The Ultimate Non-Touristy Guide to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Eat, learn, and discover the best parts of Valley Forge like a local.

Time for a little geographics lesson . You ’ve probably heard ofPhiladelphia , but it ’s time we preface you to its neighbour . track an area to the north and Mae West of the city is Montgomery County , home to the Valley Forge neighborhood . 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 business district 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 — wait for all your designer ( and not - quite - designer ) dig . Whether you ’re chew the fat Philly and need a fracture from the city or you ’re beelining powerful to the ‘ burbs , here ’s all the indispensable thing to do in Valley Forge .

Adorn your walls with locally-made art fromExhibit B Gallery

A former early 1900s cigar factory is now a art gallery for ok artistic creation and craft at fairish prices . Whether you ’re in the market for an oil landscape painting painting or want a singular stoneware bowl , you ’ll bump your next conversation firearm here .

Order up Sexy Fries atThe Butcher & Barkeep

If the name does n’t lure you enough already , Sexy Fries are utterly crispy Roger Fry top with fresh herbs , parmesan , hollandaise , and truffle oil . It ’s the gastropub ’s translation of poutine meet fries Benedict . Sexy indeed .

Perusethe Charles L. Blockson Exhibitionat the Centre Theater

Norristown native Charles L. Blockson was the conservator behind one of the state ’s most honored accumulation of African American artefact . This display showcases his body of work documenting the Black experience through rare books , periodicals , varsity letter , photographs , artifacts , and memorabilia .

Check outWashington’s Headquartersat Valley Forge National Historical Park

Here ’s a little US history refresher : George Washington and the Continental Army drop a winter on the very ground at Valley Forge National Historical Park . you’re able to take a peek inside the very suite where the area ’s first president did his affair when he was still a oecumenical , plus reconstruct log huts where the soldier shacked up .

Sip some spirits atManatawny Still Works

The Pottstown locating 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’re able to even get a guided tour on weekends . ) The cocktail menu is always changing with the seasons , but you’re able to count on classics like espresso martini , a gimlet , former forge , and whiskey flight .

Climb Mum Mountain atOtt’s Exotic Plants

Not only has this nursery been in concern for decades , but Ott ’s Exotic Plants has a wide assortment of plants both for tiro plant parents and expert gardeners likewise . Outside the store is ablooming hillside of colourful florists' chrysanthemum , complete with a staircase so visitor can get a dame ’s eye position .

Fill up on Southern Fried Chicken and a Glazed Donut atFounding Farmers

This jointly farmer - owned restaurant has a variant on the Hellenic chicken and waffle : trade wind in the waffle for a glazed donut and see how the other half lives . The dishful also come with gravy , mac and cheese , and green beans .

Learn about the Three Stooges atThe Stoogeum

If you ’re a fan of recession museum and slapstick comedy , The Stoogeum is for you . This small but mighty museum houses 100,000 pieces of Stoogeabilia see back to 1918 , like motion-picture show posters , costumes , uncommon candid photos , and even Larry Fine ’s driver ’s licence .

Shop for high fashion atKing of Prussia Mall

The third - magnanimous shopping centre in the country just befall to reside in baseborn Valley Forge . With over 400 stores , you may shop for everything from high - end designer like Gucci , Louis Vuitton , and Versace to more down - to - earth brands like Everlane , Savage x Fenty , and Uniqlo .

Find your next favorite read atThe Black Reserve Bookstore

stock everything from phantasy and kids ' books to reference leger and work on Black chronicle and finish , The Black Reserve Bookstore is a one - stop shop class for all thing literature . In addition to books , they stock stationery , clothing , and more .

Savor a tomato pie atCorropolese Italian Bakery & Deli

With two locations in Valley Forge — Collegeville and Conshohocken — you’ve got double the chance to go under your tooth into Corropolese ’s renowned tomato Proto-Indo European . The satisfying sheet goat god pizza pie with tomato sauce and sprinkled romano cheese come in many varieties include the classic red , scented pepper , vegetable , pepperoni , high mallow , and more .

Check out a massive collection of Americana at theAmerican Treasure Tour

This former tyre factory is compact to the brim withstufffrom America ’s history — namely wacky stuff . From dance reed organ and classical cars to genus Circus clown doll and fair memorabilia , the American Treasure Tour is a banquet for the oculus .

Saddle up for a horseback ride atRed Buffalo Ranch

Even if you ’re a novitiate rider , you could cosplay as a cowboy during the hogback rides offered at Red Buffalo Ranch . The guide trail ride last anywhere from an hour to two hours and flatus through the landscape painting of Evansburg State Park . ride are useable by reservation only , FYI .

