You know that feeling you get when you come back from a warm-weather vacation to cold gray winter at home? I anticipated that feeling would happen when I returned to Philadelphia in the middle of January after being away in the glorious warmth for a month-long destination wedding and honeymoon. But you know me—the perpetual planner—and I had a plan. Since I used a ton of PTO for my wedding and honeymoon, I had to get crafty. I devised a series of weekend road trip adventures to satiate my travel bug until my next big trip. For my first road trip, I partnered with Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board for a weekend road trip in Montgomery County, PA—and it really kicked winter to the curbed and awakened all of my senses!

Montgomery County, PA—aka Montco—is just northwest of Philadelphia. It’s home to some of the United States’ most important historical sites, including Valley Forge Park. These sites are usually the area’s claim to fame. What most visitors don’t realize is there’s much more than just American history. We’re talking world-class dining, a vibrant arts scene, authentic medieval architecture, and SO. MUCH. SHOPPING. Need some thrills to break up that winter chill? Let’s go!

Planning Guide for your Montgomery County, PA, USA Road Trip

• Where to stay: Courtyard Marriott Philadelphia Lansdale. It’s not a winter escape if you don’t stay over! So make sure to book one of the hotels included in Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board’s Winter Hotel Package. Your overnight stay entitles you to some incredible deals on the best restaurants, entertainment, attractions, breweries, wineries, and distilleries (details below!).
• Flight details: Fly into Philadelphia International Airpot (PHL)
• Time of year visited: Winter
• Time in Montco: 2 days
• Montco itinerary: You can do this itinerary in 2 days, as a fantastic weekend trip or combined it with your trip to Philadelphia.

Save this map to use on your Montgomery County, PA road trip:

1. Click the star to the right of the map title
2. Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone
3. Click on the three lines in the upper left corner and select “Your Places”
4. Select “Maps” and the map will be saved there for you to use on your trip. Have fun!

Taste

In the cold winter weather, it’s all about being indoors, so why not make eating and drinking an experience? There are so many amazing dining choices in the Montgomery County, PA area. I’m all about going for that unique, local flavor when I travel, and this weekend getaway was no different.

Boardroom Spirits blew me away with their inventive and delicious spirits. The owners are Armenian and Hungarian, and they bring a sense of purity and craftsmanship to the whole operation. After taking a tour of the facility, which includes some impressive Hungarian equipment, it was time for a tasting. Boardroom only uses whole ingredients, like actual fruits and vegetables, to make their spirits, and you can taste the difference. The Fresh Ginger vodka tastes like actual fresh ginger with that bite and tang. The highlight for me was the Periodic Table of Spirits, specifically, the Beet Brandy. It tasted exactly like a beet! You can get all kinds of cocktails featuring their spirits in the on-site bar—don’t leave without trying the Beetle Gin & Juice. Boardroom Spirits is offering free tours and buy-one-get-one 50% off cocktails as part of the Winter Hotel Package—click here for details.

With all of this talk about fruits and veggies, I’m sure you’re getting hungry. There are some fantastic options in the area if you’re looking for a top culinary experience featuring local ingredients. Mistral KOP‘s menu is full of ingredients from Montgomery County’s local farms, aquaculturists, and butchers. Their chopped kale salad and friend chicken and waffles made a perfect brunch. I also had a fabulous dinner at The Farmer’s Daughter. Not only is the location at The Normandy Farm Hotel so charming and romantic; the food here is like a work of art. Dinner was delish, but just look at the dessert (below)! Their award-winning executive pastry chef, Sam Nahhas, creates these edible mini works of art—a must-try!

Sound

After all of that indulging, you really need something a little more active. The shows at the Keswick Theatre will have you on your feet! Nestled in a quaint little downtown street, the Keswick Theatre has been open since 1928. I love the juxtaposition between the throughly modern shows/lineup offered here against the historic architecture; the building was designed by the same architect as the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art. The Keswick is currently offering $10 off per ticket as part of the Winter Hotel Package, so make sure you get to a show ASAP—details here.

Touch

Imagine a shopping experience with over 450 stores and restaurants—that’s a lot to get your hands on! The luxury shopping at King of Prussia Mall is so tactile from the fine leather and suede to the soft and fuzzy home goods. King of Prussia is the largest mall on the east coast and second largest mall in America.

After undergoing a recent expansion, there have been some amazing new additions, including the Concierge Guest Service Center. This spot is all about making sure shoppers have what they need. You can get complimentary water, coffee, or a cookie, charge your phone, or just kick up their feet and rest in one of the lounge areas. The Concierge is also where you pick up your savings passport, which offers amazing deals at stores across the mall complex. They’re also offering free swag bags right now as part of the Winter Hotel Package—get all the details here. 

