Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor. Behold: The only lighthouse in Philadelphia. Advertisement. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. . More places to explore this summer. Philadelphia has a long history of art and artists working in the medium of wood, which is on prominent display at Old Citys Museum for Art in Wood. Where: Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, Lansdowne Drive & Horticultural Drive. When you're searching for a new place to live in Philadelphia, it's always exciting to discover some of the city's hidden treasures. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. That said, here are the best hidden gems in the city of Philadelphia. "This is a quaint restaurant in a hidden gem in Philadelphia. There are few better places to appreciate the skyline than from Bok Bar. 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. You can get pamphlets about tours, tickets to visit Independence Hall, and theres a caf to take a break at. You can reach here nay from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. The lush canopy of the trees will provide you some shade, where the peaceful silence will adorn your time uniquely. Once youre done creating your stone song, explore the rest of the sprawling 123-acre park, a dense forest for hikers, walkers, bikers and picnickers. This giant hotel also was a popular spot for long-term residents and famous guests like President Roosevelt, President Truman . The Penn Museum is home to a 15-ton Egyptian sphinx that's one of the coolest attractions in the city. If you stop in, dont miss the variety of drinking chocolates available in the caf in the back. The Renaissance-style three-story buildings bright second floor invites guests to meander among the 100,000-item collection, featuring rocks, minerals, fossils, preserved insects, taxidermy displays and mounted skeletons of a buffalo, an English draft horse and the first saber-tooth tiger bone discovered in America. The 38 Essential Restaurants in Philadelphia. The Old City neighborhood is jam-packed with galleries, ranging from tiny, feisty upstarts to long-established landmarks. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. At ground level, non-arboreal activities include rock climbing, ax throwing, bungee jumping and zip lining (across three skill levels). Discover short videos related to hidden gems in philadelphia on TikTok. 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. The John F. Collins Park is a stunning landscape hidden somewhere in the bustling business district of Central city. No one ever said Philadelphia didnt have enough Italian restaurants, so it would be easy to pass on Cry Baby but that would be a mistake. This 19th-century townhouse in Rittenhouse Square features a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts and books. You can check them out on a guided tour by trolley, train, or foot, learning about the artists and inspiration behind each mural. Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 12. I love it . Meet the Stars. From Lewis Carrolls own copy of Alice in Wonderland to a handwritten manuscript for Ulysses by James Joyce, the museum is filled with treasures. The Museum has been sponsoring expeditions for more than 125 years, and their collection includes nearly 1 million historic artifacts. 21 Date Ideas in Philly for a . The National Historic Landmark still serves that purpose, but its also open to the public for hour-long guided tours. The Headhouse Farmers Market is one of the best places around for produce, flowers, and artisanal food and is the best farmers market in the city. 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). Mural Arts offers maps so you can take your own self-guided walking tour. 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. Visitors can explore the collection on their own during library hours or take the daily 11 a.m. guided tour. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. In addition to tours, PMG also offers special events including family programs, happy hours, and meditation workshops. There are gardens, an arboretum, feed-friendly goats, native wildlife habitats, and a nature center. 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 the outdoor lovers of Los Angeles, this abandoned bridge is a local treasure. It also has a garden patio that has a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in Philly. Read more about this secret speakeasy. Imagine stumbling upon Dr. Js size-15 high-tops at the Temple University Podiatry Schools Shoe Museum. 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Where You Can Grab The Best Burgers . 19 days ago. When you stay at one of many Philadelphia vacation rentals, you can easily experience fascinating museums, unique artwork, unusual sights, and lovely parks and gardens. Today, visitors can tour the historic grounds and Revolution-era buildings, watch reenactments, picnic or investigate paranormal activity. Find out more about the movie! 1. SUMMER NIGHTS 2022 MOVIES . 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Some of the best hidden gems in Philly include: 1. This the only place in the US with a federal reserve in a city! The colonial nods include modern portraits of Franklin and the on-premise restaurant and bar, Franklin Social and Franklin Social Lounge, are hidden neighborhood gems for contemporary American dishes and craft beers. 3. . The refuge also hosts year-round plant and bird walks. Pick your own lavender for $7 a bunch, sit and enjoy views out over Lake Galena, or explore the shop stocked with unique lavender products. Many of the native plants on the grounds owe their cultivation to Bartrams efforts. Below are a few of my favorite Philadelphia hidden gems. Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. If you can make it, the often-sold-out classes on everything from how to design a coffee cocktail that doesnt overwhelm you with sweetness to how to craft a modern tiki drink are always lively and tons of fun. Philadelphia is definitely filled with treasures, but not all treasures are easily spotted. The Park is operational from Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. I lived in Philly all these years and never heard of these places. Fairmount Park's Pavilion in the Trees is one of the most beautiful places in Philadelphia. Any hidden gem bars in university city? The movie stars Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff. Attractions . We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. The city is teeming with parks and gardens, unique spaces, and other hidden attractions that even long-time residents may not know. More from the Movie. The person right in Infront of you might not hear a single word bit; the one at another end can listen to it all loud. This hotel was once the largest hotel in NYC made up of 8 buildings constructed between 1885 and 1929. Where: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street. Here is a list of six (somewhat) hidden gems that are undoubtedly worth checking out. However, due to dark and moody space, people often fail to find it. Few and Far Between. A Beaux Arts building just behind the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel, the Bourse used to have a mall-style food court with supremely uninspired offerings (think fast food and generic hoagies). 