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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Philly

Find the best that Philadelphia has to offer.

I think I speak for all Philadelphians when I say we could use a little fall vacation outside of the city. Here are some unique Airbnb’s in the region to ground yourself and recenter:

Refresh yourself with soothing mountain scenery in this chic home featuring a kitchen and dining room, a gas fireplace, an outdoor hot tub, and 30 acres of woodlands to explore 🌳

Newport, PA (approx. 2 hour, 24 minute drive from Philly) 

Who said vacations have to break the bank? Inhale some fresh air at this quiet stone cottage, knowing that your wallet is as happy as you are. This garden home features a kitchenette, HDTV and high speed Wi-Fi, and a small desk space. Find solace away from the city noise and decompress with a loved one (or by yourself!)

Easton, PA (approx. 1 hour, 26 minute drive from Philly) 

Chill in a rustic yet modern home sitting atop a mountain stream. Enjoy relaxing amenities like the fireplace and outdoor hot tub, and take advantage of local shopping and dining. With Hershey Park and Amish country just 45 minutes away, there are plenty of fun things to explore on your trip ☕️

: Wernersville, PA (approx. 1 hour, 24 minute drive from Philly) 

Gather a bunch of family and friends and step into a fairytale-esque mansion built in the 1860s. You’ll find everything you need in this charming castle from kitchen appliances to board games and outdoor recreation on a 2.4 acre property 🤩

 Myerstown, PA (approx. 2 hour drive from Philly)

Why stay on the ground when you could nest in a tree house, surrounded by nature’s melodies? Explore dense forests, local antique shopping, and get that TLC from nearby Woodloch spa. This elevated tree house comes with a fireplace, board games, a stocked kitchen, a cedar barrel hot tub, a record player, and a luxurious clawfoot tub 🛀🏽

 Beach Lake, PA (approx. 3 hour, 3 minute drive from Philly) 

Will you be booking a trip? 

Best Airbnb’s for a Fall Getaway Near Philadelphia

Philly's Best

Grab your coziest flannel and get a camera ready. Here are the best Philadelphia-area orchards, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes you can visit for a dose of harvest-season fun:

Bring a large tote bag to this spot for some of the best apple-picking around. Enjoy a scenic hayride and stock up on honeycrisp, gala, and ginger gold apples. Stop 

 for pies, donuts, and other baked goodies 🍎

Tuesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., last hayride: 5:30 p.m.

Langhorne, PA (approx. 32 minute drive from Philly.)

Head to another iconic farm just seven minutes away from Styer, for the 

. Shady Brook has it all: a massive corn maze, a pumpkin patch, Halloween activities, live entertainment, wagon rides, and more 🎃

Yardley, PA (approx. 44 minute drive from Philly.)

It’s a pick-your-own haven at this popular Media spot. Choose from apples, peaches, corn, nectarines, and more! Explore the pumpkin patch, enjoy fun hayrides, immerse yourself in corn mazes, and munch on caramel apples 🌽

Media, PA (approx. 37 minute drive from Philly.)

Hop on the Harvest Hayride at this Glen Mills farm. Enjoy pumpkin-picking, and classic corn maze fun with the family. Picnic areas are available for parties, which includes a truck and tractor playground, corn cannons, and a pillow bounce house.

Sept. 23 through Oct. 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Glen Mills, PA (approx. 49 minute drive from Philly.)

$20 for kids 12 and under, adults free, $5 corn maze.

Let this West Chester oasis fulfill all your fall 2023 dreams, with corn maze exploration, hayrides, apple cannons, and guided farm tours. Hit up the bakery for doughnuts, pies, muffins, and cookies 🍪

West Chester, PA (approx. 59 minute drive from Philly.)

Take your fall harvest adventures to a new dimension at the Chester Springs farm. Meander through the corn maze and pumpkin patch, meet cute farm animals, enjoy a hayride, and come home with gourds, squash, cornstalk bundles, mini pumpkins, and more from the creamery.

Chester Springs, PA (approx. 55 minute drive from Philly.)

Head to this Landsdale farm to pet adorable farm animals, explore a massive corn maze, and stock up on fresh produce. Mark your calendar for Sept. 23, and join the Lighting of the Great Pumpkin 🍂

Landsdale, PA (approx. 50 minute drive from Philly.)

