Lisa & Beth
Things To Do
The Rail Park
We love this sweet little re-purposed park. Consider stopping by nearby Elixr coffee shop, grabbing a cup of something to-go and walking over to Philly's (may we say much more intimate...cozy...small) version of the NYC High Line.
The Random Tea Room & Curiosity Shop
Hands-down, one of Lisa's very favorite places in Philly and, perhaps, on the planet. You must sit on the back patio and you must order chai (hot or iced).
PHS Pop Up Garden
One of the city's oldest and best pop-up gardens. Pop by for good drinks and eats. If they are in town with you, maybe bring your mom and pop? Beth requested that Lisa add the "third beat" here.
Institute of Contemporary Art
Free contemporary art for the viewing.
Race Street Pier
Perfect view of the Benny B. (Lisa and Beth's favorite bridge). Meander next door to the Cherry Street Pier for more great views and grub or consider walking across the street to check out La Peg - an art, food, and beer place.
Charlie was a sinner.
You're in town for a gay wedding, seems like you should go check out Philly's Gayborhood. We'd describe the vibe at Charlie's as moody library-cocktail lounge.
Bok Bar
We've got some seriously mixed feelings about this spot. Google something like "SRC + gentrification + school closures + backdoor deals with developers" and you'll see why. BUT ALSO, the Bok school has the most incredible rooftop skyline views around. If you visit while you're in town, we'll forgive you as long as you promise to start following Helen Gym on Instagram.
Mural Arts Philadelphia
Philly is often called the City of Murals, in part, because of the work of an organization called Mural Arts. They lead tours. Maybe you should go on one. Betty once helped paint a mural outside the William Way LGBT Community Center on Spruce.
Bartram's Garden
A West Philly gem. Beautiful views, great mission, perfect for a picnic. If you go, be sure to build in a solid 10-minutes for swinging from the wooden swing by the river.
Fiume
Tiny grungy second floor bar in West Philly that has incredible cocktails and Lisa's heart. They also have live bluegrass some nights and live blues other nights.
Vientiane Café
Order the Nam Salad.
Café Lutécia
The quintessential corner cafe. You'll feel like you took the briefest, most delightful trip to Paris.
Suraya Restaurant
You'll likely need a reservation unless you drop by the cafe/bakery during the day. The food is fantastic. The backyard garden is transportive. This place is very special.
Italian Market 9th Street
An interesting + historic neighborhood for wandering very near where we'll wed.
Isgro Pastries
The URL says it all: "Best Cannoli."
Chinatown
Did you know that Philly has the seventh largest Chinatown in the country? Enjoy.
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books
If you don't have a car and you're staying in or near Center City, this is not a convenient stop. But if you have a big heart for perfect espresso and carefully curated titles, it's worth the detour. This spot was founded by Marc Lamont Hill "to provide underserved communities with access to books and a space where everyone feels valued." They also have sandwiches.
Melrose Diner
To all you west-coasters: if you're looking for a classic east coast diner experience, Melrose is open 24-7 and you'll likely be called "honey" at least once during your meal.
Comfort & Floyd
Like eating breakfast in the cutest corner of your hip grandmother's home.
Renata's Kitchen
Beth's current favorite breakfast in town. We also have a friend named Renata. She will be at the wedding.
Wissahickon Valley Park
Big giant gem of an urban forest. There are trails, a creek, and at least one covered bridge. If you wander down "Forbidden Drive" you can also find an over-priced but truly quaint historic inn (now restaurant) and a swimming hole or two.
Siddiq's Real Fruit Water Ice
We've done extensive research, and, this might be controversial, but we believe this to be the best water ice in town. Still, we encourage you to do your own research. Not sure what water ice is? Just go try it.
Dahlak
Philadelphia is a fantastic place to fill your belly with Ethiopian food. This is one of our neighborhood favorites. There's a garden in the back. Beth sometimes does stand-up in this garden.
Time
Consistently great live music and a menu that includes both whiskey flights and bone marrow.
Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse
We've heard this playground is very popular among the under-five crowd. Replete with a large old wooden slide.
Manakeesh Cafe Bakery & Grill
A bakery and restaurant and juice bar full of delicious things (think flatbreads, grape leaves, baba ghanoush, baklava) and very near one of Lisa's former West Philadelphia residences.
Ants Pants Cafe
Killer breakfast sandwich with maple bacon, eggs, beets, avocado, and pickled onions. Beth used to live a few blocks from the South Street location and ate this sandwich at least twice a month for several years.
Buna Cafe Philly
We frequently stop here for a cup of coffee, shai, or "gold is the cure." We also hear their food (a long list of Ethiopian favorites) is very, very good.
Making Worlds Bookstore & Social Center
Nonprofit bookstore and social center for abolition, autonomy, ecological self-determination, and affirmation of worlds imagined and made by Black, Brown, Indigenous traditions of liberation. We did not write this; it is their mission. Plan a visit, buy a book, then stop next store for some of the best empanadas in Philly (approved by our former Argentinian roommate, Agos).
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
A national wildlife refuge right here in Philly! A mecca for leaf peepers, birders, and neighborhood folks looking for some fresh air. This is one of Lisa's favorite places to stop on the way home from the airport (one of the entrances is located just moments from the tarmac).
Belmont Plateau
Great skyline view and several miles of trails, including one of our favorites: "The Trolley Trail" - poorly signed, but if you wander down the hill toward a small parking lot, you'll be treated to a shady (as in a thick canopy) network of trails for feet and mountain bikes.
Mina's World
A recent article in Bon Appetit called Mina's World the "Clubhouse for coffee, samosas, and mutual aid." If you're feeling fancy, we recommend the cardamom latte or tahini mocha.
Franny Lou's Porch
"A warm space to engage in community activism and cultural awareness." And, hands-down, one of Betty and Lisa's favorite gardens to sit and sip and dream in. Perfect spot to enjoy coffee, snacks, and big ideas.