Shops and sidewalk stalls offer up everything from fresh produce and meats to infused olive oils and specialty cheeses. 1. 4 Hidden Gems to Explore in Philadelphia The super-friendly servers dont mind if you linger over your fair-trade coffee. 4 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Philadelphia As hard as it is to believe, the Philadelphia food scene has more than just cheesesteaks. The movie stars Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff. Is it a bar? February 8, 2022. A land of enchantment for kids 5-12 awaits just south of Doylestown within the 108-acre Central Park. 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. 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. Pennsylvania Hospital was the first hospital in the United States, built in 1755 decades before the country even existed. When you're searching for a new place to live in Philadelphia, it's always exciting to discover some of the city's hidden treasures. There are plenty of restaurants in the area as well, including the citys most famous cheesesteak joints: Pats and Genos. 1. Its the sort of place every neighborhood needs but not many have: They focus on doing a few things well rather than adding unusual ingredients to everything in an attempt to reinvent the wheel. 10 hidden gems in New York: Beyond the Brooklyn Bridge That said, here are the best hidden gems in the city of Philadelphia. 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. Your email address will not be published. You'll never get bored with the many stores to explore, delicious food options, and stunning waterfront views. Though if you are a traveler in Philly, you might not have even heard or seen the Dutch. 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. The museum is located just a few blocks from Independence Hall and is one of the areas hidden gems. 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. 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 Below are my favorite hidden gems in every neighborhood that are worth checking out. You can reach here nay from Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm. A Secret Treasure. Main Menu. While you can spot Zagars mosaic artwork on hundreds of walls across the city, his most celebrated achievement is this unique conglomeration of colorful mosaic tiles and found objects such as bottles and bike tires, covering every square inch of what was once a vacant lot. With the weather cooling off, there's no better time to explore the hidden gems that Philly has to offer. Check out four of my favorites! The Penn Museum is home to a 15-ton Egyptian sphinx that's one of the coolest attractions in the city. It began in the 1800s as a hunting lodge, built by Joseph Jefferson, a theater actor who played Rip Van Winkle many times. And as not to distract from the striking visuals, no plants are labeled. 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. In addition to tours, PMG also offers special events including family programs, happy hours, and meditation workshops. It also has a garden patio that has a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in Philly. Unlike other crowdy spaces, it is quieter and comforting. There are gardens, an arboretum, feed-friendly goats, native wildlife habitats, and a nature center. There is always a great rotating selection of craft beers and bourbons. The heavenly garden, Japanese house, and pond perfectly define a hidden gem. For more of Philadelphias hidden gems, check out our list of The 7 Wackiest Restaurants In Philadelphia Where Dining Is A Blast. 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. Check them out - they're located off of Avenue of the Republic. You'll never get bored with the many stores to explore, delicious food options, and stunning waterfront views. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Once you make it here, you'll be enjoying the best sushi and sake in the city. The Morris Arboretum is one of the most stunning places in the country. 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. 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. Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel writer who has lived and worked in and around Philadelphia for nearly 20 years. Come hungry and ready to shop. There's a reason that Philadelphia is listed among the myriad of "best cities to live" and "most interesting places to visit" lists. Turtle Rock Lighthouse was built in 1887 by Frank Thurwanger for $2,663 right next to the historic Boathouse Row. The Dutch is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that has a reputation for serving the best food in Pennsport. Pennsylvania Hospital Garden sounds unusual with its name but is a treasure you should surely dig. Visitors to the estate can enjoy the grounds and learn about the history of the house and the seven generations of the Chew family that lived here. 25+ Local's Hidden Gems in NYC (& Unique Things to do in NYC) The quarter-mile stretch of park will ultimately be three miles long, which will make the Rail Park twice the length of New Yorks famous High Line. The place is operating from Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm. Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public space that offers events, concessions, flea markets, and classes. 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. Cherry Street Pier Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public space that offers events, concessions, flea markets, and classes. Mount Moriah Cemetery An abandoned cemetery lies in ruins as the surrounding forest swallows it. