Freshman from all over are moving to Philadelphia for the first time. Required fields are marked *. 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 [] Where: Museum for Art in Wood, 141 N. 3rd Street. Theyre relatively easy to find when exploring the city. If you are a local Philly, you would have crossed by the John F. Collins Park once in your lifetime. You can take off your shoes and walk through the house to appreciate the murals, created by contemporary Japanese artist Hiroshi Senju. 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. This is some text inside of a div block. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. 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. The pavilion is the result of an artistic vision that came to life in 1993, and has since been a favorite spot for spotting the earliest blooms of spring. More than 3,000 lavender plants representing two species and multiple varieties grow on the facilitys sunny hillside. Their rooftop hangout is always full of events categorized into art, taste, move, spark, and whatnot. On Swarthmore Colleges gorgeous campus lies Scott Arboretum, a sprawling century-old, 425-acre botanic garden made up of rolling hills, flowering trees, walking trails, 4,000 plant varieties, a biostream, a pinetum (arboretum for conifers), 200 rose varieties and more. One of the most unique things to do in NYC located in Brooklyn Heights is head to Hotel St. George. 3. "This is a quaint restaurant in a hidden gem in Philadelphia. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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. Where: Fort Mifflin, 6400 Hog Island Road. This charming community is full of independent neighborhood haunts you need to check out. An Underrated Gem. 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. What stands out here is the delicious high-quality meat they use. New York 212.682.7300; . The center consists of the main building, modeled after an early 17th-century temple guest house, and a separate teahouse and bathhouse, surrounded by exquisite gardens and a serene koi pond. But thanks to a major overhaul in 2018, the food court has become a food hall. This is the best kind of neighborhood restaurant: welcoming and friendly with an approachable menu. Mount Moriah Cemetery An abandoned cemetery lies in ruins as the surrounding forest swallows it. Philadelphia is packed with things to do. Where some of them are overshadowed by the well-preached ones, some attractions are peacefully preserved from the limelight. 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. Bella Vista, Philadelphia. 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. 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. 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 refuge also hosts year-round plant and bird walks. This list to help you get started in uncovering some of the citys best kept secrets. The Museum has been sponsoring expeditions for more than 125 years, and their collection includes nearly 1 million historic artifacts. The original garden and stone house can still be visited. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. High above the Schuylkill River in University City is Cira Green, located 12 stories up and 95 feet above the Cira Center South Garage. 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. Read more about this secret speakeasy. 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. The Ranstead Room is one of Philadelphia's best cocktail bars, but it's a little tricky to find. Arch Enemy is one of the best, a large contemporary space where brightly colored, eye-catching images practically jump off the walls. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. 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. Grab a snack from the nearby food trucks and enjoy a few moments of calm. . Opened in 1992, the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion is one of the largest insect museums in the nation. The John F. Collins Park is a stunning landscape hidden somewhere in the bustling business district of Central city. Leo's Steak Shop. Flowers, trees, and plants adorn this peaceful lushness amidst the concrete jungle. That said, here are the best hidden gems in the city of Philadelphia. Calling all sweet tooths! Whats your favorite Philly secret? Shops and sidewalk stalls offer up everything from fresh produce and meats to infused olive oils and specialty cheeses. Beyond the books, there are other special items to see. The Shofuso House serves as a way to honor Japan and Japanese culture in Philadelphia. 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. 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. The free, pet-friendly space has native plants and trees, walking paths, and even swings above Center City. Find out more about the movie! It's a chance to explore hidden gems that you won't find anywhere else, from iconic parks to historic buildings, and artsy streets, and discover street art in unexpected places. We spoke about Jaylen Johnson's game in a recent underclassmen post profiling new names to our 2025 rankings. Hidden gem locations to check out in Philadelphia 1. I lived in Philly all these years and never heard of these places. 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. 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. Several rooms are set up as they might have been when the Rosenbach brothers lived here. [viator_tour destination=906 type=3-mod]. This pocket park just off 17th Street occupies a narrow space between Chestnut and Ranstead. The Fabric Workshop and Museum (FWM) in Market East exhibits modern art created from, on and with fabric and other related media. Stroll the acres of plants, trees, and gardens, and check out the historic home. Descriptions around the property identify the plants and explain those that had medicinal properties or other uses in the colonies, making a visit here both refreshing and a bit of a history lesson for those who are interested. Our favorite thing about this spot, though, is the view. All of these three and including several others, dates back to the founding year of the hospital. 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. Vietnamese, Cafe. 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. Any hidden gem bars in university city? 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. Reveal is a superior antioxidant-rich, ready-to . The most unreached wonder in Philadelphia is the Pizza Brain. No reservation, thus walk in and grab yourself a seat. 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. 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. 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. 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. You can check them out on a guided tour by trolley, train, or foot, learning about the artists and inspiration behind each mural. Heres where youll find the Italian Market, one of Americas oldest open-air markets. She loves eating her way across the city, cheering on the Union, and uncovering the unique things that make the Philadelphia metro area special. It's the go-to place when you want to explore something you haven't before. Family owned and operated since 1974, they proudly boast being the "Home of the 18 Incher" which is the size of their large steak. Philadelphia doesn't run short of beautiful gardens. I love it . Participate in an authentic chanoyu tea ceremony demonstration; tour the interior to learn about Japanese temple living, art and architecture in the 1600s; and feed the fish in the pond. 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. The city is teeming with parks and gardens, unique spaces, and other hidden attractions that even long-time residents may not know. Cherry Street Pier Located on the Delaware River, Cherry Street Pier is a public space that offers events, concessions, flea markets, and classes. Where: Treehouse World, 1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester. Johnson has the tools athletic tools to rack up numbers in the Pub. If you haven't made your way down here, you might not even know it exists. This giant hotel also was a popular spot for long-term residents and famous guests like President Roosevelt, President Truman . You'll never get bored with the many stores to explore, delicious food options, and stunning waterfront views. 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. But that doesnt mean youve seen everything the City of Brotherly Love has to offer. If youre really in the mood to feel historic, order the Kite & Key cocktail (get it? Find out more about Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff. The Magic Gardensa whimsical, artistic experience surrounded by mosaics and reclaimed objectsis one of the top attractions in the city. Its always fun to discover something new . 130. A wide variety of performers keep things . (The lavender lollipops come on a plantable seed-laced stick! The menu (and the customer service) is consistent and consistently good. Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Shofuso Japanese House and Garden In addition to tours, PMG also offers special events including family programs, happy hours, and meditation workshops. Please try again later. Indulge your sweet tooth at Shane Confectionery, which claims to be Americas oldest candy store. Stars of "Hidden Gems," Hunter King and Beau Mirchoff answer questions about their new movie. Once youve toured, tried or tasted the Philly basics, theres a whole lot more for you to see and do. The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum just north of Philadelphia International Airport protects the largest freshwater tidal marsh in Pennsylvania.