The Ultimate Non-Touristy Guide to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
By Allie Volpe | View the full article here.
Time for a little geography lesson. You’ve probably heard of Philadelphia, but it’s time we introduce you to its neighbors. Covering an area to the north and west of the city is Montgomery County, home to the Valley Forge region. Home to Valley Forge National Historical Park—where the Continental Army hunkered down during the winter of 1777-78—the area is more than just commemorating the Revolutionary War.
Dozens of cute downtown areas in Ambler, Ardmore, Jenkintown, Lansdale, Skippack, and more are perfect for dining and shopping. Plus, one of the country’s most legendary malls—King of Prussia Mall—awaits for all your designer (and not-quite-designer) digs. Whether you’re visiting Philly and want a break from the city or you’re beelining right to the ‘burbs, here’s all the essential things to do in Valley Forge.
Adorn your walls with locally-made art from Exhibit B Gallery
A former early 1900s cigar factory is now a gallery for fine art and craft at reasonable prices. Whether you’re in the market for an oil landscape painting or want a unique stoneware bowl, you’ll find your next conversation piece here.
Order up Sexy Fries at The Butcher & Barkeep
If the name doesn’t entice you enough already, Sexy Fries are perfectly crispy fries topped with fresh herbs, parmesan, hollandaise, and truffle oil. It’s the gastropub’s version of poutine meets fries Benedict. Sexy indeed.
Peruse the Charles L. Blockson Exhibition at the Centre Theater
Norristown native Charles L. Blockson was the curator behind one of the country’s most prestigious collections of African American artifacts. This exhibit showcases his work documenting the Black experience through rare books, periodicals, letters, photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia.
Check out Washington’s Headquarters at Valley Forge National Historical Park
Here’s a little US history refresher: George Washington and the Continental Army spent a winter on the very grounds at Valley Forge National Historical Park. You can take a peek inside the very rooms where the country’s first president did his thing when he was still a general, plus reconstructed log huts where the soldiers shacked up.
Sip some spirits at Manatawny Still Works
The Pottstown location of Manatawny Still Works is as authentic as they come with spirit stills, a production center, and a barrel warehouse, in addition to the tasting room. (You can even get a guided tour on weekends.) The cocktail menu is always changing with the seasons, but you can count on classics like espresso martini, a gimlet, old fashioned, and whiskey flights.
Climb Mum Mountain at Ott’s Exotic Plants
Not only has this nursery been in business for decades, but Ott’s Exotic Plants has a wide assortment of plants both for beginner plant parents and expert gardeners alike. Outside the store is a blooming hillside of colorful mums, complete with a staircase so visitors can get a bird’s eye view.
Fill up on Southern Fried Chicken and a Glazed Donut at Founding Farmers
This collectively farmer-owned restaurant has a variation on the classic chicken and waffle: Trade in the waffle for a glazed donut and see how the other half lives. The dish also comes with gravy, mac and cheese, and green beans.
Learn about the Three Stooges at The Stoogeum
If you’re a fan of niche museums and slapstick comedy, The Stoogeum is for you. This small but mighty museum houses 100,000 pieces of Stoogeabilia dating back to 1918, like movie posters, costumes, rare candid photos, and even Larry Fine’s driver’s license.
Shop for high fashion at King of Prussia Mall
The third-largest mall in the country just happens to reside in humble Valley Forge. With over 400 stores, you can shop for everything from high-end designers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Versace to more down-to-earth brands like Everlane, Savage x Fenty, and Uniqlo.
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