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  • Fairmount Neighborhood Guide

    Published: May 20, 2019

    Updated: August 11, 2021

    By: Frances Ellison

    • Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia™

    If it's been awhile since you visited Fairmount, here's a refresher course on what you're missing out on.

     

    Famous for attractions like the famous Art Museum, the Fairmount area of Philly is a fun and eclectic mix of history and modern culture. Lined with museums, restaurants and more, Fairmount is easily one of the city's hidden treasures.

     

    Read on for a guide to some of our favorite Fairmount restaurants, music venues, and more.*

     

    Let us know your go-to Fairmount hangout spots by mentioning us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram @Phillyfunguide!

     

    *Please be sure to view and participate in these activities safely. For up-to-date information on the City of Philadelphia's COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines, visit their official website.

    If you’re exploring Fairmount, you can’t miss Eastern State--literally. The decommissioned penitentiary takes up a full city block, and now opens its gates to tourists in the mood to learn some unconventional history, or just snap some beautifully spooky photos. Insider's tip: Don’t skip the audio tour--it’s narrated by Steve Buscemi! And the penitentiary’s staff and special exhibits are excellent sources of knowledge on prison reform and social justice issues related to mass incarceration.

     

    Eastern State is officially open to visitors! Learn more about their virtual and in-person programming by visiting their official website!

    Headed by Philly's own star chef Marc Vetri, Pizzaria Vetri is a city staple. With three locations throughout the city (and one in the King of Prussia Mall!), there's no denying that Vetri is a hot ticket spot. Known for classic, Neopolitan-style pizzas with an array of premium ingrediants and toppings, the original Pizzaria Vetri is a must for any Fairmount adventure.

     

    Pizzaria Vetri is open now for indoor and outdoor dining, check their website for more information.

    If you've ever wanted to visit a traditional Japanese-style tea house, then Shofuso Japanese House and Garden is the place for you! Originally an exhibit in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Shofuso touched down in West Fairmount Park in 1958. Tour the nationally-ranked garden and house, participate in a traditional tea ceremony and much more at this beloved city landmark. Make sure to visit in April when they host the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival!

     

    Shofuso is now open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., through October 31, and on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 6 through December 12. Learn more about their safety guidelines and other visitor information on their official website.

    Yes, the name of this local brewery is a play on the famous Dostoevsky novel, and there's plenty of Russian-style fare on the menu to match! During your visit in Fairmount, make sure to stop in for a cold, housemade brew from their rotating tap list and enjoy a meal. C+P also partners with community organizations in the Fairmount area; we love a brewery with a heart of gold!

     

    Crime & Punishment is open for in-person customers and takeout orders. You can see their weekly takeout menus and new brews on their Facebook page.

    There's not much to say about the Philadelphia Zoo other than to go see it for yourself! Opened in 1874, the Philadelphia Zoo is America's first zoo, opening with just 1,000 animals and an admission price of just $.25. Now with over 1,300 animals, a new children's zoo, and the Zoo360 exhibit (a first-in-the-world trail system for the animals), there's more reason than ever to make it a part of your Fairmount adventure!

     

    Check the Zoo's website for their safety guidelines before visiting.

    Need a creative fix? Since 2004, Philly Art Center: Fairmount has offerred classes for all ages as a community hub of creativity. Sign up the kids for art and music, or unleash your own inner artist with more advanced adult classes in painting, sculpture and screenprinting.

     

    Make sure to check their safety guidelines before visiting.

    To find even more ideas for your Fairmount adventure, check out the Fairmount themed #OurTimetoTourist itinerary from our friends at Visit Philly! 

    Check out our top picks for fun events & venues in South Philly!
    This historic neighborhood is more than just the Founding Fathers’ stomping grounds!

    Want to know more about your favorite Fairmount spots? Then sign up for our weekly Funsavers email! 

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