Just because you reside in Pennsylvania, doesn’t mean you can’t vacation here, too! Our state is bursting with tourist opportunities, both for those looking to live it up in the city, and those searching for some quiet countryside time. To that end, we bring you the 2 tales of PA: City and Country.
Philadelphia
A Historical & Luxurious Pairing
Photo courtesy of The Ritz by Don Riddle Images
The City of Brotherly Love’s history is undeniable, no doubt, but did you know you can experience the lap of luxury in good old Philly, too? If you’re looking to indulge a bit, but don’t want to travel far, we recommend a stay at one of Philadelphia’s most luxurious abodes: The Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia.
There’s a reason why The Ritz is known world-wide, and it’s made clear from the moment you step in the door to the property. The customer service is top-notch and the amenities are unmatched. It’s swanky to say the least. And the location? Second to none. Just steps from Independence Hall in the heart of the city.
Now is an extra-special time to visit Philadelphia’s Ritz-Carlton as the iconic property has just received a multi-million-dollar renovation. The guest rooms are crisp yet comfortable. Just wait until you sink into the bed for a good night of sleep after your day out on the town. Heaven.
Want to take your stay up a notch? We suggest you splurge for Club Level access, where you can enjoy breakfast, drinks, appetizers and desserts throughout the day. It makes you feel a bit like royalty. ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/philadelphia
Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia®
Make your way around
Want to learn more about the city’s history but don’t want to drive? Take the bus! The Big Bus Tour company shuttle can pick you up right at the Ritz and take you to where you can purchase passes to hop on board the double-decker bus or a trolley to learn more about sights like the Liberty Bell, the Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia Art Museum and more. The 27-stop tour is hop on, hop off, so you can explore as you wish. phillytour.com
Photo by C. Smyth for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Gardens of Magic
If you don’t make a point to stop at South Street’s Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens you’ll be missing out. Trust us. Created by award-winning mosaic mural artist Isaiah Zagar, the site spans half a block and is a museum of mosaic mastery built from found objects including handmade tiles, mirrors, bicycle wheels, bottles and more. The outdoor art installation is paired with indoor exhibits and is a sight to be seen. Closed Tuesdays. phillymagicgardens.org
El Vez photo courtesy of Visit Philadelphia®
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
If you’d like to enjoy a drink before dinner, we suggest you mix in a bit of history here, too, and visit McGillin’s Old Ale House, opened in 1860, the year Abraham Lincoln was elected president. Don’t know what to order? Try the famous beer sampler, offering six drafts for just $9.50. mcgillins.com
If you’re a fan of Mexican food with a twist, get a reservation for the nearby El Vez, a Stephen Starr restaurant with the tagline “Mexican-American meets East L.A. in a Tijuana Taxi.” There are guacamoles and tacos of many varieties, a to-die-for blood orange margarita, and a fun photo booth you can pop into with friends before or after your meal. It’s a don’t miss. elvezrestaurant.com
Philadelphia Fun Facts
(courtesy philly.com)
- In 1790, Philadelphia was declared the FIRST capital of the United States.
- Philadelphia has more Impressionist paintings, outside of Paris, than anywhere else in the world.
- Films set in Philly include: Trading Places, The Sixth Sense, Beloved, Rocky, Mannequin, Witness, Stealing Home, Age of Innocence, Philadelphia, 12 Monkeys, Up Close & Personal, Unbreakable, Jersey Girl and more!
Take a Break in Bucks County
If you’re looking for a laid back, easy trip, travel to nearby Bucks County, home of great shopping, restaurants and quaint inns and bed and breakfasts.
In particular, we recommend the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm. As you travel through the gated entrance and down its gravel drive lined by beautiful trees, you almost feel as if you’ve been transported to the antebellum South.
The Inn is no stranger to history. Set on more than 100 acres of pasture and woodlands, and home to miniature horses and a donkey, the first New Hope bed and breakfast is set on land that belonged to the Lenni Lenape Native Americans in 1775. It’s home to a natural spring on the property, which supplies all of the water.
Guests choosing to stay at the unique estate can do so in one of three forms of accommodations: in the Manor House, the Stone Bank Barn or a Guest Cottage. Be sure to look for a guest book to jot down notes from your experience and to read about that of others. You might even get some great tips. barleysheaf.com
Photo courtesy of the inn at Barley Sheaf farm
Wine and Dine
Love wine and good food? You don’t have to leave the property to enjoy it. Be sure to mix and mingle with fellow guests in the 1740 Manor House for wine, cheese and fruit. And the Inn’s chef on site serves up a delicious brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:30am-1pm, as well as dinner Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 6pm. Entrees include such items as East Coast Rockfish, Wagyu Beef Bavette, Rohan Duck Breast and more.
Should you choose to venture offsite, The Landing Restaurant in the heart of New Hope is a fun evening spot where you can dine outdoors, under the lights and by the water. Need to warm up a bit? Try their award-winning chili with filet tips, ground beef and pork, Andouille sausage, beans, peppers, corn, sour cream, Cheddar cheese and corn bread. Yum! landingrestaurant.com
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Photo by B. Krist for Visit Philadelphia®
Shop ‘Til you Drop
Just five miles south of New Hope is a unique shopping destination – Peddler’s Village, in Lahaska. Don’t worry, it feels nothing like the shopping mega malls. The outdoor village is home to 63 shops and five restaurants and lives up to its motto: “We’re everything but ordinary.”
Stroll and enjoy window shopping or making purchases from unique artists and artisans offering stationery goods, clothing items, home goods, wines, jewelry, toiletries, kitchen items, sports collectibles and more – you name it!
The Village is also home to a fun Grand Carousel Ride and “GiggleBerry Fair” if you decide to bring the kiddos along.
Aside from shopping and dining, Peddler’s Village also plays host to numerous seasonal events throughout the year including Lahaska Restaurant Week in March, a Strawberry Festival in May, a Scarecrow Competition & Display September through October, and a Gingerbread House Competition & Display running November through January. peddlersvillage.com
Bucks County Fun Facts
(courtesy visitbuckscounty.com)
- Hikers can enjoy 475 miles of trails in the county.
- Bucks County is a golfer’s haven with 28 public and private courses.
- There are 16 county and state parks in Bucks totaling 7,500 acres.
