Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Peddler's Village: Giggleberry Fair

Peddler's Village boasts a lot of wonderful unique shops and restaurants. When you are coming with the kids though, browsing through shop after shop might not be the most fun for them. My recommendation is to check out Giggleberry Fair. It is located in the back of Peddler's Village and is a big indoor play place. Mind you though, I have not always had the greatest experience there but all in all, I still think it is worth a try.

They have a carousel, arcade type games, a room called Giggleberry Mountain which is basically a big room where kids can climb through rope mazes and play with soft foam balls. I would really only recommend Giggleberry Mountain for kids 5+. My four year old basically got stuck in the maze that was pretty high up and there is nothing like being a full grown adult trying to navigate through those rope things to get your child. Another thing is, you may want to ask to peek inside first before purchasing entry to it because I have been there a couple times when it looked like there was a pound of dust in there. I am not sure how often they clean but if you have a child with allergies, that dust will surely get to them. Just take a peek behind the rope thingies on the side. By the way, if you go on a Wednesday or Thursday, they are running a promotion where it is free from 4-6pm.

The other area they have for play for the smaller kids is called Discovery Land. This is really a great place for kids 1-7. Again, peek in to be sure it is clean as unfortunately I have been there when the water in the fishy play area looked like a swamp. I am sure it is difficult to keep toys from being moved around but the water should be cleaned at least daily. I have also had to ask them to put a safety plug in the socket in that room.

As for eating there, again, you are taking your chances. Remember, it is all food totally geared to kids so expect hot dogs, chicken fingers and pizza. No healthy choices here. I think at one time they offered a salad bar but it appears they have stopped doing that. My only food recommendation of all the food choices would be the chicken fingers, the pizza and hot dog was horrible. The chicken fingers actually seemed worth the price. Note that they do not offer kid cups for juice, etc. so if you are not ordering a soda be sure to pack a sippy cup if your child needs one. All the juice and milk they sell comes in bottles (not juice boxes). I say either eat before going or take the kids to Subway or Villa Galleria which is on the other side of Peddlers.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Old Best Western now Harlans - The Nevermore

The New Hope Best Western is now called Harlans ~ The NeverMore. It was purchased by the same two guys who also own The Raven which is a local hoppin' gay bar/restaurant/hotel down the street. Obviously, ever since the Cartwheel burned down, patrons have utilized The Raven more often. Per their press release back in February, they say the hotel will continue to rent rooms during the construction. Hopefully they will bring the place up a bit as it had been looking shabby for a few years.

Their restaurant, called Plate and the cabaret also are open, with shortened hours.

Harlans - The Nevermore is at 6426 Lower York Rd., New Hope. For tickets or more information, call 215-862-5225 or visit www.harlanscabaret.com.

The reviews in the past have not good folks so to be on the safe side until you hear more you may want to stick to one of the nicer Bed and Breakfasts if you are staying in town. As for the restaurant and cabaret, we'll keep you posted as we are playing our first trip there soon.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

The Cartwheel Bar and Restaurant

Residents of New Hope are now insanely happy because yesterday they finally, and I mean finally began demolition of the Cartwheel.

The Cartwheel was a fun little bar off Rt 202 that catered mostly to the gay crowd. It was destroyed by a fire back on April 12, 2005. Yes, that was 3 years ago. Sadly it has been an eyesore just sitting there damaged with broken fences surrounding it.

I am sure everyone is looking forward to what will be rebuilt there. I am not sure if the Cartwheel will be returning, although I believe the property was resold. Let's all just be thankful they are taking measures to make it look nicer!