Museum of Ice Cream. 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. For the similar, Pizza Brain has marked its name in the Guinness Book of World Records. The only way to fully experience Philly? Hungry for more? 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. Where: Baldwin's Book Barn, 865 Lenape Road, West Chester. The cascading waterfall and singing birds almost make you forget about the busy city barely a block away. Thousands of murals grace the walls and buildings of Philadelphia thanks to the Mural Arts program. Isgro Pastries. 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). This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. 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. Food & Drink. This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff. Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Hidden Philadelphia: 10 Under-the-Radar Gems Worth Discovering Stevens' Prophecy at W Philadelphia Photo courtesy W Philadelphia Sort by: Near Me Founded in 1977, the FWM is the only museum of its kind in the world and displays garments, textiles, sculptures, drawings, paintings and more. A hidden gem in the St. Ben's neighborhood Named for the 100-plus-year-old parish at its center, St. Ben's neighborhood lies on Chicago's north side and is a great area to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. Fountain Street Steps Fountain Street Steps, though, are just steps, but the most gorgeous of all. Its ivy-covered walls, wooden benches, and tables are welcoming for the lunch crowd or anyone looking to rest their feet for a moment in Center City. [viator_tour destination=906 type=3-mod]. 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. Visitors can wander the River Trail and enjoy wildflowers, plants, and trees whose history stretches back centuries. Below are 21 of Greater Philadelphias best-kept secret places to visit and explore that will make you a legit Philly insider. Dutch Country Market is only open four days a week. This botanical garden is nestled in the heart of the University of . The recently renovated Flame Gallery features a monumental, 21-foot glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. If you are an art lover or interested in the quirky stuff, Fountain Street Steps is something you must dig out. With towering 350-year-old live oaks, semi-tropical plants, and waterfront views, this place is nothing short of otherworldly. 100 hidden gems of Cleveland - WEWS 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. 130. While walking down the lane, look for Ranstead room behind a nondescript door, dedicatedly a black metal door. Located at the eastern edge of Old City, the store has been serving up chocolates and other sugary confections since 1863. The gallery doesnt hit the auction circuit or borrow from private collectors to bolster its display, instead offering makers the opportunity to create on-site. 17 hidden gems of Fairmount Park - Curbed Philly I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else.". More than 3,000 lavender plants representing two species and multiple varieties grow on the facilitys sunny hillside. Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel writer who has lived and worked in and around Philadelphia for nearly 20 years. 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. Philadelphia is packed with things to do. 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. Is it a bar? On Swarthmore Colleges gorgeous campus lies Scott Arboretum, a sprawling century-old, 425-acre botanic garden made up of rolling hills, flowering trees, walking trails, 4,000 plant varieties, a biostream, a pinetum (arboretum for conifers), 200 rose varieties and more. 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 Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. 4 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Philadelphia As hard as it is to believe, the Philadelphia food scene has more than just cheesesteaks. Independence Visitor Center offers lots of information about things to do in the city. 6'1" | ATH | 2025 South Philadelphia. Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. 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. 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. Fosters Main Street Tavern In Beckley, West - onlyinyourstate.com New York 212.682.7300; . Guide to Philly: Exploring the Best of Philadelphia and Beyond Philly's Hidden Gems: 21 Places You (Probably) Didn't Know About 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. Cira Green / Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center / Chanticleer Sort by: Near Me It is a seasonal rooftop bar located in the former Bok Vocational High School. 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. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. There's no sign pointing to Royal Izakaya - you'll have to look for the red lantern. That said, here are the best hidden gems in the city of Philadelphia. The definitive list of hidden gems you need to try. Located at the Parkway Central Library flagship branch on Logan Square, the collection includes ancient cuneiform tablets, medieval manuscripts, original Beatrix Potter artwork, one of Edgar Allan Poes first printed poems and even Grip, Charles Dickens taxidermied pet bird and the inspiration for Poes The Raven. Inspired by the history of the city, the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel in Center City hits on a Benjamin Franklin theme while still retaining a sense of modernity. For the outdoor lovers of Los Angeles, this abandoned bridge is a local treasure. 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. Their breakfast game is strong and it won't break the bank. Weekend in Philadelphia The Secret Sights of Historic Philadelphia Bartram's Garden is the oldest botanical garden in North America, and it's truly a hidden gem in Philadelphia. The grounds, gardens, farm, and wildlife habitats are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Every Sunday, the market shed fills with vendors from around the region selling their wares in the building whose history dates to 1745. 5 great hidden dining gems in Philly - Inquirer.com The original garden and stone house can still be visited. . Hidden Gems Budget-friendly Good for a Rainy Day Good for Couples 35 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. Occasional pop-up events turn the terrace into a beer garden with one of the best atmospheres in the city. A wide variety of performers keep things . Across 35 acres of Delaware County, this botanical pleasure garden features more than 5,000 plants on the grounds of the century-old former Rosengarten manor. 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Where You Can Grab The Best Burgers We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. This is a far cry from the usual Hallmark of mountains and arctic scenery. America's most famous museum of medical oddities is home to the remains of Albert Einstein's brain. hands out samples. You can explore all of that and the mansion. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. 