Greatest of the Main Line
A treasure trove of things to do and places to explore.
by Bill Donahue

The Main Line is a confluence of historic charm and modern luxury. Known for their tree-lined streets, stately homes, and top-tier schools, the towns that comprise the Main Line offer a rare mix of small-town community and big-city convenience. Every town has its own unique vibe, though they all have their share of upscale boutiques and culinary icons. 
 
Rich in culture and prestige, the Main Line offers much more than a place to live; it also offers a lifestyle. From community events to cultural attractions to places of natural beauty, the Main Line has truly earned its reputation as a hub of suburban sophistication.
 
Here we celebrate some of our favorite ways to spend time on or near the Main Line, though we’re the first to admit we’re hardly scratching the surface.
 
Local farmers markets provide lively spaces where neighbors connect, support local growers, and enjoy the season’s harvest. Head to Ardmore Farmer’s Market in Suburban Square for fresh, locally grown produce, artisanal foods, and other earth-made or handmade wares. Whether you’re “in the market” for farm-fresh meats and produce, savory cheeses, or just-made baked goods, you can experience the region’s rich agricultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit at this community hot spot. suburbansquare.com/stores/ardmore-farmers-market
 
Music is a balm for the soul, especially in times of profound hardship. At Ardmore Music Hall, discover a diverse lineup of artists in an intimate atmosphere. From emerging local bands to nationally touring acts—upcoming examples include the Smithereens, Marky Ramone of Ramones fame, and Dave Uosikkinen of Hooters fame—the venue has welcomed just about every genre there is. Known for its cozy setting and excellent acoustics, Ardmore Music Hall provides music lovers with up-close-and-personal performances on par with what they might see in Philadelphia’s most storied venues. ardmoremusichall.com
 
Located in Chadds Ford, the Main Line-adjacent Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art showcases American art with a special focus on the Wyeth family. The converted mill blends historic architecture with stunning collections, offering visitors an audience with depictions of regional landscapes, illustrations, and the generational legacy of one of the most prolific families in American art. The 15-acre campus is a work of art, too, with gardens, trails, and an incredible view of the Brandywine River. brandywine.org
 
Chanticleer is a whimsical and enchanting public garden in the heart of Wayne. The 35-acre property offers a blend of horticulture, art, and finely landscaped serenity. Visitors can explore, relax, and discover beauty with every step, making it a unique destination for garden lovers and artists alike. It’s the kind of place that can turn a bad day into a good one, and also turn a good day into something truly magical. chanticleergarden.org
 
Each summer, folks from King of Prussia and surrounding communities gather for Concerts Under the Stars. Families spread blankets on the grass, children dance along the music (maybe with some young-at-heart adults), and for a few glorious hours, the world feels all right—united by the rhythm of song. Highlights from 2025: Low Cut Connie, John Oates & The Good Road Band, and Andy Frasco & the U.N., among others. concertsunderthestarskop.com
 
As America’s oldest outdoor multibreed competition, the Devon Horse Show showcases the tradition of elite equestrian sport. Since its beginnings in 1896, the event has grown into a days-long celebration of horsemanship, heritage, and community spirit. An informal kickoff to the summer season, the show features world-class riders, festive boutiques, and lots of family-friendly fun. The organization behind it has become a force in community improvements; the Devon Country Fair has raised millions to enhance services at nearby Bryn Mawr Hospital. devonhorseshow.net
 
John James Audubon was one of those “complicated figures” from history, but the cultural institution that bears his name—the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove—is uncomplicatedly cool. On quiet trails surrounded by ancient trees, a stone’s throw from the Perkiomen Creek, birds flit from branch to branch and bush to bush. Inside the exhibition space, learn about the lives of our fine-feathered friends through well-told stories and exhibits. There’s a lot to be learned on the grounds where Audubon once did his sketches, a wild world just waiting to be explored. johnjames.audubon.org
 
Haverford’s Main Line Art Center is a vibrant hub for creativity in the Philadelphia suburbs, offering exhibitions, classes, and programs for all ages. Both an exhibition space and an incubator of artistic talent, Main Line Art Center strives to make the arts accessible to anyone who has the interest or inclination. It’s a welcoming space where artists and art lovers can connect, create, and celebrate the power of artistic expression. mainlineart.org
 
Valley Forge National Historical Park, technically in King of Prussia, preserves the historic site where George Washington and his Continental Army endured the harshest of winters during the Revolutionary War. Historical significance aside, it’s also a place of quiet yet immense beauty. Visitors can explore miles of scenic trails, historic structures, and interpretive centers that bring the past into the present. Whether honoring the sacrifices of those who helped give birth to America’s independence or seeking a peaceful escape for hiking, biking, and picnicking, Valley Forge does not disappoint. nps.gov/vafo
 
The Wharton Esherick Museum, located in Malvern, offers a unique window into the life of a pioneering American artist from Philadelphia. Set on 12 acres atop Valley Forge Mountain, the museum campus includes the late artist’s studio, where visitors can learn about his contributions to the art world. Through sculpture, architecture, and furniture, the museum welcomes visitors to not only be inspired by Esherick’s work but also see the magic in the simplicity of everyday life. whartonesherickmuseum.org
 
Nearby: The Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show, held every August in Lebanon County (a little over an hour west of Downingtown), draws art lovers from near and far for a celebration of creativity and community. Showcasing works from talented regional and national artists, the two-day festival offers visitors an inspiring mix of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other artistic wares. Set against the infuriatingly charming backdrop of Mount Gretna, the event also features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. mtgretnaarts.com
 
More to Love About the Main Line
These vibrant professionals, providers, and organizations, add to the elevated quality of life for which the neighborhoods of the Main Line have become known: Academy of Notre Dame de Namur (ndapa.org), Ame Salon and Spa (amesalonandspa.com), Boyd & Early Family Law (boydearlyfamilylaw.com), Bucky Plastic Surgery (drbucky.com), Enliven Planters (enlivenplanters.com), Gale Nurseries (galenurseries.com), Gladwyne Montessori (gladwyne.org), Gross & Kenny LLP (philaworkerscomp.com), Main Line Smile (mainlinesmile.com), Mastaj Orthodontics (lynannmastaj.com), The Ady and Megan McGowan Team of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors (adymcgowan.foxroach.com | meganmcgowan.foxroach.com), The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz (srrentzlaw.com), and Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr (shabrynmawr.org).
 
Photo by D. Knoll for Visit Philadelphia
 
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life, August 2025.