Now 27 vendors are turning out gourmet fried chicken, Filipino comfort food, hand-pinched crab dumplings, and Korean tacos. 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. 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). This the only place in the US with a federal reserve in a city! The museum is located just a few blocks from Independence Hall and is one of the areas hidden gems. (The full trail covers some 60 miles, extending well outside the city.) Any day near the Smith Memorial Arch in Fairmount Park, consider checking out the Whispering bench. Advertisement. 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. The Magic Gardensa whimsical, artistic experience surrounded by mosaics and reclaimed objectsis one of the top attractions in the city. 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. It is the most discrete and inconspicuous spot in the city that will send you in confusion and shock. 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. When here, make sure you try their sushi, oyster, and meat sandwiches. The kid has a ton of room to grow underneath his pads, a crucial step forward needs to be made in that area, he's young. Family owned and operated since 1974, they proudly boast being the "Home of the 18 Incher" which is the size of their large steak. Im glad we could add to your list! The quiet space, which has been here in various forms since 1897, is surrounded by research labs and buildings of the Biology Department. Where: Wharton Esherick Museum, 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern. Traveling over an hour to Amish country is not necessary when the best hidden gem is located in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. 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. Discover The Bridge to Nowhere. With so much to see and do in Philadelphia, it's among the most rewarding spots for a weekend getaway! Highlights include the headdress and jewelry of Puabi (a Mesopotamian queen) and Sumerian cuneiform tablets with some of the worlds oldest examples of writing. 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. Below are a few of my favorite Philadelphia hidden gems. Also you might add the Heinz Wildlife preserve at Tinicum. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else.". Giving exact addresses would help. 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. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. ", Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia. Shops and sidewalk stalls offer up everything from fresh produce and meats to infused olive oils and specialty cheeses. Originally established by the Baldwin family in Delaware in 1934, Baldwins Book Barn has been offering used, rare and fine books; manuscripts; maps; paintings; prints; and more in West Chester since 1946. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard. Now simply turn towards the stone and start murmuring. 2022 2. Share your thoughts (and photos) in the comments below! Where: Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street. Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. The two-floor Insectarium side features mounted displays, live specimens, insect sculptures and an exhibit about extermination poisons. 3. What stands out here is the delicious high-quality meat they use. While walking down the lane, look for Ranstead room behind a nondescript door, dedicatedly a black metal door. 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. This charming community is full of independent neighborhood haunts you need to check out. Pennsylvania Hospital Garden sounds unusual with its name but is a treasure you should surely dig. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. Hungry for more? This is some text inside of a div block. 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. You can reach here at Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park and can spend some time enjoying the views. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. Luna Cafe is the epitome of a hidden gem. 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. 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). 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. Here is a list of six (somewhat) hidden gems that are undoubtedly worth checking out. Employees in period dress ring up your purchases at antique cash registers, just as they would have in the old days. Watch popular content from the following creators: pao_philadelphia(@pao_philadelphia), pao_philadelphia(@pao_philadelphia), Shi(@ynrs_shi), bon_nappetit(@bon_nappetit), NatNat_215(@natnat_215), Alliah K. Cosmetics (@alliahk.cosmetics), Del_cartier(@del_cartier), Britta Grace(@britta_grace), pao_philadelphia(@pao . Where some of them are overshadowed by the well-preached ones, some attractions are peacefully preserved from the limelight. 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. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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. 4 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Philadelphia As hard as it is to believe, the Philadelphia food scene has more than just cheesesteaks. 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. Notoriously, one of those gems is cuisine. Some of the prettiest houses in the city are in the Spruce Hill and Cedar Park neighborhoods at the edge of University City. 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 travelers often choose Philadelphia if they are interested in U.S. history or if National sentiments hold them. Predating the Civil War, North Phillys Wagner Free Institute of Science is a library, lecture hall and natural history museum, as well as one of the few remaining Victorian-era scientific societies. 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. In a city full of famous museums, there's one that is still hidden from the tourist trail - and it's the city's tastiest. 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. The Morris Arboretum is one of the most stunning places in the country. hands out samples. Bartram's Garden is the oldest botanical garden in North America, and it's truly a hidden gem in Philadelphia. Email Sarah at sschlichter@smartertravel.com. The grounds, gardens, farm, and wildlife habitats are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. 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. 15 Places. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. ADVERTISEMENT. Is it a store? There is always a great rotating selection of craft beers and bourbons. The movie stars Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff. I should know, I lived there for seven years and am very much a foodie myself. You might find the sight a bit spooky from the first look, but after stepping down, the picture will change completely. The best-kept secret in Philadelphia, the Ranstead room, can be your pick if you are a nightlife enthusiast. Beautiful John F. Collins Park is located on Chestnut Street, but it's easy to miss! 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. Your email address will not be published. 19 days ago. But thanks to a major overhaul in 2018, the food court has become a food hall. The family-friendly National Liberty Museum tells the stories of inspiring figures from around the globe, including Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and the heroes of September 11, 2001as well as ordinary citizens who make a difference such as teachers and firefighters.