Though if you are new to the city, this lesser-known gem might not have introduced itself to you. Where: Ringing Rocks County Park, Ringing Rocks Road, Upper Black Eddy. With the weather cooling off, there's no better time to explore the hidden gems that Philly has to offer. Written by Carlyle Property Management on 2.03.23 . Many of the native plants on the grounds owe their cultivation to Bartrams efforts. "My favorite hidden gem in Philly is the Tap Room on 19th," Kevin McElroy of Philly Rock Radio. The lush canopy of the trees will provide you some shade, where the peaceful silence will adorn your time uniquely. The Penn Museum is home to a 15-ton Egyptian sphinx that's one of the coolest attractions in the city. 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). Or maybe youd prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Its Pine Building located on Pine between 8th and 9th Streetis still in use today. 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. Travelers with extra time to explore can head off the beaten path to discover the gems of hidden Philadelphiaincluding vibrantly colored murals, museums full of unexpected treasures, and one of the countrys oldest candy shops. 1. It's modeled after a Prohibition-era speakeasy, so you have to be in the know to head here for a drink. Museum of Ice Cream. "This is a quaint restaurant in a hidden gem in Philadelphia. All Rights Reserved. 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. It was built in 1755 and is the first-ever hospital America owned, even before the American Revolution. Cira Green / Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center / Chanticleer Sort by: Near Me Located at the eastern edge of Old City, the store has been serving up chocolates and other sugary confections since 1863. 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. Johnson has the tools athletic tools to rack up numbers in the Pub. There's a reason that Philadelphia is listed among the myriad of "best cities to live" and "most interesting places to visit" lists. Once threatened with demolition to make way for a cross-town highway, South Street has since become one of Philadelphias hippest districts, thanks in large part to visionaries like Isaiah Zagarthe artist behind Philadelphias Magic Gardens. Leo's Steak Shop. Artwork and Masonic artifacts, many dating back to the American Revolution, round out the offerings. Even though it is free to visit, not many people actually know about it. Its all those things and more: a space where you can pick up a julep strainer, some sarsaparilla bitters, and a bottle of damson gin before settling in at the copper bar in the back to sample the latest creations from the ever-increasing number of local distilleries. Where: Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, 8046 Frankford Avenue. Opened in 1992, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion is one of the largest insect museums in the nation. 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. Today, visitors can tour the historic grounds and Revolution-era buildings, watch reenactments, picnic or investigate paranormal activity. 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. 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 . Food & Drink. 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. Shane Confectionery pays homage to that history in its offerings of old-fashioned candy and chocolate alongside modern products. Philly has scores of hidden gems for those in the know and you, friend, are about to be one of them. Philadelphia is full till neck when it comes to hidden gems and exciting landmarks. Skip to content. Whereas there are lots of well-known points of interest to take a look at just like the Liberty Bell, Independence Corridor, and the LOVE statue, there are additionally many lesser-known hidden [] For the similar, Pizza Brain has marked its name in the Guinness Book of World Records. Arch Enemy is one of the best, a large contemporary space where brightly colored, eye-catching images practically jump off the walls. Housing more than 100,000 books and manuscripts some over 5,000 years old the Free Library of Philadelphia Rare Book Collection is one of the largest public library special collections in the nation. 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. Fancy taking a selfie with a stunning butterfly that just landed on your shoulder at the Philadelphia Insectarium. Reveal is a superior antioxidant-rich, ready-to . The Hallmark Channel's newest original movie, "Hidden Gems," premieres on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. 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. 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. 7 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia Some of the best hidden gems in Philly include: 1. Visit this fantastic hidden gem in Philadelphia and munch on the best Pizza of your life or you can explore their museum display and learn some unimaginable facts about Pizza. 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. One of the most unique things to do in NYC located in Brooklyn Heights is head to Hotel St. George. Any hidden gem bars in university city? This park is one of the best places to relax on a warm afternoon, surrounded by plants and trees. Thousands of murals grace the walls and buildings of Philadelphia thanks to the Mural Arts program. While admission is free, visits must be scheduled in advance through the museums website. Royal Izakaya is a Japanese pub and a must-visit hidden gem to visit when in Philadelphia. It's located in a part of the city that's often overlooked, especially when it comes to food. The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum just north of Philadelphia International Airport protects the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. (The lavender lollipops come on a plantable seed-laced stick! You may have visited several bars in Philadelphia, but if you have still not been to Bok Bar, you are missing something. Dont miss the charming garden outside. The menu of breakfast and lunch (it opens at 7 a.m. for those getting an early start on the day) is made up of well-priced sandwiches (BLT, chicken salad, egg salad), wraps, and breakfast dishes, and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, including tempeh bacon. 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. Rocco's Sausage at Home Depot. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. You can reach here nay from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. Save Collection. Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. Dutch Country Market is only open four days a week. Theres even a small animal farm on-site. 1. 