ITINERARY :: As Philadelphia preps to become new home this spring to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings, we sent travel writer Sabrina Pirillo to explore the city of brother love and surrounding counties, scoping out the best surprises this historic region has to offer.
I admit I never imagined that visiting Philadelphia and it’s surrounding counties would result in enjoying as much culture, culinary wonder and historical adventure as this jaunt did. But the absolute beauty and architecture of the area, the culinary experiences to be had, a vast array of attractions (including outstanding shopping!), and, frankly, the people, left me craving another visit. Smack dab between New York and Washington – each city being two hours way – I easily envision a road trip combining it all, but I digress.
Philadelphia is one of the most historical cities I’ve ever visited. So beautiful, so indescribable that the only way to truly understand how amazing this city is to see it for yourself. Then, as I learned, get out of the city for a few days and experience Philadelphia’s surrounding counties for luscious gardens, feel good food, and peaceful beauty. Between the accommodations, cuisine, museums and architectural beauty, Philly and its outskirts will see you coming back.
- The Barnes Foundation Rendering / Photo Courtesy of the Barnes Foundation
Philadelphia is currently enjoying prepping to become the new digs of The Barnes Foundation beginning May 19th (what are you doing that long weekend?) in a duplicated version of Barnes’ famed original gallery layout. A new building will allow the world’s largest collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modern paintings—including 181 Renoirs, 69 Cezannes, 59 Matisses, 46 Picassos and 7 Van Goghs; over 3,000 paintings in all – to be viewed and fully appreciated as intended. The Barnes Foundation will sit along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, an already established cultural district in the area.
I’m not sure I’ve ever been anywhere where the residents all seem to have a vast historic knowledge of their city. It was true of every Philadelphian I met: you could ask anyone about anything, from building to landmark and it’s always (correctly) answered, and with a certain pride. I loved that.
Philadelphia, home of the infamous Liberty Bell and the Rocky Statue (Rocky and me, above), has so much history and architecture I felt I was in a European city. I walked around for hours, discovering something more fascinating than the next at every corner. My favourite: The Franklin Institute, where a breathtaking statue of American founding father (and the inventor of the lending library – who knew?) Benjamin Franklin greets you upon arrival.
The Accommodations: One of the greatest works of the 20th century, Loews Philadelphia Hotel is conveniently located within Philly’s gaybourhood and was the first international modernist high-rise building in the city with fantastic views of the unique architecture I (clearly) fell in love with. Today it still retains such details as Cartier clocks, bank vault doors, and polished granite, and it’s genuinely friendly staff and modern amenities (I loved their pool!) make it a perfect stay.
Our ‘Be Your Gay Self Comfort Rating’ for Loews Philadelphia Hotel: 3.5 out of 5.
Let’s Eat: There are definitely an abundance of great eateries in Philadelphia, and although it’s best knows for its Philly Cheesesteak, (a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of steak and melted cheese in a long roll) there are a great variety of fine dining restaurants. For the best international flavour around, Zaghav will suit your every need; if you’ve never had duck heart, this is the place to try it. It’s welcoming staff, affordable prices and delicious food will want you asking for more. Order one of everything and share with some friends.
Situated in Philadelphia’s gaybourhood, Valanni‘s is a great place to go for brunch, especially after a long night of cocktails and dancing, in which case have the Valanni Hangover (trust me) which comes with eggs, meat, potatoes and a virgin Bloody Mary.
Let’s Drink: There are several great nightclubs to check out in Philly. Woody’s is the first traditional stop on your first visit in their ‘hood, with an open sports bar downstairs and chic lounge / high tech dance club on the second floor. Or try Tavern on Camac, a casual and friendly pub / piano bar, with a dance bar upstairs.
Notably gay in Philly: Outfest is the largest National Coming Out party known, and takes place at the beginning of each October, bringing in 40-50,000 people each year. Check out our article from last year’s festival.
GGTravel Tip: Click here for a complete list of gay-friendly hotels in the Greater Philadelphia Region, plus information on gay and lesbian events and attractions.
Philly Outskirts
Leaving the city of brotherly love will have you loving some hidden secrets sure to make your trip memorable. I hit Chester, Valley Forge and New Hope counties.
Chester County: Anyone For ‘Shrooms?