Smells

No vacation experience is complete without some souvenirs, and I got to take home some of the most fun treats. First up Scent & Sip, where you can create your own signature home and body fragrances. This place is so unique, and I can’t wait to go back! It’s like the modern version of those painting and wine classes. First, you choose what you like from over 130 fragrances and decide what “scentables” you want to make, from candles to soaps to lotions. Each of the fragrances you choose is set up at your work station in bottles, where you can sniff them and create flavor combinations.

The staff is so hands-on in helping you figure out what goes best together. In the end, I can home with two candles, a hand soap, and a sugar scrub. So far my favorite is the hand soap, which is a mix of honey crisp apple, key lime, and summer dew. For those of you flying home/worried about making the liquid requirement, there are tons of non-liquid/small bottle options here, too!

The Village Teahouse, which is a deliciously indulgent dining experience in itself (those pastries!) is truly a feast for your nose as well. From the minute you walk in the door, you’re enveloped in the amazing scent of all of the teas this place has to offer. You can buy any of the teas served there to bring home with you. My favorite was the peach ginger, and I took home a bag. It’s such a relaxing spot for lunch or afternoon tea, so make sure you stop in, and let yourself unwind with the delicious herbal and floral aromas that abound.

Sights

Okay, so everything on this itinerary is technically a “sight”, but I saved this distinction for two truly impressive pieces of artistic architecture in the Bryn Athyn Historic District—Glencairn Museum and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. The area was founded as a religious community in the late 19th century. The members of the most prominent family were dedicated to building both the community’s cathedral and the family home in authentic medieval style, straight out of 13th century Europe. These guys went so far as to buy pieces of authentic medieval stained glass and mix thousands of potential colors together, so that they could create perfect matches to the colors used in medieval churches.

You all know I’m not a fan of modern art, but give me some serious beauty of yesteryear, and I eat it up. Glencairn Museum is so amazing. When I learned this was the former home of the family that donated my favorite exhibit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, I was all over it. Definitely take the highlights tour. It gives your tour guide a chance to show and tell you about what excites him/her about the home. This really gives it an insider feel.

The pièce de résistance of this home is the enormous living room downstairs where the family used to entertain. This room includes three surrounding walls of stained huge stained glass windows. Oh, don’t worry about the other wall—it’s covered floor to ceiling in a mosaic including gold leaf tiles. Upstair you get to see more of the family’s personal collection, including an actual mummy—mike drop.

Just down the road is the gorgeous Bryn Athyn Cathedral, which is still a working house of worship for the community today. A tour here is an absolute must as well. I’ve never learned so much about medieval architecture, even though I’ve traveled quite a bit throughout Europe. Did you know that medieval architecture is all about subtle inconsistencies because its softer and more pleasing to the eye? It takes significantly longer to design and build this way since molds can’t be used. But it’s all for the look. And once you’re in this cathedral, you’ll agree that it was all worth it.

This post was created in partnership with Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board.

The post Awakening the 5 Senses & Beating the Winter Blues in Montgomery County, PA, USA appeared first on Mari on the Map.

The true underdog of the northeast, Philadelphia is often overshadowed by NYC, DC, and Boston when it comes to travel and tourism. Full disclosure, I had no idea that Philadelphia was much more that the Liberty Bell and South Street (two huge tourist traps). That was until I moved there and got a taste of all of the real gems the city has to offer. Consider this your insider’s guide to the most noteworthy in culture, food, and history in the City of Brotherly Love.

Philadelphia Planning Guide

• Where to stay: Hotel Palomar
• Flight details: Fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
• Time of year visited: Summer
• Time in Philadelphia: I live here! But this itinerary can be done in about 3 days.

Save this map to use on your Philadelphia trip:

1. Click the star to the right of the map title
2. Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone
3. Click on the three lines in the upper left corner and select “Your Places”
4. Select “Maps” and the map will be saved there for you to use on your trip. Have fun!

Favorite Moments in Philadelphia

The Great Outdoors

Philadelphia is already well-known for its historical significance in America’s revolution. But one of my favorite things about the city is so many of its most charming historical places are outdoors. Conveniently, they are all readily available for you to wander through at your leisure!

Don’t Miss:

Philadelphia Outdoor History

Elfreth’s Alley is the oldest continuously inhabited street in the country (since the early 1700s), and one of my favorites. The façades of the homes here (still inhabited today!) all retain their historical significance. Not to mention, they make for some gorgeous photos!

There are additional hidden pieces of history within these walls if you have a keen eye. Look towards the upper floors on some of the homes, and you’ll see plaques featuring hands or a tree. These plaques represent some of the first fire insurance companies in the nation. According to rumor, if you weren’t a friend of the fire company (in the financial sense), then the volunteers let your home burn to the ground (ouch!).

Next, move to the back left side of the alley. A shaded walkway called Bladen’s Court is tucked away here. With its circular courtyard and old water pump, the court transports you even further back in time. Notably, two homes here were originally inhabited by brothers who chose opposite sides during the Revolutionary War. In fact, one of them was hanged for his collaboration with the British. Talk about family drama!