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. Down a narrow Center City alleyway, off the beaten path in South Philly or tucked away in the nearby countryside, Greater Philadelphia is home to scores of lesser-known attractions that even the hardiest of locals may not be familiar with. Cant make it for a guided tour? You can check them out on a guided tour by trolley, train, or foot, learning about the artists and inspiration behind each mural. Philly offers an array of things to do - from museums to pop-up gardens, to festivals, to ice skating - one can always find hidden gems. The Morris Arboretum is one of the most stunning places in the country. Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 12. Highlights include the headdress and jewelry of Puabi (a Mesopotamian queen) and Sumerian cuneiform tablets with some of the worlds oldest examples of writing. 16 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. I lived in Philly all these years and never heard of these places. 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. 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. The Rodin Museum is the smallest museum on the parkway, and it is so underrated. I typically avoid the area under the presumption it's expensive and/or full of students (i.e. Its free to visit and many people dont know that its open to the public. 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. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. With towering 350-year-old live oaks, semi-tropical plants, and waterfront views, this place is nothing short of otherworldly. 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. 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. 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. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. 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. . Tweet LinkedIn Like Share. 15 Philly Restaurants With Great Private Dining Rooms. 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. Wanderers who have gone in-depth with their Philadelphia exploring journey claim the city is grander than preached. We spoke about Jaylen Johnson's game in a recent underclassmen post profiling new names to our 2025 rankings. Fountain Street Steps, though, are just steps, but the most gorgeous of all. Family owned and operated since 1974, they proudly boast being the "Home of the 18 Incher" which is the size of their large steak. Surrounded by lavish murals and artistic plants like wild snapdragon, purple iris and lavender Polonia, the Mural Arts-funded installation rises at the intersection of Fountain and Umbria streets and continues across the Manayunk Canal Towpath and Schuylkill River Trail on to Venice Island. Its a lovely place to linger. 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. Visiting at lunchtime? A confectionery has occupied the space at Letitia and Market for over 150 years, making it Americas oldest candy shop. For some snacks, do try their mixture of tasty Mexican food. When in Philadelphia, it is a must-visit. Chef Mike Solomonov is a local expert who guides viewers on a food tour in the latest edition of Walk With T+L to discover some hidden gems across the city. Considered "The Metropolis of Brotherly Love," Philadelphia, PA is greatest identified for its wealthy historical past, world-famous cheesesteaks, and vibrant artwork and music tradition. RATED. Oh, and dont miss High Falls, the countys largest waterfall. When here, make sure you try their sushi, oyster, and meat sandwiches. The most unreached wonder in Philadelphia is the Pizza Brain. The Ranstead Room is one of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars, but it's a little tricky to find. Pizza Plus pizzaplusplusplus Thats just one of many new things I learned at the National Museum of American Jewish History, which isnt hidden so much as hidden in plain sight. It is located at 780-782 S 2nd Street though it is tough to identify. The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. Added in 2022: two inclusive play areas for children with a variety of abilities. When walking by the Masonic Temple, you might think that the ornate Norman cathedral-style building on North Broad across from City Hall is another of the citys stunning churches. The Magic Gardensa whimsical, artistic experience surrounded by mosaics and reclaimed objectsis one of the top attractions in the city. From top attractions to hidden gems, explore Philly and its suburbs. You can opt for their in-room dining or choose the outdoor sitting as per mood. Luna Cafe is the epitome of a hidden gem. Where some of them are overshadowed by the well-preached ones, some attractions are peacefully preserved from the limelight. Bella Vista, Philadelphia. ", Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. The Old City neighborhood is jam-packed with galleries, ranging from tiny, feisty upstarts to long-established landmarks. Engaging exhibits throughout the 1,000-piece collection spotlight shoes from various times and cultures. 15. 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. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. 19 days ago. 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). Where to Order Christmas Dinner and More in Philly. 'Freya Stark", Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. Read on as we take a deep dive into what awaits you on your weekend visit to Philadelphia. The top top-secret dining and drinking spots in Philadelphia and the Countryside Ahmed Alsoudani, in collaboration with The Fabric Workshop and Museum, I consent to receive email communications from visitphilly.com and agree to Visit Philadelphias, Photo courtesy Wise Owl Media for the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion, Photo courtesy Wagner Free Institute of Science, Photo by Carlos Avendao for The Fabric Workshop & Museum, Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia, Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia, Photo courtesy Kids Castle Central Park. Stars of "Hidden Gems," Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff answer questions about their new movie. Though the school closed years ago, many of its architectural details have been preserved, making it one of the most unique places in the city for a drink with a view and a perfect date night experience. America's most famous museum of medical oddities is home to the remains of Albert Einstein's brain. The Dutch is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that has a reputation for serving the best food in Pennsport. Calling all sweet tooths! See our, 111 S Independence Mall E, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Walnut St & S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106. This is a popular spot! Bartrams Garden is one of the best places in the city to enjoy the outdoors. Your email address will not be published. 52 Fun Things to Do in Philadelphia. Beyond the books, there are other special items to see. From Lewis Carrolls own copy of Alice in Wonderland to a handwritten manuscript for Ulysses by James Joyce, the museum is filled with treasures. 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.