The John F. Collins Park is a stunning landscape hidden somewhere in the bustling business district of Central city. You can explore all of that and the mansion. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories. Here, you'll get friendly, quick service and very sizable mouth-watering burritos. Please try again later. The trek to this bridge is a 10-mile hike round trip and uses several river fords along the way. Escape the crowds at Center Citys Reading Terminal Market with a stroll down 9th Street in South Philly. Royal Boucherie somehow manages to be everything to everyone: a brasserie for the business lunch crowd, a welcoming bar for the late-night set in the neighborhood, a fine dining experience for those who love French-inflected cuisine, and its even got a garden for summer nights that demand champagne and oysters. It's modeled after a Prohibition-era speakeasy, so you have to be in the know to head here for a drink. El Jarocho Taqueria, 1138 S 13th St Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-463-2020. The best way to dig deeper, though, is on a walking tour with the organization. This list to help you get started in uncovering some of the citys best kept secrets. Cherry St. & Race St. Pier. Grab a snack from the nearby food trucks and enjoy a few moments of calm. Come the warmer months, the rooftop features seasonal offerings like coffee carts, a beer garden, lawn games and the Sunset Social restaurant, plus seven nights of programming that comes in the form of trivia nights, movie screenings and ice cream socials (yes, please). You can opt for their in-room dining or choose the outdoor sitting as per mood. 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Some of the best hidden gems in Philly include: 1. See our, 111 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Walnut St & S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. Locals of Pennsport often choose it as their go-to brunch spot, especially for the cheesesteak hash. Where to Order Christmas Dinner and More in Philly. Founded nearly 50 years ago as a workspace for recent art school grads, the organization moved into its shiny and super-sized space in Kensington in 2022 to further its mission to bring clay as an accessible, tactile medium to a broad range of people., Where: The Clay Studio, 1425 N. American Street. Visitors can explore the collection on their own during library hours or take the daily 11 a.m. guided tour. The definitive list of hidden gems you need to try. Main Menu. It was built in 1755 and is the first-ever hospital America owned, even before the American Revolution. Opened in 2015, the elevated park is a year-round urban green space for visitors to stretch out and relax while enjoying some of the best views of Center City. Well, now's the time to plan a trip - just plan to wait if you're stopping by for weekend brunch. For some snacks, do try their mixture of tasty Mexican food. One of our favorite things about driving around the city (especially in South Philly) is finding the unexpected Zagar mosaics. Going back, you can also shop for memorabilia and souvenirs, pizza-related toys, books, dcor, and several unimagined items. There is a broad range of options for the tours, including exploring different themes and neighborhoods around the city. Bring along your hammer (were serious), climb out onto the field and start banging away on the primordial igneous diabase boulders to experience an unexpected and unforgettable sound: the bell-like tones that give the park its name. Below are my favorite hidden gems in every neighborhood that are worth checking out. Indulge your sweet tooth at Shane Confectionery, which claims to be Americas oldest candy store. Discover The Bridge to Nowhere. Once youve visited all the top sites, whats next? Attractions . Descriptions around the property identify the plants and explain those that had medicinal properties or other uses in the colonies, making a visit here both refreshing and a bit of a history lesson for those who are interested. Hidden Gem in Philadelphia. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. Rising through the trees is the eight-story (you read that right) Kids Castle, a massive wooden play structure with labyrinthine passages, twisty tube slides, drawbridges, overlooks and a kids elevator, all protected by a giant dragon. While walking down the lane, look for Ranstead room behind a nondescript door, dedicatedly a black metal door. This charming community is full of independent neighborhood haunts you need to check out. