April has arrived and with it so has spring!
April has just begun but spring is in full swing here in Philadelphia and we’re ready to head on out to explore our beautiful city! From cherry blossom watching to hidden secret spots and delicious restaurants, the city is abuzz with the promise of longer, sunnier days. So without further ado, here are 24 amazing things to do in Philadelphia this April.
1. Bask in the beauty of Cherry Blossom season in Philadelphia
Philadelphia is home to a dazzling display of cherry blossom trees that make spring in the city all that much brighter and fun! Blooming a little bit later than their distant cousins in our neighboring city of Washington DC, Philly’s cherry blossoms are expected to hit peak bloom around April 9 through April 16 this year according to Morris Arboretum officials. So if you want to put a little spring on your step (or your social media feeds) make sure to check out these blooming awesome spots around the city which are full to the brim with vibrant cherry blossom trees!
2. Rev up your engines for the fiercest of all drive-ins!
Have no fear! ‘Drive ‘N Drag’ is here! The fiercest of all drive-ins featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni, will be rolling into King of Prussia Mall this summer. The super queens Aquaria, Asia O’Hara, Kameron Michaels, Naomi Smalls, Plastique Tiara and Violet Chatchki will be joining Bianca Del Rio on a mission to save us from the dreaded 2020! Grab your tickets here.
3. Check out this tee-rrific new restaurant!
An awesome new bar has just opened in Francisville and we cannot wait to finally be able to dine indoors! Libertee Grounds, the newest addition to Philly’s culinary scene, recently opened for take-out and delivery but the best surprise awaits inside. So if you’re a Philly, golf, or craft beer lover this spanking new barin Francisville might be your new favorite hang out.
4. Discover one of the city’s best-kept secrets!
If you’ve been around West Fairmount Park you’ve probably noticed the giant arch commemorating Pennsylvania’s Civil War heroes across from Memorial Hall. This impressive Philly monument, known as the Smith Memorial Arch, is actually also home to one of the most discrete and inconspicuous spots in the whole of Philadelphia.
5-6. Explore Philly’s stunning works of public art
March may have come to an end and with it so will Women’s History Month, but murals dedicated to women around the city are some of Philly’s most vibrant and beautiful works of art. Celebrate the strong women that have helped shaped the story of Philadelphia while also taking in the city’s dazzling public art by checking these 8 stunning murals around Philly!
7. Put your baking skills to the test!
This time around, there’s a new twist that’s sure to bring twice the turbulence. In Netflix’s Nailed It!: Double Trouble! the next batch of bakers will be working in pairs attempting to recreate some edible masterpieces – because what could be messier than one Nailed It! contestant?
8. Get Your Tickets For This Blockbuster Van Gogh Exhibit
Artwork from the iconic post-impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh will come to life in a 360-degree digital spectacle that’ll illuminate and transform the physical space into a fully immersive exhibit. You’ll see Van Gogh’s work take over the walls and encompass your surroundings through the lenses of several dozen projectors, hyper-realistic VR headsets, or a mix of both.
9. Take a walk down Manayunk’s magical Fountain Street steps!
Philly is covered with gorgeous works of public art, but not many know about Manayunk’s “Water Under The Bridge.” Also known as the Fountain Street Steps, this set of stairs connecting the Schuylkill River trail to Manayuk’s main street will make you feel like you’re walking on water.
10-12. Support local communities
Recent events have made it is clear we must all do more to condemn violence, uplift Asian voices, and fiscally support marginalized communities in our own backyard. Here are 5 ways to start doing your part to help combat anti-Asian racism and create a more equitable country and world.
Other minority communities around Philly also need our help! Support them by contributing to their businesses, here are some other examples:
- 10 Wonderful Women-Owned Restaurants To Try In Philadelphia Right Now
- 10 Fantastic Black-Owned Restaurants To Try In Philly Right Now
13. Indulge your sweet tooth with some historical candy
Being one of the oldest cities in the country, there’s no shortage of historical gems to enjoy here in Philly. But none of them hit the sweet spot quite like Shane Confectionery. This Old City candy shop has been around since the late 1800s, satisfying the cravings of generations of Philadelphians with their delightful confections. Nowadays, Shane Confectionery is also one of the few producers of clear toy candy along with other delicious treats like homemade chocolate, honey, and many more!
14-23. Head out to the great outdoors and explore the beautiful nature surround Philly with a spring hike
Time to go hiking Philadelphians! Exploring the great outdoors has become a new socially-distant favorite for many of us. We mean… with soo many beautiful places around Philly how could it not, right? That’s why we’ve come up with eight stunning trails to go hiking around Philly and explore the local wilderness.
24. Grab drinks at Fairmount Park’s lush, indoor pop-up
Parks on Tap has just opened its new indoor pop-up and it looks totally amazing! The 30,000-square-foot space has opened at the Fairmount Horticulture Center Arboretum and it features fresh food, local beers, wine and winter cocktails, all set out in a gorgeous greenhouse space.
[Featured image: Instagram / @andrewaker]