Treat Yourself: Anyone for some water ice?

We don't know about you, but this weather makes us want one thing: water ice, water ice, water ice!! So, where do you go when you need that water ice fix? Or even just having an ice cream craving? Here are our favs:

A Taste of Philly Pretzel Shop in Chestnut Hill
8513 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-247-2217
map

Mango is THE BEST. Lemon and watermelon are great too. We advice against the pink lemonade and cherry.

*This is also on our list of kid-friendly eateries. So, get your water ice, and head upstairs with the little ones. Dig in while they run around and play with trains. Strollers are a bit hard to get in the door because of a few stairs and you won't want to drag one up to the second floor, but you can leave it downstairs.



Rita's Water Ice in Wyndmoor
900 Willow Grove Avenue
Wyndmoor, PA 19038
215.836.7171
map

The water ice itself is not as good as at the pretzel shop, but Rita's is still good and gets extra points for its Gelatis (custard with water ice) and their multitude of flavors. There are a lot of Rita's around, but this one is in great shape in beautiful downtown Wyndmoor, right outside of Chestnut Hill, and even has a large covered area with tables. Rita's is so fast and easy (go right up to the window) that it's a great idea for a stop when the kids are having a car nap.




Nonnie's at Bruno's

9800 Germantown Ave. (really on Northwestern Ave.)

Philadelphia PA 19118

Phone: 215-242-1880
map

This is a cute little ice cream shop with outdoor seating right across the street from the stables. It's a beautiful setting and they have delicious ice cream, gelato, and sherbet.

*It is VERY hard to get a stroller in and down the stairs, so plan to bring a baby watcher or a carrier along if you have a little one with you.

*As much as we love The Trolley Car Diner in Mt. Airy, their water ice is just not great. Way too icy, not smooth like it should be. Their ice cream is a better bet.

Bredenbeck's Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor
8126 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
215.247.7374
map

Okay, this one doesn't have water ice either, but we couldn't leave it out. Bredenbeck's is a great old fashioned ice cream parlor in Chestnut Hill. Try one of their sundae creations and dig in outside on one of their benches on the avenue. You won't be dissapointed!

*Not any room to sit down inside and not stroller friendly. They're open late, so it's a great one to come to for an after-dinner treat.




Your Turn: Did we miss any great water ice/ice cream spots? Any flavors we should know about?

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Let's Read: What's the Story?

There are tons of libraries around, most with scheduled story times for kids. So, which ones are worth it? Which ones feature old women reading books while they yell at our kids to sit down? Here's the story:


Philadelphia Free Library -- Chestnut Hill Branch
8711 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118-2716 (Germantown Ave. & Bethlehem Pike)
215.248.0977
map

Story time: Tuesdays at 10:30-11:15 am (for children 18 mo.-3 yrs).
Children's Librarian Ms. Klemas reads stories, sings songs, and leads the children in finger rhymes. Parking is available in paid lot off Bethlehem Pike -- tickets validated at library circulation desk.

Ms. Klemas is relatively new to this location, but is doing a fantastic job. She is very upbeat and great with the kids. This one can get crowded, but there is plenty of room and cookies afterwards! If you have a stroller, make sure you come in at the side entrance (the left side of the building). You can come up the ramp and even leave your stroller outside if you want.

*There will be no story times for the majority of September. They will resume on Sept. 30th.


Borders Book Store in Chestnut Hill
8701 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118
215.248.1213
map

Story time every Monday at 11:00 am
open to all ages



This is a nice story time at a beautiful Borders location. The story time takes place on the second floor next to the cafe. So, grab a coffe before or after or even drink while you watch your bigger kids enjoying the stories. This one can also sometimes be crowded, so get there early to get a good spot on the floor. And remember that you will be coming up an elevator, so you will do better without a large stroller if you can help it.



The Big Blue Marble Book Store in Mt. Airy
551 Carpenter Lane Philadelphia, PA 19119
215.844.1870
map

Baby Group: Tuesdays at 10:00am -- An informal gathering of babies (and parents) playing, reading, and hanging out.
Story Time: Thursdays at 11:00am

This is a great little book store right next to Weaver's Way Co-op. There is only on-street parking and it does sometimes get crowded in this area, so walking might be nice if you're close by. The children's section is small, but fabulous, set down from the rest of the shop with plenty of toys for kids to play with and a kid-sized table to accomodate little readers. They have a great selection of books and a cafe upstairs. The staff is also very friendly.

Our review of the story time will be posted soon.

Jeannes Library – Lafayette Hill

4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
610.828.0441
map

Fall Story Times (starting Sept. 9th):
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:15 am: "Mother Goose on the Loose"
(1-30 mo.)
Tuesdays at 11:15am and Thursdays at 1:30pm -- 3-5 yr olds
Wednesdays at 10:15am and Thursdays at 11:15am -- 2 1/2-3 1/2 yr olds

Bedtime Storytimes: 3rd Tuesday of each mo. at 7pm for 3-7 yr olds

These story times are nothing short of amazing. They are down in the basement, but it is a very large room. The librarians do a wonderful job and even include a little craft at the end of each reading. The stories are usually themed and include songs and visuals.

