Hang with the Locals In Philadelphia

Description:

The Germantown Historical Society collects and interprets materials related to the rich history of Germantown from 1680 to the present. This section of town was a popular weekend escape for George Washington when Philadelphia was the nation's capitol. There's a museum, library, archives and visitors center. Included in the Historical Society collection are genealogy records, maps, deeds, oral histories, and an extensive collection of local photographs. Books, news clippings, periodicals, films, business and school records are also archived. The museum shop features historical materials and the work of local artists. Admission to the Visitors Center and Museum Shop is free and parking is available. The museum is temporarily closed for renovations. Please check the website for updated information.

Our Local Expert Says:

Come to Cliveden not just for the site itself, but for the historic neighborhood of Germantown as well. Now a mostly low-income neighborhood, Germantown was once the location of the country estates of wealthy Philadelphians. If you drive to Cliveden, be sure to notice the beautiful old homes and businesses that line Germantown Avenue and the streets around it.

Description:

Benjamin Chew built Cliveden in the 1760s as a summer home, several miles away from his winter home in downtown Philadelphia. Cliveden sits in the heart of Germantown, a historic but now blighted neighborhood in northwest Phildedelphia. The house sheltered many generations of Chews and, in 1777, served as a temporary shelter for the British army, who had found it empty and decided to break in. The house is open to visitors from April to December, and it is well worth the trip to Germantown.

Free tours are available. Located in the historical Germantown section of Philadelphia amongst a variety of other historical sites and restaurants.

Description:

The Awbury Arboretum is 55 acres of horticultural mastery located in the historic Germantown district of Philadelphia. Wildflowers, ferns, serene fields and woodlands combine to create a formal garden along Victorian standards. The land was purchased in 1852 by the wealthy Cope family as a summer home; it became an arboretum in 1916. Programs for inner-city children and guided nature walks are also available. Admission to the park is free.

Description:

Kanella offers authentic Cypriot food prepared by chef Konstantinos Pitsillides. The menu is simple and elegant, featuring free-range, organic, and local ingredients.

Description:

A Philly tradition! Bar and nightclub presenting nightly entertainment. Named award-winning fun spot by Philadelphia magazine, Philadelphia Weekly, and City Paper, with a truly mixed crowd: young, old, black, white, gay, and straight.

Description:

The Latham is located in the Rittenhouse Square area that remains in the upper echelon of Philadelphia residential districts. Once an apartment building for the Philadelphia elite of the early 20th century, this national historic site is in the style of the Roaring 20s, with exquisite wood paneling and marble in the lobby. The furnishings of the 138 rooms and suites are accentuated by marble bathrooms, complimentary terrycloth robes, and modern communication facilities. Concierges and valets pamper their guests with shoe shines and same-day laundry service.

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The Bicycle Club of Philadelphia sponsors recreational cycling activities, promotes bicycle safety and regulation, and encourages cycling as a healthy alternative to motor vehicle transportation. membership includes regional tours, frequent rides, and bike events. It also entitles you to discounts at many of the area's bike shops. The Bicycle Club welcomes all cyclists, from beginner to expert, and provides a variety of activities at each level. The club's monthly newsletter, "Quick Release," can be sampled online.

Description:

Regarded as the best farmers' market in America (at least by Philadelphians), the Reading Terminal Market is a terrific place to sample all the culinary grandeur Philadelphia has to offer. Experience the traditional cheesesteak, a custom-made deli sandwich, or an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch hearty home cooked breakfast prepared by Amish farmers. Aside from the prepared foods, over 80 food merchants purvey fresh fish and meats as well as an assortment of exotic and local fruits and vegetables.

Our Local Expert Says:

There's never a shortage of sights at the Italian Market. Come here to buy meat, cheese, vegetables, and delicacies, or come just to observe the sounds and smells of the crowded marketplace. Don't leave without sampling some cheese at DiBruno's and a fine Italian dessert from Isgro's.

Description:

As the name suggests, this tour takes you through the stalls and shops of the oldest ethnic market - the Italian Market. Get acquainted with Italian cold cuts like Sopresseta and Prosciutto and sample Italian savories. Guests receive discount cards for shopping and authentic, traditional Italian recipes. Find cheeses, oils, and other imported items displayed in a riot of colors. Students and groups receive discounts. Reservations are necessary. Tour groups must have at least four people.

