New, Improved Destinations Arrive in My (and Everybody's) Hometown

As a longtime resident of Middletown Township and summer intern for Patch, it's been my privilege to cover news all around Delaware County and, in particular, Media.

For the most part, I've come home to the same Media I left last August for my freshman year at the University of Maryland.

However, a stroll down State Street or a nostalgic drive to one of my former schools shockingly reminds me how much can happen in one year.

From sit-down dinners to frozen treats, a lovely selection of new eateries opened for business in downtown Media and beyond. I personally can't wait to try on Baltimore Avenue.

Here's a list of just some of the changes to the greater Media area, that come to mind, with a photo gallery above. 

• for a delicious and (more) nutritious alternative to ice cream to beat the heat.
• State Street gained three new International restaurants in (Mediterranean cuisine), , and . 
• with a boom and never ceases to have a packed crowd at the delicious fast food restaurant on Baltimore Pike. Although simple and perhaps obvious, the Original Chick-fil-A Sandwich always satisfies (I consumed four a week at college). 
• , including the construction of a brand new auditorium and renovations to the pool and classrooms. Despite the mess, it looks awesome and I can't wait to see the finished product. 
• Out of seemingly nowhere, the Woodlands at Ridley Creek popped up with 50 luxurious homes by the Toll Brothers. When I went away, it didn't seem like much more than a few unfinished houses were left to complete.
• which now seats nearly 1,300 people.