A Love Note to Philadelphia

Have you ever visited a city for the first time and just felt this click? I'm not trying to make it sound overly dramatic but there is this magical moment where you just know that you were meant to be there. For me, that city has always been Philadelphia. It is a city that is constantly changing and growing. It embraces the passions of its people and appreciates the art and culture that have shaped it throughout history. Our love affair began a long time ago but grows stronger every year.

My first official visit to Philadelphia was to see a Van Gogh Exhibit at the Art Museum when I was still in grade school. The city drew me in with its bright lights and overwhelming sensation of chaos. It was so different from the calm and quiet beach town I grew up in. My initial reaction was to get closer and see more. I was frightened and exhilarated all at once. This was the first time it truly struck me that the world was much larger than I had realized. It was this nagging sensation that stayed with me, constantly reminding me of this bigger world I needed to explore.

The next chapter of our love story took place during my college years. From my first tour of Drexel University, I knew I had to do everything in my power to make sure I went to school there. It was one of the best experiences of my life so far and it molded me into the truest version of myself. I learned as much from the city itself as I did from my world class professors. The city taught me to be bold in my choices, to be passionate about my interests, and to be confident in myself. There was never a sense of judgement and I blossomed in this chaotic but accepting atmosphere.

My life has taken me in a different direction than the version I had planned in college. It has led me on to a bigger path and I have flirted with other cities around the world. My heart still longs for those afternoons spent reading a book in Rittenhouse or my long strolls through Olde City fascinated by the buildings that have survived hundreds of years. Part of my love for Philly is that every visit is different and each visit feels brand new. Maybe it's the little coffee shop that has now been converted into a cupcake boutique or the old corner bar that has finally updated its furniture, Philly always knows how to keep me interested and wanting more. Now that I am a little older, I have learned that my favorite time to visit this ever changing city is when the temperature gets a bit colder and the leaves begin to change colors.

Ready to start your love affair with Philadelphia? Check out a few of my favorite fall adventures and let the connection begin.

1. Check out some of the local events at Dilworth Park.

Located at City Hall, Dilworth Park is the a new(er) outdoor space in the city that has redefined how its citizens enjoy living and working outside. The city redesigned this basic concrete plaza into a green, pedestrian-friendly public space with new plantings, lawns, a programmable fountain, a cafe with outdoor seating and two iconic glass entrances to the underground concourse. They offer fitness classes, music in the park, and various other events throughout the year. They even host their own Oktoberfest! This fall fest celebrates autumn with cornstalks, hay, and pumpkins in the middle of the city!

2. Being a Tourist in Old City

This part of town is my absolute favorite area of the city to visit. Old City is full of fun and fascinating spots for visitors and residents to enjoy and take in the history of this wonderful city. The most iconic Philadelphia landmarks (The Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall) sit right in the center of this historic district. Check out Mack's Tavern for some delicious bites to eat or grab a beer at the Independence Beer Garden. So many things to see and do, Old City is a must.

3. Lunch at the Dandelion

One of the things that I love about Philadelphia is that the city is constantly changing and bringing in new concepts for bars, restaurants, and stores. With that said, it sure is nice to have a spot to visit time and again that just makes you feel like home. The Dandelion offers its guests a unique opportunity to step into an eccentric London pub just steps away from Rittenhouse Park. They have a whirlwind of seating areas and delicious craft cocktails.

4. People Watching at the Porch at 30th Street Station

If you love creative outdoor spaces, the porch at 30th street station is worth the visit. I take the train in and out of the city so I spend quite a bit of time at the porch. It offers quirky furnishings, delicious food truck options, and the opportunity to people watch. For Instagram fans, this place has tons of great backdrops to make your next post really pop.

5. Sipping Giant Beers at Frankfort Hall

Philadelphia is full of unique bars and live venues. With that said, nothing screams fall like sipping a German beer in a stein that is way too big for your face at Frankfort hall. This adorable little beer garden is hidden in the Fishtown district of Philadelphia but it sure is worth the hike. They have table games, fire pits, and a selection of snacks that go perfectly with beer. Not a beer fan? Don't worry, they have wine too!

On each of my visits to Philadelphia, I am always reminded of that younger version of myself who stood wide-eyed, staring at all the big buildings and bright lights. My love for this city will never go away, no matter how far away from it I travel. This city is where I learned to see the world on a larger scale. It taught me to appreciate art and history. Probably the most important lesson I learned from Philly is that I should always be myself. When you have that click with a city, don't ignore it. The city might be trying to teach you something about yourself or the world, so listen and you might just begin a love affair of your own.