Description:

Big, full-bodied, balanced beers (brewed on the premises by the renowned Brandon Greenwood) served along with a dozen of the world's best beers, fine wines and a full-service bar. Savor the likes of venison stew, lemon sage roasted chicken, grilled salmon, vegetarian shepherds pie, or enjoy one of their unique, yummy sandwiches or burgers with fresh cut frites. Located above the Sansom Street Oyster House in Center City.

Our Local Expert Says:

A romantic and cozy wine and cheese bar. The menu offers a page each of well-described wines, cheeses, and beers. Menu selection changes periodically. The menu also includes light sandwiches and snacks, which shouldn't be overlooked.

Description:

Tria offers its guests a relaxing and intimate environment. It is a mixture between a small bar and a café. On Philadelphia's warm nights, they open the candle-lined bay windows. There are numerous, inexpensive items on the menu ranging from salads to sandwiches. The dessert selections nicely accompany Tria's wine list. This bar-café sets itself apart from other noisy venues in Philadelphia by offering a cozy setup that would be ideal for a date or a relaxing night.

Description:

The Latham is located in the Rittenhouse Square area that remains in the upper echelon of Philadelphia residential districts. Once an apartment building for the Philadelphia elite of the early 20th century, this national historic site is in the style of the Roaring 20s, with exquisite wood paneling and marble in the lobby. The furnishings of the 138 rooms and suites are accentuated by marble bathrooms, complimentary terrycloth robes, and modern communication facilities. Concierges and valets pamper their guests with shoe shines and same-day laundry service.

Description:

Come by if you want to know more about one of the lesser exhibited arts. This non-profit organization aims at giving print art its due. Have a look at contemporary work in print and photography since 1915 on display. Various events take place throughout the year, and one worth the visit is the Annual International Competition: Photography. You can also purchase artwork from the store located at the gallery. With the work of 90 artists on sale - including artists, such as Art Spiegelman, Katja Oxman, Katja Oxman - you are sure to find something that appeals to you.

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Permanent displays consist of paintings, drawings, sculpture, multi media montages, and photography. CFEVA acts as a collective exhibition and promotion network for local artists. See their website for event information.

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The smell of incense hits you as you walk through the door of this one-of-a-kind shop in Old City. With jewelry, textiles, antiques, soaps, and pottery from various parts of the world, Indigo has captured the feeling of shopping in a local store in Mexico or Africa. An art gallery featuring paintings and sculptures from around the globe is located on the second floor. Founded in 1986, the owners wanted to share their enthusiasm for world culture with the public and pride themselves on purchasing work directly from artists, cooperatives, and arts organizations. - Dawn Harvey

Description:

Monk's Cafe is dedicated to bringing you the best, most hard to find beers in the world. They offer one of the finest selections of beer in the entire United States and sell quality beers at moderate prices. They also offer a large selection of Belgian ales on tap and a great selection of single malt scotch, small batch and single barrel bourbon, and premium tequilas.

Description:

Drinker´s Pub is a classic bar well known for its friendly atmosphere and good times. Located in center city on Chestnut Street, the pub offers a delicious food menu and amazing drink specials. The Pub´s all wood decor floors and the tin-ceiling, offers a very welcoming and warm ambiance. There is ample room in Drinker´s with large booths aligning the back walls and tables for seating. The Elvis memorabilia and juke box add nostalgia. There is Flat-screen plasma TV for sports fans to enjoy nightly games. Drinker´s has an extensive bar menu offering Mexican and American favorites.

Description:

The Latham is located in the Rittenhouse Square area that remains in the upper echelon of Philadelphia residential districts. Once an apartment building for the Philadelphia elite of the early 20th century, this national historic site is in the style of the Roaring 20s, with exquisite wood paneling and marble in the lobby. The furnishings of the 138 rooms and suites are accentuated by marble bathrooms, complimentary terrycloth robes, and modern communication facilities. Concierges and valets pamper their guests with shoe shines and same-day laundry service.