We were prepared to map out all the best sledding spots in and around Philly, but we found a fabulous list that Mommy Poppins put together with summaries based on ages and steepness. Why mess with that? It did get us thinking, though. You know those weekends when you want to do SOMETHING, but you just don’t know what? Here’s our list of spots that will cure the “I’m bored and need some inspiration” mood.
photos l to r: @urbanexchangeprojects, @skifbb, @shawneemountain
Go Snow Tubing!
Pick up your vintage ski wear at Urban Exchange and hit the slopes… on tubes! Choose from a number of ski resorts nearby that feature snow tubing.
Shawnee Mountain | 2.5 hrs from Philly - Offers 1.5-hour sessions. Select from single tubes or adult and child tandem tubes. It’s all made easy when you use the two surface lifts to get you to the top. You must purchase online (in-person purchasing is not available.) They do sell out, so grab your tickets in advance. Follow their social media for specials and announcements.
Jack Frost Ski Resort and Big Boulder | 2.5 hrs from Philly - Choose 2-hour tubing sessions from two sister resorts only 18 minutes apart. Both have great tubing and lifts. Head down the mountain on single tubes only (no lap sitting). The recommended height is 42”.
photos l to r: @centralmarketyork, @revivalsocialclubyork, @centralmarketyork, @princeton, @thecantinayork, @keithwarrengreiman, @kgspeakeasy, @uncoveringpa
Take a drive!
Did your parents make you get in the car and “take a drive?” You sat in the back with your Beverly Cleary books, rolling your eyes while your parents marveled at the boring sights out the car window. Guess what? Now, as adults, WE think those Sunday drives are fun! Pack your atlas and hit the road.
Princeton, NJ | 1 hr
When our Marketing Manager first moved to Philly, they had no friends and were pretty much up for doing anything. One day, they hopped in the car and drove to Princeton, NJ to explore and seize the day. Bonnie fondly remembers it as a perfect impromptu afternoon. “We wandered on a sleepy and beautiful campus, hit up a cool record store, checked residential streets, and admired the homes. It turned comical when we stepped into a restaurant that was just us so we whispered our way through dinner.” Nothing out of the ordinary, but it made for an extraordinary day!
York, PA | 2 hrs
Looking for that small-town charm? Head out in the morning to York where the main street is lined with shops including some stellar vintage ones! For lunch, head over to the Central Market House. It’s like a mini Reading Terminal. After you’ve shopped till you dropped, make your way to one of the many excellent cocktail joints like Revival Social Club, The Cantina York or the cozy speakeasy King George. If you decide you’re having so much fun you need to make it an overnight stay, book a themed room at Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast.
Ringing Rocks County Park, PA | 1.15 hrs
BYOH (Bring Your Own Hammer) ! Hear the rocks ring at the 7-acre field of Ringing Rocks County Park. When you tap them with your hammer you’ll hear them ring - different rocks, different positions ring differently. Create your own symphony! After your “rock concert,” find a grassy nook and dive into your picnic basket that makes Yogi bear proud. When you’ve wrapped up lunch, take a stroll over to Bucks Counties’ largest waterfall aptly named High Falls (about 800 feet away from the rocks).
Go on a tour!
photos l to r: @freelibrary, @battleshipnj, @americantreasuretour, @philaathenaeum
We have an entire blog dedicated to tours in Philadelphia, but here are a few more.
FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA
Get your friends and family together and book it to the Free Library of Philadelphia. The Parkway Central Library offers free tours that are chock full of fascinating facts. You’ll learn that the FIRST public library was designed by Julian Abele, the first black architect to be admitted to the department of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania. If you have time, ask to see the Rare Books Room. It’s home to collections from Beatrix Potter, the largest Edgar Allan Poe collection, and the Elkins Room which features Charles Dickinson’s desk! Fill out the request for a group tour if you have 10 or more people, otherwise give a call to ask when the daily tours are scheduled for smaller groups.
THE ATHENAEUM OF PHILADELPHIA
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia is a members-only library. Set in a stunning Historic Landmark that just underwent new renovations, it’s breathtaking and a total experience when you enter. The museum offers tours for 5 or more people to learn more about the history of the building and the collections now housed in it. You can simply submit a form in advance or give them a call. They also have varied lectures and events that aren’t you’re typical topics.
BATTLESHIP NJ
Hop on the Delaware River ferry to New Jersey on your way to the Battleship NJ. Once you land in Camden, stroll the park (if you have kids with you the Children's Garden is tons of fun). Make your way to the ship and explore with a guide. You’ll go up ladders, walk the deck, and see the quarters where the officers and crew of the USS New Jersey stayed.