Grab your coziest flannel and get a camera ready. Here are some Philadelphia-area orchards, pumpkin patches, and corn mazes you can visit for a dose of fall fun:


Best Fall Harvest Activities Outside of Philadelphia

Fall Getaways: Farms and Orchards

Why stay at ground level when you could enjoy your meal with an incredible view? Exactly. Check out some of the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Philly:

Take a dip into luxury at this Logan Square hotspot. Head to the 9th floor to catch panoramic Philly views while sipping on a fancy cocktail. Keep your eyes peeled for fun events like drag tea parties and happy hours 🍾

This South Philly seasonal rooftop bar (April through October) offers spectacular skyline views, a large beer and wine selection, salsa nights, and yummy bar food from rotating chefs. Sign me up! 🍻

Treat yourself to modern Cantonese cuisine and culturally-inspired cocktails at this year-round rooftop restaurant and bar in Chinatown 🍜

Indulge in ceviche and mezcals at this 11th floor Rittenhouse Square taquería and bar. Enjoy Sunday brunch with a view on their lush terrace. It’s open all year, thanks to a retractable roof 🌮

This Old City haven is brimming with Philly history, dating back to the 1700s. Enjoy wood-fired pizza, Korean tacos, and craft beer on its year-round rooftop 🍕

What are your go-to rooftop spots in Philly?

Chill Out at the Best Rooftop Spots in Philadelphia

Philly has two iconic waterways, the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, and many smaller creeks providing countless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and fun. So strap on your hiking boots, grab your fishing gear, and get ready for some river adventures.

Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philly offers 

 at various locations around Northeast Philly and the suburbs through Oct. 24. Supplies provided 🎣

There’s also free catch-and-release fishing at 

 every Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

, located on Darby Creek, is a fantastic spot for bird-watching, with over 80 different species, including bald eagles.

Where else can you go birding? Philly Queer Birders founder Elise Greenberg shares 

the best spots in Philly to observe our feathered friends

Chill out in the hammock garden at Spruce Street Harbor Park, and enjoy the Delaware River breeze. Book a reservation online to 

Philly has two iconic waterways, the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, and many smaller creeks providing countless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and fun. So strap on your hiking boots, grab your fishing gear, and get ready for some river adventures.


Best River Activities in Philadelphia

Nothing compares to eating a fresh tomato, or a perfectly in-season peach. There are at least 

 around Philadelphia where you can find mouthwatering produce. Here are some of our favorites:

This West Philly staple has been around for more than twenty years, and is one of the city’s largest 🛍️

🪧 Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., year-round

At this Pennsport market, the motto is “Real Farmers. Real Food.” You can find spices, ice cream, potatoes, bread, beer, and even dog treats 🥔

This Society Hill market features about 50 vendors per week 🍷

At this Center City gem, you can find fresh produce, deliciously flavored honey, bagels, flower bouquets, and more 🍯

Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., year-round

This Northwest Philly market features 22 local food producers and artisans where you can bring home fresh produce, jams and jellies, cold-pressed juices, hot sauces, and perennial plants 🍏

Saturdays, 10am to 2pm, May through November 12

Nothing compares to that beautiful feeling you get when you bite into a fresh seasonal fruit or vegetable. There are at least 11 farmers markets around Philadelphia, but here are some of our favorites.

Best Farmers Markets in Philadelphia

Discover the ultimate stage for your inner rockstar! This week, we're diving into Philly's vibrant karaoke scene.

 at this South Philly lounge every Sunday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Pro-tip: put in those song requests 

Celebrate birthday vibes year-round at this more-than-80-year-old dive bar in South Philly. Every Friday at 9 p.m., you can flex those pipes for a supportive and energetic crowd.

Sing like no one is watching at this NoLibs spot every Monday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Pick whatever your heart desires from a huge song list. 21+, no cover charge.

Hey Philly reader Sean S. loves this Chinatown spot “because you can make an entire night out of it. Grab sushi for dinner downstairs then head upstairs for drinks and karaoke.”

Philly’s Best Karaoke Bars

With all the “Barbenheimer” craze this summer, Philadelphians 

 at local theaters. Here are a few spots to catch your next flick in Philly 🍿

Step into new worlds while lounging in cozy, recliners at AMC Broad Street 7 in North Philly. 

There’s still time to see what all the “Barbenheimer'' fuss is about. Or, grab a pair of 3D glasses and catch the action movie “Meg 2: The Trench.”

