Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens – Wonderland of Mosaics and Art | Pennsylvania
Philly’s Magic Gardens could not be more perfectly named. They certainly are an extremely magical place. In my opinion the best hidden gem of Philly, no trip is complete without stopping by to see the beauty.
Visiting the Magic Gardens
A small wonderland of beauty and art, a maze of endless bright and colorful mosaics, I’ve visited the Magic Gardens twice. This amazing place is constructed out of bicycle pieces, glass bottles, ceramic shards, and other recycled materials.
In the 1960s artist Isaiah Zagar (South Philly native) began tiling South Street in Philly and he hasn’t stopped since! You can see some of his artwork just walking down and around South Street itself, but the museum is stunning beyond compare with its almost overwhelming compilation of colors, textures, and designs.
The museum itself consists of an indoor and an outdoor area. Although it is quite small, there are endless little nooks to explore and interesting tidbits to discover. Since most of the artwork is mosaic style, it’s so fun to look at the pieces in detail, read what is written, and try to interpret it.
Cost
The cost per person per visit is $15. Advance tickets are required due to corona and can be purchased on the museum’s website here.
When to Go
Although it is not extremely popular and many people have not heard of it, the museum is rather small, so there will probably be a decent amount of people there when you visit. If you’re looking to take nice photos, consider going in the morning. There will be less people and also the lighting is softer (the mirrors in the artwork reflect the sunlight a lot)
Opening Hours
Philly’s Magic Gardens are open every day from 11am-6pm except for Tuesday on which they are completely closed!
Tips for Visiting Philly’s Magic Gardens
Parking-Parking is usually pretty simple in Philly (we’re not New York) and street parking is usually easy to find. Of course there are parking garages as well, but street parking is usually safe and simple. On normal occasions, South Street in particular has plenty street parking options right near the museum
Safety– Philly overall is a pretty safe city, especially for tourists that won’t be traveling to the more dangerous neighborhoods. As in all cities, always be careful of theft, lock your car doors, keep an eye on your belongings, and be extra cautious at night. South Street, where this museum is located is a generally safe area as well, specifically during the day.
Traditional Philadelphia– Philly has some pretty famous landmarks- The Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Rocky Steps, and more! If you’re looking for travel tips for visiting the typical places check out this site!
Food– If you’ve never been to Philly before, you should definitely try some traditional Philadelphia foods. The most famous are Philly Cheesesteak and Soft Pretzels. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Things to Do in the Area
Located on South Street, Philly’s Magic Gardens are in a great place with many fun things to do right nearby. The street itself is one of Philly’s most famous streets. Music lovers, artists, hipsters, lawyers, and ruffians combine to make this incredibly unique place with an unmatched vibe.
And stay on the lookout for bits of the Magic Gardens that linger beyond just the museum!
Retrospect Vintage
One of my favorite places in all of Philly is located on South Street, just a few minutes’ walk from the Magic Gardens. Retrospect vintage is a storehouse of adorable and one of a kind vintage pieces. Specializing in the 1940s to the 1980s there are so many goodies to be found here. Shoes, hats, jackets, sweaters, dresses, accessories, and so much more.
If you have extra time traveling in Pennsylvania, we certainly have a list of amazing places to visit. Check out our USA-Pennsylvania page here!
Lots of Love and Safe Travels,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters
The ULTIMATE Day Trip to the Poconos Mountains – Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway | Pennsylvania
Looking for the perfect trip to the Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania? How does it sound to take a vintage style train ride through the mountains, visit a quaint local town, and have a picnic at a state park? If this seems like a lovely way to spend time in the Poconos, then this itinerary is just for you! Perfect for a day excursion full of fun, particularly in the fall (when it’s too late for white water rafting and too early for skiing)
I lived near Philadelphia until I was 21 years old and yet I had never visited the Poconos Mountains! It’s really quite a crime considering they are only about a two hour drive away from my house and about an hour and a half from Philly.
Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway
I was so excited when I came across such a fun thing to do in the Poconos. Definitely a one of a kind experience, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway offers a lovely 16 mile ride through the Lehigh Gorge State Park. It is exceptionally beautiful in the autumn with the changing leaves. You can see the forest, the river, waterfalls, and even possibly some bears!
An old fashioned steam engine (with the traditional tooting of the horn) will tug tug through the historic area and beautiful scenery. Conductors in perfect uniform will give fun facts about the area. They offer open air coaches, standard coach, and you can even ride in the caboose!
