Last Saturday I had the chance to tour a semi-new shopping area nearby on a road I travel on at least weekly. I still can't believe I never took the time to explore the 263 Marketplace in Warminster, but I'm glad I know about it now. This indoor market is a cross between a farmer's market and an upscale (temperature controlled!) flea market. If you've ever been to Rice's Market, it reminded me of a more upscale version that was indoors. The 263 Marketplace is located in what used to be a Pathmark when I lived in Warminster many moons ago, then became Waterloo Gardens, and now a great place to spend some time on the weekend.
Only open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the 263 Marketplace features about 80 vendors selling everthing from women's apparel, wine, antiques, children's books to sports memorabillia. There are seveal choices of food vendors for a nice lunch or dinner while shopping, as well as some tasty dessert or treat options, including Chance of Sprinkles, a cute ice cream shop and Dautcher's Farm Market, selling great cookies and baked goods. The Cupcake Fantasy by the Horsham Bakery display was beautiful!
(and yes, I took a photo of cupcakes!)
I had lunch from Bobby G's BBQ, that was a BBQ pulled pork sandwich and some creamy mac n cheese. The BBQ sauce was really tasty! I also had the chance to pick up some great cookie cutters at Ivyland Kitchen, who had these graduated star shaped cookie cutters I had been looking for in order to make cookie trees with my son for Christmas. (They were under $4 too!!) I am amazed at the variety of vendors all in one place. From home improvements, a locksmith who cuts keys while you wait, to jewelry, they really have all the bases covered at 263 Marketplace.
Every Friday night they have an all you can eat pasta meal along with musical entertainment. Sundays they offer a brunch to enjoy before shopping. There is even a mini movie theater in the back that shows G-rated family movies twice on Sundays. The 263 Marketplace is having an open house on December 10, 2011 at 5pm. Participating vendors will be offering light refreshments and complimentary gift wrapping services. It should be a great night to be introduced to this suburban Philadelphia marketplace.
While I was there I also purchased some children's books from Lambkins, who sells Barefoot Books. I love the books published by Barefoot Books. They are beautifully illustrated and different than what I've seen offered in big box bookstores. One of our favorite Barefoot Books my son received as a present is The Prince's Bedtime. I was able to pick up three books for gift giving this holiday season.
Nichole, from Lambkins, was kind enough to set up the tour of the 263 Marketplace and the Marketplace provided lunch, which was appreciated! I had a great time shopping at these small local businesses in my own community. If you are in the Montco/Bucks County area, be sure to check out 263 Marketplace, located at 700 York Road (RT 263,) Warminster, PA 18974 (located across the street from Archbishop Wood HS.)
