Once a stop on an early 20th century trolley route, Skippack added village to its name in the 1990s, opened some antiques shops and restaurants, and waited for the people to come. They did, and 20 years later it has managed to keep its quaint look without letting the chain stores take over. I have always treated Skippack as an ideal half-way point to meet friends from Bucks County and Collegeville. The Skippack Roadhouse and Mal’s Diner are pleasant places to get a drink or have a relaxing meal, and the Hotel Fiesole (formerly the Trolley Stop) is as sleek and sophisticated as any big-city restaurant.
Until recently, I tended to ignore the dozens of little shops and art galleries tucked into buildings dating to the 1700s. But they are truly the heart of Skippack and what give the village its character and staying power. My advice: park for free near Hotel Fiesole and just start wandering. Here are some of things you’ll find: a covered bridge built by Amish carpenters, a tiny woodcarver and cabinet-maker’s house, a doll hospital, a 1920s-era fire station, and shops selling dreamcatchers, cupcakes, Wilbur chocolates, Vera Bradley bags, furniture made from reclaimed barn wood, organic strawberry wine, and cheese soaked in Yuengling.
Peeking in windows or pausing on all those inviting front porches is OK, even encouraged.
Piece of advice: Avoid Mondays because just about everything is closed, save for a handful of restaurants and the Village Irish Shop.
Exploring Pennsylvania 
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