Costing only about $17 per person, it’d definitely worth the ride and experience. And the best part of all is that they are pet friendly! We were so happy to be able to bring our puppy along with us (she also made the pictures much much cuter!)
If you’re looking for a longer train excursion, they do offer full day trip and half day trips for those interested. The trains run every day, multiple times per day, and all year round. Consider getting your tickets in advance though as it is quite the popular tourist attraction! There will most likely be many people visiting with you, especially in the autumn when everyone is eager to see the changing leaves.
Jim Thorpe Town
The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway is located within the town of Jim Thorpe. Jim Thorpe is The town is cute and quaint with local shops of all sorts and unqique places to eat. With its beautiful buildings, stunning views of the mountains, and old american town vibes, it’s certainly a fun place to walk around and explore. Buy some local donuts or handmade household items to keep as memorabilia before you head out of this fun place.
Lehigh Gorge State Park – Picnic
Although there are certainly many nice places to eat within the town of Jim Thorpe, we decided to pack a picnic for our day trip. As much as I love my cute coffee shops, nothing tops a picnic!
After our train ride and explorations through the town, we had to find the perfect picnic spot. There were so many options of beautiful places around – Lake Harmony, Mauch Chunk Lake Park, and the one we decided upon – Lehigh Gorge State Park.
This is the same park that we took our scenic train ride through, but as it’s quite large (over 6,000 acres) we decided to explore more of it on foot.
There were countless hiking trails, views of the river gorge, and interesting things to see at this park, but we had our minds on one thing-the perfect picnic spot. If you’re looking for the most beautiful hike, the Tank Hollow Vista is the perfect option- a short and simple hike with stunning views!
We found the perfect picnic table, with views of the changing leaves and a little trail leading to the river. Setting up the picnic, we took out our picnic blanket – my grandmother’s that you passed down generation after generation (was even used to swaddle my mom when she was a baby) and my grandmother’s picnic basket and thermos.
We took out our goodies and enjoyed our meal with a view of the forest on one side and the occasional passing train on the other.
When sunset time came around, the already beautiful fall leaves all turned golden with the setting sun. It was the perfect way to end the day!
When to Visit the Poconos
Although the Poconos are most famous for their skiing options, there are so many things to do there year-round. Endless hikes, the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway runs all year, horseback riding, white water rafting, visiting the quaint old American towns, and more! Of course in the autumn, the leaves in the forests turn majestic and colorful, but the waterfalls and rivers are stunning year-round. Whenever you choose to visit, there are countless things to do. For a day trip EXACTLY like mine, I would recommend visiting in October or November when the changing leaves are at their finest.
Tips for Visiting the Poconos Mountains
Wildlife– It’s important to remember that you are going up into the mountains of Pennsylvania. Much of this area is filled with untouched wildlife. It’s quite common to see snakes, bears, deer, and much more. Although they tend not to bother people, always be aware.
Hunting Grounds– Much of the Lehigh Gorge State Park is also state game land/hunting grounds. Depending on the season, it’s probably a good idea to check if there may be hunters out if you’re going for a hike in the mountains.
Insects– Pennsylvania is one of the top areas in the country that is endemic with deer ticks that carry a variety of diseases including Lyme Disease. BE SURE TO BRING STRONG BUG SPRAY. Especially if you are going hiking, it’s important to check yourself for bug bites after going out in the woods, particularly to make sure that no tick has managed to attach itself to you. Of course there are mosquitos and other biting insects as well, but the ticks are the biggest and most dangerous threat in Pennsylvania.
Cost– most of the park entrances are free, so many activities can be done without a cost whatsoever. The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway costs about $17 per person.
Bookworm’s Paradise – Baldwin’s Book Barn | West Chester, Pennsylvania
Who doesn’t love a good bookstore? Rows and rows of textured leather covers, endless unique treasures to be discovered. The smell of old books filling the pleasantly stuffy air. Creaking floorboards and rustic wooden chairs. A rainy day and the scene is set. That was just what we were looking for when we headed to one of our favorite places – Baldwin Book Barn.
Visiting Baldwin Book Barn
Any bookworm or lover of old books will be in paradise in Baldwin Book Barn in West Chester, Pennsylvania – the most beautiful bookstore I’ve yet to visit. This bookstore contains 5 floors of thousands and thousands of used, vintage, and antique books. They have over 300,000 books just waiting to be discovered!
Built in 1822, what is now a lovely bookstore, was originally built to be a barn. Perfect way to revamp it no? Wandering through the maze of perfectly organized books you can find anything from vintage comics, antique collectors editions, old maps and blueprints to modern used books.
