20 romantic dates in Philadelphia

It appears that Summer may finally be here and as we head in to Memorial Day weekend.  Here are 20 ideas to share with the ones you love.  I hope you enjoy and please feel free to mention your own suggestions in the comments.

One Liberty Observation Deck, 

1650 Market Street, Philadelphia.  Here the sky isn’t the limit – it’s the main event. Discover all the attractions in Philadelphia right from the Philadelphia skyline. When it comes to places to take pictures in Philadelphia, the sights are second to none. As you look for things to do in Philly at night you’ll see the city like never before  from the observation deck. They cater to groups, parties, engagements, and all kinds of special events as well.

Hop Sing Laundromat – 1029 Race Street, Philadelphia. This is an upscale speakeasy with phenomenal service.  The swanky bar has built a reputation with its meticulously made cocktails. I agree heartily with one recent reviewer, “One of the best places to share cocktails with somebody. The ambience of this place makes it really enjoyable and the cocktails selection are an experience to remember. If you like tequila, “el diablo” is a good place to start.”  A truly unique experience.

Cooking class –  a tad pricey as a session will cost around $250, plus food.  For a small fee that they will come to you as well.  Lessons typically take between 3 and 4 hours.  The chef will work with you to customize a menu for your lesson and they can accommodate all dietary restrictions and allergies.  Learning culinary techniques from experts is fun, useful, and you’ll learn a lot.  It’s like you have entered your favorite Food Network cooking reality show (I’ll let you decide which one).  http://phillycookinglessons.com/

Fine Dining

– Del Frisco’s is a opulently outfitted chain restaurant specializing in prime steaks & seafood along with fine wines based in an old bank across from City Hall.  Stephen Starr restaurants are the gold standard in Philly and Buddakan, 325 Chestnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19106 has a reputation as being one of his absolute best. Serving modern Asian fusion, it is known for a 10-foot tall golden Buddha and a large selection of dumplings (try the edamame dumplings).  www.buddakan.comhttp://starr-mobile.com/locations/#philly. If Mexican is your thing, try Stephen Starr’s El Vez, 13^th & Chestnut and Tequila’s (not Stephen Starr) at 16^th & Locust.  I’ve dined many times at Tequila’s (built where Magnolia’s Café used to be with the tree that you toss your beads up in the branches after your meal).  There is no better dining experience.  The queso fundido is something you must try.

Meet Louis.  Gorillas are up to 15x stronger than humans.

Philly Zoo – 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104.  Located on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, it was the first true zoo in the United States.  They have come so far making the Zoo an interactive experience and giving the animals more things to do.  A yearly membership is the same price as two trips to the Zoo and every time I go I have a memorable interaction with the animals; a gorilla, a giraffe, an elephant…

Concerts at the Keswick Theatre or Mann Music Center – the Keswick Theatre is in Glenside, Pennsylvania.  It has seating for 1300 and provides a small theatre feel while not feeling too small. Concert performances fill the calendar but this is not only a concert venue. Comedians love the intimacy of the Keswick and have made many stops during nationwide tours. In 1983 the Keswick was added to the National Registry of Historic places.

The Mann Center for the Performing Arts is located in West

Fairmount Park and was built in 1976 as the summer home for the Philadelphia Orchestra.  It’s a terrific outdoor venue to see the Indigo Girls, Harry Connick, Jr., Jimmy Buffet, and so many great artists.

Salsa dancing

– now if you’re brave, really brave, have rhythm, and want to score major points with your someone special, try Salsa.  I first encountered this beautiful dancing when I walked into a bar (any bar) in the Olympic Village in Barcelona, Spain.  There are many local options from lessons to night clubs in Philly.  Here’s a good guide http://salsadelphia.com/.  You put your left foot in then you, &%$&@, ahhh I forget!

