While you are here, sit at one end of the bench and let your companion sit at the other end. 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. In the decades since then, Fosters Main Street Tavern has become a popular local hangout for a good, affordable meal, some live music, and (of course) drinks in Beckley, West Virginia. Indulge your sweet tooth at Shane Confectionery, which claims to be Americas oldest candy store. The movie is part of. The atmosphere is energetic and fun a far cry from the Sbarros of yesteryear. The Dutch are an indoor and outdoor space popular amongst the locals of the city. . But thanks to a major overhaul in 2018, the food court has become a food hall. 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. In addition to tours, PMG also offers special events including family programs, happy hours, and meditation workshops. 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. The Hallmark Channel's newest original movie, "Hidden Gems," premieres on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. 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. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Hidden in plain sight, this spot is a local fave thanks to its homey feel and laid-back vibe, complete with exposed brick walls filled with colorful work from local artists. . I'll be on bike so most of west Philly is fair game, but I'm already familiar with the offerings on Baltimore. 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. All Rights Reserved. Even the on-site caf stays on theme, with dishes like a tavern-style bread pudding taking inspiration from the era. The Delaware River runs along the eastern border of our city. Mural Arts offers maps so you can take your own self-guided walking tour. 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. It specializes in work that engages the imagination, often inspired by comic books and fairy tales, and occasionally hostslocals only shows,which means this is a great place to spot up-and-coming artists (and maybe pick yourself up a nice investment piece). Wanderers who have gone in-depth with their Philadelphia exploring journey claim the city is grander than preached. 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. Check out four of my favorites! Dutch Country Market is only open four days a week. While you might not think to head to Home Depot for lunch, you'll be happy you did because of Rocco's sweet and hot sausages. 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. For the outdoor lovers of Los Angeles, this abandoned bridge is a local treasure. If youre looking to uncover off the beaten path (but beloved by locals) places in a city, you should probably go straight to the source. Here, you'll get friendly, quick service and very sizable mouth-watering burritos. 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. Some of the prettiest houses in the city are in the Spruce Hill and Cedar Park neighborhoods at the edge of University City. Where: Wharton Esherick Museum, 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern. The Pavilion in the Trees is an observation deck and one of the most beautiful places in Philadelphia. Once youve visited all the top sites, whats next? 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. Reviews on Hidden Gems in Philadelphia, PA - Hop Sing Laundromat, Creme Brulee Bistro & Cafe, Isot Mediterranean Cuisine, Heung Fa Chun Sweet House, Treble & Bass Bar, Xun Yu Si Kao, Siu Kee Duck House, Bartram's Garden, Perla, La Nonna Though mind it, your mobile signal will not work here; thus, grab a map before to not get lost on the way. . While admission is free, visits must be scheduled in advance through the museums website. Philly has scores of hidden gems for those in the know and you, friend, are about to be one of them. Main Menu. 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. Besides the building, there is a beautiful garden featuring towering colorful trees, azaleas, wisteria, etc. Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks, including tickets to Disney100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute. 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However, only a few know that Philly is much more than that. High above the Schuylkill River in University City is Cira Green, located 12 stories up and 95 feet above the Cira Center South Garage. A Concealed Gem. ", Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia. Grab a snack from the nearby food trucks and enjoy a few moments of calm. We spoke about Jaylen Johnson's game in a recent underclassmen post profiling new names to our 2025 rankings. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor. The Ranstead Room is one of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars, but it's a little tricky to find. 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. Is it a store? 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. There is always a great rotating selection of craft beers and bourbons. 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. Definitely don't pass up on their baked goods . 3. From top attractions to hidden gems, explore Philly and its suburbs. Plus, the Renaissance Philadelphia Downtown Hotel has partnered with Cry Baby Pasta to give guests an exclusive experience: Hotel guests are given a key that entitles them to a specially created drink. Stay over. Bartram's Garden is the oldest botanical garden in North America, and it's truly a hidden gem in Philadelphia. Your email address will not be published. Spread throughout the amusement parks 14 acres: massive treehouses with various themes, from pirates and trains to an enchanted village and birthday cake. Your email address will not be published. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. 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. 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. Written by Carlyle Property Management on 2.03.23 . I should know, I lived there for seven years and am very much a foodie myself. Ornate gates mark the entrance to the charming John F. Collins Park. The 18th-Century Garden is a faithful recreation of what a typical Philadelphia garden looked like a few hundred years ago, with well-kept paths, pergola, and the same kinds of flowers the founding fathers enjoyed, while the Magnolia Garden is peaceful at any time of year but is in full, colorful bloom in spring. The Pavilion is here since 1993, and since then, several wanders have made their way searching for this space. 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. 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. 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. Hidden Gem in Philadelphia. Its Pine Building located on Pine between 8th and 9th Streetis still in use today. Philadelphia doesn't run short of beautiful gardens. 1. Going back, you can also shop for memorabilia and souvenirs, pizza-related toys, books, dcor, and several unimagined items. Founded in 1977, the FWM is the only museum of its kind in the world and displays garments, textiles, sculptures, drawings, paintings and more. 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. The grounds, gardens, farm, and wildlife habitats are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Though whatever the reasons are, it is an experience on its own. This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. One particularly popular section is the Boardwalk, which continues the trail out over the river from Locust Street to South Street. The bridge to nowhere is an anomaly located in the San Gabriel National Forest of Los Angeles. The super-friendly servers dont mind if you linger over your fair-trade coffee. More from the Movie. 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 Old City neighborhood is jam-packed with galleries, ranging from tiny, feisty upstarts to long-established landmarks. However, the artist Paul Santoleri beautified the entire space and brought it to life. The travelers often choose Philadelphia if they are interested in U.S. history or if National sentiments hold them. With free admission, the arboretum offers both daily staff-led and self-guided tours, as well as lectures, excursions, classes and wellness events. 