You can check them out on a guided tour by trolley, train, or foot, learning about the artists and inspiration behind each mural. The travelers often choose Philadelphia if they are interested in U.S. history or if National sentiments hold them. This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. There is an abundance of alternative terms we can use, rather than calling something a "hidden gem". In 1986, Foster's Main Street Tavern opened. 2022 2. 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. 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. The Old City neighborhood is jam-packed with galleries, ranging from tiny, feisty upstarts to long-established landmarks. All Rights Reserved. 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. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. Below are 21 of Greater Philadelphias best-kept secret places to visit and explore that will make you a legit Philly insider. 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. 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. Traveling over an hour to Amish country is not necessary when the best hidden gem is located in the Northeast section of Philadelphia. 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. HIDDEN GEM IN PHILADELPHIA - BARTRAM'S GARDEN - YouTube Come Sail with The Philly Captain as he takes you on a tour of Bartram's Garden in Southwest Philadelphia #phillycaptain. Stevens' Prophecy at W Philadelphia Photo courtesy W Philadelphia Sort by: Near Me Mount Moriah Cemetery An abandoned cemetery lies in ruins as the surrounding forest swallows it. The Shofuso House is part of Philadelphia's Fairmount Park. RATED. Enjoy :) Bella Vista. Once youve visited all the top sites, whats next? If you didnt know to look for it, it would be very easy to pass by this nearly secret spot. Leo's Steak Shop. 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. 16 Hidden Gems in Philadelphia. Pull up a seat at the long bar, order some farro risotto and a glass of Italian red, and feel right at home. Food & Drink. You can take off your shoes and walk through the house to appreciate the murals, created by contemporary Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju. Looking for a weekend getaway full of culture, scenic drives, tasty eats, and unique souvenirs? 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. This list to help you get started in uncovering some of the citys best kept secrets. February 8, 2022. The recently renovated Flame Gallery features a monumental, 21-foot glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. 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. While walking down the lane, look for Ranstead room behind a nondescript door, dedicatedly a black metal door. The cascading waterfall and singing birds almost make you forget about the busy city barely a block away. The Hallmark Channel's newest original movie, "Hidden Gems," premieres on Saturday, June 4, at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. 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). Cherry Street Pier. For the outdoor lovers of Los Angeles, this abandoned bridge is a local treasure. These remarkably artistic steps connect the Manayunk trail to Umbria Street below two PR bridges. Im glad we could add to your list! 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 [] The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Address: 5400 Lindbergh Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 12. Theyre easily identifiable and never fail to make us smile because theyre always a surprise. An Underrated Gem. More than 3,000 lavender plants representing two species and multiple varieties grow on the facilitys sunny hillside. You may have visited several bars in Philadelphia, but if you have still not been to Bok Bar, you are missing something. This is the best kind of neighborhood restaurant: welcoming and friendly with an approachable menu. James G. Kaskey Memorial Park. An Unknown Gem. One of the most unique things to do in NYC located in Brooklyn Heights is head to Hotel St. George. You can browse the pizza-related toys, books, ads, and other unusual items while munching on pizza topped with brisket, buffalo sauce, or just any other topping your heart desires. Today, visitors can tour the historic grounds and Revolution-era buildings, watch reenactments, picnic or investigate paranormal activity. The only way to fully experience Philly? 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. 848 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 luckyslastchance.com. It was built in 1755 and is the first-ever hospital America owned, even before the American Revolution. 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. We apologize, something went wrong on our end. It's modeled after a Prohibition-era speakeasy, so you have to be in the know to head here for a drink. 151 S. 24th St., 215-496-9222. 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. 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. Even the on-site caf stays on theme, with dishes like a tavern-style bread pudding taking inspiration from the era. However, due to dark and moody space, people often fail to find it. This giant hotel also was a popular spot for long-term residents and famous guests like President Roosevelt, President Truman . 