AMERICAN TREASURE TOUR MUSEUM
Get ready for the funkiest joint you’ll ever visit. Less than an hour away from Philly, you’ll find the American Treasure Tour Museum. It’s chock-a-block with all things Americana, from old advertisements to life-sized sculptures of the Simpson family. Tour the facility via a mini train, where they encourage you to snap as many pics as you, please. After cruising the aisles, head over to the bowling alley or go-karts at businesses next door.
top row: @historicstrawberrymansion, @kelius_cave, @assocpublicart, @phillybiketours, @shofuso, @woodfordmansion
Discover Fairmount Park!
Fairmount park is the largest park in Philadelphia. It’s hard to know exactly where to explore but they have a great website with guides to help you find your way. Aside from those featured on the official maps, take a peek at these Fairmount Park secrets.
Whispering Bench
One might pass the Smith Memorial by in their car as it doesn’t feel super park-like. However, we encourage you to take a moment, pull off the road and check out the detail of the memorial up close (it took 15 years to complete!). There’s also a little secret you need to try. If you sit on one end of the curved bench and whisper to the wall, your friend on the other end of the arched seating will hear you loud and clear. Right nearby are the Japanese gardens and Shofuso house which is not to be missed! You can admire from the stone bridge if the center is closed. Stroll a bit further up and discover the Pavilion in the Trees. A serene public art installation that has been standing since 1992. It is tricky to find, so be patient and keep your eyes open for the trail.
Cave Of Kelpius AKA Hermit’s Cave
This spooky entrance is associated with one of the first apocalyptic cults. Not much to see inside but cool all the same. Take a moment and read the description of exactly what meditations and beliefs were held by this “mystic” group. It’s worth mentioning that the trail that leads you to the cave is a peaceful stroll.
Experience The Charms
Fancy homes nicknamed The Charms were once getaway retreats for wealthy citizens to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Tour Historic Strawberry Mansion, Laurel Hill Mansion or Woodford Mansion on a moody day and get a taste of the past.
photos l to r: @pinelandsadventures, @phillybyboat, @hidden_river_outfitters_
Get in a boat!
Canoe or Kayak in the Pinelands. The tree canopy feels magical while you’re floating down river. In under an hour, you can get set up at Pinelands Adventures. Rent the needed equipment and they’ll take care of transport for you (you’re also welcome to bring your own canoe or kayak). They have a number of self-guided tours (including an overnight!) as well as guided paddles where you learn about the ecology of this beautiful place.
Follow PHG’s lead and kayak along the Schuylkill River. We had a blast! Depending on the time of year, you can book a paddle that meets up with the movie night on the banks of the Schyulkill. We set sail with Hidden River Outfitters and highly recommend them!
Choose your river (Schuylkill or Delaware) and take a cruise with Patriot Harbor Lines. Aside from their general cruises where all are welcome, you can book the boat for a private party for up to 25 people! Bring your food, ask for the bar to be available, and have yourself a great time celebrating!
photos l to r: @thirstydice, @liberteegrounds, @southampton.spa @atasteofbritain
Have fun with another!
Libertee Grounds is perfect for a rainy day or night with friends. An indoor mini-golf set up with 9 holes is the big draw, but they also have other games to play and local brews and cocktails to drink. The food menu is robust with snacks (including veggie and vegan options!). Hit up their happy hour for even better pricing on food and drinks.
If board games are your thing head over to Thirsty Dice. You may spend an afternoon immersing yourself in a game, but hey that’s what you’re there for! Munch on the big food and drink menu including boozy milkshakes! They also have a sister restaurant, 21 Pips in Ardmore to enjoy.
Get ready to get relaxed at the Southampton Spa. This is the entire Turkish and Russian bath experience. Steam and water of all temps bring your stress levels down. Big fluffy robes help too. An indoor pool is the central gathering place, but you can also pop into one of the many treatments like the snow room, salt sauna, or schedule a massage. This is a full-day experience - there are lounge areas with pool tables, and a restaurant between treatments. Bathing suits must be worn at all times (except for massages).
Enjoy afternoon tea with all the pomp and circumstance. A Taste Of Britain in Wayne serves up tea complete with a three-tiered serving tray. Enjoy petite sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and decadent desserts. After enjoying the delights, browse the gift shop that has fun gifts, tea, and the REAL Cadbury chocolate and British pantry items.
The wonderful thing about our area is that we could make a blog like this every month! There are all sorts of off-the-beaten-track secrets and things to do. When we’ve run out of ideas we turn to Hidden City and Atlas Obscura for suggestions. We left one important activity off the list…looking at homes together! Our very favorite thing to do, let’s add it to your list.
With its current moniker of Philadelphia’s “Little Italy”, Bella Vista prides itself on celebrating the best of Italian history and culture. In recent years, the neighborhood has become even more diverse, with growing Vietnamese and Mexican immigrant populations. The history of Bella Vista is vast, and one of the neighborhood’s modern highlights is the availability of different cuisine options.