MUSEUMS
Barnes Foundation
First established in 1922 by Albert C. Barnes, the Barnes Foundation has breathed new life into the Philadelphia museum culture. The Barnes mainly holds Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings with a myriad of works by Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Henri Matisse. In addition to paintings, the Barnes Foundation also carries original African sculptures, Native American ceramics, and antiquities from the Mediterranean. The Barnes Foundation is free on the first Sunday of each month for all visitors.
The Franklin Institute
With world class exhibitions and a dedication to science, the Franklin Institute has something to offer to all ages. The Franklin Institute boasts an in-house 3D movie theater as well as a fully functioning planetarium. During the summer months the museum offers a discovery camp for children, and for adults, there are numerous science after-hours events that include cocktails. Be sure to visit the Benjamin Franklin Memorial that serves as the centrepiece of the museum.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the most iconic landmarks in Philadelphia. This massive museum, located on Philadelphia’s vibrant Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is home to renaissance, American, Impressionist and Modern artwork. The Philadelphia Museum is the third largest museum in the United States, and dedicates its upper floors to recreating décor from ancient Rome, Germany, and Japan. The Philadelphia Museum of Art also hosts a number of rotating exhibitions and on the first Sunday of each month the museum offers discounts on entry fees.
Rodin Museum
Located just blocks away from three of Philadelphia’s most prominent museums, the Rodin Museum continues the tradition of great artwork and picturesque settings. The Rodin Museum houses the largest collection of Auguste Rodin’s work outside of Paris. Popular works include The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. The Rodin Museum also offers outdoor seating and a peaceful reflection pool for those that want to enjoy the outdoor artwork.
African American Museum in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s African American Museum is the first institution in a major United States city to display and interpret the life and work of African Americans. The museum was first founded in 1976 during the United States’ Bicentennial and its main mission is to convey African Americans in all aspects of life including family life, the Civil Rights movement, arts and entertainment, sports, medicine, architecture, politics, religion, law and technology. The museum houses four galleries and an auditorium with the main themes being the African Diaspora, the Philadelphia Story, and the Contemporary Narrative.
PARKS
Spruce Street Harbor Park
Only open May through September, Spruce Street Harbor Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the city. Colorful LED lights change color overhead in the tree canopies make this a magical haven. Hammocks (arrive early to get one) swing below. A floating pier filled with sand, trees and nets floating over the water makes this park one of the most unique in the nation. To top it off, there are pay-as-you-go food stands that serve food and beer from local favorites like Yards Brewing Company. Water foundations to play and jump along with other free games (human chess) make for a fun date night or family-oriented hang out. It’s free and open all week.
Clark Park
Located in West Philadelphia, Clark covers nine acres of gorgeous property. The park is an active hive, with drum circles and monthly flea markets, and every Saturday there is a farmer’s market where local producers and Amish trade produce, jams and other assortments. Be sure to experience a Shakespeare in the Park during summer months. There are also two playgrounds, one for smaller kids and another for toddlers a bit older.
Independence National Historic Park
Contrary to some, this park doesn’t just span Independence Mall. Explorers will find throughout several blocks traditional 18th-century gardens like the Bishop White Garden or the traditional rose garden on Walnut Street. Carpenter’s Hall has a nice lawn with magnolia trees and sloping banks. Scattered throughout Old City, these small gardens and green spaces make for great scenery of the historical sites and will help visitors learn about the actual history behind the areas.
Schuylkill River Park
The park has several recreational areas for family and sports. There’s the Schuylkill Pocket Memorial Field complete with baseball diamond. Soccer, tennis and basketball courts are also used heavily throughout the year. Children enjoy the Markward playground, and the O’Connor Pool is popular with families during summer months. Running past the park is the Schuylkill River trail that spans all the way up to Kelly Drive past the art museum and around Boathouse Row. The views are stunning, and the Schuylkill River Park has just been listed as one of the best bike and running paths in the nation.
Wissahickon Valley Park
Located in the Manayunk/Roxborough area of Philadelphia, Wissahickon is a great country getaway. With beautiful stone bridges, the 1800 acre park is great for hiking with its 50 miles of rugged trails. In the summer there are free guided hikes, it’s also perfect for equestrians and mountain bikers, and definitely take a trip to Devil’s Pool with friends to watch people cannonball in. (Although visitors swim and jump into the water here, keep in mind that it’s illegal!) There are over twenty species of aquatic wildlife and creatures such as raccoons, foxes and deer in the park. The Wissahickon creek runs through a large gorge with a waterfall, a perfect area for fishing.
