Somewhere a couple of years ago, I read that the founders of Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters had opened a garden store, Terrain at Styers, somewhere near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. So, when my husband and I went to Philly for the weekend, I put Terrain on my list of “must dos”.
Within minutes of pulling into the parking lot, my heart began to beat just a little faster.
Anthropologie-meets-my-garden, plus my husband, was all I would need for a wonderful afternoon date. It was beginning to sprinkle and storm clouds were rolling in, but that didn’t deter us. As soon as we entered into the antique, wooden, barn like structure and laid our eyes on the outdoor furniture selection, we knew we were going to have fun! (Yes, my husband is a sucker for Anthropologie too. It makes his wife happy, which makes him happy. You know the drill.) We spent a couple of hours taking in the inspiration of succulents hanging in spheres, dangling from trees and tin lanterns speckling the wall with light.
After browsing, we headed to the cafe. It was situated in the back of the building in a greenhouse. The menus were jotted down on rolls of brown paper,
living walls separated the dining room from the kitchen
and we immediately noticed the mix matched plates and silverware. (We have often brainstormed a restaurant just like this one.)
We were there in between lunch and dinner, so we were presented with a lite fare menu.
Devon ordered the goat cheese, wild mushroom tart and I ordered these Indian spiced quinoa cakes.
This was the perfect mid afternoon snack. We lingered and talked, then a storm rolled in. It was amazing to sit there witness nature doing it’s thing. A huge crack of lightening struck the grounds and even knocked out some of the power. But, that didn’t deter Terrain or the staff from continuing to offer inspiration and hospitality. Terrain’s Cafe was casual and seemed to fit the natural rhythm of life.
Every corner of Terrain was a source of new ideas and creativity. They offer container gardening classes, special outdoor brunches and all the supplies you need to make your own miniature garden.
There are stacks of cookbooks, beautiful fabrics and even jewelry.
This is what I took home. It’s a potted oregano plant. Since being to Terrain at Styers, I see even my herbs in a new light.
