It’s long held nickname has been the “City of Brotherly” (recently amended to “and Sisterly”) Love. But, for your purposes why not just refer to this alluring, honeymoon-worthy, history-drenched urban haven as the “City of Love”? That’s because Philadelphia, awash in small-town charm, a bonafide Unesco World Heritage City, has all the makings for a romantic foray.
Hand in hand, you’ll start your mini-moon with the vigor of the fictional fighter Rocky Balboa. Like he did, you’ll dash up the 72 steps that lead to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Slightly out of tune, you’ll croon the “Eye of the Tiger” in voce alto as you scamper upward. Yes. That might seem corny — but it’s fun. When you arrive, you’ll leap up, high five, take a photo, then kiss. Like Rocky, you’ve risen to a challenge. You got engaged, made it through the wedding and now this time is for you.
You chose Philly because he’s a history buff. He’s always wanted to see the Independence National Historical Park of the Old City. You know he’ll be riveted when together you peer at the Liberty Bell, wander through Independence Hall and peruse every inch of the various museums devoted to the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin and the Constitution. You’ve also planned a field trip to nearby Valley Forge, a fascinating national park.

But, only history’s not enough to sustain you. Additional amorous fuel comes from food. As it turns out, Philly is a foodie’s fantasyland. You knew about Philly cheesesteaks, of course — and you can’t wait to gobble some up at their source. But this bustling city embodies its diverse populace with a range of culinary delights. You plan to nosh at some of the city’s must-do attractions. Nostalgic Reading Terminal Market, circa 1892, features 80 vendors selling their wares in similar fashion to bygone market days. Grab a soft pretzel at Miller’s Twist and a Whoopie Pie at Flying Monkey. You’ve got South 9th Street Italian Market mapped out, too. Angelo’s Pizzeria is on your list. An open-air extravaganza, it extends for 10 blocks. The market doesn’t only showcase the city’s Italian heritage (think: pasta, mortadella, parmigiana), but the many cultures that meld in Philly, as well. You’ve been told to expect everything from bahn mi to tortillas. You’ve also made plans to surprise him with meals at several renowned eateries helmed by some of the city’s top chefs. You’ve put Stephen Starr’s Parc, Marc Vetri’s Vetri Cucina, Michael Solomonov’s Dizengoff and Jose Garces’s Amada on your dance card. You’ve been starving yourself to prepare for this moment.
But, it’s not a honeymoon without digs in a pampering hotel. You’ve always loved Kimpton for their sense of place. So you’ve chosen stylish Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar, located in the Rittenhouse Square hood, steps from everything you want to do. An LEED registered, luxury retreat (you’ve promised one another to opt only for sustainable no matter where you go), the art-filled hotel with its pops of bright colors and elements of original architecture, exudes elegance. It offers visual references to Philadelphia’s history everywhere you look. You know he’ll be thrilled the moment he walks through the door. But, not nearly as excited as he’ll be when you lead him up to your room — the Presidential Suite. Designed to evoke a New York City Loft, this immense retreat has city views sure to bowl him over. But, that’s not all. It also features a parlor, wet bar, 50-inch flat screen TV, a dining table and a stunning four-poster bed. The bathroom? Well, its veritably hedonistic, with a Fuji spa tub, a big-enough-for-a-party walk-in shower and a TV hidden within the mirror.
In your lair, you grab his hand. The Kimpton Palomar’s team has been infinitely helpful. They’ve left you some bubbly, scheduled an en-suite couples’ massage and turned on some “love speak,” via their own Spotify playlists: “LOVE Songs” and “Turn Up the Love.” He grabs you and together you dance across the room. But, he never takes his eyes off the rooftops of Philadelphia. He’s entranced — just as you’d imagined.
Check out Visit Philly’s website for some romantic activities from picnics to hiking.