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. 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 . There are plenty of restaurants in the area as well, including the citys most famous cheesesteak joints: Pats and Genos. From top attractions to hidden gems, explore Philly and its suburbs. 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. This seasonal bar occupies a space in the former Bok Vocational High School, which opened in 1938. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. 20 Hidden Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia Visit Philadelphia Uwishunu Article last updated on February 10, 2023 20 Hidden Bars & Restaurants in Philadelphia The top top-secret dining and drinking spots in Philadelphia and the Countryside. The Museum has been sponsoring expeditions for more than 125 years, and their collection includes nearly 1 million historic artifacts. 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). 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. Rodin Museum 1,469 Art Museums By 245randallc A beautiful building and garden that houses a nice collection of Rodin's sculptures. One of our favorite things about driving around the city (especially in South Philly) is finding the unexpected Zagar mosaics. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. Head back upstairs to take in the view overlooking Independence Hall that many rooms offer. 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 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. There is always a great rotating selection of craft beers and bourbons. Note that tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. 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). 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. The house was built in Japan during the 1950s before it made the journey first to NYC and then to Philadelphia. Johnson has the tools athletic tools to rack up numbers in the Pub. The person right in Infront of you might not hear a single word bit; the one at another end can listen to it all loud. The John F. Collins Park is a stunning landscape hidden somewhere in the bustling business district of Central city. This park is one of the best places to relax on a warm afternoon, surrounded by plants and trees. 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. . Pennsylvania Hospital Garden sounds unusual with its name but is a treasure you should surely dig. A Secret Treasure. The 38 Essential Restaurants in Philadelphia. Below are my favorite hidden gems in every neighborhood that are worth checking out. 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. Picture birdwatching on the shore of a quiet marsh at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge. Today the 70 stained glass mosaic steps were once littered and trashed. The museum is located just a few blocks from Independence Hall and is one of the areas hidden gems. Stay over. You can reach here at Horticulture Center in West Fairmount Park and can spend some time enjoying the views. Giving exact addresses would help. She loves eating her way across the city, cheering on the Union, and uncovering the unique things that make the Philadelphia metro area special. 'Freya Stark", Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. If all that isnt sweet enough, you can stop next door at the Franklin Ice Cream Bar for a Keystone Bar dipped in chocolate from Shane Confectionery. The cast is harmonious in providing a particularly smooth and fun experience in this luxurious pre-wedding atmosphere. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's the scenic Penn's Landing and the massive Fairmont Park. Check them out - they're located off of Avenue of the Republic. Known as the hidden attraction in Philadelphia, the Fountain Street steps is at Cresson Street. It's located in a part of the city that's often overlooked, especially when it comes to food. It consists of upscale pub fare, in a cozy atmosphere, served by friendly staff. You can walk through the Japanese house and see all the rooms and murals on display. Family owned and operated since 1974, they proudly boast being the "Home of the 18 Incher" which is the size of their large steak. This the only place in the US with a federal reserve in a city! If you are an art lover or interested in the quirky stuff, Fountain Street Steps is something you must dig out. I should know, I lived there for seven years and am very much a foodie myself. Heres where youll find the Italian Market, one of Americas oldest open-air markets. Life sciences and art students use the area as part of their studies and plenty of other people come to enjoy the turtles, koi, and variety of wildflowers. Bartrams Garden is one of the best places in the city to enjoy the outdoors. Where: Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, 148 N. 8th Street. Where: Wharton Esherick Museum, 1520 Horse Shoe Trail, Malvern. Dutch Country Market is only open four days a week. The Pavilion in the Trees is an observation deck and one of the most beautiful places in Philadelphia. 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. 