Get a taste of the Caribbean atWelcome to the Avenue

This bona fide Caribbean BYOB showcases homemade formula for popular mantrap like curry chicken , braise turkey , and quinoa and avocado blistering pot . You ’ll find classics like jerky crybaby and oxtail swither here , too .

Try a personal strawberry crunch cheesecake atThe Cheesecake Lady

You ca n’t miss the pink and white outside of Elkins Park - based The Cheesecake Lady , where mini and full - size cheesecakes are for sale until sell - out . ( And sell out they do . ) Though The Cheesecake Lady provide patty in gobs of flavors ( like red velvet , Snickers , and vanilla extract coconut ) , among the most requested is strawberry mark compaction . The four - in mini cheesecake is the arrant sizing for a piddling taste .

Laugh your ass off at an improv show atThe Lab

This indie clowning house stages improv , standup , and variety show — all BYOB - friendly . Between regular appearance like Breeders ( improv about parenting ) and one - dark - only social occasion , here ’s where you’re able to get some giggle in many different format .

Spot a rare bird at theJohn James Audubon Center at Mill Grove

Lace up your tramp boots and grab a pair of binoculars : It ’s prison term to go birding . Spread over 200 acres of land , this nature conserve swash five miles of mostly flat trails and over 175 species of feathered friends .

Bet on black atValley Forge Casino Resort

With over 850 expansion slot machine , mesa game , and sports betting , Valley Forge Casino Resort is where you may get a taste of Atlantic City on this side of the Delaware River . The holiday resort has several streak and restaurants , like Revolution Chophouse , a execution venue , and an outdoor consortium . It ’s also a hotel , so you’re able to have a sleepover , too .

Sip a blue latte at‘feine

unforesightful for “ caffein , ” ‘ feine is a Conshohocken coffee shop with a special blue latte made with jasmine green tea , butterfly pea efflorescence pulverisation , and honey . Grab a scone , bagel , or other pastry dough to complete the goody .

Build your own mini-world atLEGOLAND Discovery Center

Keep the nipper busybodied at this indoor LEGO playground , where they can build their own LEGO race cars and ultra - eminent towers , peep at a LEGO model of Philadelphia , and play in a LEGO - themed pirate ship . With over a dozen hands - on display , there ’s plenty to keep young tinkerers ’ tending .

Go on a Main Line shopping spree atSuburban Square

Ardmore ’s outdoor shopping promenade is home to both local boutiques and national retail merchant like Endeavor Athletic and Sephora , respectively . Plus , a daily farmer ’s market . If all that shopping make you hungry , stop into Dan Dan , HipCityVeg , or Lola ’s Garden to satisfy your hunger .

Perfect your swingTopgolf

You do n’t take to have any experience with golf to enjoy the good vibes at Topgolf . The gamified driving reach invite invitee to aim at Brobdingnagian colourful targets while you cadge on nachos and flatbreads and sip on spiked lemonade and beer from the kitchen and measure .

See ancient religious artwork at theGlencairn Museum

A mansion with castle aesthetics ? In Pennsylvania ? You bet . What was once the home base of wealthy businessman Raymond Pitcairn , his wife Mildred , and their children , is now a museum of spiritual art . The appeal include Egyptian , ancient Greek and Roman , medieval Christian , Islamic , Asiatic , and American Native American pieces all on exhibit within stately rooms .

Elevate your craft beer game atWorkhorse Brewing Company

“ Work hard . drunkenness local ” is the name of the secret plan at Workhorse Brewing Company , a King of Prussia - base brewery . They specialize in New England IPA , West Coast IPA , Golden Lager , and Queen of Prussia Session IPA , but also serve up a mean sour . Grab a flight to savor a bunch or go all in on a pint .

Pick up a unique cheese atThe Grand Fromage

With over 100 cheeses in stock , you ’ll have no bother at all findingthecheese of your dreams at The Grand Fromage . The master mongers will even help you assemble your own cheeseflower plate based on your gustation . Charcuterie , leaf mustard , conserves , cracker bonbon , olive crude , love , and chocolate are also for sale to round out your epical spread .

Get some air atiFly Indoor Skydiving

iFly offers the experience of skydive without ever want to get more than a few fundament off the earth . Strap into a flying case and helmet , step into the malarky burrow , and get blasted in the face with atmosphere so strong you ’ll float in the air .

Taste wine named after a real person atCyrenity Sips Winery

This small - flock wine maker handles every facial expression of the wine making process at their Hatboro facility . Each wine-coloured is named after a special person in proprietor Shakia Williams ’ lifespan , like the pinkish Moscato rosé appoint Jada and Evelena Riesling . The wine maker offers tastings , full pours , and bottle purchases .