Over the hill?

     Chestnut Hill has long been one of my favorite spots to visit and to walk around.  Going up and down Germantown Avenue in this upscale neighborhood of Philadelphia is a great way to  feel the buzz of retail activity and to get some exercise.  Only a mere 20 minutes from my door it is a quick trip for a special spice, hard to find hardware, or wedge of imported cheese.  And it's an ideal place for lunch, too.

     But recently it seems that Chestnut Hill is falling on hard times.  Sure, there are some of the familiar places that have been their for decades, perhaps the Chestnut Hill Hotel being a prime example.  And then there Killian's Hardware, a fixture (no pun intended) since 1913.  McNally's Pub, originator of the Schmitter Sandwich isn't far behind, established in 1921.  There is also the staid and stately Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Home, too.



     A few new comers have established themselves along "The Avenue."  Weaver's Way Co-op sells organic (and very expensive!) produce and canned goods and makes sandwiches along side the butcher counter in the rear of the store.  Iron Hill brewery provides another option for meals and a brew.  And side by side there are Kitchen Kapers and Penzey's Spices for the domestics in the crowd.



     But sadly are gone such favorites as Talbot's, Omaha Steaks, Metropolitan Bakery and a significant portion of the Farmers' Market.  Just last week I noticed 3 stores with signs in the window offering lease or sale options.  And another iconic shop, the Chestnut Hill Bootery was sadly announcing that they, too, were going out of business.





     One new office there is doing a brisk business, however.  Berkshire-Hathaway Real Estate has plenty to do to fill up all the empty store fronts.