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Their rooftop hangout is always full of events categorized into art, taste, move, spark, and whatnot. It also has a garden patio that has a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in Philly. Weekend in Philadelphia The Secret Sights of Historic Philadelphia Family owned and operated since 1974, they proudly boast being the "Home of the 18 Incher" which is the size of their large steak. The stars at Chinatowns Shoe Museum at the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine came off the feet of celebrities, like a boot worn by Neil Armstrong on the moon, game-used Mike Schmidt (Philadelphia Phillies) cleats, platforms from Sally Struthers All in the Family wardrobe and Ronald Reagans dress shoes. Mount Moriah Cemetery An abandoned cemetery lies in ruins as the surrounding forest swallows it. Though if you are a traveler in Philly, you might not have even heard or seen the Dutch. Bartrams Garden is one of the best places in the city to enjoy the outdoors. Johnson has the tools athletic tools to rack up numbers in the Pub. The benches at the Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park are designed in such a way that you can sit on one end, whisper quietly, and be heard loud and clear on the other end. Fountain Street Steps Fountain Street Steps, though, are just steps, but the most gorgeous of all. Flowers, trees, and plants adorn this peaceful lushness amidst the concrete jungle. Most menu items cost under $10. 52 Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia. Where some of them are overshadowed by the well-preached ones, some attractions are peacefully preserved from the limelight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Receive the latest articles, features, news, discounts, and more straight to your inbox. The super-friendly servers dont mind if you linger over your fair-trade coffee. Where: Treehouse World, 1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester. The museum is a fascinating place for travelers interested in history and culture, telling the stories of Jewish people in the U.S. from the American Revolution to the Holocaust and beyond. Save Collection. The back of the building features a gorgeous garden with azaleas, wisteria, and towering colorful trees that dates back to the hospitals founding. With free admission, the arboretum offers both daily staff-led and self-guided tours, as well as lectures, excursions, classes and wellness events. To adore and adorn all of them, here is our ultimate list of the Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Fairmount Park is full of hidden gems, and the Shofuso House is one of my favorites. 1. Read on as we take a deep dive into what awaits you on your weekend visit to Philadelphia. The menu of breakfast and lunch (it opens at 7 a.m. for those getting an early start on the day) is made up of well-priced sandwiches (BLT, chicken salad, egg salad), wraps, and breakfast dishes, and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, including tempeh bacon. Known as the hidden attraction in Philadelphia, the Fountain Street steps is at Cresson Street. The original garden and stone house can still be visited. 'Freya Stark", Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. Many of the native plants on the grounds owe their cultivation to Bartrams efforts. Arch Enemy is one of the best, a large contemporary space where brightly colored, eye-catching images practically jump off the walls. These remarkably artistic steps connect the Manayunk trail to Umbria Street below two PR bridges. Commuting by Splendour is Cheaper than Metro n Time Saving. 21 Date Ideas in Philly for a . Created in 2015 by mosaic artist Beth Clevenstine and muralist Paul Santoleri, Water Under the Bridge (better known as the Fountain Street Steps) is an ornate urban staircase in Manayunk featuring 70 brightly colored glass steps creating the illusion of a mosaic waterfall. Food & Drink. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. If you are a local Philly, you would have crossed by the John F. Collins Park once in your lifetime. The Pavilion in the Trees is an observation deck and one of the most beautiful places in Philadelphia. Be sure to go all the way to the back of the shop to the Chocolate Cafe, where you can sip drinking chocolate spiced with cinnamon, orange zest, jasmine petals, or even chili pepper. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Founded in 1977, the FWM is the only museum of its kind in the world and displays garments, textiles, sculptures, drawings, paintings and more. Where: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy. Literature lovers wont want to miss a stop at The Rosenbach, where you can see a re-creation of the poet Marianne Moores New York City living room, discover the personal letters of George Washington, and marvel over James Joyces Ulysses manuscript. 16 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. Independence Visitor Center offers lots of information about things to do in the city. The 38 Essential Restaurants in Philadelphia. James G. Kaskey Memorial Park. Philly's Hidden Gems: 21 Places You (Probably) Didn't Know About Visit Philadelphia Uwishunu Article published on February 24, 2023 Philly's Hidden Gems: 21 Places You (Probably) Didn't Know About Adventurers wanted. In the lead-up to the American Institute of Architects 2016 Conference hosted in Philadelphia, some of the city's prominent members are letting us in on their favorite places to visit. There are plenty of restaurants in the area as well, including the citys most famous cheesesteak joints: Pats and Genos. The city is teeming with parks and gardens, unique