20 Hidden Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia Visit Philadelphia Uwishunu Article last updated on February 10, 2023 20 Hidden Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia The top top-secret dining and drinking spots in Philadelphia and the Countryside. A combination museum and restaurant, Pizza Brain has been recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the largest collection of pizza memorabilia in the world. Notoriously, one of those gems is cuisine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. Dont miss springs Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. The big attractions near the hotel, like the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall, are all technically part of Independence National Historical Park, although they look like theyre just part of the cityscape. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. [viator_tour destination=906 type=3-mod]. Museum of Ice Cream. It opened in the 1920s and contains the largest collection of Rodin's work outside of Paris! Stevens' Prophecy at W Philadelphia Photo courtesy W Philadelphia Sort by: Near Me The castle is the centerpiece of the 30,000-square-foot Kids Castle Central Park playground, a year-round playscape spread out across four kingdoms with treehouses, swings, interactive games, plastic rock walls, a pirate ship and more. In his later life, Bartram became the Kings Botanist by King George III in recognition of his knowledge and accomplishments. 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. If youre really in the mood to feel historic, order the Kite & Key cocktail (get it? Where to Order Christmas Dinner and More in Philly. 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. This charming community is full of independent neighborhood haunts you need to check out. Kevin McElroy of Philly Rock Radio said his favorite hidden gem is Taproom on 19th because "It's a typical Philadelphia-styled corner bar that's not typical. Where: Baldwin's Book Barn, 865 Lenape Road, West Chester. "Our favorite Philadelphia hidden gem is the Schuylkill Banks trail and greenway from Fairmount Dam to South Street Bridge. It is home to the most extensive collection of pizza memorabilia and collectibles in the world. For the similar, Pizza Brain has marked its name in the Guinness Book of World Records. Below are 21 of Greater Philadelphias best-kept secret places to visit and explore that will make you a legit Philly insider. This phenomenon is known to happen due to the parabola effect, known in physics. Cherry Street Pier Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public space that offers events, concessions, flea markets, and classes. Youve snapped a selfie with the Liberty Bell, toured the hallowed halls where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and climbed Rockys steps up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its always fun to discover something new . Your email address will not be published. If you are an art lover or interested in the quirky stuff, Fountain Street Steps is something you must dig out. It is notedly one of the largest cities in America and so teams with the top-rated attraction. Shane is known for its creations like the Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas gift called Clear Toy Candy, its buttercreams based on a 100-year-old recipe, and the creations they make with the honey from the beehives they keep on their store roof. Stay over. 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. In the center is a statue of William Penn that was provided to the hospital by Penns grandson. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Vietnam & Cambodia: 9-Night, Ultra-Small Group National Museum of American Jewish History, The 10 Best Museums in the World (and How to Skip the Lines), The 8 Best Spots for Shopping in Philadelphia, 22 Amazing Philadelphia Restaurants (That Arent Known for Cheesesteaks). The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. 848 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 luckyslastchance.com. Their breakfast game is strong and it won't break the bank. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden This hidden gem of a film is all you need in order to vicariously enjoy a sweet little Hawaiian vacation. Or maybe youd prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Founded in 1977, the FWM is the only museum of its kind in the world and displays garments, textiles, sculptures, drawings, paintings and more. This DTLA photo studio has got to be one of the best hidden gems in LA for all of your steampunk, dystopian, and apocalyptic photoshoot ideas. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. See our, 111 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Walnut St & S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. The space can be accessed via the garages pedestrian entrance on 30th Street just south of Chestnut Street. In 1986, Foster's Main Street Tavern opened. The Morris Arboretum is one of the most stunning places in the country. Hidden Gems in Philadelphia - Menu, Photos, Ratings and Reviews of Hidden Restaurants in Philadelphia. Added in 2022: two inclusive play areas for children with a variety of abilities. Where: Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, The largest ceramic arts organization in the nation, The Clay Studio offers striking clay and ceramic gallery exhibitions showcasing the work of both international artisans and local masters, as well as ceramics workshops and art courses. Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com. Though if you are new to the city, this lesser-known gem might not have introduced itself to you. A land of enchantment for kids 5-12 awaits just south of Doylestown within the 108-acre Central Park. You'll never get bored with the many stores to explore, delicious food options, and stunning waterfront views. Menu is similar to Basile's other restaurant (Old City's Radicchio Cafe), offering inexpensive . Where: Fountain Street Steps, 4800 Umbria Street, The purple beauty and memorable fragrance of lavender are on full display at Peace Valley Lavender Farm, adjacent to Peace Valley Park just west of Doylestown. There are plenty of restaurants in the area as well, including the citys most famous cheesesteak joints: Pats and Genos. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. The two-floor Insectarium side features mounted displays, live specimens, insect sculptures and an exhibit about extermination poisons. Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. An Underrated Gem. Cherry Street Pier. An Untapped Treasure. Its got a prime location just across the street from Independence Mall, and yet it was surprisingly quiet during my recent weekend visit. Opened in 1992, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion is one of the largest insect museums in the nation. Royal Izakaya is a Japanese pub and a must-visit hidden gem to visit when in Philadelphia. Going back, you can also shop for memorabilia and souvenirs, pizza-related toys, books, dcor, and several unimagined items. Share your thoughts (and photos) in the comments below! Food & Drink. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. 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. It consists of upscale pub fare, in a cozy atmosphere, served by friendly staff." Taproom on 19th is located at 2400 South 19th Street in South Philadelphia. But thanks to a major overhaul in 2018, the food court has become a food hall. This vast seven-acre field of hulking round stones in the middle of Bucks Countys Ringing Rocks County Park holds quite the secret. Every Sunday, the market shed fills with vendors from around the region selling their wares in the building whose history dates to 1745. I have been a Philadelphia resident for over 12 years now and grew up just an hour outside of . Once youve toured, tried or tasted the Philly basics, theres a whole lot more for you to see and do. (2023). Visitors to the estate can enjoy the grounds and learn about the history of the house and the seven generations of the Chew family that lived here. 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. It is our mission to change the way the world perceives and utilizes our resources and inspire the discovery of life's hidden gems. Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the country, and there are so many parks, restaurants, streets and museums here that are worth exploring. Skip to content. Where: Kids Castle Central Park, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown. For some snacks, do try their mixture of tasty Mexican food. In 1777, the Cliveden estate cemented its place in history when it became the site of the Battle of Germantown, the only Revolutionary War battle to happen in Philadelphia. Cira Green / Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center / Chanticleer Sort by: Near Me Discover The Bridge to Nowhere. Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel writer who has lived and worked in and around Philadelphia for nearly 20 years. 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. If you didnt know to look for it, it would be very easy to pass by this nearly secret spot. These and other rare books and documents are displayed in a 19th-century townhouse near Rittenhouse Square, amid a collection of decorative arts and antique furniture. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's the scenic Penn's Landing and the massive Fairmont Park. The center consists of the main building, modeled after an early 17th-century temple guest house, and a separate teahouse and bathhouse, surrounded by exquisite gardens and a serene koi pond. The heavenly garden, Japanese house, and pond perfectly define a hidden gem. The quarter-mile stretch of park will ultimately be three miles long, which will make the Rail Park twice the length of New Yorks famous High Line. The cast is harmonious in providing a particularly smooth and fun experience in this luxurious pre-wedding atmosphere. 1. This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff. 52 Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen firesno humans or animals were harmed). Hidden Gems Beverage Company is an innovate beverage company that uses science and creativity to create beautiful and exciting drinks from upcycled ingredients. Artwork and Masonic artifacts, many dating back to the American Revolution, round out the offerings. 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. The Delaware River runs along the eastern border of our city. Join the locals for a jog, walk, or bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail, which follows the river for about 10 miles through Philadelphia, passing by the Museum of Art and the University of Pennsylvania along the way. Definitely don't pass up on their baked goods . The house-cured charcuterie (boucherie means butcher shop) is the must-order. A short ride up I-95 in Northeast Philly, bug lovers (yep, such people exist) can view thousands of Phillys smallest residents up close. Gifted to the American people by Japan after World War II, the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center is an oasis from the city in the heart of West Fairmount Park. Philadelphia doesn't run short of beautiful gardens. El Jarocho Taqueria, 1138 S 13th St Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-463-2020. 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. Get to know the real New York with our handy guide to finding ten of the city's hidden gems - recommended by locals in the know. Flowers, trees, and plants adorn this peaceful lushness amidst the concrete jungle. 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. 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. 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. While blooming season peaks during June and July, the farm is open 12 months a year. Please try again later. 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. Family owned and operated since 1974, they proudly boast being the "Home of the 18 Incher" which is the size of their large steak. Though mind it, your mobile signal will not work here; thus, grab a map before to not get lost on the way. ), made with Bluecoat Gin, luxardo maraschino, creme de violette, and lemon juice. It began in the 1800s as a hunting lodge, built by Joseph Jefferson, a theater actor who played Rip Van Winkle many times. Where: The Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street. Picture birdwatching on the shore of a quiet marsh at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge. 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. This botanical garden is nestled in the heart of the University of . Dating back to 1771, Fort Mifflin is the oldest active military facility in the nation and Americas only operating base predating the Declaration of Independence. Stars of "Hidden Gems," Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff answer questions about their new movie. 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! Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories. As finding an indie bookstore on a city street becomes more and more like sighting a unicorn, Head House Books reassures us that yes, magic does exist. Sarah Schlichter was hosted by Visit Philadelphia in her quest to discover hidden Philadelphia. It is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that serves the most delicious breakfast in the region. This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. Featuring nearly a dozen themed treehouses, three ziplines and a bevy of outdoor activities, West Chesters Treehouse World offers both relaxing play in the sun, as well as some (light) thrills. The enormous complex takes a high-tech, interactive approach to teaching visitors about the American Revolution, with immersive experiences and touch screens for days.