Finally, I am happy to announce my new recurring post: Revel+Motion's Guides!
We'll be starting off with the long-awaited R+M's Summer Guide: Philadelphia! I sincerely apologize for the wait but life has been hitting your girl HARD. My full-time job has been stressful and I've been struggling to balance it all... but it's all good, truly. Now, let's get to business. I love living in the city. There is always so much to do and I low-key get turned on when people ask me for recommendations on what to do for dinner, fun, etc. when they are visiting Philadelphia. She loves to give recommendations. I decided to put together a list of some fun things to do in Philly during the summer! I believe I have something for everyone and every budget. Enjoy!
Rittenhouse Square:
We are starting off with something you can do for free! Yes, she can be frugal at times. If you've never been to Philadelphia I believe this is a must do. If you do live in the city and are looking to switch things up then Rittenhouse Square needs to become a weekend staple. It's Philly's version of Central Park (in my opinion) and it is a beautiful, green oasis located in the ritziest part of Philadelphia. Every Saturday they have a farmer's market from 9 AM - 3 PM with little stalls with fresh veggies, fruit, flowers, etc. It's also a great spot to people watch. I suggest bringing a blanket and laying out or having a little picnic with friends. Once you're done in the park you can venture to one of the delicious, pricy restaurants (Parc, Devon Seafood, Scarpetta, Barclay Prime) or you can go walk on Walnut St. and go shopping.
Pro tip: a lot of people bring their dogs here so if you're dying to pet a dog Rittenhouse Square is a MUST.
PhotoPop Philly:
We are moving into an air-conditioned recommendation people! If you’re anything like me then AC is v important. PhotoPop Philly has been featured on Revel+Motion before and I’m featuring it again because it’s just the BEST and so much fun. PhotoPop Philly is an interactive art exhibit put on by Philly PR Girl. This year the theme at PhotoPop is Sweet Paradise and they also have a new location in Old City at The Bourse.
There are multiple interactive art exhibits by local artists that guests can take pics in front of. I said it in last year’s post and I’ll say it again: PhotoPop is a safe place for selfie takers. A lot of people feel awkward taking a photo by themselves in public because people suck and are judgmental of others. At PhotoPop it is ENCOURAGED to take that killer solo shot or quirky group shot.
My favorite piece of art this year at PhotoPop was the Game of Thrones inspired display. It had a Philly twist and instead of being made of swords it was made of sports equipment. I also loved the flamingo mural by Tori Alexandra. The mural came complete with a swing and was such a cute photo op!
I highly suggest you check out this year’s PhotoPop Philly! Tickets are $20 a person and children under five are free! You can purchase online or by going to their website www.photopopphilly.com. Also, if you get a group of 10 or more together they give a 10% discount per ticket! Go get your selfie on at PhotoPop Philly this summer, they’re opened Wednesday-Sunday this summer! Check out their site for their hours and take a look at their Instagram (@photopopphilly) as well!
Pro Tip: and after you’re done go into The Bourse and get some food! The Bourse is a massive food hall with SO many great options.
Kensington Quarters Patio:
You know your girl loves to eat and sip on a good cocktail and I’m giving you top secret information about my favorite summer spot to do so at: Kensington Quarters's back patio. Kensington Quarters is a restaurant in a converted warehouse in Fishtown (aka the most hipster neighborhood in Philadelphia). KQ sources from local farmers and all their food is fresh AF. They recently opened up their back patio and it needs to be on your summer hangout list ASAP.
The whole restaurant is industrial, farmhouse chic (that's how I would describe it) and the back patio comes complete with picnic tables and greenery. This summer they have some really great cocktails on their drink menu. I suggest the Summer Bod drink (Coconut Washed Tequila, Velvet Falernum, Pineapple, Lime)! They also have *drumroll please* MAKE YOUR OWN APEROL SPRITZ (serves 4-6) for $55. Grab a group of friends and run over there because that's such a great, boozy deal!
KQ has some amazing butcher cuts on their menu as well as multiple pasta options. They run happy hour Sunday-Friday 5 PM - 7PM. Check out Kensington's Quarter's website for their full menu!
Pro Tip: Have yourself a Fishtown night and start at dinner at Kensington Quarters then make your way to either Frankford Hall or Garage as your next stop!