Glenside likes to think of itself as more a village than a small town & it certainly has the charm to make it so! And astonishing treasures, from the Keswick Theater to Gerhard's Appliances, Anne's Kitchen Table to O'Neill's Market, and my personal favorites - Gemological Resources Inc (GRI), Terry O'Sullivan's gem of a jewelry store, and Joe's Meat Market.(shocking to any who know I'm vegetarian!).
Let's start with the Keswick Theater, which showed movies when I was a kid & now books some of the best live entertainment from all corners of the world. All you need know is that out of all the venues in the area, Garrison Keillor chose the Keswick for his "Evening with...", sharing personal & tall tales about growing up in the heartland, Lake Wobegon, and the joys/challenges of being a Dad again, rather late in life.
As much as I would have loved to see Garrison, what truly sets my heart racing are the convection ovens at Gerhard's APPLIANCES & Home Theaters (& Mattresses)!! While they now boast six locations, the granddaddy of 'em all is in the heart of Glenside. Oh, calm my beating heart!
Anne's Kitchen Table makes the perfect spot for breakfast or elevensies, lunch or a mid-afternoon pause. YUM doesn't begin to describe the homemade scones, soups, sandwiches, salads & other way beyond tasty fare. Word is they do supper until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays (BYOB).
Who doesn't dream of having an O'Neill's Market within strolling distance? What everyone thinks about when they imagine the great Mom & Pop grocery stores of yore. You're going to be mega disappointed if you're looking for a Giant or even Whole Foods. O'Neill's succeeds by just being O'Neill's (oh, and making perhaps the best potato salad around!).
How is it possible that a staunch vegetarian like myself lists JOE'S MEAT MARKET as one of my two favorite Glenside spots. In a word - service. If you are a carnivore, this place is well worth the drive from Bryn Athyn or Southampton or a lot farther! Family owned & operated since 1973, Joe's Meat Market specializes in fresh-sliced lunch meats, a fully-stocked butchered meats counter, and special orders. As I said, famous for exceptional service.
Speaking of exceptional service brings us to my #1 Glenside shop, at the holidays or any time - Terry O'Sullivan's Gemological Resources Inc, slightly out of the way but well worth your visit. A surprisingly warm & welcoming treasure, the only thing that surpasses the beauty of the exquisite jewels Terry & his associates will happily show you is their deep knowledge & love of gem stones & design. Whether they are designing a special piece, appraising a family heirloom, repairing or just cleaning, they will make YOU feel special. And Buddha is always appreciative of a pat on the head & a "Good, dog!"
There's so much more in Glenside. Friends of mine rave about a cigar store tucked away in a car wash! Forgot to mention Sweet Magnolia & Dovetail Artisans, both well worth a browse & buy. Or Penny's or Baily, Banks & Bob's or Keswick Cycle or...
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