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. Come hungry and ready to shop. Philadelphia's Magic Gardens 1,131 Art Galleries Art Museums City Center East It is located at 780-782 S 2nd Street though it is tough to identify. I lived in Philly all these years and never heard of these places. Royal Izakaya is a Japanese pub and a must-visit hidden gem to visit when in Philadelphia. The Penn Museum is home to a 15-ton Egyptian sphinx that's one of the coolest attractions in the city. Now simply turn towards the stone and start murmuring. A land of enchantment for kids 5-12 awaits just south of Doylestown within the 108-acre Central Park. . ", Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world. The trek to this bridge is a 10-mile hike round trip and uses several river fords along the way. 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. A section of overgrown, unused rail lines has been revitalized into Rail Park. Youll see everything from a jewelry chest that belonged to Charles II to an unusual clock made by Marie Antoinettes clock maker. 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. Discover The Bridge to Nowhere. The Ranstead Room is one of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars, but it's a little tricky to find. If youre really in the mood to feel historic, order the Kite & Key cocktail (get it? 4 Hidden Gem Restaurants in Philadelphia As hard as it is to believe, the Philadelphia food scene has more than just cheesesteaks. From Lewis Carrolls own copy of Alice in Wonderland to a handwritten manuscript for Ulysses by James Joyce, the museum is filled with treasures. Spread throughout the amusement parks 14 acres: massive treehouses with various themes, from pirates and trains to an enchanted village and birthday cake. Sarah Schlichter was hosted by Visit Philadelphia in her quest to discover hidden Philadelphia. Our favorite thing about this spot, though, is the view. 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. Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. 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. While blooming season peaks during June and July, the farm is open 12 months a year. 21 Date Ideas in Philly for a . Stars of "Hidden Gems," Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff answer questions about their new movie. Is it a club for people who really, really care about cocktails? The grounds, gardens, farm, and wildlife habitats are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Pizza Plus pizzaplusplusplus It began in the 1800s as a hunting lodge, built by Joseph Jefferson, a theater actor who played Rip Van Winkle many times. This 19th-century townhouse in Rittenhouse Square features a remarkable collection of rare manuscripts and books. Now 27 vendors are turning out gourmet fried chicken, Filipino comfort food, hand-pinched crab dumplings, and Korean tacos. This phenomenon is known to happen due to the parabola effect, known in physics. 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. Bartram's Garden is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic. 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. ), Where: Peace Valley Lavender Farm, 802 New Galena Road, Doylestown. I typically avoid the area under the presumption it's expensive and/or full of students (i.e. Philly has scores of hidden gems for those in the know and you, friend, are about to be one of them. The Park is one of the best places to visit in the locality, but one might simply walk away due to its hidden setting. Cira Green / Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center / Chanticleer Sort by: Near Me This is a popular spot! 15. Once youve toured, tried or tasted the Philly basics, theres a whole lot more for you to see and do. . It also has a garden patio that has a vibe that's hard to find elsewhere in Philly. It's hidden in an alley, so you've probably walked by it without even noticing. The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia is a book lovers dream. A Concealed Gem. Tweet LinkedIn Like Share. Added in 2022: two inclusive play areas for children with a variety of abilities. This DTLA photo studio has got to be one of the best hidden gems in LA for all of your steampunk, dystopian, and apocalyptic photoshoot ideas. When here, make sure you try their sushi, oyster, and meat sandwiches. 1. 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. While admission is free, visits must be scheduled in advance through the museums website. 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. It is a little hole-in-the-wall breakfast place that serves the most delicious breakfast in the region. Read more about this secret speakeasy. 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. 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. . Attractions . Fancy taking a selfie with a stunning butterfly that just landed on your shoulder at the Philadelphia Insectarium. This hidden gem in midtown Harrisburg features homespun, comforting soul food recipes passed down from, Isabelle T. Ross. When in Philadelphia, it is a must-visit. With 2 days in Philadelphia, you can visit some of the most important historical sights in the country, watch a professional sports game, peruse public markets, check out the excellent museums, go bar-hopping or stuff your face with cheesesteaks! Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package. Where: Treehouse World, 1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester. 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.