For a classy date night, see the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra, brimming with new energy under the direction of the young and dynamic Yannick Nézet-Séguin. If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, don’t miss Max Brenner’s “chocolate bar,” which serves nine decadent flavors of hot chocolate plus other confections.
For a daytrip outside the city, drive the picturesque Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, a tour of six wineries west of Philadelphia with tastings year-round. Or make it an overnight at one of many participating hotels that offer winery visit packages, like Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square.
Where to Stay
Take a Drive Out of TownFor a dose of Colonial gentility, book one of the elegant rooms at Morris House Hotel. Lounge with your partner in the romantic courtyard garden or by your in-room fireplace.
Philadelphia with Friends
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Philadelphia with your friends. Start off with lunch at City Tavern in the Old City district, where your crew can feast like the Founding Fathers did. At this historic restaurant established in 1773, wait staff in period costumes serve authentic colonial fare, including the “Ales of the Revolution” beer flight, with brews made using the actual recipes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin and Alexander Hamilton.
Drive to Rittenhouse Row to explore a wide selection of upscale shops, restaurants and art galleries. (There’s plenty of paid parking, and you can snag a reduced rate through apps like Parking Panda and ParkWhiz.) Plan an al fresco coffee break at Parc Brasserie, which overlooks leafy Rittenhouse Square for superb people-watching. Then catch a show at Philly Improv Theater for edgy and interesting improvisational comedy any night of the week.
Just 4 miles south of Center City, you’ll find venues for all four of Philadelphia’s major professional sports teams — Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and 76ers — so you can take in a game, whatever the season. On your way there, stop at “Cheesesteak Corner” in South Philadelphia and decide for yourself which veteran meat-slinger — Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks — gets the classic Philly sandwich just right.