King of Prussia Mall – retail is on the decline but there are still a few malls in the US that are thriving like the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN and the Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, FL.  The King of Prussia Mall offers a large selection of fine dining establishments.  They have designer stores with lines around the corner and just about every modern retail experience you could hope for.  If shopping and dining are your thing, you can’t go wrong spending an afternoon discovering the newly updated KOP mall.  For a great snack, try the Bang Bang Cauliflower and New England Clam Chowder at Legal Seafoods.

Longwood Gardens

– breathtaking flowers and a visit to a quaint Bed & Breakfast is a wonderful excursion.  Depending on the season, Longwood Gardens located in Kennett Square, PA has a variety of flowers, lights, and special exhibits to treasure with someone special.  Whether it’s spring flowers or winter lights, strolling through the beautiful greenery , this is the place for sparking conversation and romance.

Main Street Pho – 4307 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127.  This is one of the Philadelphia’s newest restaurants and it’s located on Main Street in Manayunk, PA.  Main Street is along the lines of South Street in Philadelphia.  It’s young, vibrant, and full of bars, craft beers, and fun dining establishments.   Main Street Pho’s food is Vietnamese and it’s food is off the charts – a must go.   http://6abc.com/food/main-street-pho-brings-classic-vietnamese-fare-to-manayunk/3399409/

Dave & Busters – is located at 325 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd at the foot of the Ben Franklin bridge in Philadelphia.  If games and sports are your thing, the waterfront Philly D&B offers a every option you can possibly think of including, every video game, carnival game, bowling, Dance Dance Revolution, pool, golf, and a sports bar. The sheer size of it will give you plenty to do and it will likely have your favorite arcade activity of all-time.

Pats and Gino’s

– Get a real cheesesteak and wait in a long line at 3am.  Yes please!  This is the ultimate Philadelphia experience located and 9^th & Wharton Streets in Philadelphia.  Walk up to the window and a person working there will ask, “Whatchu want?”  The appropriate response is “Wiz wit.” That’s a cheesesteak, served on a delicious roll (the roll is key) with cheese whiz and onions.

Love Park. Love Statue. … Love Park, officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, is a

plaza located in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park is nicknamed Love Park for its reproduction of Robert Indiana’s Love sculpture which overlooks the plaza.  Iconic.

Boathouse Row Boathouses – 

The best walking and biking route in the city is along the Schuylkill River. The cluster of 15 rowing clubs host a variety of rowing and running events each year.  I particularly like the Dragon Boat races.

Italian Market – this is the popular name for the South 9th Street Curb Market, an area of South Philadelphia featuring many grocery shops, cafes, restaurants, bakeries, cheese shops, butcher shops, etc., many with an Italian influence.  You will always meet new friends and enjoy delicious delicacies.  It’s great for Sunday brunch too.

Philly Art Museum – 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia. The wonderful Philadelphia Museum of Art is a must-visit for art

aficionados. Couples stroll hand-in-hand through the museum’s extensive collections and galleries.  Try relaxing on a Friday evening together at Art After 5 featuring live music, food and drinks and extended evening hours.

Escape Room – In the film Speed, Sandra Bullock’s character said: “Relationships that start under intense circumstances, they never last.” While that statement is debatable, you and your date can play out your own Speed scenario by being locked together in a room for an hour and having to problem-solve your way out of it. https://escapetheroom.com/philadelphia

Happy hour in Center City – The Continental Midtown, 1801 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, has great Martinis & tapas-style dishes served in a modern 2-level space with a chic roof deck.  There are so many good options for happy hour so be sure to stop by this fun place as you explore.  Also, the Irish Pub, 20th & Walnut and The Plough & the Stars, 2nd & Chestnut are but an Uber away.

South Street

– is a street in Philadelphia, which was originally named “Cedar Street” in William Penn’s original street grid.  It is the northern border for South Philadelphia.  The stretch of South Street between Front Street and Seventh Street is known for its “bohemian”, “punk”, and generally “alternative” atmosphere and its diverse urban mix of shops, bars, and eateries. It is one of Philadelphia’s largest tourist attractions.  If you head up to 10^th & South be sure to check out Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens https://www.phillymagicgardens.org/visitor-information/.