Forty-five minutes from downtown Philadelphia, resplendent Chester County is home to beautiful gardens, peaceful scenery, and amazing food. For nature lovers, Longwood Gardens (below) is a place of absolute stunning beauty. With 1,050 acres of natural woodlands, majestic gardens, exquisite flowers, dazzling fountains, and opulent conservatories, it’s no wonder Longwood has attracted celebrity visitors known to love the finer things, from Barbra Streisand to Joan Rivers.
A visit should include lunch at The 1906, named after the year that Pierre DuPont (heir to the DuPont empire) acquired Longwood Gardens. Make sure to try the mushroom bread (above). I’m not kidding, you will give up any carb diet the second you taste a morsel.
Two Musts :: For warm hospitality, a candlelit atmosphere, roaring fireplaces, and amazing American cuisine, plan dinner at the Dilworthtown Inn. The Inn at Whitewing Farm in West Chester is an absolutely stunning 1700’s farmhouse. The gracious hospitality of it’s owners makes staying here feel like home. Whitewing Farm is adjacent to Longwood Gardens and is just minutes from the Brandywine River Museum.
Valley Forge, PA :: Get History Buffed
For my fellow history buffs reading this, you must visit Valley Forge, home of Valley Forge National Historical Park. Visited by 1.2 million people each year, the park sits on 3,500 acres of rolling hillsides and sparkling streams and is famous as the site of George Washington’s winter encampment from 1777-1778. I could have spent days exploring it’s 25 miles of trails and historic structures, which included Washington’s headquarters, replica soldier huts, and countless monuments of one of America’s best known historical times. GGTravel Tip :: For the full experience, take a guided tour where you’ll learn things about Washington you knew nothing about, like his love of peas and how he dodged an assassination. Opening next year, Valley Forge Casino Resort will open it’s doors to the leisure and business travellers, and includes stylish guestrooms, 100,000 square feet of meeting and convention facilities, top-notch amenities, and a variety of dining options, with an addition of a full scale world class gaming facility.
King of Prussia (Or: Enough with the history, let’s shop!)
A shopping mall mecca resides in Pennsylvania and its name is quite fitting: King of Prussia. They aren’t exaggerating with this lofty title! King of Prussia’s tag line is “Experience The World” and I’ve decided that’s because the mall feels as big as our planet! It’s the largest mall on the east coast with 400 stores and 13,000 parking spaces. Broken down into 2 sections, “The Court” and “The Plaza”, the court is the smaller of the two and it has a variety of stores for the consumer not looking to splurge. “The Plaza”, however, is a line up of high end designer boutiques, and it’s the only place in the world where you can find Nordstroms, Sack’s Fifth Avenue, Neiman-Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Williams-Sonoma, Bloomingdales and Macys all under one roof! SABFACT: Pennsylvania is home to my four favourite words in the English language: tax-free clothes and shoes.
Shopping got you hungry? Wimp! If you must make time to eat, Creed’s Seafood and Steaks is a perfect place to grab lunch before terrorizing your credit card for another few hours.
New Hope :: If You Want To Fit In, You’d Better Be Yourself
How special is New Hope? Their welcome mat reads: “Come as YOU are and please stay that way.” Cynical? Think that’s a platitude? The 300-year-old village of New Hope is the subject of the award winning film Embraceable You, where their welcome mat reads, “Come as YOU are and please stay that way.” Who on earth wouldn’t want to visit such a unique place on earth.
The Accommodations :: Like New Hope, the 1740 House Riverside Inn is carefree and beautiful, and the perfect place to sleep (if you like the idea waking up in the morning and walking out onto your porch overlooking the Delaware River and being greeted by a sunrise like this.)
Let’s Eat :: One of New Hope’s most stunning historical buildings is where the New Orleans inspired Marsha Brown Restaurant resides. This one hundred and fifty year old church turned into 3 levels of fine dining is filled with detailed architecture, georgeous paintings, amazing food and staff that will make you feel right at home.
Time To Drink: The Raven is the top gay motel/restaurant and bar in the Philadelphia region. What makes it very popular in the Summer time is the outdoor pool and sundeck. With Sunday Tea in the afternoon and karaoke at night, The Raven is a great place to grab a drink and meet some friends any time of the day.
MUST LINKS:
? facebook.com/VisitPhilly
? facebook.com/VisitGayPhilly
? twitter.com/VisitPhilly
? visitphilly.comor uwishunu.com
? www.valleyforge.org
? twitter.com/visitvf
? facebook.com/visitvalleyforge
? www.brandywinevalley.com
? VisitBucksCounty.com
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