41 Rittenhouse Place here in Ardmore. "The customers here are so friendly...every day people walk through our doors and thank us for moving to Ardmore", says co-owner Booker. Booker and her husband, Wally, attribute the success of their business to the friendly community atmosphere of Ardmore. "It's the real sense of business community that we love, along with the walkability, the warm attitudes of locals, and of course, the variety of places to eat!", chuckles Booker.

 

When walking into the shop, the first thing one may notice is the various types of greenery splayed all over the store. From wild orchids, tropical houseplants, samples of flowers. and homemade and glass-blown vases for arrangements. "I want to give the same amount of quality to each customer that I would expect myself", said Booker, explaining that each flower arrangement is made on the spot, and that arrangements are never pre-made and left to wilt. "If I had one business motto", says Booker", "it would be top notch customer service, always".

By: Eric McGarity

"Tasting is believing" at The Tasting Room

The bright, sun-filled interior of The Tasting Room sits on a quaint, tree lined block of Lancaster Avenue here in Ardmore. "It's the tight knit business community here - even moreso than other Main Line towns - that drew us here" says manager Joe Petrucci. First located in Manayunk, the presence of family, friends, a diverse community, as well as the plethora of community events drew him to Ardmore.

Originally started as a catering business, Joe & his wife started The Tasting Room as a way to tide over his loyal catering customers as well as cross-promote his catering to people coming in & out. "We really try to bring the opposite of your typical big, flavorless restaurant dish", says Joe. All dishes here come in three sizes: a taste-sized, entree-sized, as well as family-sized portions. The Tasting Room uses all seasonal ingredients, and focuses on the unique flavors that come with each.

As I walked in and looked at the variety of entrees and sides, the decadent three cheese macaroni caught my eye. Combining a creamy St. Andre cheese, a salty parmesan, a sharp local cheddar, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, one bite was enough to turn me into a fan. Can you say "amazing"? The combination of flavors swirling together was simply unparalleled. Tasting really is believing!

By: Eric McGarity

Calliope Music

Calliope Music sits at 4 East Lancaster Avenue along a quiant stretch of shops in downtown Ardmore. As I walk in, I notice the sheer variety of musical accessories and instruments in supply. From instruments for sale lining the walls, to convenient accessories of every instrument, to even books of sheet music for today's most popular songs - it's clear Calliope Music is a music lover's paradise. "Calliope originally means 'muse', and music is a muse to us", says owner Julia, who purchased the store from other owners some years ago. Today, her and her husband George run the shop to serve all of the Main Line's musically inclined . When asked what she loves about Ardmore, Julia responds that "Ardmore is quaint, convenient, and has everything you could want". Calliope Music definitely makes Ardmore have everything you could ever want.

by: Eric McGarity

"Good Food. Good Coffee. Good Music" at Melodies Cafe

Owner Mark Roy moved into the Ardmore Community in August 2013 when he opened Melodies Cafe in the spot of the old Milkboy Coffee. Today, the airy, light-filled space attracts a diverse crowd, coming for the intimate atmosphere and great snacks. The cafe, which doubles as a music venue most nights, is an arts-focused coffee shop turned cafe. "I added a full kitchen when I bought this place, so we now have a full service food menu", said Roy. An updated menu today highlights delicacies from a variety of unique burgers and sandwiches, to vegan delights such as a spicy curry tofu scramble. A promise of locally-sourced and fresh ingredients is kept as a rule to the cafe - a whopping 80% of their meats, cheeses, and vegetables are sourced from local businesses in a 20 mile radius.

Behind the register lies a chalkboard detailing varying coffee drinks made to perfection. I decided to try the sweet-sounding cinnamon honey nut iced coffee. Honey? In coffee? A new concept to me, but I was addicted after one sip. The warm tastes of cinnamon and honey blended into the refreshing iced coffee was a cool twist on the regular iced coffee. I then tried a chewy oatmeal raisin cookie, chock full of oats, raisins, and crumbly brown sugar. Delicious!

While most restaurants seem to lack the kind of distinct ambiance that Melodies has, Mark Roy focused on the small things when opening the cafe. When I ask Mark what his motto for Melodies Cafe would be, he says with a smile: "good food, good coffee, good music."

By: Eric McGarity

Student Art Dazzles At First Friday

I love Ardmore! Not only is the town full of welcoming proprietors,  encouraging residents and wonderful guests, but it also hosts some of the most talented folks around. This First Friday, businesses around Ardmore teamed up to host Art for the Emerging Artist, a show which featured works from the local Cambridge School, Haverford School and Lower Merion High School. In various storefronts, young artists' artwork shone and attracted much attention. Musical guest Lizette Casals performed at First Position Dance later in the night. I was fortunate to interview an artist whose work was feature in the show, which you can view below. Be sure to check out all future First Friday events at firstfridaymainline.com. 

P.S: November 1 brings us the holiday season! What events are everyone most excited for? Comment below or tell us on Facebook or Twitter.

Interview with Ms. Harrigan, creator of photo below

Piece mentioned by Ms. Harrigan

Shading work outside of First Position Dance

Past*Present*Future highlights local work

Howl O'Ween First Friday

With little under a month until Halloween, I am getting pretty excited for tricks and treats and whatnot. While I am a bit too old to go out scavenging for candy myself, I love to see others dress up and celebrate the day. Now normally, "others" would refer to children of the human variety. However, Ardmore really showed the community a great time with its seventh annual Howl O'Ween. Tons of owners brought costume-clad canines to Cricket Ave for judging by various Ardmore celebrities. Some of my favorite dogs, pictured below, included a poodle dressed as a bumble bee and a terrier dressed as a dinosaur. The fun did not stop with the competition! Jenny and Chris Ross provided great live music, helping to finish the night in a great way.

Cricket was blocked off with balloons 

Dinosaur-dogs romed Cricket Ave

A personal favorite, bumble bee poodle

Live music from Chris and Jenny Ross