Nestled in northwest Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and local charm. My family and I visited this beautiful part of Philadelphia this fall and found it to be one of the most charming and interesting places in the whole city.

Here were some of our favorite things we did and information in case you want to do it too.

Morris Arboretum

The Morris Arboretum was possibly the highlight of our trip. These beautiful gardens are spread across 92 acres and are a great way to spend a fall day. Our favorite gardens in the Morris Arboretum were all very different, and that is what made the gardens so special.

Out on a Limb is a 450-foot-long forest canopy walk suspended 50 feet above the ground, that gives you a great perspective of the forest. There were overlooks to see the forest below, a climbing net, and lots of spots to learn about how the forest works. It was a big hit for me and my kids.

If I were traveling with little kids we would have spent more time at the Garden Railway. Multiple trains are running tracks all over the garden, and small Philadelphia buildings are made out of natural materials.

We also enjoyed the Fernery, which is in a beautfiul glass greenhouse and is the oldest Victorian Fernery in the United States. Filled with ferns of so many varieties it was nearly bursting. There were so many ferns I have never seen before.

The arboretum has lots of opportunities to learn about nature with guided tours, and fun activites for kids. We saw kids coloring in fall leaves on our trip.

Wissahickon Valley Park

Just a short distance from Morris Arboretum, Wissahickon Valley Park is the largest park in the city of Philadelphia, and people seem to really love it in the fall. Hikers, bikers,  and walkers were everywhere and we added them as we picked one of over 50 miles of trails to explore.

I would recommend visiting:

1. Forbidden Drive: A wide, flat trail that follows Wissahickon Creek, perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. This area was packed when were visited, and it was challenging to find parking, so go early in the day.
2. Valley Green Inn: A historic inn dating back to 1850, now serving as a charming creekside restaurant.
3. Covered Bridge: One of the last remaining covered bridges in Philadelphia, beautiful and seemingly the spot for selfies in the park.

Woodmere Art Museum: Celebrating the Art and Artists of Philadelphia

After immersing yourself in nature, head to nearby Woodmere Art Museum.  A 19th-century stone mansion is the home of the collections of the art and artists of Philadelphia.

There is permanent collection that has mostly oil paintings from the 18th century, photography from newer artists and a fun children’s play area. Unfortunately when we visited they were between collections and there wasn’t too much to see.

While it won’t take up tons of your day, a 30 minute visit is about all my kids are ever up to.

Stagecrafters Theater

After your very busy day you might want some evening entertainment. We checked out a performance at Stagecrafters Theater. This community theater has been entertaining audiences since 1929, with plays from well known playwrites to contemporary.

While the theater is historic, the performances were only okay. The play we saw had some good actors and some very poor ones making it feel very uneven.  Nevertheless, it’s a great way to support local arts and enjoy a night out at the theater

Germantown Avenue

Germantown Avenue is the main thoroughfare of Chestnut Hill, lined with charming stone buildings housing over 200 shops and businesses. Plus there are some pretty awsome restaurants lining the street.

It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and some retail therapy, grab a snack or get a pedicure.

Some of the best things you will find on Germantown Avenue  are:

Villavillekula A delightful toy store for children of all ages.  Plus books, clothing and accesories.If you have young kids you will have a hard time leaving in under an hour. The store is open and bright and a real treat for those of us that buy toys on Amazon.

Artisans on the Avenue: Jewelry, handmade touches and clothing.While my kids were not thrilled at the stop, I loved seeing local artist and their beautiful creations. It is primarily a clothing store, but the trinkets in the front of the store were charming.

Jenks Playground:  If you’re visiting with children, make sure to stop by Jenks Playground. This recently renovated play space is perfect for younger kids, featuring modern equipment and a safe, enclosed area. We took our kids here a number of times when they were younger and it looks amazing now. The renovation was very well done.

What to Eat While you Visit

While the food in Chestnut Hill didn’t wow us as a whole, there were a few spots that were standouts for charm, atmosphere and service. Here are the tops picks.

McNally’s Tavern

No visit to Chestnut Hill is complete without trying the legendary “Schmitter” sandwich at McNally’s Tavern. This local institution has been serving comfort food and drinks since 1921.

The Schmitter is a unique twist on a cheesesteak, featuring sliced beef, extra cheese, grilled salami, tomatoes, fried onions, and a special sauce on a Kaiser roll. It’s a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Cake: A breakfast and lunch hotspot

 

For a delightful breakfast or lunch, head to Cake. This cozy eatery is famous for its creative pancakes and stuffed French toast. The menu changes seasonally, always featuring fresh, local ingredients.

The best part of Cake is the scenery. It is housed in an old greenhouse complete with plants and tables mingled among them. It all feels very European in the best way.

Adelina’s: The Best Meal We Had

Adelina’s is an Italian gem that is as good as Italian restaurants downtown. The restaurant transforms fresh, seasonal ingredients into delicious and humble Italian dishes.While you will find pasta and pizza, the best things we ate were the grilled octopus which was tender and had a spectacular calabrian chili oil, and the whole branzino.

The restaurant requres reservations for dinner, but you can likely get into lunch on the weekends without calling ahead.

When you visit Stay at the Chestnut Hill Hotel

The Chestnut Hill Hotel is a great place for families to stay. It is right in the center of Chestnut Hill and you can walk almost everywhere in town. The location is what makes it such a perfect spot.

The rooms for families are large and spacious and easily fit a family of four. The hotel is adjacent to the Market at the Fareway, a food hall that serves pizza, chocolates, sushi, coffee and a number of other things.  So, when hunger strikes you don’t have to go far.

We loved Chestnut Hill. It was a great blend of outdoor experiences, beautiful gardens, some culture and good food.  Its accessibility via public transportation makes it an easy day trip, but with so much to see and do, you might find yourself planning a return visit before you leave.

 

This trip was sponsored by Chestnut Hill Business District but all opinions are my own.