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If you forgot to make a reservation at one of the city’s most romantic restaurants for Saturday, don’t worry about it. You can still take that special someone to a classy, romantic spot in Philly. (Or just go yourself because strong, independent person.)
Here are 8 places you can take your Valentine on this especially commercialist holiday so you two can hold hands and barf pink together:
1. BlueCross RiverRink Winterfest
This one is pretty obvi, but what’s more romantic than curling up by a fire and drinking cider at The Lodge? Then you and your favorite person can go ice skating next to the Delaware River. It’s beautiful — just pray you don’t fall.
2. Race Street Pier
The pier that’s located adjacent to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge offers an awesome view of the Delaware, so if you’re willing to brave the cold, this two-level pier is worth it. Feel free to stop by at night — the pier is open til 11 p.m. and is outfitted with fully-lighted rails and solar lighting in the paving.
3. The Franklin Institute
Preliminary weather forecasts show it’s going to be in the low 30s on Saturday with a chance of snow in the evening. So… we understand if you don’t want to stand outside near the river. Maybe you can stare at the stars in a different way? Visit the Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute. It’ll be just like sitting outside and stargazing, except you don’t have to freeze your ass off.
4. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
This South Street staple is a can’t miss, and has some serious couple-y potential. A local artist has been tiling the area for about fifty years, turning it into a half a city block of urban art and mosaics made from a variety of materials. After you take a stroll through the gardens, you can head up South Street for a bite to eat. The restaurants might be packed, but you can at least get a cheesesteak, which I for one find incredibly romantic and exciting. (Buy me a sandwich so I know it’s real.)
5. Fairmount Park
While it’s still light out, make your way to Fairmount Park and show your lover the Whispering Benches located near the Smith Civil War Memorial Arch. Sit on either side of the curved benches and experience the phenomenon of whispering sweet nothings to each other but somehow still being able to hear them clearly.
6. Italian Market
Are there any two things more romantic than chocolate and cheese? You’ll get plenty of both if you take a stroll through Italian Market in South Philly, and even if you’re a seasoned Philadelphian, it’s worth checking out this Italian Market Immersion tour where you can taste samples of all kinds of foods. Reserve your spot for $25, and the tour meets at 9th and South Streets.
7. The Philadelphia Zoo
Animal lovers, get ready for the most adorable thing ever. You can tour some of the Philadelphia zoo’s most famous “couples” (omg) this Valentine’s Day through a self-guided tour. More information here.
8. Washington Avenue Pier
In South Philly? Check out this new (as of August) pier in Pennsport overlooking the Delaware River. Formerly called Pier 53, the area is perfect for you and your valentine to climb the spiral staircase, check out the view and smooch at the top. It’ll be perfect, you guys.
Photos courtesy of Visit Philly