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. This area is rich in maritime history and remains home to several piers and structures originating from the city . What stands out here is the delicious high-quality meat they use. A Concealed Gem. Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com. You could live here your whole life and still miss out on plenty of hidden gems in Philadelphia, so weve created a list to help you get started discovering Philadelphias best kept secrets. 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. 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. Definitely don't pass up on their baked goods . Vietnamese, Cafe. Top 10 Best Hidden Restaurants in Philadelphia, PA - January 2023 - Yelp The heavenly garden, Japanese house, and pond perfectly define a hidden gem. ), Where: Peace Valley Lavender Farm, 802 New Galena Road, Doylestown. This spot has an impeccable pedigree: Its helmed by Nicholas Elmi, of the stellar Laurel, and hes partnered with people behind some of the citys most beloved pubs (Royal Tavern), secret sushi spots (Royal Sushi and Izakaya), and kitschy-but-delicious Mexican hot spots (Cantina Los Caballitos). Locals of Pennsport often choose it as their go-to brunch spot, especially for the cheesesteak hash. It also has a garden patio that has a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in Philly. Philadelphia's Hidden Gems: Best Bars, Restaurants, Parks - Eater 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. Beyond the Liberty Bell: Philadelphia's Best-Kept Secrets - Culture Trip Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. It is a pizzeria and the first pizza museum in the world. Pull up a seat at the long bar, order some farro risotto and a glass of Italian red, and feel right at home. 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. The Best Photo Spots in Philly: Hidden Gem Edition - UNATION . But while they are, their freshly baked pies, cookies, cakes, smoothies, and more are sure to keep you coming back. 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. 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 . Where: Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd Street. The Shofuso House is part of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. Twist on a Philadelphia cheesesteak at Harrisburg restaurant tastes Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. The beautiful mansion sits on over 100 acres of well-maintained landscaped grounds. Besides the building, there is a beautiful garden featuring towering colorful trees, azaleas, wisteria, etc. Stars of "Hidden Gems," Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff answer questions about their new movie. 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. February 8, 2022. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. The Park is one of the best places to visit in the locality, but one might simply walk away due to its hidden setting. 9 Amazing Secret Places In Philadelphia You Must See Cherry Street Pier. It is home to the most extensive collection of pizza memorabilia and collectibles in the world. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. 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. Our favorite thing about this spot, though, is the view. Instead, visitors are encouraged to engage in conversation with the gardeners themselves. Things to do in Philadelphia: The #1 List - Museum Hack 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. 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. We spoke about Jaylen Johnson's game in a recent underclassmen post profiling new names to our 2025 rankings. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. The Morris Arboretum is one of the most stunning places in the country. For more of Philadelphias hidden gems, check out our list of The 7 Wackiest Restaurants In Philadelphia Where Dining Is A Blast. You can walk through the Japanese house and see all the rooms and murals on display. Beyond the books, there are other special items to see. The site features a traditional-style Japanese house that visitors can walk through to see the rooms as well as a collection of murals on display that were inspired by the waterfall on the grounds. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden I love it . The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. If you are in the city with your partner, it is an ideal space for a date night experience. Giving exact addresses would help. A section of overgrown, unused rail lines has been revitalized into Rail Park. There are gardens, an arboretum, feed-friendly goats, native wildlife habitats, and a nature center. Behold: The only lighthouse in Philadelphia. ", Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. 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. This hotel was once the largest hotel in NYC made up of 8 buildings constructed between 1885 and 1929. Sarah Schlichter was hosted by Visit Philadelphia in her quest to discover hidden Philadelphia. 52 Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia. This giant hotel also was a popular spot for long-term residents and famous guests like President Roosevelt, President Truman . And as not to distract from the striking visuals, no plants are labeled. Indulge your sweet tooth at Shane Confectionery, which claims to be Americas oldest candy store. For the less squeamish, the Butterfly Pavilion side is a 7,000-square-foot greenhouse where you can interact with 60 species of free-flying butterflies, which love to perch on those wearing bright colors. 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 . If youre a visitor with time on your hands or a local looking to explore something off the beaten path, there are lots of hidden gems in Philadelphia. Add to that an impressive list of world-famous pop culture spots from the Rocky Steps to LOVE Park to that glowing South Philly intersection thats home to cheesesteak bliss. 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. drinker's), but I have some time to kill before a show at World Cafe Live. Where: Chanticleer, 786 Church Road, Wayne. 1. 9 Best Hidden Gems in Philadelphia - Tripping.com Hidden Gems Beverage Company is an innovate beverage company that uses science and creativity to create beautiful and exciting drinks from upcycled ingredients. All of these three and including several others, dates back to the founding year of the hospital. Notoriously, one of those gems is cuisine. Fairmount Park is full of hidden gems, and the Shofuso House is one of my favorites. The site features a traditional-style Japanese house that visitors can walk through to see the rooms as well as a collection of murals on display that were inspired by the waterfall on the grounds. 25+ Local's Hidden Gems in NYC (& Unique Things to do in NYC) Now 27 vendors are turning out gourmet fried chicken, Filipino comfort food, hand-pinched crab dumplings, and Korean tacos. The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia is a book lovers dream. Find out more about Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff. The showstopper here: the attractions ornate architecture, from Renaissance neoclassical corridors and staircases to Moorish, Egyptian and Knights Templar-inspired grand halls.