Bon Voyage, Chester Springs

Now, since I've done a tribute to Philadelphia, the place of my birth, I must now do one about my place of childhood. I couldn't leave out poor Chester Springs, Phoenixville, and Kimberton, could I? Here we go, my five favorite places!

Chester Springs Library
1685-A Art School Road
Chester Springs, PA 19425
The smallest/cutest library in existence. My early teen years were littered with bike rides to this wondrous land of escapes. It was an easy way to get far from the house and still only be a mile away. Oh, there's also the ruins of a hospital from the Civil War behind it.

Steel City Coffeehouse
203 Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA
Steel City has always been my cure for boredom. There's usually something interesting going on, whether it's open mic night or there's just boy drama between a friend and the barista. It's always packed with wackos.

Artisans Gallery And Cafe
236 Bridge Street
Phoenixville, PA
Artisans is definitely the calmer alternative to Steel City. It has great food, beautiful pastries, ice cream, local art on the walls, and all the coffee is served out of handmade mugs. It has a light, friendly, very nonthreatening atmosphere.

Kimberton CSA
415 W. Seven Stars rd.
Phoenixville, PA 19460
The CSA (community supported agriculture) has been part of my life since we moved to the suburbs. Going and picking up our share of the vegetables has always been a Tuesday after school ritual. I love how each season brings a new treat; right now it's peaches, raspberries, and zucchini.

Goodwill Store And Donation Center
700 Nutt Rd.
Phoenixville, PA 19460
This is probably the best Goodwill I've ever been to. It's quite large and has an expansive array of random things. I always find lots of dresses, shoes and teacups there. I also bought a small leather suitcase that I love very much.

And, again, of course my favorite places in these areas are my friends houses, but they don't count.