By Rachel Stevenson

Two of my favorite words in the English language are “shopping” and “sale.”  I am a thrift store shopper, Goodwill bargain hunter, and yard sale enthusiast.

While I spare no expense when it comes to food and adventure, when it comes to clothes, jewelry, and material things, I love a good deal.

I also prefer to shop local.

As a business owner and entrepreneur myself, I enjoy supporting locally owned businesses and families. I also find pleasure in walking around small towns, hand-in-hand with my wife, on beautiful summer afternoons.

So when my spouse suggested we take the convertible out for a spin to Skippack Village for a Sunday Sidewalk Sale on a sunny day, this savvy shopper said “sure!”

Only 15 miles north of Collegeville on Township Line Rd (Route 113), Skippack is known for it’s quaint town, dining options, and small specialty stores.

To our amazement the crowds were sparse on Sunday, so we moseyed along West Skippack Pike visiting with vendors and popping in and out of dozens of boutique shops along the way.

After sifting through a LuLaRoe clothing rack and leafing through children’s books at an Usborne Books & More vendor table, we chatted with Amanda, the owner of Alden Names Frames.

We watched as Amanda showed her customer five photo letters that spelled out her name, then proceeded to frame the images to spell out “Kathy”. Amanda shared that she not only does her own photography, but she also cuts her own mats and makes her own frames.

We thanked Amanda for her time, and headed to Green Wolf’s Barn Shoppes. There we visited with Art Director and Event Coordinator, Craig Wolf, in his Village Art Gallery.

Craig beamed while he educated us on the featured artwork in his gallery and encouraged us to bring friends back for a future visit. I assured him we would and he handed me his card.

Mom and daughter owners, Deb and Linda, at Copper Partridge Uniquities, invited us in for spiked slushy samples and bacon dip while we shopped around their two-level treasure trove, filled with oddities and gifts. My wife found her happy place in the sports section while I surveyed the jewelry selection.

We found a beautiful wooden ice bucket at Le Butler’s Pantry for 50% off and the owners informed us about the upcoming Best Kept Secrets Tour. This countywide event, filled with shopping, food, and fun, features “off-the-beaten-path businesses.” My wife looked nervous as I slipped the brochure into my purse.

After a wine tasting at Boyd’s Cardinal Hollow Winery and a scoop of dark chocolate gelato at my favorite Skippack Sweet Spot, it was time to head home.

Although I didn’t purchase much during my visit, I never skip an opportunity to visit the adorable little town that is Skippack Village.

Visit their website to learn more about upcoming events and sidewalk sales.