5 unexpected stops you have to make in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Someone once said that it’s always sunny in Philadelphia, and that person might be right. This is an interesting town, one that has proven itself integral to the history of the United States over and over again throughout the years.

There is a lot to see and do in Phillie, not to mention a seemingly never-ending list of places to eat. And that doesn’t just mean scarfing down cheesesteaks for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is also a town that isn’t afraid to offer up some unexpected things to do.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

A lot of people travel to new places to check out the art scene. That means visits to galleries and museums for the most part, which are certainly experiences you can find in Philadelphia. But if you’re into art, make sure you stop by the Magic Gardens.

Made up of two indoor galleries as well as a two level outdoor sculpture garden, Magic Gardens is an incredibly immersive experience. It’s covered in mosaics made from a seemingly endless variety of materials. This is the kind of place that shows you something different every time you’re there.

Pizza Brain Museum of Pizza Culture

First and foremost, Pizza Brain is a pizza joint that you can order from and enjoy. But the reality is that the minds behind the pizza at this spot are pretty gosh darned obsessed with the history of ‘za and the places that make it. That’s why they created the Museum of Pizza Culture.

It bills itself as the world’s first pizza museum. While that may or may not be true, it does boast a Guinness Book of World Records collection of pizza culture related artifacts. For anyone remotely interested in pizza, this is a must stop venue in Philadelphia.

Shofuso Japanese House and Garden

Most people do not travel to Philadelphia to experience Japanese culture. While that is understandable to an extent, those people would certainly be missing out on something amazing in the Shofuso Japanese House and Garden.

Located in West Fairmount Park, this is a house and garden designed to emulate the style of 17th century Japan. The house itself was built in Japan using traditional techniques and eventually found its way to Phillie in 1958. It is a stunning and relaxing experience.

Elfreth’s Alley Museum

If you’re planning a trip to Philadelphia as a vacation, then you’re probably at least somewhat interested in an out of the ordinary historical experience. That’s par for the course in a city like this that’s so entrenched in the history of the United States.

Elfreth’s Alley Museum is more than 300 years old, and consists of 32 houses on one street. The newest one was built in 1836. More than a museum filled with artifacts, this is a living, breathing slice of American history that demands to be experienced.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site

There are some authors and writers that continue to inspire generations long after their deaths. It’s a select and auspicious group to say the least, and Edgar Allan Poe is certainly one of them. If you’re a fan, then Philadelphia has a stop for you.

Located less than a mile from Independence Hall, the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site is situated in the home Poe lived in for six years in the city. For anyone who enjoys his work, it’s a haunting to spend time in a place so connected to him.