Pennsylvania - Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2025
Philadelphia & The Countryside (PH)
2024-11-28 12:42:31
This is a place that looks back on its past and celebrates its firsts — the country’s first zoo, volunteer fire department, hospital, and library. Philly’s suburbs boast rolling landscapes, elegant mansions, gorgeous gardens, and sites that commemorate the five-county region’s contributions to American history. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s contemporary treasures and ambitious restaurant scene have added flavor and sophistication, while public murals (more than 2,000 of them), cultural gems, and renowned museums inspire and educate.
Cultural Events in Philadelphia
Ever multidimensional and multicultural, Philadelphia is a diverse melting pot of people, each bringing their own distinct flavor to the City of Brotherly Love. Experience an array of cultures at annual events throughout the year.
The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival in May showcases Italian culture with authentic culinary specialties, Procession of Saints, half-ball tournament, and the famous greased pole climbing contest.
The second Sunday in June, ODUNDE Festival celebrates African culture with lively music and dance; flavorful African, Caribbean, and soul foods; and a ceremonial procession to the Schuylkill River for the Yoruba goddess of the river.
Also in June, the Juneteenth Parade & Festival commemorates the end of slavery in the United States with a parade, cultural performances, and Black- and Brown-owned businesses.
Wear your brightest colors to June’s Philadelphia Pride March and Festival, a joyous celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community with a parade ending in the Midtown Village “Gayborhood,” where you’ll find performances, community wellness resources, and family-friendly activities.
August welcomes BlackStar Film Festival, showcasing independent films by Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists, plus discussions and panels.
The Puerto Rican Day Parade in September displays vibrant costumes, traditional Puerto Rican music and dance, and floats brimming with Latino pride.
In December, explore a German-style holiday market with European food, revelry, and craft vendors at Christmas Village. Meanwhile, the nighttime Chanukah Parade celebrates the Jewish Festival of Lights with a procession of menorah-topped cars, live music, a giant menorah lighting, and a festival at Independence National Historical Park.
ICONIC Philadelphia
From the Philadelphia Museum of Art and African American Museum in Philadelphia to The Met Philadelphia and Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, there is no shortage of culture here. An interesting detour of the otherwise metropolitan streets of the city is the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum & Gardens, an official arboretum including a 250-year-old tree. Another breath of fresh air lies in Spruce Street Harbor Park, a seasonal urban park in Penn’s Landing featuring a boardwalk along the Delaware River, colorful hammocks, and floating gardens.
Look no further for where to eat than Chinatown’s Vietnam Restaurant, winner of a 2024 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics award. Post meal, head to the chic R&D Cocktail Bar, serving classic and innovative cocktails in the hip Fishtown neighborhood.
Three Side Trips from the City
KENNETT SQUARE: Nestled in the rolling hills of Chester County’s countryside, make way to the charming borough of Kennett Square, also known as the Mushroom Capital of the World. You’ll quickly see why when you stop in The Mushroom Cap storefront. But beyond the ‘shrooms, don’t miss a stop at the gorgeous Longwood Gardens, one of the world’s premier botanical display gardens, where you can see dazzling installations that elevate the art of horticulture.
KING OF PRUSSIA: Shop to your heart’s content at King of Prussia Mall, the third-largest mall in America with more than 450 stores and 30-plus restaurants. If shopping isn’t your thing, the Valley Forge National Historical Park offers 3,500 acres of monuments, meadows, and structures commemorating the Revolutionary War.
MALVERN: Remarkably intact and carefully restored, the 19th-century village of Historic Sugartown offers a window into traditional Americana. Wandering the quaint streets of Malvern you’ll also find the Wharton Esherick Museum, preserving the artist’s furniture, interiors, and utensils.
Find Inspiration in Doylestown
Opt for a self-guided tour adventuring through the region’s most unusual historic towns where you’ll discover the home of American archaeologist and antiquarian Henry Chapman Mercer within Fonthill Castle. More historic sites under the Mercer name are Tile Works and the Mercer Museum. Explore Impressionist paintings at the Michener Art Museum, and then find the perfect vacation read at Doylestown Bookshop. Little ones will let their imaginations run wild at the inclusive and accessible Kids Castle at Central Park. At night, sip craft cocktails and enjoy American tavern food (don’t miss the chicken pot pie in a flaky pie shell) at The Hattery Stove & Still.
A Retreat to New Hope
Known for its vibrant arts scene, woodsy landscapes, and quaint atmosphere along the Delaware River, New Hope has become a beloved destination for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure. Stay at Wedgwood Inn, a Victorian “Painted Lady” home operating as a bed-and-breakfast. Catch the exhibits at New Hope Arts or a theatrical production at the historic Bucks County Playhouse.
Outdoorsy travelers will be pleased to find many trails available to explore. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery and historic setting of Delaware Canal State Park, including the Delaware Canal Trail, where you can walk along a nearly 59-mile-long towpath paralleling the Delaware River and canal shoreline. At the 134-acre Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, see ecologically diverse landscapes with 700-plus native plant species. Climb Bowman’s Hill Tower for excellent nature views. Or pair river views with refined American plates at Stella of New Hope, a barn-like restaurant and bar with local, seasonal dishes.
Natural Beauty in Chadds Ford
Located about 25 miles southwest of Philadelphia, discover Chadds Ford in all its wonder. The Battle of Brandywine brings to life the largest engagement of the Revolutionary War at Brandywine Battlefield Park, while the Christian C. Sanderson Museum and Brandywine Museum of Art are home to historical artifacts and American art, respectively. For one of the most beautiful sights in the township, visit N.C. Wyeth House & Studio and nearby Kuerner Farm, where the Wyeth family’s art legacy remains for visitors to soak in.
Experience local flavors at Penns Woods Winery, a family-run, Pennsylvania-grown winery, equipped with a tasting room and some of the best varietals in the state. For an authentic Italian meal, pair a glass of vino with homemade pasta and fresh seafood at Antica Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar.
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