Following Josh Moore @josheatsphilly If there’s one voice capturing the pulse of Philadelphia’s food scene right now, it’s Josh Moore. As the creator of @JoshEatsPhilly, Moore is documenting the city’s culinary rise at a particularly exciting moment. “Right now there is a lot of buzz with the Michelin Guide coming to Philly. There are so many benefits to the guide highlighting the city and so much potential prestige for the restaurants that will be featured.” Moore champions the chefs and restaurants putting Philly on the global map — from James Beard Award winners to bold new voices redefining the scene. His list of standouts is long, but favorites include Mawn , Kalaya , Royal Sushi & Izakaya , Kampar , Vetri Cucina , Provenance , Her Place Supper Club , and Friday Saturday Sunday — spots where, he says, the chefs “have all demonstrated that Philly’s food culture and scene is among the best in the world.” But Moore’s work goes far beyond restaurant reviews and Reels. “I’m a firm believer that an element of social media is actively being social within the community, and not just online,” he explains. His platform spotlights LGBTQ+, women-and BIPOC-owned businesses, reflecting his belief that “visibility and inclusion matter more than ever.” Jim Cheney @uncoveringpa Photographer and writer Jim Cheney has built a following by uncovering the side of Pennsylvania that often goes unseen. “I love when I can share somewhere that people aren't as familiar with and discover through me,” he says. “There's nothing more rewarding than someone telling me that they visited somewhere because they saw my photo of it.” His feed is a mix of panoramic overlooks, forgotten landmarks, and small-town gems like Carlisle Theatre in downtown Carlisle and Rice's Historic Covered Bridge in Landisburg, but it’s the waterfalls that always make a splash. “Waterfalls have always been the subject that people enjoy the most,” he says, a passion that led him to write an entire book about them: “Waterfalls of Pennsylvania.” But his curiosity stretches well beyond the scenic, from abandoned sites to quirky roadside finds. History is another throughline in his work. “Some of the most important sites in American history can be found right here in Pennsylvania, from Independence Hall to battlefields,” Cheney says. “Anyone who wants to explore the story of America and learn how it connects to today needs to visit PA.” Among his favorites: Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Farmington, the site of George Washington’s first and only surrender. If you’re looking for a weekend to start collecting your own stories, Cheney says start in the City of Bridges: “Pittsburgh is not only one of the most beautiful cities in America, but it also has an incredibly rich history in the buildings, landscapes, and the people.” JIM CHENEY visitpa.com 49
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Travel Guide 2026: Page 49
