Made In America: Beyond The Festival

4 Things To Do In Philadelphia

It’s still the summertime and we have a few more festivals to hit up before the weather changes and cuffing Season is in full swing. If you live in the Northeast, then you’re probably patiently awaiting the last festival of the season in this region, Made In America. Founded by Jay-Z, Made In America is a massive music and arts festival held annually in Philadelphia, PA.

If you are planning a trip to Philadelphia and would like to explore the area while attending the festival, or would just like a break from the festival for a few hours, I have provided a first-timer’s guide to Philly with 4 things you can do beyond the festival.

Explore Philly Street Art

Everywhere you look in Philadelphia there is an art of some kind on display. Philadelphians definitely appreciate their art and I’m here for it! If you have some time, plan a self-guided tour of some of the murals and street art around the city. Now, I’m not going to leave you hanging, I’ve provided a list of some of my favorites with GIS locations for them.

Percy Street Project

It Was All A Dream

Aspire: No Limits

Portraits of Justice

Love Park

If you want something a little more structured, the cool folks at Mural Arts Philadelphia actually created a self-guided Philidelphia Walking Tour with 2 different routes, one for north of Market Street and the other is south of Market Street. You can access it here.

Hang Out At Spruce Street Harbor Park

Or take a nap, whichever suits your fancy. Spruce Street Harbor Park is the cutest little park on the Delaware River Waterfront. What’s so cute about it you ask? The park features, colorful hammocks, floating gardens, food and beverages from popular Philly restaurants and at night the park is lit up with hanging lights that change colors and sparkle. It’s so instagramable!

While I was visiting, people where straight-up SLEEP in those hammocks. Oh yall chill’n, chill’n!

Depending on the time you have, you can rent the park and throw a private event for up to 20 people in one of their two Hammock Lounges. Shoot I’m trying to make up an event to have a party here. Oh, you fancy, huh?

Play At Blue Cross RiverRink

Once you’re well-rested and done hanging out at the park, head over to the Blue Cross RiverRink for Summerfest. During Summerfest, the area features a roller rink, a boathouse style lodge, a play area for kids, carnival-style games, food and so much more. It’s real cute!

The best part is admission to Summerfest is free! If you choose to, you will have to pay for roller skating, mini-golf, games, and rides, which happen to be pay-as-you-go. But you are bound to enjoy yourself just being in the atmosphere!

Create Your Own Walking Food Tour

One of the many things I enjoy about the Northeast is the plethora of cuisine options. Within a one mile radius, you have the option of Banh Mi, Ackee and Saltfish, Butter Chicken and of course a Philly Cheesesteak.

Taste your way through Philly while experiencing the best of its many foods and flavors. From Italian food in South Philly to Portuguese food in North Philly, you are bound to find something. And if for whatever reason you still aren’t satisfied, Reading Terminal, the nation’s oldest continuously operated farmer’s market located in the heart of Philadelphia, has even more options for you.

There you have it guys, now it’s your turn to go and experience Philly. Have you visited Philadelphia before? What’s your favorite part of the city? Drop your responses below. As always, pray fervently, travel often!