In the same manner, continue your amble around Old City and Society Hill, the two primarily historical neighborhoods in the city. This area includes the Independence National Historical Park. Well-known historical attractions like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are found here. While walking, make sure to look up, down, and all around. Thus, you’ll find one of my favorite discoveries on this walk—the markers on the sidewalk on Market Street between 5th and 6th. These markers denote the residents of the homes that were there. All of these men of diverse backgrounds, incomes, and occupations lived here side by side. As you can imagine, this was uniquely American back in 1787.

Finally, make sure to check out these great spots along your walk: First, B. Free Franklin Post Office & Museum is the only Colonial-themed post office in the country operated by the United States Postal Service. Christ Church once hosted a star-studded cast of worshipers including Ben Franklin, Betsy Ross, and GW himself. The lovely gardens here are the burial grounds for seven signers of the Declaration of Independence. Next, Betsy Ross House is where you can see the original American flag. Don’t miss the curious cat fountain in the courtyard. Finally, check out Arch Street Friends Meeting House. This Quaker meeting house is still in operation today. Their ideals of the absolute right of conscience, the equality of man, and nonviolence, and the people are SO kind!

Philadelphia Outdoor Walks/Hikes

Conversely, if history isn’t your thing, no worries! Philadelphia is flanked by two rivers, and each has its own lovely walking path. Philadelphia is also home to one of the largest urban green spaces in the country, Fairmount Park. The park has more than 9,200 acres of rolling hills, gentle trails, relaxing waterfront, and shaded woodlands. The Forbidden Drive Trail in the Wissahickon section of the park is my favorite. The trail boasts both hilly and flat areas, a river, bridges, and a marble statue of Native American chief Tedyuscung. This statue pays homage to the original inhabitants of the Philadelphia region, the Lenape tribe. On top of that, the amazing Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is also in the park. Here, you can explore a beautiful 17th century Japanese tea house that was built in Japan.

Logistics:

While you can see all of the historical sites from the outside any time of the day or night, make sure to check the hours to get inside, especially the Christ Church gardens. Things tend to close earlier in Philadelphia than in other nearby big cities. Additionally, the historical sites and trails are extremely crowded on summer weekends. So make sure to visit on weekdays off season to have them to yourself.

A Foodie’s Paradise

My favorite thing about the Philadelphia food scene? You can always get a table at the best/newest restaurants. Unlike some other big cities where you have to wait months to get into the most popular spots, there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about Philly restaurants. Plus, the food here is ridiculously delicious and diverse!

Don’t Miss:

The Philadelphia dining scene makes me feel like I’m in Europe, with its authentic dishes and dreamy outdoor cafés. My absolute, hands-down favorite is Gran Caffé L’Aquila, which will transport you straight to Italy. The downstairs has an adorable sidewalk gelato shop and bar with coffee, cocktails, and their full menu. The gelato and coffee makers are both from Italy, so their product is top notch. Upstairs, the specials menu changes weekly to highlight foods from different Italian regions—including imported cheeses. My favorite dishes are the spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) and the gelato flight—a sample five of their top flavors. Most noteworthy, pieces of the building were even brought over from Italy.

Second, Parc, aka the next best thing to Paris, is amazing. This beautiful Parisian-chic bistro is a top spot for people-watching on the enchanting sidewalk seating facing Rittenhouse Park. If the weather isn’t nice, the bar offers an equal opportunity to be whisked away to the ambiance of France. The chicken paillard salade is a personal favorite of mine. And don’t miss the beer floats made with Lindemans Framboise and house-made ice cream.

Logistics:

As mentioned, it’s usually pretty simple to get a table at either of these places. But make a reservation to be safe, especially if you want to sit outside.

Artist’s Playground

Continuing with the alfresco theme, Philadelphia has the most amazing outdoor mural arts program. The program started to help channel the graffiti culture into something valuable and appreciated by the whole city. The works of art completed over the last 30 years are not only beautiful, but they also often hold some kind of symbolism for the artist. Take the Mural Mile walking tour, which goes through Philadelphia’s downtown.

Additionally, there’s a fascinating immersive outdoor art installation called the Magic Gardens. Here you’ll see nontraditional materials such as folk art statues, found objects, bicycle wheels, colorful glass bottles, hand-made tiles, and thousands of glittering mirrors. They are all fashioned into a maze that’s something out of Alice in Wonderland.

For indoor art experiences, you can’t beat the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. I absolutely love the Cloister with Elements from the Abbey of Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines, which is from medieval France. The Barnes Foundation is right down the street and a must-see for art lovers. The once private collection includes some of the most amazing examples of impressionist paintings. Coincidentally, this is my personal favorite art genre and one of the few I actually enjoy (in case you haven’t seen my rants about modern art 😉). 

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