Out & About With Linda – August 2025
A walk on York Road in Hatboro, quickly reveals it’s not the same Hatboro of some years ago.
My brother-in law had a longtime carpet store next to a prominent jeweler on the same side as the Sweater Mill, near Gamburg’s. Only Sweater Mill remains as an anchor store on the main drag…the carpet store, jeweler and Gamburg’s are gone.
But if one just walks a bit further towards the end of Hatboro approaching Willow Grove, you’ll find another anchor in Hatboro: Victorian Village, an Active Adult 55+ Luxury Lifestyle Rental Community.
Situated in the hub of what’s becoming a bustling business center, the original Victorian Village has just completed its sister (or brother!) building and already accepting residents. In fact, we hear the building is filled to almost 35% capacity!
Victorian Village enjoys a lively reputation for its state-of-the-art fitness center and active social club. Its onsite restaurant, Trattoria Valona, is recognized as a premium Italian bistro in the area. And Hatboro Pharmacy provides service both to residents and others alike. The new building will offer a stunning new library and secondary community room to be shared by all residents. A fire pit serves as one of many gathering places for this community.
Apartment amenities include two spacious bedrooms, two full baths, laundry rooms outfitted with GE washer and dryers, private storage units and living space unmatched in any area rental community. The newest building includes high end features like high hats and laminate wood floors. Both buildings have apartment balconies and granite countertops. Luxury at its most.
Best of all, a professional maintenance team is onsite and available 24/7. No snow shoveling, help in your apartment for emergencies, security protection… and convenient access to the train station, Center City Philadelphia, and the turnpike.
Just see what’s happening on South York Road in Hatboro. Quite a few restaurants accessible by foot or a very short car ride. Next door is what’s become a favorite WAWA. Produce Junction, again, down the street with convenient parking.
And with each day, Hatboro seems to be growing a bit more with conveniences suited to an active 55+ community. This is not your sleepy retirement home. Luxury, substantial living space, social activities, professional attention 24/7 and city-like amenities, without the city. You can check off all your boxes with Victorian Village.
Now, if you’re not yet 55+ and you’re looking for a walkable town, check out Milliner Lofts Luxury Apartments. Located in the middle of Hatboro, Milliner Lofts offers loft style apartments, one and two bedrooms. Most have a spare room for a “study.” And apartments on the fourth floor, the top floor, have rooftop balconies with wonderful unobstructed views.
Milliner Lofts is part of what’s become “Hatboro’s renaissance in luxury living.” Offering today’s most desired amenities, stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, granite countertops, outdoor patio, top notch fitness room, luxurious community lounge and more. And plenty of parking, conveniently located.
I visited Milliner Lofts and was impressed with their open view of Hatboro. High ceilings. Lots of big, over-sized windows. Sleek, designer kitchens. On the main “drag,” one will have the feel of city living without the nasty congestion. And you can look for Philly Philly Cheesesteaks to open shop ground level where you can enjoy, you got it… the best Philly cheesesteaks around.
The apartments are spacious and sophisticated. Perfectly located near the train station. you can walk to get your morning train. Close to many intimate cafes and popular bakeries for an early morning coffee and pastry, returning home at the end of your day offers a variety of restaurants close by. It will be easy to settle in and settle down in Milliner Lofts. Luxury at its best includes maintenance and cleaning onsite, a secure package room for all deliveries and of course, trash removal.
This is a must-see property if your schedule takes you anywhere along the local train route. No need to join a health club; you’ve got a great facility on the premises. Looking for an evening night cap or gourmet meal it’s all there on Hatboro’s York Road. Leases are available now, so if you’re looking for some city lights, with all the bells and
whistles and that means conveniences, Milliner Lofts is the home for you.
Speaking of neat “food” places in Hatboro check out Pacitti Bros Ice Cream & Hotdogs. This cute food “nook” stands out with its yellow and white stripped awning. Just a short walk from Milliner Lofts, I stopped by to see what was happening inside. I’m glad I did!!
A family business, Frank and Chris Pacitti have brought hotdog heaven to growing Hatboro. I’ve reported on my love of hotdogs before, but Pacitti Bros helped me re-visit a favorite indulgence.
A take-out place, a few chairs and tables are situated out front on York Road. If so inclined, you can enjoy your dogs street-side. Fun!
My order was to-go, prepared by Kate, Frank’s sister and her two charming assistants. The “dogs” are all beef a winning dog for me. I ordered the Sauer Krauter, hotdog with sauerkraut, and the Bodybuilder, a dog with bacon bits covering the dog. I loved the Sauer Krauter. My friend flipped over the Bodybuilder as the bacon bits was real bacon chopped into substantial bits not like the ersatz bacon bits you buy to put on your salad, etc. I think the all-beef dog made both dogs winners.
Of course there were many other options including chili, jalapeno peppers, cheese, chopped onions. Speaking with Kate, I got the idea that Frank loves hotdogs and put his favorites on the menu!
They also have something called Soft Pretzel Specialty Cups. Very different, Kate said this is something Frank “invented” because of his love of soft pretzels and hotdogs. I checked out the Montgomery Cup. Yum! Imagine pieces of chopped soft pretzel, covered with chili and melted cheese, bacon bits, chopped hotdog, jalapenos and chopped onion all in one cup. It’s quite a dish just watch out for the jalapenos. They’re mighty hot!!!
There are a variety of Soft Pretzel Specialty Cups available, with and without a chopped hotdog they’re all fun, and I’m sure they’re all delicious.
But what’s a hotdog place without ice cream?! Hey! It’s not a hotdog place!!!! Pacitti Bros has the best that Philadelphia makes: Bassetts Ice Cream. So go to this little “Yellow Awning Nook” and grab your favorite flavor and favorite creation.
The Philly has, of course, a warm soft pretzel chopped and mixed with ice cream, hot fudge or caramel, whipped cream and Jimmies. (This guy LOVES soft pretzels!!!) Or get a Banana Split or your choice of 1, 2 or 3 scoops on a cone.
Pacitti Bros is open most days except Tuesday, 11am-9pm. Weekends: 9am-10pm. Great “dogs” and delicious ice cream is served with a smile. Lunch specials are available 11am-3pm. And let me say, anyone who has a lunch special called “Don’t Tell Mom” is my kind of place it might be yours, too. LOL!! Just tell them you heard about them here between our covers. Yum!!
Victorian Village
420 S. York Road . Hatboro 215.441.0350
Milliner Lofts
26 S. York Road . Hatboro 215.340.5700
Pacitti Bros Ice Cream & Hotdogs
105 North York Road . Hatboro 267.965.3133