spaces, and other hidden attractions that even long-time residents may not know. Wanderers who have gone in-depth with their Philadelphia exploring journey claim the city is grander than preached. Though if you are new to the city, this lesser-known gem might not have introduced itself to you. The Park is operational from Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. This is truly a unique experience - from the rowdy crowd in the front of the restaurant to the quiet, reservation-only sushi bar hidden in the back. Artwork and Masonic artifacts, many dating back to the American Revolution, round out the offerings. Its a lovely place to linger. Enjoy :) Bella Vista. Vietnamese, Cafe. New York 212.682.7300; . "My favorite hidden gem in Philly is the Tap Room on 19th," Kevin McElroy of Philly Rock Radio. Often called simply the Penn Museum, this institution on the University of Pennsylvania campus is the spot to marvel over Egyptian mummies, Middle Eastern funerary relics, Greek pottery, Roman statues, and other treasures of the ancient world. This phenomenon is known to happen due to the parabola effect, known in physics. Upon the death of the family patriarch in 1990, the estate opened to the public as a lush, contemporary arboretum featuring distinct gardens and displays with perennials and agricultural crops. Native trees shade the space, and a cascading fountain of concrete pillars is at its center. ADVERTISEMENT. Formerly known as the Wood Turning Center, the four-decade-old center features temporary and permanent collections consisting of 1,200 wood art-related objects and a 25,000-item research library on the history of woodturning and woodworking. A Concealed Gem. Once you make it here, you'll be enjoying the best sushi and sake in the city. The Magic Gardensa whimsical, artistic experience surrounded by mosaics and reclaimed objectsis one of the top attractions in the city. This vast seven-acre field of hulking round stones in the middle of Bucks Countys Ringing Rocks County Park holds quite the secret. It's a chance to explore hidden gems that you won't find anywhere else, from iconic parks to historic buildings, and artsy streets, and discover street art in unexpected places. Let your eye follow the bright, rust-orange facade down the side of the Walnut Street bridge as it passes over 24th Street and you'll alight on the striped awning welcoming diners to Luigi Basile's 3-year-old BYOB. For the last 15 years, Laura has covered US and international destinations for her site Travel Addicts and has written about travel-related topics for various publications and websites. It is notedly one of the largest cities in America and so teams with the top-rated attraction. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. We The Youth Mural 22nd and Ellsworth Streets, South Philadelphia Philadelphia is a city full of intricate murals, all with their own story to tell; and the We The Youth mural is no exception. As a city steeped in so much history, Philadelphia is the steward of some of the nations most iconic locales (think the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Valley Forge National Historical Park). Thats just one of many new things I learned at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which isnt hidden so much as hidden in plain sight. The only way to fully experience Philly? You can check them out on a guided tour by trolley, train, or foot, learning about the artists and inspiration behind each mural. Opened in 1992, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion is one of the largest insect museums in the nation. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. Beautiful John F. Collins Park is located on Chestnut Street, but it's easy to miss! From top attractions to hidden gems, explore Philly and its suburbs. Tucked away in Philadelphias massive Fairmount Park is Shofuso, a 17th-century-style Japanese house that was built in Nagoya in 1953, exhibited at New York Citys Museum of Modern Art, and then moved to Philadelphia in 1957. This hotel was once the largest hotel in NYC made up of 8 buildings constructed between 1885 and 1929. Art lovers and anyone in search of a fun time should keep in mind that the first Friday of every month means a lively neighborhood-wide party, with art galleries and shops throughout Old City staying open late so locals can stroll around drinking wine and checking out the latest creations. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. This hidden gem of a film is all you need in order to vicariously enjoy a sweet little Hawaiian vacation. This is a popular spot! When here, make sure you try their sushi, oyster, and meat sandwiches. This urban enclave for outdoor recreation features 10 miles of low-lying trails for hiking and biking, as well as four-and-a-half miles of tidal creek (accessible via boat ramps) for canoeing, kayaking and fishing access. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Its got a prime location just across the street from Independence Mall, and yet it was surprisingly quiet during my recent weekend visit. The fort saw its heaviest action in 1777 during the Revolutionary War, both in the Battle of Red Bank, beating back a Hessian invasion and destroying two British warships, and the Battle of Mud Island, with 400 American soldiers holding off 2,000 Redcoats until Washingtons army could withdraw to White Marsh and Valley Forge. Today, visitors can tour the historic grounds and Revolution-era buildings, watch reenactments, picnic or investigate paranormal activity. Your email address will not be published. Filled with brightly painted Queen Anne Victorian twins and homes with other unique features, the neighborhoods are a delight for architecture lovers. But those celebrated Philly attractions are only half of the story. Where: Chanticleer, 786 Church Road, Wayne. It is home to the most extensive collection of pizza memorabilia and collectibles in the world. Located in the Italian Market, Isgro's offers some of the best pastries in Philly. With 2 days in Philadelphia, you can visit some of the most important historical sights in the country, watch a professional sports game, peruse public markets, check out the excellent museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks! Spread throughout the amusement parks 14 acres: massive treehouses with various themes, from pirates and trains to an enchanted village and birthday cake. One particularly popular section is the Boardwalk, which continues the trail out over the river from Locust Street to South Street. The lush canopy of the trees will provide you some shade, where the peaceful silence will adorn your time uniquely. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Youll see everything from a jewelry chest that belonged to Charles II to an unusual clock made by Marie Antoinettes clock maker. The Shofuso House serves as a way to honor Japan and Japanese culture in Philadelphia. Freshman from all over are moving to Philadelphia for the first time. Dishes like painstakingly hand-made pastas encasing pork stuffing or enhancing rich rag and bite-sized meatballs atop creamy ricotta are elevated by a cocktail list that rivals those of the citys best bars. 10 Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia To adore and adorn all of them, here is our ultimate list of the Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. Or maybe youd prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? You can take off your shoes and walk through the house to appreciate the murals, created by contemporary Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju. Thats why we hit up the Navigators on-site experts at Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel and asked them to give us their best-kept secrets about where to eat, drink, shop, and play in the City of Brotherly Love, from historic Philadelphia to the hippest neighborhoods. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's the scenic Penn's Landing and the massive Fairmont Park. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. Isgro Pastries. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot 300-plus varieties of resident and migratory birds and numerous land animals, including several endangered and threatened species such as eastern redbelly turtles and coastal leopard frogs. Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 12. The 4-1/2-star-Yelp-reviewed "hole in the wall" outside the Depots at 2206 S. Columbus Blvd., at 22nd Street and Oregon Avenue, and at 4640 Roosevelt Blvd. The Pavilion is here since 1993, and since then, several wanders have made their way searching for this space. The heavenly garden, Japanese house, and pond perfectly define a hidden gem. 848 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 luckyslastchance.com. Fairmount Park's Pavilion in the Trees is one of the most beautiful places in Philadelphia. And as not to distract from the striking visuals, no plants are labeled. While blooming season peaks during June and July, the farm is open 12 months a year. With the weather cooling off, there's no better time to explore the hidden gems that Philly has to offer. ), Where: Peace Valley Lavender Farm, 802 New Galena Road, Doylestown. Here is a list of six (somewhat) hidden gems that are undoubtedly worth checking out. Pizza Plus pizzaplusplusplus ), made with Bluecoat Gin, luxardo maraschino, creme de violette, and lemon juice. When walking by the Masonic Temple, you might think that the ornate Norman cathedral-style building on North Broad across from City Hall is another of the citys stunning churches. We spoke about Jaylen Johnson's game in a recent underclassmen post profiling new names to our 2025 rankings. This 1950s house was built in Japan, put on display at MoMA in New York City, then moved to Philadelphia to be a permanent tribute to Japanese culture. I've been digging a few places recently: Fette Sau for their happy hour BBQ offerings, I agree with the suggestion for Cosmi's sandwiches (seeded rolls are bomb), La Rosa on South Broad has some excellent pizza, Rib Rack at Bustleton/Tyson has my all-time favorite ribs, Royal Tavern IS dope, Fountain Porter's burger is a bit disappointing (IMHO) but the beer selection is