Media, located right at the center of Delco, is less than 1 square mile in size; nevertheless, it has plenty to offer. Media has a thriving downtown district that is bursting with breweries, delicious restaurants, and various shops. The town also includes nature-centered spots like a family-owned orchard and an astounding arboretum. If you’re looking for a Delco destination to take a day trip to, look no further than the county seat.
Downtown Dining
Media is known for its downtown scene, and every great downtown scene has to include delicious dining spots. There is no shortage of places to eat here, from fine dining options to humble hoagies and pizza, as well as international eateries. Grab a bite or down a drink at some of my personal favorites:
Ariano
This restaurant serves wood-fired oven pizza and many other authentic Italian options, including fusion foods. For sweets, choose from i dolci, or desserts, such as tiramisu or gelato. If you’re more interested in their alcohol, Ariano also offers a craft beer selection. Not only is the dining at Ariano Italianesque, but the setting is too. The ambiance of old world Italian eating is enhanced by the restaurant building itself — Ariano is housed in a gorgeous Italian architectural style structure and its interior design offers a unique experience where diners can choose to be seated by open windows on the upper level, which displays a special view of Olive Street that you simply can’t get from the nearby restaurants.
114 S Olive St, Media, PA 19063
Temaki Sushi Bar
Temaki offers an authentic Japanese culinary experience with food options including bento boxes, teriyaki, ramen, and of course, all sorts of sushi. Enjoy other international cuisines such as their Thai chili wings, Chinese scallion pancakes, and fusion spicy hamachi carpaccio. Temaki is BYOB, so keep that in mind for drinking. The restaurant’s interior space is small, but it truly offers a Japanese feel with its detailed decor. Admire the designs adorning the walls along with the ornate paper fans and lanterns dangling from the ceiling while you enjoy your freshly prepared meal.
33 East State St, Media, PA 19063
Sligo Irish Pub
Are you interested in the bar scene, with an international twist? Then come to Sligo – not the actual county in Ireland, but rather this pub that bears county Sligo’s name – right on State Street! Sligo Irish Pub shows that you don’t even have to leave Delco to experience an authentic Irish bar, just come to Media. The exterior of the pub is a bright red that you can’t miss, and walking through its doors you may feel as if you’ve teleported to Ireland. The interior has a mix of brick and wood paneled walls and ambient, dim lighting that sets the mood for a great night out with some drinks. Additionally, the aura here is enhanced with the pub offering Irish music sessions. Along with the array of craft and specialty beers, enjoy some Irish fare such as beef stew, fish and chips, and bangers & mash.
113 W State St, Media, PA 19063
Dining Under the Stars
If you decide to make a day of it out in Media and it happens to be a Wednesday between the months of May through September, it is an absolute must that you do Dining Under the Stars. This is an annual tradition on State Street, from Jackson Street to Orange Street, is closed off to cars (and even the SEPTA trolley) to allow devourers from all over Delco and beyond to come and experience the beauty of alfresco dining during the warmer months. Enjoy some live entertainment that fills the streets with music while you enjoy a meal or do some shopping. Media describes this dining tradition as being similar to open-air cafes in Paris or the piazzas in Rome and Venice, which is yet another example of how you don’t have to leave Delco to have a cultural experience. The town has been organizing this dining event for 15 years, and for this year’s anniversary, Media Borough has announced that Dining Under the Stars will extend its season by hosting the event on October 4 and October 11, which speaks to the success of this tradition.
View Dining Under the Stars’ participating list of restaurants here.
State Street District, Media, PA 19063
State Street Shopping
There is an ample array of shops in Media’s downtown State Street District that have you covered for all sorts of shopping needs.
Deals Variety Store
For general shopping, look no further than Deals Variety Store. Also known as the “Big Store” or “Big Deals”, this is your one stop shop for anything you could think of, a selection of sundries that range from planting paraphernalia to puzzle sets. It’s hard to miss, as the storefront has “Deals” in big gold letters. If you need to pick up something while you’re out in Media on your day trip, chances are that Deals has what you’re looking for, so check them out first!
15 W State St, Media, PA 19063
Deals Office Supply Store
For your stationery specific needs, head down the street to Deals’ corner store, the Deals Office Supply Store, also known as “Little Deals.” Here you can find an array of stationery and office supplies, in addition to even more gifts and goods not at Big Deals.
35 W State St, Media, PA 19063
Earth & State
For more whimsical shopping, Earth & State has you covered. At this gift shop you can find all sorts of niche knicknacks, from mugs with colorful quotes to hobby kits. There are even Media-themed goods such as candles and wood carved objects so you can display your love of Delco in your own home. Additionally, Earth & State offers a unique assortment of pottery and crafts. Even if you don’t end up buying anything from here, Earth & State is the kind of store that is perfect for enjoying some window shopping while serving as one example of how Media is a Fair Trade Town.
23 W State St, Media, PA 19063
Farm Fun at Linvilla Orchards
Visiting Linvilla Orchards is a must when coming to Media. In fact, you could make an entire fun-filled trip without having to leave Linvilla – that’s how much there is to do here! Linvilla Orchards offers places to shop, eat, and other things to see/do all within its 300 acres of family farm. Their garden center is the place to shop for plants, home and seasonal decor, and a variety of tchotchkes perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself). If you are looking for something to take home from Linvilla but prefer something more natural, partake in their Pick-Your-Own – handpick your choice of flowers, fruits, or vegetables.
Grab a bite to eat at their farm market and bakery, which boasts baked goods, farm treats, prepared foods perfect for a picnic, and of course fresh fruits and vibrant vegetables. Do you have kids or are you a kid at heart? Connect with Linvilla’s animals. You can observe and/or feed goats, sheep, chickens and more. Young farm-goers can even take a pony ride. The grounds in general are decorated year round based on the season, but become the most magical during the end of the year with the fall months and holidays — serving as a prime photography place to document your farm fun.
137 W Knowlton Rd, Media, PA 19063
Tyler Arboretum
Are you someone who enjoys a more quiet environment, away from the distraction of others and instead seek to be surrounded by the beauty of Mother Nature? Then Tyler Arboretum is your answer. Tyler Arboretum is one of the oldest public gardens in the country and it works to conserve its historic landscapes so that all who come can enjoy the 650 acres of natural beauty that it has to offer. Whether you are a first time visitor or a seasoned member, Tyler can offer you a range of activities. You can leisurely explore expansive woodland and meadows while you pass by historic buildings dating back to the 18th century. If you prefer a more active arboretum experience, take a hike along some of its 17 miles of designated trails. Additionally, Tyler regularly offers both day and night events, so check out their event calendar to see if something piques your interest. Tyler Arboretum is an attraction to visit year round to experience the seasonal beauty of the natural world.
515 Painter Rd, Media, PA 19063