📍 Living in the Philadelphia area, we’ve always felt so very lucky. America’s birthplace and home to so much history… we are a 20-minute drive from everywhere most children learn about in history books, throughout elementary school. The Liberty Bell, The United States Mint, Betsey Ross’ house, Independence Hall, and The Franklin Institute are a few of the very popular historical places to visit in downtown Philadelphia. Make a day trip of it, or better yet, stay overnight in a family-friendly hotel with a pool and hop around to see a few of these. Don’t forget to stop for cheesesteaks and have your little contest internally within your family… Everyone grab a steak from a different place, slice it up, and be the judge! We are home to the Philly Cheesesteak, but do we even know who our favorite is?? Try the Reading Terminal Market for an eclectic mix of food and novelties and don’t forget to hop around South Philly, which runs Tuesday through Sunday 10am-4pm; head to the area around 9th Street between Fitzwater and Wharton Streets to taste cheese, pasta, pizzas and hear the South Philly Italian Dialect!
If you create an itinerary, there is so much to do to keep everyone of all ages busy!
Philadelphia is surrounded by some of the best suburbs in the entire country! Call us biased, but because we are situated in the oldest city, we are privy to some of the coolest buildings and experiences across the nation.
Do you like Mansions? Check out Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, PA for a guided tour through Henry Mercer’s medieval/gothic mansion showcasing his signature Moravian ceramic tiles. More mansions listed here: ➡️ https://www.phillymag.com/things-to-do/suburbs-tours-gardens-museums-estates/
Nothing says old world charm and Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester counties quite like the terms Barns & Farms! Living so close to so much open space, be it preserved land or privately owned space.. Often, we can purchase fresh vegetables, pick our fruits, and put our toes in the grass! One of our all-time favorites for families Highland Orchards, where you can book a private hayride to a campfire experience for up to 35 people. Pack your blankets and s'mores! Other options in more detail, click here: ➡️ https://www.phillymag.com/things-to-do/suburbs-tours-gardens-museums-estates/
Let’s talk about Boroughs! PA has a lot of little what we like to call, Boroughs. These are for lack of a better term, “Smaller City’s”. These small cities often have a “Main Street” lined with restaurants, shops and theaters.
New Hope: in Bucks County, is one of the oldest and most desired little boroughs in all of Borough land…. Sitting on River Road, right across from Lambertville, NJ, is the town of New Hope. It is lined with shops, a playhouse, boutique hotels, and some of the finest dining outside of NYC. And… It’s quickly becoming the A-list spot to get out of “dodge”. Come for the night, stay at Odette’s, go to a play, hit up the charming Free Library in town for the kids, hop on a little boat to take you on a tour up the river, or be very much a daredevil and tube down the Delaware!
Havertown: a quaint borough in Montgomery County with deep roots, historic charm, and a food scene to die for! Cozy up with a book and a coffee at The Bookery Coffeehouse, browse furntiure andhome decor at the Hendren House, tour an old powder mill at Nitre Hall and lay down a blanket for your picnic at the Grange Estate.
Bristol: another Borough right on the river, this small city has gone through a renaissance for the last 10 years and is quite the spot for those in the KNOW! Waterfront means you see a lot of boats on the water- lending to the conveneicne and charm of this small asrea. Come for wood fired pizzas at Itri, grab a cocktail at Daddy Tom’s, a speakeasy-inspired lounge, grab a show at The Bristol Riverside Theater and stay overnight at Lily Inn.
Family Matters- one of the most important things to consider when you have children, is what are we going to do this summer? https://www.phillymag.com/life-style/philadelphia-suburbs-summer/
Broken down by county- this is a great start!
Another fun place to visit and spotlight is Yardley, PA! Water Ice, Freshly brewed beers, an original WAWA, sushi and a down home diner!
https://www.phillymag.com/property/philadelphia-suburbs-walkable-main-street/
Stay overnight: Black Bass Hotel, Carriage House, Radnor Hotel and more.. see link for ideas! Make a few trips like this, this summer, save money as oppossed to the shore and don’t deal with traffic! ( Where do I sign up? 🤔 )
https://www.phillymag.com/life-style/hotels-philadelphia-suburbs/
Last but not at all least… EAT your dang heart out!!
Peaches, Cider Donuts, Mushrooms, Funnel Cake, Ice Cream, Soft Pretzels, Cheese & Apples.. we are known for food here in these parts!
https://www.phillymag.com/life-style/thrift-stores-antique-farmers-markets-suburbs/
So put on the athletic wear and get to tasting…. ya only live once! But if you do it right… once is enough! :-)
Above is just a small snapshot of what you can do to keep busy this summer…. stay close to home, but try places you’ve never been. Make adult-only nights, date nights, family days, and trips all around. We are so lucky to call Philly and its suburbs our home. We wouldn't want to live, eat and work anywhere else in the entire world!
We have it ALL… right here.
Happy Summer, folks! 🥂
https://www.phillymag.com/life-style/philadelphia-suburbs-summer/
