Nestled in the northwestern section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chestnut Hill seamlessly blends historic charm, natural beauty, and vibrant community life. The neighborhood, officially recognized by the city as “Philadelphia’s Garden District,” offers an oasis of green, lush trees, beautiful cobblestone streets, and unique businesses and restaurants for people of all ages to enjoy.
One of the defining features of Chestnut Hill is its abundant green spaces. The Morris Arboretum & Gardens (100 E Northwestern Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118) is a garden lover’s dream. Spanning 92 acres, the historic public garden features a diverse collection of plants and historic gardens and is home to many of Philadelphia’s oldest and rarest trees. Highlights of the Arboretum include its rose garden, which is an area bursting with vibrant colors and delicate blooms, a Victorian-style Fernery, which houses a variety of ferns, including rare and exotic species, and the garden railway exhibit, one of the largest outdoor miniature train displays in the United States, which captivates visitors of all ages with its intricate model trains, detailed landscapes, and miniature worlds. Chestnut Hill is also a gateway to the Wissahickon Valley Park, a 2,000-acre oasis that is part of the larger Fairmount Park system. The park offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding and is maintained by the Friends of the Wissahickon, a nonprofit that’s been preserving and enhancing the park for 100 years.
Located just one mile down the road from the Arboretum lies a 19th-century mansion and cultural gem known as the Woodmere Art Museum (9201 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118). Through its broad range of rotating exhibitions, lectures, and programs, the museum tells the story of the Delaware Valley’s art and artists. Woodmere’s permanent collection is made up of more than 8,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The indoor galleries are complemented by Woodmere’s Outdoor Wonder (WOW), which brings together monumental outdoor sculptures, horticulture, environmental conservation, and education.
Featured on Good Morning America’s “Main Street USA” series, Chestnut Hill’s Germantown Avenue offers visitors a mix of locally owned chic boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants that are all within walking distance of one another. More than 200 retailers are located throughout Chestnut Hill, including Robertson’s Flowers & Events (8501 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118), a decades-old family-owned flower and event business, NoName Gallery (8127 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118), a contemporary street art and home gallery, Quelque Chose Inc. (8437 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 1911), a 25-year old store offering colorful, fashionable clothes and accessories, and Kilian Hardware (8450 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118). The family-run hardware store opened in 1913 and has been operating for more than 100 years. Theatre lovers can also enjoy a wide variety of performances at Stagecrafters Theater (8130 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118), a seasoned theatrical company that has been captivating audiences with timeless productions, from classic masterpieces to modern works, for more than 90 years.
The neighborhood also boasts a diverse and award-winning culinary scene for foodies with a variety of dining options, including cozy cafes and eateries, including Matines Cafe (89 Bethlehem Pike, Philadelphia, PA 19118) and Chestnut Hill Brewery (8221 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118) to the award-winning, more than a century-old McNally’s Tavern ( 8634 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118), a historic pub famous for its “Schmitter” sandwich and a welcoming atmosphere. Foodies will love the upscale and contemporary Italian restaurant Adelinas (8235 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118), and those looking to sample locally-owned eateries offering diverse cuisines can head to Market at the Fareway (8221 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118), a modern farmers’ market offering a variety of local and fresh products and grocery items. For dessert, head to Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor (8126 Germantown Ave Side A, Philadelphia, PA 19118), which has been serving ice cream and candy treats since 1889.
Visitors to Chestnut Hill can extend a day trip by booking a stay at Chestnut Hill Hotel (8229 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118). The hotel features 36 unique rooms with modern amenities and splits its distinctive rooms into three separate buildings: the 27-room main building, which showcases 18th-century-style decor; the “Post Office” building, with a 1950s pop-culture theme inspired by Andy Warhol; and the historic “Carriage House” building, featuring a fireplace and reclaimed wood throughout each room.
The picturesque neighborhood shines year-round with its seasonal charm and vibrant array of events making it the perfect place to visit no matter what time of year. As springtime blossoms, the neighborhood hosts its popular Home + Garden event each year, attracting thousands of people to the area to immerse themselves in interactive workshops and connect with home design, decor, and garden vendors. When the leaves change, Chestnut Hill embraces the beauty of autumn with a series of festive events, including the annual Fall for the Arts Festival that celebrates the arts and brings artists, musicians, and artisans together to showcase their talents and offer unique handmade goods.
However, the holiday season in Chestnut Hill is unlike any other. The neighborhood transforms into a magical Hallmark-esq winter wonderland in the evenings with festive decorations, dazzling lights, and seasonal events that captivate visitors of all ages. One of the most anticipated events is Holidays on the Hill, where guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by strolling through one of Philadelphia’s most historic villages, akin to a Hallmark holiday movie. Visitors can listen to the enchanting melodies of carolers as they wander along Germantown Avenue, shop for Christmas trees and outdoor decor at Laurel Hill Gardens (8125 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118), and see the annual extravagant gingerbread window display at Bredenbeck’s Bakery while taking advantage of extended shopping hours to find the perfect gifts. From Small Business Saturday to the legendary Stag & Doe Nights held every Wednesday between Thanksgiving and Christmas, Chestnut Hill’s vibrant holiday traditions promise to captivate visitors of all ages.
Chestnut Hill is also known for its well-preserved historic architecture, featuring a variety of styles that span several centuries, including Chestnut Hill College’s 75-acre campus that’s been around since 1924.
Chestnut Hill is made up of grand Victorian homes, elegant estates, and classic Colonial houses. Walking through the tree-lined streets, visitors are able to admire the carefully preserved homes, many of which date back to the 19th century. The Chestnut Hill Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting the area’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage, and The Chestnut Hill Conservancy (8708 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118) boasts archives containing more than 52,000 photographs, maps, records, and more related to the history of Chestnut Hill.
Whether it’s just for one day or an entire weekend, Chestnut Hill is the perfect place for anyone looking to discover the best of what the city of Philadelphia has to offer. The charming neighborhood combines the old with the new, offering a blend of boutique shopping, elegant dining, and cultural attractions highlighting why it’s such a unique and special place to visit. To learn more about Chestnut Hill, please visit www.chestnuthillpa.org.
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