Philadelphia’s Secret Garden (District)

As this is my first post, I should mention that I’m not typically good with sharing my travel secrets. I feel that the adventures I’ve discovered were appreciated more because of the fact I uncover them in the heat of the adventure and not just given to me by someone else’s discovery.

But here’s the rub…

In the past couple years with Dawn, I have seen how inspired people are through her blogging. Her appreciation for life allows me to live vicariously through her joy. Traveling with Dawn and seeing things through her enlightened soul only enhances the experience for me. This is not limited to just travel, but it’s everything we do.

So as my first shared tip, if you do not have someone in your life like this go out immediately and get one! You will not be sorry.

…Philadelphia; home of American democracy, Rocky, and a pretty cool song by Elton John. Dawn loves anything with history, and Philly is one of my favorite ‘foodie’ cities to visit, so it was an easy choice as one of our first adventures together. She loves history because she loves a good story. And, in my opinion, Chestnut Hill is an amazing story. An oasis, a historical oddity, and a very distinctive destination, Chestnut Hill is Philadelphia’s secret garden. Located in the northwest corner of the city and the highest point in Philadelphia, it is a neighborhood well preserved in time. 

Bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques line the cobblestone streets, reminiscent of what seemed like such a simpler time, making it so unique and genuine. I chose the historic Chestnut Hill Hotel because of the central location to the neighborhood. It’s maybe a 10 minute walk to the train to Center City. It is 10 miles from downtown Philly, 15 miles from Valley Forge, and 5 miles from Manayunk, making it a historic and road trip TRIFECTA. But it is also its own historical landmark and the staff there love telling its stories. The existing building was constructed in 1894, replacing an old inn that had been around since 1772. The stories tell that it has served the community in many capacities…sometimes even a speakeasy or a bordello. Or so they say.

The original building has 27 rooms that have a modern, Victorian feel. The owners, Ron and Abby Pete fill each space with authenticity, and it feels more like a large bed and breakfast than a hotel. And the included breakfast is not simply “grab a donut and go.” The tables are ready with fine place settings, and The Bombay Room is warm and inviting with coffee and local newspapers. Cereal with toppings, hard boiled eggs, bagels, toast, yogurt, and Dawn’s personal favorite – make your own waffles, complete with the Liberty Bell in the center.

But don’t fill up there! Because there is so much more to eat and all within walking distance.

We arrived in town hungry which made it a difficult choice where to go grab a bite with all the available options. With the Paris Bistro right next door and the Chinese carryout within a few steps, it was challenging! But I knew where Dawn would choose…so that’s why we crossed the street to Iron Hill Brewery for beer and Housemade Soft Pretzel Sticks with red lager cheese sauce and IPA mustard. The perfect ending for a beautiful day before heading back to our cozy room on the corner.

Just next door, in what used to be the old carriage house, is the Market at the Fareway.  The walkway is full of beautiful landscaping and artwork and sculptures by local artists. While checking out the many offerings throughout the Fareway, we were offered a taste of the best jerk chicken I have ever had in my life! And I think I would make the trip again just for The Jerk Pit. But we grabbed a coffee and a sticky bun from Poppys Café and Barry’s Buns (saving some apple cider donuts for later) and relaxed at the outdoor seating area, complete with a large fire pit before exploring the rest of what this town had to offer.

What it doesn’t have is a lot of apartment buildings and condos. The dynamic commercial corridor is the base for a wide selection of architecturally diverse homes and preserved history well served by the regional rail.

***Here’s the angle folks, add romantic venues to the adventure and romantic opportunities develop easily. Take advantage of the opportunities and see what develops in and with your partner.

Be sure to check out the Thomas Mill covered Bridge in the Wissahickon Gorge, A short walk down a very steep hill from the St. Martin’s station on the Chestnut Hill West line. This bridge is the only covered bridge in Philly, and the only covered bridge still standing in any major U.S. city. 

This neighborhood is worth a visit, the city is worth a stay, and you are worth the journey. Enjoy it.

~Tony