Fairmount Park
Fairmount is a system of 63 different parks, making it the largest green space in Philadelphia with 9200 acres. Also one of the largest urban park systems in the nation, it hosts a plethora of activities. There are barn stables, swimming pools and playgrounds for kids that create the perfect environment and escape from city life.
MARKETS
Philadelphia’s 9th Street Italian Market
One of the most popular farmers’ markets in the city, the Italian Market is a bustling hubbub of street vendors and specialty store fronts selling anything you can think of. Here you can find not just Italian, but Mexican specialties at one of the local shops. Check out the Spice Corner, where you can find any herb/spice you will ever need, or choose from gourmet selections like DiBruno Bros or Claudios. Cheap produce and breads make this several-block market a budget-worthy destination.
Reading Terminal Market
Open daily, Reading Terminal Market showcases some of the tastiest, most eclectic eats in the city. Perfect for brunch or a late lunch, the market holds vendors from the Little Thai Shop to great juice bars and dessert venues like Bassetts Ice Cream or Termini Bros. Check out the fresh produce sections from Iovine brothers, and be sure to visit the speciality shops filled with spices, chocolates, herbs and teas. This market is perfect for a slow day of eating and lounging, and then picking up some produce for the week ahead.
Franklin Flea
Franklin Flea Market is a curated thrifting experience featuring top, local vendors selling vintage clothing and repurposed furniture, antiques, collectibles and limited edition clothing. The line-up changes frequently to offer unique high quality selections. They have an indoor market base, but they also host large sidewalk sales throughout the summer. Check out their schedule, and don’t miss their holiday market.
Philadelphia Flea Markets
At the Philadelphia Flea Markets, you’ll be able to find great antiques and treasured vintage collectibles. Flea market events are held every Sunday at the Roosevelt Mall parking lot, but if you’re looking for something inside the city, check their calendar listings. They have a traveling outdoor market that is hosted in different neighborhoods of the city twice a year, and their indoor markets are every first and third Saturday of the month from November through March at their main location. Feel free to talk to vendors, dive through the bins of clothing and try items on. Be sure to bring pocket cash with you and to negotiate prices with vendors.
Clover Market
Clover Market seeks to add a touch of class to local flea markets. Curator Janet Long has a distinct eye for standards, and she aims to provide a nice mix of vintage ‘60s artworks or vintage-chic farmhouse woods alongside unique vintage-like jewelry. This upscale market changes locations throughout the year, and stops at locations in Center City, in Ardmore and in Chestnut Hill.
Greensgrow Farmstand
In Kensington, Greensgrow Farms features a weekly farm stand where locals can get some of the freshest produce grown at their urban farm. Alongside the fruits and veggies are refrigerators and freezers stocked with locally-sourced items like dairy products from eggs, raw milk and meat-free proteins, and humanely-raised meats. They also make a line of Greensgrow Made prepared foods in their community kitchen, always made from produce they buy or grow at their farm. They also host vendors, so locals can socialize with these local producers that include bakers and ice cream makers.
Headhouse Farmers’ Market
A great place to pick up some locally-grown produce, Headhouse is a scenic farmers’ market with over 40 vendors who sell items ranging from floral arrangements to house-made sausages to artisanal breads and soups. It is one of the Food Trust’s largest farmers’ markets and is located in a great historical setting. The market is open select seasonal months on every Sunday from 10AM-2PM. Items fluctuate depending on the vendor, but you can find some reasonably priced items.
Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market
Open year round on Saturdays, Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market features over 30 vendors. They sell classic seasonal fruits and vegetables, but also other artisanal treats from surrounding areas. John & Kira’s Chocolates near 19th St boasts excellent drunken stuffed figs, where all boxes are around usually 30 percent off online prices. The farmers market is now open from 9AM-3PM and on Wednesdays during select months. Every month has different seasonal selections, so be sure to keep your eyes out for summer and winter drinks, like warm apple cider when it’s cold.