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. Opened in 1992, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion is one of the largest insect museums in the nation. Hidden Gems Budget-friendly Good for a Rainy Day Good for Couples 35 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 2022 1. 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. Head back upstairs to take in the view overlooking Independence Hall that many rooms offer. In the center is a statue of William Penn that was provided to the hospital by Penns grandson. For the similar, Pizza Brain has marked its name in the Guinness Book of World Records. Thousands of murals grace the walls and buildings of Philadelphia thanks to the Mural Arts program. 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. Whats your favorite Philly secret? 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. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. With the weather cooling off, there's no better time to explore the hidden gems that Philly has to offer. There is a broad range of options for the tours, including exploring different themes and neighborhoods around the city. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. 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. Hi, I'm Jen! Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com, These 6 Breathtaking Waterfalls Are Hiding Around Philadelphia, These 7 Unique Restaurants In Philadelphia Will Give You An Unforgettable Dining Experience, 9 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Philadelphia Winter, The Christmas Lights Road Trip Around Philadelphia Thats Nothing Short Of Magical, 10 Fascinating Spots In Philadelphia That Are Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale, The Castle Near Philadelphia That Is Hiding In Plain Sight, Escape To These 9 Hidden Oases Around Philadelphia To Find Peace And Quiet, 7 Cemeteries Around Philadelphia That Will Give You Goosebumps, The 7 Wackiest Restaurants In Philadelphia Where Dining Is A Blast. We apologize, something went wrong on our end. Named by Architectural Digest as one of the Worlds Most Beloved Independent Bookstores, the bookshop, located inside a two-century-old five-story stone barn, houses a collection of more 300,000 items crowded in every square inch of the space. The trek to this bridge is a 10-mile hike round trip and uses several river fords along the way. Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road. Traveling over an hour to Amish country is not necessary when the best hidden gem is located in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. This list to help you get started in uncovering some of the citys best kept secrets. The original garden and stone house can still be visited. What stands out here is the delicious high-quality meat they use. Lively bar serving gourmet burgers, craft cocktails, and a substantial craft beer menu! Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 12. Theres also a small water feature tucked somewhere in the corner. One of the most unique things to do in NYC located in Brooklyn Heights is head to Hotel St. George. Over the past decade or more, Philly has increasingly become a top destination for foodies. But those celebrated Philly attractions are only half of the story. Pizza Plus pizzaplusplusplus Where: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street. America's most famous museum of medical oddities is home to the remains of Albert Einstein's brain. Even though it is free to visit, not many people actually know about it. The Penn Museum is home to a 15-ton Egyptian sphinx that's one of the coolest attractions in the city. Save Collection. 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. It opened in the 1920s and contains the largest collection of Rodin's work outside of Paris! hands out samples. Tweet LinkedIn Like Share. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. The cast is harmonious in providing a particularly smooth and fun experience in this luxurious pre-wedding atmosphere. An Untapped Treasure. Once youve toured, tried or tasted the Philly basics, theres a whole lot more for you to see and do. 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. 'Freya Stark", Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. Notoriously, one of those gems is cuisine. Where: Chanticleer, 786 Church Road, Wayne. Escape the crowds at Center Citys Reading Terminal Market with a stroll down 9th Street in South Philly. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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. The lush canopy of the trees will provide you some shade, where the peaceful silence will adorn your time uniquely. An Underrated Gem. The Park is one of the best places to visit in the locality, but one might simply walk away due to its hidden setting. It began in the 1800s as a hunting lodge, built by Joseph Jefferson, a theater actor who played Rip Van Winkle many times. ", Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. The Japanese house, heavenly garden, and koi pond are the definition of a Philadelphia hidden gem. This 19th-century townhouse in Rittenhouse Square features a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts and books. Dont miss the charming garden outside. Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Where: Kids Castle Central Park, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown. Youll see everything from a jewelry chest that belonged to Charles II to an unusual clock made by Marie Antoinettes clock maker. Bartenders at Randstad are one of the best in Philly, and there is no match to their cocktail talent. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. This phenomenon is known to happen due to the parabola effect, known in physics. 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. Native trees shade the space, and a cascading fountain of concrete pillars is at its center. Find out more about the movie! And as not to distract from the striking visuals, no plants are labeled. This 2,000-foot stretch offers four scenic overlooks where you can stop, rest, and take in the city skyline. This is some text inside of a div block. 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. "This is a quaint restaurant in a hidden gem in Philadelphia. 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 gallery doesnt hit the auction circuit or borrow from private collectors to bolster its display, instead offering makers the opportunity to create on-site. This is the best kind of neighborhood restaurant: welcoming and friendly with an approachable menu. Hence the name of the lovely pond at the parks centerthe BioPond. This is a far cry from the usual Hallmark of mountains and arctic scenery. The back of the building features a gorgeous garden with azaleas, wisteria, and towering colorful trees that dates back to the hospitals founding. Its creator artist Isaiah Zagar is a prolific artist beyond his greatest known work, however. 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. William Penn himself is said to have signed a peace treaty with Native Americans from this very spot. No reservation, thus walk in and grab yourself a seat. The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. Pull up a seat at the long bar, order some farro risotto and a glass of Italian red, and feel right at home. More places to explore this summer. The garden has century-old plants that were then used for medicinal purposes. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. A section of overgrown, unused rail lines has been revitalized into Rail Park. Reveal is a superior antioxidant-rich, ready-to . Today the 70 stained glass mosaic steps were once littered and trashed. 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. Atlas Obscura Itineraries 6 Fascinating Medical Marvels in Pennsylvania In the 1700s and 1800s, Philadelphia was the center of medical scholarship in the United States.