high-level, I like . Highlights include the headdress and jewelry of Puabi (a Mesopotamian queen) and Sumerian cuneiform tablets with some of the worlds oldest examples of writing. On a random street corner, gracing a storefront, on a wall beside a schoolyou never quite know where one of his distinctive pieces will turn up. It is a seasonal rooftop bar located in the former Bok Vocational High School. But the massive temple is, in fact, not a church, but the 150-year-old Grand Lodge headquarters of the Freemasons of Pennsylvania. Around since 2005, this cozy shop in the eclectic Head House District takes a curated approach to the books it stocks, relying more on staff picks than bestseller lists and hosting a packed calendar of readings that are always worth checking out. Pennsylvania Hospital was the first hospital in the United States, built in 1755 decades before the country even existed. Where: The Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street. The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. This botanical garden is nestled in the heart of the University of . Theres even a small animal farm on-site. But thanks to a major overhaul in 2018, the food court has become a food hall. However, the artist Paul Santoleri beautified the entire space and brought it to life. Plus, the nachos and appetites are great for sharing. Deep in the Chester County woods and atop a mountain near Valley Forge National Historical Park lived wood sculptor Wharton Esherick, the Dean of American Craftsmen. Upon his death in 1970, his hand-built, 12-acre rural modernist home, farmhouse and studio a National Historic Landmark for Architecture turned into the Wharton Esherick Museum, an immersive, interactive destination featuring more than 200 of his works on display. Several rooms are set up as they might have been when the Rosenbach brothers lived here. Did you know that the first permanent Jewish settlers in America came not from Europe but from Brazil, all the way back in 1654? . Many of these were created as a part of Mural Arts Philadelphia, which works with artists and local communities to produce up to 100 public art projects each year. The grounds, gardens, farm, and wildlife habitats are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The Museum has been sponsoring expeditions for more than 125 years, and their collection includes nearly 1 million historic artifacts. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. Housing more than 100,000 books and manuscripts some over 5,000 years old the Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Collection is one of the largest public library special collections in the nation. The two-floor Insectarium side features mounted displays, live specimens, insect sculptures and an exhibit about extermination poisons. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens 1,131 Art Galleries Art Museums City Center East The key lime icebox cup is amazing, made with whipped cream, cream cheese, lime juice and zest, orange zest, ginger snaps, pretzels and rolled oats. Where: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street. You might find the sight a bit spooky from the first look, but after stepping down, the picture will change completely. The Morris Arboretum is one of the most stunning places in the country. And its good really good. Cafe Diem. Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard. If you are an art lover or interested in the quirky stuff, Fountain Street Steps is something you must dig out. It is basically a cocktail bar, located only 3 minutes from the mutter museum. At ground level, non-arboreal activities include rock climbing, ax throwing, bungee jumping and zip lining (across three skill levels). So, for the city adventurers like me, who are always on the hunt for new spots to explore, here are 5 hidden gems for photos in Philadelphia. Beyond the books, there are other special items to see. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. February 8, 2022. array(192) { [0]=> object(WP_Post)#5196 (29) { ["ID"]=> int(415533) ["post_author"]=> int(4675) ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-08-15 12:45:28" ["post_date_gmt . Hungry for more? In addition to tours, PMG also offers special events including family programs, happy hours, and meditation workshops. Shops and sidewalk stalls offer up everything from fresh produce and meats to infused olive oils and specialty cheeses. Wagner Free Institute The Wagner Free Institute of Science offers a unique experience modern museums cannot the museum was built in the 1800s and hasn't changed much since. Instead, visitors are encouraged to engage in conversation with the gardeners themselves. The concept of an all-day caf is ingenious, but there arent a whole lot of places where you can feel as comfortable with a cappuccino and sourdough waffles at 7:30 a.m. as you can with a glass of natural wine at 4 oclock or a romantic dinner of handmade pappardelle with spiced crab at 8 p.m. High Street on Market is that place, though: perfect for dates, lazy lunches, and days when you just want an (exquisitely made) sticky bun.