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Zagar began working on the site in 1991, and it opened to the public in 2008. Theres also a small water feature tucked somewhere in the corner. With towering 350-year-old live oaks, semi-tropical plants, and waterfront views, this place is nothing short of otherworldly. Prospect Spotlight, Hidden Gems In Philadelphia Pt. 2 Locals of Pennsport often choose it as their go-to brunch spot, especially for the cheesesteak hash. Here is a list of six (somewhat) hidden gems that are undoubtedly worth checking out. New York 212.682.7300; . Picture birdwatching on the shore of a quiet marsh at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. Join the locals for a jog, walk, or bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail, which follows the river for about 10 miles through Philadelphia, passing by the Museum of Art and the University of Pennsylvania along the way. Apart from the painted steps, the area is now adorned by pretty artistic plants alongside. Wanderers who have gone in-depth with their Philadelphia exploring journey claim the city is grander than preached. Their breakfast game is strong and it won't break the bank. 5 Must-Try Hidden Food Gems in Philadelphia - UNATION 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. Philadelphia has a long history of art and artists working in the medium of wood, which is on prominent display at Old Citys Museum for Art in Wood. Pull up a seat at the long bar, order some farro risotto and a glass of Italian red, and feel right at home. In his later life, Bartram became the Kings Botanist by King George III in recognition of his knowledge and accomplishments. Dating back to 1771, Fort Mifflin is the oldest active military facility in the nation and Americas only operating base predating the Declaration of Independence. If you are in the city with your partner, it is an ideal space for a date night experience. (The lavender lollipops come on a plantable seed-laced stick! 33. r/nagpur. "This is a quaint restaurant in a hidden gem in Philadelphia. One particularly popular section is the Boardwalk, which continues the trail out over the river from Locust Street to South Street. Escape the crowds at Center Citys Reading Terminal Market with a stroll down 9th Street in South Philly. 619 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (215) 923-9525 Visit Website Red Hook Coffee and Tea Hidden in plain sight, this spot is a local fave thanks to its homey feel and laid-back vibe, complete. 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 . Bartram's Garden is the oldest botanical garden in North America, and it's truly a hidden gem in Philadelphia. Hence the name of the lovely pond at the parks centerthe BioPond. 9 Best Hidden Gems in Philadelphia - Tripping.com Where: Kids Castle Central Park, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown. Filled with brightly painted Queen Anne Victorian twins and homes with other unique features, the neighborhoods are a delight for architecture lovers. Where: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. Visiting at lunchtime? It is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that serves the most delicious breakfast in the region. Now 27 vendors are turning out gourmet fried chicken, Filipino comfort food, hand-pinched crab dumplings, and Korean tacos. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. 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. The museum is a fascinating place for travelers interested in history and culture, telling the stories of Jewish people in the U.S. from the American Revolution to the Holocaust and beyond. 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. Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. The Park is operational from Monday through Saturday from 8:30 am to 5 pm. 16 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia - Guide to Philly 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. 15 Places. 21 Date Ideas in Philly for a . Added in 2022: two inclusive play areas for children with a variety of abilities. Discover The Bridge to Nowhere. Imagine stumbling upon Dr. Js size-15 high-tops at the Temple University Podiatry Schools Shoe Museum. Its Pine Building located on Pine between 8th and 9th Streetis still in use today. The best way to dig deeper, though, is on a walking tour with the organization. Discover short videos related to hidden gems in philadelphia on TikTok. Did you know that the first permanent Jewish settlers in America came not from Europe but from Brazil, all the way back in 1654? 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. While admission is free, visits must be scheduled in advance through the museums website. 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. 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. It offers Philadelphias most admirable skyline views, especially when the city is glowing during the night hours. 20 Hidden Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia From top attractions to hidden gems, explore Philly and its suburbs. 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. The Hallmark Channel's newest original movie, "Hidden Gems," premieres on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. 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 is a seasonal rooftop bar located in the former Bok Vocational High School. This the only place in the US with a federal reserve in a city! The recently renovated Flame Gallery features a monumental, 21-foot glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. An Underrated Gem. It is a pizzeria and the first pizza museum in the world. Calling all sweet tooths! Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. Hidden Philadelphia: 10 Under-the-Radar Gems Worth Discovering Sarah Schlichter You've snapped a selfie with the Liberty Bell, toured the hallowed halls where the Declaration of Independence. Theyre relatively easy to find when exploring the city. No reservation, thus walk in and grab yourself a seat. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Park is one of the best places to visit in the locality, but one might simply walk away due to its hidden setting. 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. Tweet LinkedIn Like Share. Where Was 'Hidden Gems' Filmed? See Cast Stories & Locations "My favorite hidden gem in Philly is the Tap Room on 19th," Kevin McElroy of Philly Rock Radio. 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. 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. The space can be accessed via the garages pedestrian entrance on 30th Street just south of Chestnut Street. 4 Philadelphia Hidden Gems You Have to Check Out This phenomenon is known to happen due to the parabola effect, known in physics. On a random street corner, gracing a storefront, on a wall beside a schoolyou never quite know where one of his distinctive pieces will turn up. An Untapped Treasure. 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. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden - Tripadvisor