Summer in the city can be brutal. But luckily, there are plenty of ways to cool down. Whether you’re in the A/C, or just learning something neat, these historical attractions and hangouts are just what the 90-degree weather ordered!
Eat Like George Washington at City Tavern Restaurant
Established a few years before the constitution’s signing, heading to City Tavern Restaurant allows you to wine and dine at a frequent meeting place of our country’s founders. When you attend today, you’ll get the full experience as wigged colonial-era reenactors serve you 18th-century-inspired, gourmet bites.
- Colonial culinary: Don a tricorn hat and order the West Indies Pepperpot: a spicy traditional soup combining beef, taro root, habanero, allspice, and greens.
- This dish was as popular in the colonial era as the Philly cheesesteak is today!
Walk America’s Oldest Residential Street at Elfreth’s Alley
Tucked between the Delaware River and 2nd Street, you’ll find our nation’s oldest residential avenue known as Elfreth’s Alley. This incredible 32-house stretch is a literal walk back in time that you don’t want to leave off your summer bucket list.
- Alley admiring: Catch one of the alley museum’s special events, like the weekly walking art gallery, or just enjoy your own old-time stroll. On a sunny summer’s day, the cobblestone pathways, multicolored brick of the buildings, and brightly colored shutters make the perfect picture.
Learn the Real Story of the American Revolution at the MAR
You may have visited the Liberty Bell and passed your middle school American history class with flying colors, but if you haven’t visited the Museum of the American Revolution (MAR), you probably don’t have the full story of our nation’s founding.
- Cool off, get smart: The MAR is a treasure trove of Revolution-era artifacts and collections. Getting lost in their immersive galleries and interactive exhibits is an illuminating way to escape the heat!
Have an Authentic Frozen Treat at The Franklin Fountain
Cool in more than one sense is The Franklin Fountain: an ice cream shop in Old City styled after authentic parlors and soda fountains of the early 1900s.
- Cool sips or licks: Pretend you’re headed to the sock hop tonight and sip a classic Root Beer Float. The Franklin Fountain’s house-made root beer is steeped in brown sugar, cinnamon, and sassafras, then topped with a generous scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream.
Head to these Philly spots this summer, and you’ll have it made in the shade. Happy exploring!
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