Philly Travel Guide: Part 2
Earlier this summer, I took a road trip to the suburbs of Philadelphia to visit my cousin. We had a lot of fun in Conshohocken and made it into the city for a night, detailed in this fun travel travel guide. We had big plans to frolic in the Philly sunshine for the weekend. Alas, it rained and rained. I vowed to make it back up to see family and new friends in the area. It didn’t take long to find a free weekend to make it happen. I hopped on a Greyhound bus in Richmond around lunch time on Friday and was in town for dinner that evening. (I recommend coming in Thursday instead to avoid traffic).
A pretty killer tour guide led the charge for the weekend. I’m impressed with everything we were able to see and experience. The city has the grit of history and the freshness of a strong young professional population. The blend lends itself to rich music, food, sports, party scenes and hot spots. Keep scrolling to see the highlights. Check your calendar and make room to visit the City of Brotherly Love. Be sure to add a few of the spots below to your itinerary. I’ll return soon enough to suggest even more for you to try out.
Where to Play
Mutter Museum / 19 South 22nd Street
For those who aren’t too squeamish, I recommend making this a priority. The museum shares an enlightening and curious collection of historical artifacts and stories about medicine and its evolution in America. Many of those artifacts include actual skulls, intestines, and even small children in jars. Outside, you’ll find a dreamy botanical garden perfect for photos . Learn more.
One Liberty Observation Deck / 1650 Market Street
You can only look up and see this building so many times before you decide you need to get up to the top. This site seeing powerhouse has interactive screens in every corner and in every language. You can take in a breathtaking view of the sprawling city grid from the Camden Waterfront to the Schuylkill River. This is a fast and inspiring way to navigate the City of Brotherly Love. Learn more.
Camden Waterfront / Camden, NJ
You can see Philly from the other side of the Delaware River at the Camden Waterfront. We went to a concert and had a blast (hello, shirtless Dan Reynolds). We watched the sun set over the river, cheered as fireworks filled the sky, and ate our way through some fun food truck delicacies. The natural amphitheater stays busy with concerts, shows and events. I’d love to see the Symphony In C. Learn more.
Magic Gardens / 1020 South Street
I inhaled some serious inspiration here. Isaiah Zagar’s obsessive mosaic work encompasses every corner of this Southern Street Neighborhood nook. You’ll peak inside this artist’s mind and expand your own mind, if you’re ready for it. Learn more.
Where to Eat
Sabrina’s Cafe / 910 Christian St.
Within a short walk from the Italian Market is this little slice of brunch heaven. We sat outside on the sidewalk to enjoy some people watching and summer breeze. Inside, the vintage vibes of the cafe create a fun backdrop for a long, leisurely meal with friends. The menu is grounded in classic staples with a twist. Learn more.
The Italian Market / South 9th Street
Wake up and roll out here any day of the week. The historical streets are lined with farmer’s market stands spilling over with fruit meat, flowers, and spices. Pop into shops where fresh pasta, olive oil, cured meats, and more are made. Get in touch with your inner hungry Italian man. Learn more.
Harp & Crown / 1525 Sansom Street
Alright, so I didn’t eat here, but I did walk in, check out the extensive brunch buffet and take a trip downstairs to the restaurant’s sexy lounge, which happens to be fully equipped with a functional bowling lane. The crushed velvet furniture and hanging ferns bring Harp & Crown’s bohemian vibes to life. Not to mention, the menu has me drooling. This is certainly at the top of my list next time I visit. Learn more.
Goldie / 1525 Sansom Street
I haven’t had a milkshake in more than year. Since I gave up dairy and gluten, I’ve only been able to dream about a creamy shake. Here at Goldie, the Tehina shakes are dairy free and decadent as hell. I tried both the Banana and Turkish coffee. Both satisfied my craving beyond measure. I also watched several falafel dishes leave the kitchen and would love to try more. Bonus: it’s sandwiched between a fun night club Pulse (wrote about it here), and Rooster Soup Company downstairs. Learn more.
Smokin Betty’s / 116 South 11th Street
This upscale barbecue spot offers items like Tur-Duk-En Burgers and Smoked Salmon and Sweet Potato Hash on the menu. The specials of the day included a deep fried chimichanga breakfast burrito filled with more than one kind of smoked meat. Yep–it was bangarang. Learn more.
Chapterhouse Cafe & Gallery
This is where I would go to work for the morning or afternoon. The coffee house has several rooms with nooks to tuck away in, and the walls are curated with local artwork. Sandwiches and specialty lattes fill the simple, yet creative menu. Learn more.
Where to Party
Assembly Rooftop / 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Assembly feels like a smooth talking business man’s after-work go-to spot. It sits atop The Logan and overlooks the city’s arts district. The creative cocktail menu is culinary and the small plates are the right size for starting off a night of barhopping with something light, but satisfying. Learn more.
Concourse / 1635 Market Street
I went back here for round two! This time I discovered the upstairs section of the club. Here, you can look down on the massive dance floor and have your own dance party thats not in the midst of a crowd of people. There’s a bar up there, so you don’t have to leave. I still haven’t made it to the ball pit called The Pool. Last time it was closed. The line was so long this time. I’ll try again earlier in the evening next time. Learn more.
Pulse / 1526 Sansom Street
Wound up here late night during my first visit to the area. It’s worth another visit. The dance floor is alive and well. The scene is upscale but unpretentious, kind of like the majority of Philly. Save this for late-night moves. Learn more.
