Ah, Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. There is nothing more comforting than hearing that name. With about 7,200 residents, the town seems so much smaller. The constant, “Hey how ya doin?” and “Nice to see you!”, feels almost like a broken record due to the fact that everyone knows everyone. Literally. If you want to have a twenty minute conversation about your kid’s soccer game, then go to the local Acme Supermarket, you are bound to see at least six people you know.
When thinking about 10 memories of my hometown, a rush of nostalgia flooded my body and I couldn’t help the slightest grin that appeared on my face. Everyone’s hometown has a story- here’s mine from growing up in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.
Haven’t heard that in awhile, right? Before humans turned into living robots and glued to their phone, taking a trip to Blockbuster was the plan for every Friday night. My Blockbuster was located about 3 miles from my house right next to that familiar ol’ Acme Supermarket (aka basically a high school reunion). I remember going with my mom and walking through the automatic doors and feeling a rush of heavenly light shine in my eyes and the smell of plastic DVD cases. Immediately, I would run to the children’s section and search for the Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen movies. As my mom and I checked out our endless amount of DVDs, I’d beg her to buy me candy. It usually worked if I snuck in a little tear… sorry mom. RIP Blockbuster of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.
Located down the road from my house, which you can see from the top of my neighborhood. This lake felt like paradise except there is no need to spend thousands of dollars on plane tickets and pose in front of a beach with a drink in your hand for Instagram. This was a new type of paradise, the kind of place where there were no worries in the world. Marsh Creek is the best spot to see the sunrise/sunset in the Downingtown area. I used to come here every week in the summer and walk my dog on the trails. My best memory there was taking graduation photos with all my best friends in front of the lake just a few hours before receiving our diplomas and starting our lives. Seeing the bright smiles on my friends’ faces knowing they were about to become adults still continues to warm my heart. Starting our adventures at Marsh Creek and ending our adventures at Marsh Creek made parting ways a bittersweet feeling.
Or as the high school students call it, “school Wawa” because it’s located across from Downingtown East High School and Lionville Middle School. As odd as it sounds, this particular gas station was where everyone spent 90% of their high school years. This is the place where everyone goes if there is nothing to do because you are bound to see other people from school who have plans, so you basically just invite yourself to whatever basement party is going on. It seems to be a tradition with my best friends to go to Wawa late at night and get the mac n cheese. Wow, that mac n cheese. Who knew a gas station could have such good food? To answer that question, Wawa is NOT just a gas station. It is a five star restaurant on the East coast. Don’t even try and tell me that Sheetz is better. You’ll lose… trust me. East coast cherishes and protects Wawa at all costs. We would risk our lives for that place.
The good old days. Once again located right next to the infamous Acme! Surprised? This is why everyone knows each other because every hot spot is in the same area so you will see everyone all the time. The experiences I had at Stadium Grill will be in my heart forever. Just thinking of those thick cut steak fries and those small bulky TV’s at every table brings a familiar feeling to my body. #NeverForgetStadiumGrill
This is located right outside of Chester Springs but was a very popular destination. There isn’t much to do there besides climb on the rocks and walk the hidden trails. My favorite activity is to paint the rocks. My friends and I would drive up to St. Petes and bring paint and spend all day just making masterpieces only to be washed away by the rain later to come. This place was magical because from the outside it just looked like rocks and trees, but once you step in it is a whole world full of color and art.
I will never forget my memories at the Downingtown East football games. These Friday night lights will always be my favorite part of high school. Despite everyone’s differences, we all came together to cheer on the Dtown East Cougars. It was moments like these that remind me of the true meaning of community. I still get goosebumps just replaying the memories of everyone linking arms and singing “Hey Baby” at the end of every game. My favorite cheer was the “I Believe..” chant. Ah, the things I would do to be under those bright lights sitting on the cold bleachers.
The first sign that sunny days are coming. Every year on the first day of Spring, Rita’s gives out free water ice. I believe every Rita’s does this but in Chester Springs it’s a big deal, like a Justin Bieber concert type of big deal. Nothin’ tastes better than some free food, especially Rita’s water ice.
The Downingtown Regal Theater was and still is my favorite place to go to. I remember as a child going to the theaters in the summer on a rainy day because we couldn’t play outside. As time went on, I still continued to go with my friends late at night, especially since they installed recliner chairs. Now, every time my friends and I come home from college, we go to the movies late at night and catch the latest film. Although we could easily watch a movie at someone’s house, the trip of going there is what made it memorable.
Out of every ice cream place in Chester Springs I have to say Maggie Moo’s is my favorite. I force my friends to go with me even if it is negative ten degrees outside. That sh*t is the best. I love watching them mush all the toppings in on the counter. I always strictly order the cookie dough Yo-Yo. Vanilla ice cream with chunks of cookie dough, oreo, and mixed with chocolate fudge. Wow. If that didn’t make your mouth water then you need help because I crave that ice cream everyday.
I cannot express how much Chester Springs loves this place. Forget Panera or Chipotle, nothing compares to the half priced appetizers at 9PM. In high school, after every football game, all the students would go to Applebee’s to munch on some mozzarella sticks or boneless wings. This memorable place is definitely my favorite out of the ten. There has been nothing but laughter at Applebee’s. My best friends and I countdown the days until we are home from break just so we can spend countless hours there catching up on college gossip.
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