The grounds around this library are also great. We even suggest making a day of this trip and bringing a picnic lunch to eat outside afterwards, under one of their beautiful cherry trees. There is also a nice grove of pine trees that kids love to play in, a fun "hideaway" for them.

Plymouth Meeting Barnes and Noble
The Metroplex, 2300 Chemical Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
610.567.2900
map

Story time: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10.30am
Both for pre-school (ages 3-6) and beginning readers (ages 5-8)

Our review will be posted soon.

What's Up With the Docs?: Pediatricians

We know this is one of the most important issues for parentss -- finding good doctors for our kids. So, we've done our homework, asked around, and even met a lot of nearby pediatricians. Here's who makes our short list for the best docs around:
(Of course, this is only our opinion and, as when choosing any doctor, we encourage you to make your own decision from your own personal experience. We understand that everyone has different needs and preferences and the doctors we highlight here may not be right for you.)

Mt. Airy Pediatrics -- Dr. Cady (and entire practice)
7056 Germantown Ave # 215
Philadelphia, PA 19119
215.247.2996
map

Dr. Cady is almost a legend in the area, but has cut back on hours and is hard to get an appointment with. Some only schedule yearly exams with him, since they can do that in advance. The practice is known for being open to extending breastfeeding, spreading out vaccines, etc.

They were not taking new patients for a while (unless you had a newborn), but there is a new doctor, Dr. Tatar, so they are currently accepting new patients. The staff is great and very friendly. They are easy to get on the phone. The waiting room is large, clean, and stocked with great toys.

Many people have said the nurse practitioner, Susan, is also wonderful.

*There is on street parking and a small lot behind the building. Strollers are hard to get inside, as there are stairs leading up to the entrance.

StChris Care at Falls Center

(affiliated with St. Christopher's Hospital for Children)
Dr. Charlene Brock
3300 Henry Avenue, 4th floor

Philadelphia, PA 19129 (East Falls)
215.438.3300


Dr. Charlene Brock is now in her new East Falls office! We have not experienced the new practice yet, but Dr. Brock is great. She is extremely knowledgeable, upbeat, encouraging, and supportive of things like extended breastfeeding. She is great with kids and always patient with questions. She is a wonderful choice for anyone!

Roxborough Pediatrics -- Dr. Danielle Casher
6001 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19128
215.487.1450
map

Dr. Casher is well known in this area and has many patients in Mt. Airy. Her children have even attended the Summit program in Mt. Airy. She is known for being extremely personable and following up very often with patients. She has visited homes of patients on several occasions. You will never feel rushed with Dr. Casher.

Her waiting room is nothing to brag about, though. She shares it with another medical office, so it is often filled with patients who do not have children. There is not much room and not many toys. It has been recommended to get early morning appointments in order to avoid a crowded waiting room.

Kids First in Chestnut Hill - Dr. Kline

7700 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118

215.247.1172 / Fax: 215.247.0663

This practice is large and has a reputation for being busy and hard to get on the phone, but we have heard wonderful things about Dr. Kline. She is great with kids and always in good spirits. There is a very large waiting room with toys. 

Park behind the CVS to enter.

Kids First in Flourtown -- Dr. Tomaine
Flourtown Commons, 1811 Bethlehem Pike, Suite A106, Flourtown, PA 19031
215.836.1700
map

Dr. Tomaine is a medical doctor, but also an osteopath. He is known for having a great bedside manner and is wonderful with kids. This Kids First practice is much better than most at answering phones and following up with patients. The staff is extremely nice and helpful.

About the Writers

Charline Barger

GAP creator and writer

Charline is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom of two, living in Chestnut Hill. She enjoys seeking out great play grounds, museums, and libraries to share with her kids and also loves to find the best tasty treats around! Before having children, Charline was a sixth grade English teacher. You can read more of her writing on www.DancingMeatballs.com and in her column, Take The Kids, in the Chestnut Hill Local.

Julia Copeland

writer

Julia is a work-at-home mom of two in East Mt. Airy. She loves finding new places and resources in the area and sharing them with others. She especially loves coffee shops, children’s theater, and fun places her kids can play and explore safely! Before being a mom, she was a Child Life Specialist working with kids and families in hospitals.

Angela Mwandia

editor and calendar manager

Angela is a stay-at-home mum to Simbule (born May 2008). She lives in Chestnut Hill and moved here from the UK, with her husband, last Summer. She loves to get out in the fresh air, meeting other mums, and finding out what activities are available. Prior to being a mum, Angela worked in science policy and research.