Catch the best of independent, foreign, and documentary films at the Landmark Ritz Five. Founded in 1976, this theater was one of the first to bring niche-market independent films to Philly 🎥

Cinephiles often gather at Lightbox at the University of the Arts, an indie theater which features classic, arthouse, and experimental films. It also hosts annual festivals, like the BlackStar Film Festival ✨

The Philadelphia Film Center, run by PFS, features modern films as well as live performances. PFS is a nonprofit that works to bring films, media education, and filmmaking opportunities to Philadelphians.

The AMC theater at the Fashion District has eight screens, including a Dolby Cinema theater, which has enhanced sound and screen brightness. Guests can order food and drink and have it delivered to their seat in the theater. Plus, the reclining seats have a heated option for those who get cold in movie theaters (like me!)

Philly’s Best Movie Theaters

If you love art, you’re definitely in the right city. Philly has more than 

 as well as world-class private collections you can pay to visit. Here are some of the best museums to get your fix of beauty.

This museum is a serene art oasis. It features the largest collection of works by the French sculptor Auguste Rodin, the “father of modern sculpture,” outside of Paris. Browse through more than 120 pieces, including sculptures, drawings, and paintings 🖼️

You may walk into this museum thinking you’ll see a bunch of clothes, but the reality is so much more. You can explore fabric-related sculptures, videos, paintings, photography, ceramics, and architecture. Check out exhibitions throughout the year and participate in DIY workshops.

Art enthusiasts of all types will find something to revel in here, from classic paintings by Picasso and Van Gogh, to a 14th-century Buddhist temple. The museum hosts exhibitions and events throughout the year and it has a gorgeous outdoor sculpture garden 🗿

Modern art fans will love the ICA’s innovative multimedia exhibitions, including sculptures, performances, films, and paintings. It also offers educational programs, artist talks, lectures, films and tours. Note: the museum is closed for installation through Aug. 17, 2023 🎭

Head to the Barnes to explore a magnificent collection of over 9,000 pieces of art, including modern European paintings, Native American ceramics, Pennsylvania German furniture, and Greek antiques. Be ready to be dazzled by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse. It also has an arboretum, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the grounds 🌳

Best Art Museums in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is an artistic city, and we love that about her. Here are some of the best places to watch Philly’s most wonderfully dramatic artists and performances.

Performances at this midsize theater in Center City have ranged from international dramas to American plays. They are known for showcasing live art and thought-provoking performances.

Catch a performance of the psychological drama 

As one of the nation’s most honored Black professional theater companies, New Freedom Theatre has played a major part in showcasing Black artists, including Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr.

This National Historic Landmark has been putting on shows for Philadelphians since 1857, and is the oldest known opera house continuously in use in the U.S. Here you’ll also find the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Ballet, and “Broadway at the Academy.”

Tony Award-winning musical, “The Lion King,”

It began in 1911 as a social club devoted to expanding and developing new theater experiences through membership. Today, it is a coalition of theater artists and enthusiasts that invests in local talent.

The Best Theaters in Philadelphia

The Best Philly Theaters

Are you a vinyl head, or someone who just loves exploring and supporting local record stores? You’re living in the right town because Philly knows and loves good music. After all, so many great acts got their start here. (For more on that, read the next segment!)

Here are the best stores in Philly to revel in the magic of music:

This store holds an impressive collection of new and used vinyl records. If you’re a classic rock fan, this is the spot for you. They’ve also got band shirts, patches, posters, and other accessories to help you rock out in full gear.

This is the spot to hit up for the best funk, soul, and hip-hop collection. Owner Mac Ochester previously spent years selling his catalog online and bought the extensive collection of the late Bruce Cornell Webb, owner of the iconic Webb’s Department Store on Ridge Avenue, one of the city’s few Black-owned record shops.

Hit up this record store and smoke shop to explore punk and counterculture records, attend events, stock up on apparel, and more. Sign up for their newsletter to find out when they’ll open their third 

If you’re building up your collection, you’ll want to hit up this well-stocked record store. You’ll find box sets and a great selection of new releases and used vinyl. 

This South Philly spot has more than just records, from graphic novels to home goods, VHS tapes, games, and clothing, there’s something for everyone here.

🗺️ And because you’re such a pal, I’ve made you a 

Google Map of Philly’s best record stores

 so you can save it to your phone the next time you’re record-store hopping! 

Which Philly record store is your fave?

Are you a vinyl head, or someone who just loves exploring and supporting local record stores? Check out the best record stores in Philly to revel in the magic of music.