Everyone knows about King of Prussia – at least everyone knows about the mall that bears its name. But there’s so much more to KOP than the Philadelphia suburbs’ premier shopping mecca.
Yes, the retail-and-culinary paradise contributes a great deal to the high standard of living in KOP, but the town also has excellent schools, festive community events, and straight-shot access to Philadelphia, West Chester, and surrounding destinations.
Put another way, King of Prussia abounds with all manner of good things, as illustrated by the following hot spots for culture, dining, recreation, and, yes, shopping.
Stock up on classics from literary giants and new releases from emerging authors at Bookish. Located in the Plaza at the King of Prussia Mall, Bookish does what every good independent bookstore does: It gives readers a safe place to explore new ideas, expand their minds, and strengthen connections to the world around them. Having grown from the roots of a pop-up store, Bookish recently turned three years old. Stop in to wish them a happy birthday and peruse the curated selection of good reads. bookishkop.com
Go to a party, get-together, or gathering of any sort anywhere near King of Prussia and a tomato pie or two from Corropolese Italian Bakery and Deli will likely be on hand. Corropolese has become famous for its classic red tomato pie – a simple but perfect recipe of crispy crust topped with homemade sauce and a dusting of Romano – but its locations in Audubon, Norristown, and Royersford offer nearly a dozen varieties. corropolesebakery.com
Head to the King of Prussia Town Center for dozens of restaurants, shops, and other institutions (a Wegmans, an REI, and a CHOP hospital, for example) designed to enhance locals’ quality of life. Notable restaurants include Choolaah Indian BBQ, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Duck Donuts, Founding Farmers, Paladar, and Pizzeria Vetri. In kinder weather, the Town Center hosts live music and special events, but it’s fine for enjoying a sunny day out of doors all year long. No wonder so many folks have made homes in the upscale residential buildings that have sprung up around it. kingofprussia-towncenter.com
Just down the road in Audubon, the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove provides a cultural, educational, and peaceful respite from the world. Mill Grove was the home of John James Audubon, the painter and naturalist (and, it’s worth noting, a complicated figure) who lived at the estate from 1803 to 1808. It’s where Audubon first became fascinated with birds, wandering in the woods of the 130-acre estate. An 18,000-square-foot museum, built in 2019, features many of Audubon’s paintings and skillfully designed displays by other artists, as well as a flock of information about birds in general. johnjames.audubon.org
Life gets so busy sometimes it makes us feel as though we’re climbing the walls. You’re encouraged to do so, quite literally, at Reach in Bridgeport. As one of the area’s premier indoor rock-climbing gyms, Reach has an abundance of creative and compelling fitness options. By the numbers: 22,000 square feet of rope climbing, 10,000 square feet of bouldering, and 4,000 square feet devoted to a “ninja room.” Our suggestion for an invigorating day: Clip in, climb, repeat. reachclimbing.com
Led by owners Giovanna and Antonino Cracchiolo, Salvatore’s Trattoria & Pizzeria on North Henderson Road is a family business in every sense of the term. From the house-specialty vodka sauce on pizza and pasta to the generous portions, ample menu, and comforting Italian-American classic offerings, this pizzeria is a town favorite. Try an Italian Dinner (with choices such as chicken cacciatore, cheese manicotti, and gnocchi with house-made alfredo) served with bread, salad, and cannoli for a filling and delicious feast. salvatorestrattoria.com
For the ultimate in special-occasion treats, head to Suzy-Jo Donuts for some of the most inventive and decadent doughnuts around. Suzy-Jo, named for its founders’ two daughters, has been turning out an assortment of “ridiculously good” doughnuts – the company’s words, and we agree – since 1955. The menu includes seasonal and specialty doughnuts, such as maple bacon, pumpkin, and apple cider varieties, which you can pick up at Suzy-Jo’s location in nearby Bridgeport, or at other pit stops in East Norriton and Limerick. suzyjodonuts.com
Savona, in nearby Gulph Mills, has become something of a culinary icon in the Philadelphia area. A Main Line staple since 1997, Savona takes guests on a tour of Italy, culinarily speaking, with dishes featuring ingredients that are sourced locally as often as possible. Any restaurant that boasts an “international cheese trolley” is worth visiting. The wine selection is pretty fabulous, too. savonarestaurant.com
Few destinations from the Revolutionary War era are more enshrined in the American psyche than Valley Forge National Historical Park, regarded as the birthplace of the U.S. army. Whether you consider yourself a devotee of U.S. history, enjoy spending time in outdoor spaces, or have an interest in the paranormal, a visit to Valley Forge is time well spent. The Mount Joy to Mount Misery trail loop is a highlight of the 3,500-acre park. nps.gov/vafo
Workhorse Brewing Co.’s sprawling brewhouse on King Manor Drive has been doling out signature beers since August 2018. Stop into the 5,000-square-foot taproom to sample Workhorse’s seasonal beers and signature brews – namely, West Coast IPA, New England IPA, and Golden Lager, among others. If for some reason the taproom is a bridge too far, Workhorse’s wares can be found on store shelves throughout the Philadelphia area and across the river in Jersey. workhorsebrewing.com
Besides the standouts already mentioned, the following institutions, professionals, and service providers add to King of Prussia’s remarkability: Colonial Marble & Granite (colonialmarble.net), Lux Skin & Lasers by John Lee, MD (luxskinlasers.com), the periodontics and implantology practice led by Scott K. Smith, D.D.S. (drsksmith.com), and Wills Eye Physicians (willseye.org).
Did we miss one of your favorites? If you have a suggestion for a can’t-miss restaurant, shop, cultural icon, or other “must” destination (in KOP or elsewhere), let us know. Email us at editor@suburbanlifemagazine.com.
Photo courtesy of Workhorse Brewing
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life magazine, September 2024.
