Guest post submitted by Philadelphia Apartment Rentals.
While chocolates, flowers and candlelit dinners are staples of Valentine’s Day, Philadelphia beckons with a more distinctive offering. Whether you’re stoking the flames of new love or reigniting the embers of a lasting relationship, these two Valentine’s experiences serve up Philly-style romance. Choose your preferred plan or mix and match to your heart’s content.*
The Active Adventurer’s Valentine’s Day
Fuel up to celebrate a day of love at Reading Terminal Market, an urban farmer’s market housed under Reading Railroad’s 1891 train shed. Having opened its doors to the public in 1893, it is one of the oldest public markets in the country. With more than 80 vendors, it’s also one of the largest.
Sit down for breakfast at Molly Malloy’s, a pub that offers American food ranging from eggs your style to fluffy pancakes and upscale avocado toast. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with one of the market’s delectable treats such as apple fritters, or a wide variety of doughnuts from chocolate mousse to Key Lime at Beiler’s Doughnuts.
After breakfast, meander through the market’s aisles to discover distinctive food, flowers, arts, crafts, books, clothing, and housewares. Also, you can stop by Mueller Chocolate Company for some hand-made Valentine’s chocolates. Or pick up some chocolate-covered pretzels at Pennsylvania General Store, a vendor so romantic that they once delivered an engagement ring to a bride-to-be in a box of chocolate covered strawberries.
Next, (only about 1 mile away) make your way with your sweetheart to The Franklin Institute to walk through The Giant Heart. The science museum says that at two-stories high the heart is the right size for a 220-foot tall giant. Then explore the remainder of more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space. Consider visiting one of their newest exhibits on virtual reality. It transports you to another world. Soar through space, plunge into the depths of the ocean and adventure through beautiful regions in far corners of the world. Finally, relive the romance of the train by heading over to the train factory and climbing aboard the Baldwin 60000, a 350-ton steam locomotive.
After a full day, hop across the bridge to unwind at The World Café Live. Enjoy happy hour, a snack or a three-course meal and if going on Wednesda, Feb 14th, the romantic music of Italian singer Patrizio Buanne. Consider buying tickets in advance and if not going on Wednesday, check to make sure a show is playing before you go.
A Full Day for the Relaxed Romantic
Set the tone for love with brunch at Sabrina’s Café and Spencer’s Too in the Fairmount neighborhood. It’s known for delicious food, spot-on service, and a homey, intimate atmosphere. People say their Challah French toast is to-die-for. However, from build-your-own omelets to pancakes, you cannot go wrong.
Take a few steps down Callowhill Street to Priya Hot Yoga to participate in their Valentine’s Couple’s Partner Yoga Workshop, which runs from one to four o’clock on Sunday February 11, 2018. You will challenge and restore yourselves with fun yoga postures, practice meditation and enjoy a light massage, all while listening to romantic music. Their website says space is limited. If not planning on Sunday or if you prefer to relax with the arts, head over to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, meander through the halls and enjoy breathtaking, world-class art.
Now bundle up and head over to South Street Headhouse District. Browse through the eclectic stores that sell jewelry, hats, books, music and more. Once you are finished shopping, grab a snack or perhaps have a unique specialty cocktail at the casually comfortable Twisted Tail, which offers over one hundred different whiskeys. Or visit the intimate and romantic Southwark Restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and where some say the drinks are the restaurant’s highlight. If nothing else, with names such as “Candy Colored Clown Called the Sandman,” they pique your curiosity. While they may also be a tad pricey, Valentine’s only comes once a year.
Indulge in a Valentine’s cruise on the Delaware River with Spirit Cruises, which boards from Penn’s Landing. You will enjoy a sumptuous dinner buffet, dancing to romantic ballads as well as a backdrop of the spectacular night lit views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Ben Franklin Bridge. Valentine’s Dinner cruises are scheduled for February 10, 14, and 17.
Whichever agenda you choose, you will be sure to find a fun way to celebrate your relationship in the City of Brotherly Love.
* Activities vary depending on what day you go (i.e. whether you go on Valentine’s Day or the weekend before/after). Once you know when you are going to go, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and check hours, admission prices (if any), event programming, whether reservations are needed, and other details.
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