The President Next Door: A Glimpse of Society Hill
Imagine living in a neighborhood where James and Dolley Madison’s house was for sale. If the idea catches your fancy, take a stroll through historic Society Hill and marvel at this treasure trove of original 18th century architecture. Quiet, exclusive and charming, Society Hill offers elegance and luxury without leaving Philadelphia’s Center City. For its residents, the neighborhood offers gems such as:
Headhouse Square Farmers’ Market
Headhouse Square is a living postcard, and every Sunday from May through December the community gathers there to peruse through Philadelphia’s oldest farmers’ market. Run by The Food Trust, Headhouse features more than 40 vendors selling everything from produce to cheese to soup. Local favorites include Weavers Way Farm, Root Mass, Zsa’s Gourmet Ice Cream and Wildflour Bakery and Made in the Shade Lemonade.
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia is an independent special collections library and museum founded in 1814 in order to “collect materials connected with the history and antiquities of Amerca, and the useful arts, and generally to disseminate useful knowledge for public benefit.” Housed in an Italianate Revival Style building designed in 1845, the Athenaeum’s exterior is deceptively severe. Inside are splendid reading rooms decorated with museum pieces from 1800 to 1850. Its paper holdings include one of the nation’s most significant collections of architecture and interior design materials.
Zahav
Chef Michael Solomonov, who just received the preeminent James Beard Outstanding Chef Award, isn’t just a Philadelphia phenomenon, but the definer of Israeli food in America. Indeed, you don’t have to look far to find someone raving about his hummus, laffa bread, fried cauliflower, oyster mushroom schnitzel, brikset kofte, coffee custard or countless other dishes. With a few friends, you can sample most of the menu through the restaurant’s popular tayim and mesibah tasting specials. Just make sure to make your reservation plenty early, and don’t forget to sample one of Zahav’s specialty cocktails or finely curated Middle Eastern wines.
Locks Gallery
Located on the southeast corner of Washington Square, Locks Gallery is one of Philadelphia’s premiere art galleries, highlighting contemporary painting, sculpture and other mediums. The two-story space features unique exhibitions every month making it the perfect spot for a regular night out or weekend lunch date. As the gallery states: “a collaboration with the artist is at the core of each exhibition, allowing the gallery to present original programming. The staff cultivates long-standing relationships with individuals and institutions, fostering a new climate for contemporary art collecting in the city of Philadelphia.”
Radicchio Café
Beloved for date night and group outings alike, Radicchio café is a local BYOB that serves the neighborhood’s favorite grilled octopus, lamb ragu, broccoli rabe and pink cream pasta sauce. Their varied menu offers Italian favorites such as gnocchi and chicken parmigiana alongside beautifully crafted seafood dishes including a Fava E Granchio (fava beans and crab meat) and Grilled Mediterranean Langostine.