Combining his interest in cars along with his love of Saint Peter's Village, Aaron Phillips, a 2022 graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, is the founder of Cars and Coffee, a car show held in the historic village on the second Sunday of the month, weather permitting, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Saint Peter's Village is a popular community attraction that features small shops and eateries, but it is perhaps best known for the scenic French Creek, which flows over the rocks behind the shops. Many visitors come to view the cascading French Creek falls as well as enjoy the surrounding hiking trails.

Phillips said having a car show not only showcases the scenic location but also encourages visitors to shop or dine at the small businesses. "I have always lived here and wanted to bring car culture to the village," said Phillips. "And, of course, I love helping out the village and helping it gain popularity."

During the car shows, visitors are encouraged to purchase coffee and breakfast items from one of the village's shops and then view the cars, which are parked in the lot across from the Saint Peter's Village post office, 3300 Saint Peter's Road. "(The car show is from) 8 to 11 (a.m.), but people can stay however long they want to in the village," noted Phillips. "There are shops and things for people to do."

The car shows, which are free for spectators and vehicle owners, began three years ago after Phillips received permission from the corporation that owns the village property. "We originally were in the paved lot, but they asked us to move to the post office lot," he said. "People still go and get their coffee and walk down to the car show."

Cars and Coffee attracts anywhere from 50 to 80 cars each month. "(Visitors have said) that they have never seen a car show in such a unique environment," Phillips said. "We get new faces and different cars every month, and it's all varieties of cars. We get American cars, Japanese cars, classic and new."

Phillips, whose parents own a shop in the village, is also a young entrepreneur. He started his own business, Devotion Detailing, during the pandemic. "People were not using their cars ... so I would come and detail (their cars) in the driveway," he explained. "Along with detailing, I buy and sell cars, so I have taken cars (to the car show) through the years." He also is a part-time student studying automotive technology.

Phillips especially enjoys it when people visit the village for the first time after learning about the car show. "It excites me every time I see the cars pulling up," he shared. "It makes me feel sure I am doing something right. It's such a nice environment to sit for a while, and you have the added benefit of the shops for people to check out."

Saint Peter's Village is located off Route 23 on Saint Peter's Road in Warwick Township. To learn more about the car show, search for "Saint Peter's Cars and Coffee" on Facebook or contact Phillips at aphillips6698@gmail.com.