We know that sometimes gatherings like WordCamp Philly can become a little overwhelming and you might need a little downtime. No worries. We got you. Whether it’s a quiet stroll, browsing books, or taking a bike ride, West Philly has plenty to offer.
Go for a Stroll
Clark Park, bounded by 43rd and 45th streets and Baltimore Avenue, has events and activities on a regular schedule, including a year-round Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Woodlands Cemetery, directly across from the 40th Street Trolley Portal, is highly recommended by West Philly residents and possibly apropos on the weekend before Halloween. The grounds have a museum, carriage house and mansion as well as several impressive monuments.
Locust Walk, starting at 40th and Locust streets and stretching into the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus, is convenient after a quick bite or cup of coffee along 40th and has some beautiful architecture along the way. It merges into Woodlands Walk, which stretches from Market and 32nd streets to about a block from the entrance of Woodlands Cemetery.
Browse in a Bookstore
Visit The Last Word, 220 S 40th Street, open till 10 pm; and House of Our Own, 3920 Spruce street. If you love the smell of old books, both of these places are bliss. The Last Word is next door to a Ben & Jerry’s. WordCamp co-organizer Susan has sampled the Chocolate Therapy (chocolate ice cream with chocolate pudding) and enthusiastically recommends it. (“Good for the soul. All bets are off on the waistline.” — Susan)
Grab a Cup of Coffee
West Philly has lots of choices, with perhaps the highest concentration along South 40th Street. In addition to Dunkin’ Donuts (125 S. 40th Street) and McDonalds (3935 Walnut Street), there’s a Saxby’s (4000 Locust Street) and a Green Line Cafe (28 S. 40th Street).
Metropolitan Bakery & Cafe is on Walnut Street, 4013 Walnut Street, is around the corner from them. You can satisfy your sweet tooth while you get some coffee or tea.
Closer to the University of the Sciences campus, there’s a Starbucks at 4140 Woodland Avenue. A second Green Line Cafe location at 4239 Baltimore Avenue is a short stroll away — across from Clark Park for a great view of autumn colors. Outdoor seating is available in good weather.
Check out the Rotunda
A local spot hosting an eclectic range of events, the Rotunda at 4014 Walnut Street is one the University of Pennsylvania’s spots for arts and culture. Its October calendar is still evolving, so visit the site to see what’s going on during your visit.
Play Pinball
The University Family Fun Center at 4006 Spruce Street features pinball, skee-ball, air-hockey, and video games and is open as late as midnight.
Ride a Bike
Indego lists locations on 40th and Spruce, 40th at Woodland Avenue and 43rd and Chester. Varying numbers of bikes are available. It’s a great way to get around West Philly. Local cyclists suggest that you avoid the trolley routes along Spruce, 42nd, Baltimore, Chester and Woodland Avenue because the tracks can snag bike wheels.
Appreciate the Architecture
Block after block of West Philly, especially south of Walnut and west of 40th Street, is full of Victorian and early 20th-century homes. Under the wear and tear of more than a century of continuous use, there are beautiful lines and exquisite details to be appreciated by people with a love of design.
Enjoy the Local Brew
Dock Street Brewery, 701 S. 50th Street, was founded in 1985. It wss one of the first post-Prohibition craft breweries in the country as well as Philly’s first all-grain brew pub. You can sample what’s on tap and grab a bite as well.
Eat Pizza
The pizza by the slice at Zesto Pizza and Grill (125 S. 40th Street) is fast and affordable if you’re looking for something quick. They have big slices, friendly service, and the crust is better than what you find at most places. The pepperoni is the big, paper-thin slices. It’s not much on ambiance, but if the weather permits you can get it to go and take it over to Locust Walk.
Smokey Joe’s, 210 S. 40th Street, also does a great pizza if you have time to sit down and enjoy it. They have a changing assortment of beers on tap and the cheese is some of the best you’ll taste on pizza locally.
A third spot with a great view of Clark Park if the weather permits, is Clarkville, a pizza/wine/beer place at 4301 Baltimore Avenue. The meatball parm sandwich with tomato soup is excellent as well, and they have a range of beverage selections.
Or Nosh on Something Else
Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Avenue, has delicious, authentic, Ethiopian food. There are several spots for African cuisine in the neighborhood, including Dahlak (4704 Baltimore Avenue), which has Eritrean-Ethiopean food and an amazing dive bar for the adventurous if you go through to the back.
Winterfell Dessert (32 S. 40th Street) is a Thai dessert place. It doesn’t look especially Westerosi, but it does have fun slogans such as “Duty, Honor, Dessert”, “All Men Must Eat Dessert” — and, of course , “Dessert Is Coming” — on the wall.
West Philadelphians talk up Booker’s Restaurant & Bar (5021 Baltimore Avenue); Vietnam Cafe (816 S. 47th Street); and HipCityVeg (214 S. 40th Street), which was recommended repeatedly by a confirmed carnivore who swears the veggie burgers and veggie cheesesteaks are the best.
Another fave is Koch’s Deli, a traditional New York-style deli (takeout only) at 4309 Locust Street. Honest Tom’s Taco Shop (261 S. 44th Street) is popular with the university crowd.
If you aren’t into culinary adventures, two safe choices may be found at 40th and Spruce. The Copabanana (4000 Spruce Street) offers a little more in the way of style and service and has a range of beverage selections. Allegro Pizza has more of a family restaurant/takeout vibe; if you eat in, order at the counter and they’ll take it to you. Both places have outdoor seating available in good weather.