Things To Do
Fairmount, Philadelphia
This is our neighborhood! Some of our favorite spots include: Musette coffee shop (as seen in our gallery), Brown St coffee shop, Retro Rewind Vintage and Thrift Shop, Bad Brother bar and restaurant, Bookhaven used book store, Fairmount Flavors ice cream shop, Thirsty Dice board game cafe and restaurant, Ali's Wagon gift shop, Figs mediterranean restaurant, Cantina Feliz Mexican restaurant, and Sandwich Corner Market. Don't hesitate to ask if you want any other recs!
Fairmount Park
The park and Boathouse Row are right next to our neighborhood, Fairmount. We love enjoying the nature so close by to our home :) Below are some fun facts about the park: 1. Fairmount Park covers ten percent of Philadelphia’s landscape 2. "At more than 2,000 acres, the park is home to miles of trails, biking and hiking paths, a Japanese garden and house, the country’s oldest zoo, historical mansions, and the city’s iconic Boathouse Row." 3. Fairmount park was Philadelphia's first park!
Schuylkill River Trail
This trail is near our home in Fairmount, Philadelphia. We love to walk, run, and bike along the river and read in the grass by the Art Museum. "The Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use path that extends 120 miles from Frackville in Schuylkill County, through Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties to Philadelphia. It travels through the historically rich region of southeastern Pennsylvania. The trail passes through rural, agricultural, suburban, urban, and industrial landscapes. The Schuylkill River (pronounced SKOO-kill), Dutch for Hidden River, is where the American, Industrial and Environmental Revolutions were born. Most of the trail is built over abandoned railroad lines. Today, over 75 miles of paved and crushed stone trail are open to the public. Along its path, trail users can see evidence of several centuries of industrial development, canal navigation, railroad transportation, quarrying of limestone and iron ore, and the production of iron and steel."
Philadelphia Museum of Art
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is right at the edge of Fairmount Park, a short walk from our home. With the kind gift of membership given by Lyd's parents, we have loved exploring the museum, including celebrating Lydia's June 2023 birthday at the museum's Queer Prom!
Rittenhouse Square
We enjoy strolling through the Rittenhouse area, especially the Saturday farmer's market in the square, where we've enjoyed bagels, flowers, and more. "One of five original squares planned by city founder William Penn in the late 17th century, Rittenhouse Square is the heart of Center City’s most expensive and exclusive neighborhood. With a bevy of high-rise residences filled with top-end luxury apartments and some of the best fine dining experiences in the city, residents can marvel at their options, while also enjoying the luxury retail shopping in the area, all of which surrounds the handsome tree-filled park."
Old City
We love strolling the old city streets-- taking in the revolutionary architecture and bopping about shops. This neighborhood is a must see for Philly tourists! "Next to Independence Mall, where the country’s Founding Fathers declared liberty, Old City still boasts charming cobblestone streets and plenty of 18th-century charm — along with an independent streak evident in everything from its owner-operated shops to its edgy art scene. Its proximity to the Liberty Bell, Penn’s Landing and Benjamin Franklin Bridge makes Old City a favorite for out-of-towners and its residents who call it home. People love the neighborhood for its fashionable boutiques, great restaurants, eclectic galleries and theaters, and vibrant nightlife. Especially popular on first Fridays of each month, art lovers fill the streets for year-round art walks and hop from gallery to gallery."
Reading Terminal Market
Maggie took Lydia here during her first 'hometown' date, when Lydia visited the east coast in February/March of 2021 and we've enjoyed it several times since! The famous 4th Street Cookies are delicious! "The Reading Terminal Market opened for business on February 22, 1893. Today, the Market is the gastronomic bazaar that its original planners had envisioned. The Market is home to more than 80 merchants, two of whom are descendants of the original stand holders from a century before. On any given day one can find an eclectic array of fresh baked Amish goods, produce direct from the field, unusual spices, free range meats and poultry, flowers, ethnic foods, and much more. One hundred thousand Philadelphians and tourists pass through the Reading Terminal Market every week enjoying its exceptional products, history, and people."
Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Maggie has been here many times over the years! Maggie and Lydia brought Maggie's Mom, Lyd's parents, Jacob, Mikaela, and Eli here in November of 2022. "Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is an immersive mixed media art environment that is completely covered with mosaics. The creator, Isaiah Zagar, used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirror, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. The space is made up of two indoor galleries and a bi-level outdoor sculpture garden."
H&H Books
This is where Lydia proposed to Maggie on April 22nd, 2023! It was such a beautiful, unique, and special moment, where Maggie shed many tears. A very Happy Earth Day it was!
Wissahickon Valley Park
Wissahickon Valley Park borders Fairmount Park. We enjoy exploring WVP on foot and on bikes :) "The Wissahickon Valley Park is truly a special place. Located in northwest Philadelphia, there are more than 50 miles of rugged trails to challenge hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Yes, horses! Carved through the distinctive Wissahickon schist bedrock, the gorge features steep wooded hillsides where the region’s rich history is represented in the park’s many beautiful sculptures and historic structures, including Philadelphia’s only remaining covered bridge."
Valley Forge National Historical Park
Maggie grew up near here, often enjoying the park with her family, friends, and late dog Toby. On December 11th, 2020, after going for a run in the park, she FaceTimed Lydia and after her phone died mid-call, she just knew: Maggie was in love with Lydia. "Valley Forge is the encampment site of the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778. The park features 3,500 acres of meadows, woodlands, and monuments commemorating the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation."
Milky Way Farm
Maggie grew up going to Milky Way with her family to pick pumpkins and the farm's creamery has long been a Kennedy staple year round. Maggie, Lydia, Abby, John, Carrie, and Maggie's bridesmaid Char went to Milky Way to celebrate Maggie's birthday in October of 2023. "Milky Way Farm is a historic dairy farm located in beautiful Chester Springs, PA. The 103 acres has been home to the Matthews family for four generations. Our family is passionate about growing, creating, and selling high-quality farm-fresh products and providing memorable educational agricultural experiences through our various programs. We work in harmony with the land and animals, promote community engagement, and support sustainability for future generations. The Matthews family looks forward to welcoming you to Milky Way Farm and Chester Springs Creamery so you can experience the many ways we're trying to preserve an American tradition."
Highland Orchards, Inc.
Maggie grew up picking apples here with her family- it's a perfect fall destination! "At Highland Orchards Inc. there are approximately 200 acres in production. While apples, peaches and strawberries are still our primary crops, we also grow rhubarb, cherries, nectarines, pears, raspberries, blueberries, and sweet corn. All of our crops are available in season for Pick Your Own and in Our Farm Market. Visitors can enjoy Hayrides, Farm and Growing tours and Festivals during our growing seasons."