Summer in Philadelphia is blossoming with vibrant new experiences for locals and visitors alike.
From hidden courtyard wine gardens to unique cruising adventures, the city is buzzing with activity.
One standout destination is Frankie’s Summer Club, a delightful popup wine garden operated in the serene courtyard of Hamilton Hall, located behind the University of the Arts on South Broad Street.
This charming retreat features a selection of drinks, shareable snacks, and soft serve ice cream, making it an ideal getaway from the bustle of urban life.
Created by Scout, the design firm renowned for the Bok Building in South Philadelphia, Frankie’s Summer Club aims to transform Hamilton Hall into a lively hub akin to the Bok.
Hamilton Hall boasts nearly 200 years of history, becoming part of University of the Arts in 1893.
After the school closed last June, Scout acquired the property at auction with plans for revitalization.
The popup pays homage to Frank Furness, the architect behind the brick buildings flanking the courtyard, which were once student dormitories and are now being repurposed into affordable housing for artists—a project set against the backdrop of the Avenue of the Arts.
Frankie’s Summer Club is located at 355 S. 15th Street, with more information available on their Instagram.
For those looking to take in the sights of the city in a unique way, Traffic Jamz offers an exhilarating BYOB cruise experience.
Entrepreneur Kameisha Griffin has launched this innovative venture, set to put a fun spin on nightlife in Philadelphia.
Guests can enjoy the wind in their hair through floor-to-ceiling windows as they ride through Center City for 90 minutes, all starting from a pick-up and drop-off location at 3rd and Walnut.
Using the promo code “FYI PHILLY,” customers can enjoy 15% off their first Traffic Jamz experience, adding extra incentive to hop on board.
For coffee enthusiasts, Out West brings gourmet offerings to the Walnut Street area, founded by Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, the visionary behind Down North Pizza.
This new cafe, coffee bar, and marketplace features delicious breakfast sandwiches and a thoughtfully curated lunch menu, all while prioritizing fair chance hiring.
Abdul-Hadi garnered recognition in 2024 with a James Beard “Leadership Impact Award,” prompting excitement among locals to embrace his latest endeavor back in his childhood neighborhood.
Out West is situated at 5127 Walnut Street and is already becoming a favored spot for those seeking quality coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.
Meanwhile, The Bakery, located at 2300 S 3rd Street in South Philadelphia, continues a tradition of quality with its beloved donuts, now run by local resident Rocco Weiss.
After taking over from the previous owner, Weiss not only secured the building but also inherited a well-guarded donut recipe that spans over a century.
However, Weiss’s passion extends beyond donuts; his background in pizza led him to launch a popular pizza business from his backyard during the pandemic, culminating in the establishment of The Bakery.
Every Friday, he crafts Sicilian-style focaccia pizzas using his grandmother’s gravy recipe as a base, making each pie unique.
Additionally, Weiss hosts a special dinner series, “After Hours by Rocco,” consisting of a four-course blind tasting menu once a month, providing a distinctive culinary experience.
For those interested in ordering pizzas or attending his exclusive dinners, following The Bakery on Instagram is the best way to stay updated, as they do not have a website or phone number.
Moving beyond culinary delights, art lovers can head to Longwood Gardens, which has undergone a significant redesign of 17 acres, emphasizing design and discovery in every facet of their offerings.
The notable Cascade Garden, a highlight of the grounds, has been reimagined to feature the work of Brazilian artist and landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx.
This new installment offers visitors a recreation of Burle Marx’s original design from 1993, utilizing many of the same plants and stone materials, immersing guests in an environment that showcases conservationist efforts.
Longwood Gardens invites children of all ages to participate in nature exploration, providing 30-minute guided nature strolls and a variety of classes and workshops focused on environmental skills and appreciation.
The Gardens are located at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA, and offer a family-friendly experience to enjoy nature and artistry.
In Carbon County, Beltzville State Park provides an escape to the great outdoors with its scenic beachfront, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
Among the unique features of the park is a K-9 lifeguard named Kelby, ensuring safety while visitors enjoy the natural beauty of this location.
Beltzville State Park can be found at 2950 Pohopoco Dr, Lehighton, Pennsylvania, and promises a fun day for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
As art continues to flourish, Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, is showcasing a brand-new exhibition from a longtime artist-in-residence.
Ward, who has spent over 27 years at the sculpture park, presents his newest work titled “I’ll Make Me A World,” featuring his centerpiece “Animism” series—a collection of 24 striking figures standing between six to nine feet tall, representing twelve years of dedication to his craft.
This exhibition highlights the depth of Ward’s artistic journey and offers a glimpse into his studio, revealing the inspiration fueling his creations.
As summer unfolds, Philadelphia and its surrounding areas are brimming with opportunities for enjoyment, adventure, and cultural exploration.
image source from：6abc
