Peddler's Village Named Among Nation's Top Shopping Centers

A past Strawberry Festival at Peddler’s Village.
Credit: Meredith Edlow

A popular destination for locals and tourists that began 63 years ago in the Buckingham and Solebury townships’ countryside has been named among the top in the nation.

Peddler’s Village was recently placed among the top shopping centers by USA Today.

USA Today’s 10BEST team put together a panel of experts nominated top shopping centers nationwide based on variety of stores, dining and entertainment options, and overall guest experience. Readers then cast votes to determine the winners.

“The most remarkable shopping centers aren’t just places to buy things; they’re community gathering spots that provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for their many visitors,” USA Today said.

The attraction features shopping, dining, lodging and family entertainment across 42 acres.

Peddler’s Village, which has become one of the Philadelphia region’s most popular attractions, has 65 specialty shops and boutiques, with most locally owned.

While many shops are new, some have thrived for decades, like The Cookery Ware Shop, opened in 1969 and now operated by third-generation owners.

Bob McGowan, CEO of Peddler’s Village and a long-time admirer of its charm, pointed to the unique experience guests experience.

“There’s an exciting sense of discovery and adventure here, and a level of personal service and human engagement that is rarely found in today’s shopping environment,” McGowan said. “Our guests feel a connection to not only to the picturesque, storybook setting of Peddler’s Village, but also to the people they meet here who have worked so hard to launch and grow their small businesses.”

Peddler’s Village with holiday lights up. Credit: Allure West Studios

McGowan said he was grateful for the recognition and credited Earl and Sheila Jamison, whose vision 63 years ago laid the foundation. He also thanked the merchants, employees and loyal guests for their support.

Open year-round, the shops at Peddler’s Village offer a wide array of merchandise, including apparel, home goods, fine art and gifts.

Beyond shopping, Peddler’s Village includes numerous restaurants, the 67-room Golden Plough Inn, and the Giggleberry Fair indoor family fun center.

Peddler’s Village officials said the property draws more than two million visitors annually.

Peddler’s Village is hosting a number of family-friendly events this summer:

Safari in Sand – every day through August 31. Safari in Sand features majestic sand sculptures created by world-renowned sand artists that depict wild animals you’d encounter in a safari. Pick up a field guide at our Visitor & Event Center or outdoor kiosks to begin! On your tour, you’ll learn fun facts about the wild animals.
Bucks Fever Tunes at Noon from 12:00-1:00 p.m. on Fridays through August 29. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many restaurants and eateries and enjoy live music on the Village Green, presented in partnership with the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce.
Food Truck Thursdays from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on May 22, June 19, July 24, August 21, and September 18. Bring your friends and family for an evening of great food and fun on Giggleberry Green. Free admission.
Murder Mystery Dinners: I Love the 80s to Death and Death of a Gangster at 7:00 p.m. on June 14 and June 27. Purchase your tickets for interactive mystery dinner theaters presented in partnership with The Murder Mystery Co.
Bucks Fever Art & Sculpture Exhibition from June 12 through July 6. The exhibition, in partnership with the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, will feature a wide range of artistic styles and prize-winning pieces, many of which will be for sale. Free admission. Open daily during shopping hours at the Visitor & Event Center.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 3:00 p.m. on June 14 and 15. As part of its inaugural “Play On!” community touring program, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) presents Shakespeare’s hilarious mash-up of mistaken lovers, mischievous fairies, and amateur thespians. Free admission.
Comedy in the Village at 8:00 p.m. on June 20. Three hilarious comedians take the stage for Comedy in the Village. This is a ticketed event and reservations are required. Mature humor, for adults 18+ only.
Bucks Fever Talent Show from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. on June 21. Performers of all ages will showcase their skills and compete for prizes, including the grand prize of $3,000. Musicians, singers, dancers, comedians, and others are invited to enter by May 28. The talent show is a ticketed event and is presented in partnership with the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce.
Red, White, and Blue BBQ Bash from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on July 4. Celebrate the Fourth of July at Peddler’s Village! Our Red, White, and Blueberries BBQ Bash takes place on Friday, July 4th and will feature live entertainment, family activities, a watermelon-eating contest, and blueberry-themed barbeque favorites. Free admission (with pay-as-you-go food).
Dueling Pianos & Desserts from 8:00 p.m. on July 25. Enjoy a rousing dueling pianos performance by New York-based pianists and a delicious array of desserts prepared by the Cock ‘n Bull’s pastry chef. This is a ticketed event and reservations are required.
Peach Festival from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on August 2 and 3. Peach Festival will feature live entertainment, family activities, outdoor food and drinks, peach-themed specials and treats, a sidewalk sale, in-store specials, and more. All month long, Village guests can enjoy peach-inspired food and drink specials at restaurants, eateries, and tasting rooms. Free admission.