A few days in Pennsylvania: From City Sophistication to Countryside Charm

For me the perfect getaway combines a bit of luxury, some of the local culture and history, and a bunch of delicious food. My trip to Pennsylvania, which included visits to Philadelphia and Lancaster, was full of all that – and more. From the biggest Pride celebration in Philly’s history to a farm tour in Amish country, I managed to see and do a wide variety of things in just a few days.

A Grand Start in the City of Brotherly Love

Stepping into the Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square felt like I had arrived somewhere truly special. The lobby was sleek and sophisticated, and my room did not disappoint. After a long day of travel the bed looked so inviting that I almost didn’t want to leave.

Dinner was at the Oyster House though and that can’t be missed.  This East Coast seafood restaurant and raw bar, serving Philadelphia’s freshest fish and shellfish, was excellent – and the cocktails were a perfect prelude to the night ahead.

After dinner I checked out the Pride Promenade at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It was like stepping into a rainbow-filled dream with fabulous outfits and stunning drag performances.

A day of fun and food during Pride

My next day started bright and early with breakfast at The Ground Coffee Plants and Gifts. This spot is as charming as it is delicious. The coffee was strong, the vibe was cozy, and it set the tone for a day packed with Pride.

The “Be You” Pride March was happening so I walked through the streets alongside many vibrant and diverse members of the local LGBTQ+ community felt. Seeing the unveiling of the record-breaking 400-foot Pride flag was fantastic and the rest of my afternoon was spent checking out the people and vendors at the “Be You” Festival.

Dinner at Bud & Marilyn’s was the cherry on top of the day. This retro-chic spot has all the comfort food vibes, but elevated to the next level. It’s smack in the heart of the Gayborhood, so the atmosphere was pretty electric.

From History to Artistry

My final day in Philadelphia started in a delicious way: breakfast at Parc. This French bistro is like a little slice of Paris right in Philly. A bit of French culture with some delicious food in a great location that set me up for a busy day of sightseeing.

Right across the street from Parc is Rittenhouse Square, a little oasis in the middle of the city where I wandered through the park before heading to some of Philly’s most iconic landmarks: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. There’s something surreal about standing in the same place where so much history was made.

Lunch was at Ish Kabibbles because what’s a trip to Philly without a cheesesteak? This hole-in-the-wall gem serves up sandwiches that are pure indulgence.

I spent the afternoon exploring the many unique and interesting stores in the South Street area before heading to JFK Plaza (Love Park) to snap a pic with the iconic LOVE sculpture.

Then it was time to hit the road for the city of Lancaster. The 1.5 hour drive was scenic and relaxing, and arriving at the Lancaster Arts Hotel felt like stepping into a work of art—literally. The hotel’s walls are adorned with original pieces, and the rooms are a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury.

Dinner at the Belvedere Inn was a lovely end to the day. This spot has such a welcoming vibe and the food was excellent. Think beautifully plated dishes that taste as good as they look.

Exploring Lancaster’s Charm

When in Lancaster a visit to the Lancaster Central Market is a must. It’s the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the U.S. The mix of fresh produce, local treats and unique trinkets made for a fun morning of browsing.

Not far from there is Gallery Row where I visited a few galleries full of local and international art before continuing onto N. Queen Street to check out the unique and funky shops that help give this city a surprisingly hip feel.

Afterwards I ventured into Lancaster County for lunch at Miller’s Smorgasbord. This homey Dutch eatery has an incredibly huge all-you-can-eat buffet of local favorites that are offered all day.

From there I went to do some sightseeing through an Amish farm community. Arron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides take you through the area in a rustic horse-drawn carriage with a local Amish guide for a truly unique experience.

The afternoon finished off with some shopping in the Kitchen Kettle Village. All kinds of items can be found in the stores here and I ended up with some Amish-made treats like jams and cookies.

Finally, the day finished off with a fascinating History Happy Hour at Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse, where I learned about Lancaster during Prohibition while ironically sipping on a delicious cocktail from their bar.

My PA Takeaway

This trip was the perfect blend of luxury, culture, food and drink. From the stylish comfort of the Sofitel in Philadelphia to the living gallery of the Lancaster Arts Hotel, each place I stayed in brought its own brand of indulgence. Add in the incredible food, vibrant Pride celebrations, laid back Amish lifestyle, and the unique charm of both cities, and you’ve got a getaway that’s a great mix of interesting, unique and tasty.