No tricks, just treats this month, like a Philadelphia Monopoly edition, a snazzy new stereo showroom and a sassy Insta account. Enjoy!
• Flipping Out at World Wide Stereo
What feels like a million years ago, I wrote a newsletter bemoaning the end of the retro flipboard at 30th Street Station, asking Amtrak to clickety clack please bring it BACK! Still no response from Amtrak but apparently World Wide Stereo in downtown Wayne was listening? Along with loads of high-tech gadgets and home stereo systems, you can snag your very own flipboard (controlled via iPad of course) at the store. Apparently the flipboard is a top seller, but my online sleuthing reveals these types of “home” flipboards can be loud (as in, conversation-ending loud). Hmmm…
Even if you have no clue what I’m talking about (or don’t care—ha!), you should still swing by World Wide Stereo’s new showroom , or what the company refers to as its “Home Technology Experience Center.” The sleek, 5,000-square-foot circular building (once home to a Starbucks and a short-lived CBD-Kratom shop) is divided into different “settings” to showcase how the company’s myriad stereo, security, climate and lighting capabilities can work in a kitchen, living room, patio, conference room or home theater, for example. Wander around and admire TVs that double as artwork, subwoofers disguised as garden décor and a 150” video wall. The company’s in-house audio engineers and installers can design smart home systems for all types of residences, from new builds to century-old estates.
On Saturday, October 18, the Wayne location will host Cars & Coffee, where guests can mingle with other car lovers and collectors, admire a fleet of luxury vehicles and enter to win a $1,000 car audio upgrade.
Voted Main Line Today’s Best Home Theater Experts, World Wide Stereo is located at 218 E. Lancaster Avenue in Wayne.
• XOXO, Gossip Mom
Spotted: A Radnor dad humble bragging about his “casual” Avalon digs, Main Line moms showing off their serves and Lulu sets on the pickleball courts, carpool lines that rival an F1 race and a sweet sale rack at Lovebirds in Wayne. Who is this sassy, in-the-know mom sharing the goods? Who cares? Just do yourself a favor and follow along on Instagram.
• Valley Forge Military Academy Closing
All the signs were there…buildings in disrepair, land sold to developers, rumors of financial woes. Now it’s official: Valley Forge Military Academy will close in 2026, just two years shy of its centennial. The school’s impressive alumni roster includes novelist J.D. Salinger, NFL Hall of Fame receiver Larry Fitzgerald, war veterans General Norman Schwarzkopf and Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster—and even my uncle, who has fond memories of his time there.
A series of issues plagued the school in recent years, namely declining enrollment. In 2011, there were about 300 cadets enrolled in grades 7 to 12. Now just 90 attend the school, where tuition and fees run about $32,000. Legal bills stemming from lawsuits filed by former cadets alleging hazing and sexual abuse and rising insurance premiums also played a role.
While the military academy is closing, Valley Forge Military College will remain open. The two-year co-ed college shares the 70-acre campus but has operated separately since 2022.
• Dig Inn, Neighbor!
The popular fast-casual eatery Dig Inn has planted roots in Suburban Square, in the old HipCityVeg. Specializing in hearty, seasonal dishes made from scratch, Dig Inn serves sandwiches, salads, sides, desserts, take-home family dinners, bowls and vegan options—using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. All items are clearly labeled with nutrition and allergen information, including calorie counts.
After rebranding as “Dig” in 2019, the franchise recently reclaimed its original moniker and will now be known as “Dig Inn” moving forward.
And how’s this for digging into the community…the Suburban Square location donated 100% of its opening day sales to the Ardmore Food Pantry AND asked customers to contribute a nonperishable food item.
Dig Inn daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM at 76 Coulter Avenue in Ardmore.
• Monopoly on Philly!
Who deserves a square on Monopoly: Philadelphia Edition? That’s up to YOU, neighbor! Toy manufacturer Top Trumps USA Inc., maker of other community Monopoly editions, is currently seeking recommendations from the public about which Philadelphia locations and businesses should earn coveted squares on the game board.
Scheduled to hit shelves in November 2026, the Philadelphia board will include customized Community Chest and Chance playing cards too. You can submit your ideas online here or e-mail Philly@TopTrumps.com.
Got a scoop for In The Loop? E-mail kate@mainlineneighbors.com