And the best part of all is that the place is filled with adorable little nooks. Thinking of spending the whole day perusing and reading before making your choice on which one to take home? No worries because the place is filled with countless rustic chairs to help you enjoy.
I always have a hard time deciding what book to buy when I go to a bookstore, especially when there are soooo many books to choose from. It can be a bit overwhelming! But at least here there is the opportunity to take your time, far away from everyone else and decide.
The place is so large, with such small, windy hallways and low ceilings that it’s almost easy to get lost! But who wouldn’t want to get lost in a maze of books?
Things to Do in the Area
Chester County, Pennsylvania (of which West Chester is a part) is filled with amazing and fun places to go and things to do. Whether you’re looking for quaint cafes, excursions to the nature, or interesting things to do, Chester County has it all! Here are some of my favorite things to do that are super close to Baldwin Book Barn!
Although this is very dependent on the season, Pennsylvania has endless opportunities to go fruit and apple picking! Highland Orchards in West Chester has fruits to pick all year round, berries, apples, pumpkins, and more. And don’t forget to try their famous apple cider donuts in the fall!
Looking for more amazing things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out our USA-Pennsylvania page for lots of unique and fun things to do.
Lots of Love, Safe Travels, and Happy Reading,
Danielle and Brooke, Colorful Sisters
Hidden Gems of Philadelphia – Day Trip to the City of Brotherly Love
Are you looking for the perfect adventure into Philly? Philadelphia, “The City of Brotherly Love” may be famous for it’s history, the liberty bell, art museums, and the rocky steps, but the city has SOOOOO much more to offer! From a magical wonderland of mosaics to vintage shops to diverse marketplaces, Philly is an incredible place.
Perfect Day Trip into Philly
Now here is a simple disclaimer: this day trip is for people who are looking for cool and unique things to do in Philadelphia! If you’re looking to visit the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Art Museum, or the Rocky steps, this isn’t for you! If I’m totally honest, I lived outside of Philly until I was 21 and have only been to one of the places on that list (only because it was a school field trip).
Philly has much more to offer than just the typical historical sites! And here is my simple itinerary for a perfect, relaxed day trip into the City of Brotherly Love.
Stop 1: Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
One of the most magical places to visit ever and by the best hidden gem of Philly, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is a must! It’s a small wonderland of beauty and art, a maze of endless bright and colorful mosaics.
In the 1960s artist Isaiah Zagar (South Philly native) began tiling South Street in Philly and he hasn’t stopped since! This amazing place is constructed out of bicycle pieces, glass bottles, ceramic shards, and other recycled materials.
You can see some of his artwork just walking down and around South Street itself, but the museum is stunning beyond compare and only costs about $15 per person for entry.
Just a few minutes walk from Philly’s Magic Gardens is one of my favorite vintage shops around! Retrospect vintage is a storehouse of adorable and one of a kind vintage pieces. Specializing in the 1940s to the 1980s there are so many goodies to be found here. Shoes, hats, jackets, sweaters, dresses, accessories, and so much more.
Whether you’re coming to buy or just to step back in time for a bit, this place is so much fun! And considering most of the pieces are true vintage, in good quality, they are also very reasonably priced!
Stop 3: Reading Terminal Market
Located right in Center City, Reading Terminal Market is a must see on any Philly visit. One of America’s oldest and biggest markets, they have everything from fudge to local, gourmet coffee to tasty places to eat. So many great options and a wonderful place to stop for a quick bite and to see some of Philly’s great history.
Tips for Visiting Philadelphia
Safety– Philly overall is a pretty safe city, especially for tourists that won’t be traveling to the more dangerous neighborhoods. As in all cities, always be careful of theft, lock your car doors, keep an eye on your belongings, and be extra cautious at night.
Parking– Parking is usually pretty simple in Philly (we’re not New York) and street parking is usually easy to find. Of course there are parking garages as well, but street parking is usually safe and simple.
Traditional Things to Do– Philly has some pretty famous landmarks- The Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Rocky Steps, and more! If you’re looking for travel tips for visiting the typical places check out this site!
Food– If you’ve never been to Philly before, you should definitely try some traditional Philadelphia foods. The most famous are Philly Cheesesteak and Soft Pretzels. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Things to Do Outside of Philly
Although Philly itself is quite a city, the suburbs also have a lot to offer. If you’re up for the drive here are a few amazing things to do in Chester County!
Baldwin Book Barn
Any bookworm or lover of old books will be in paradise in this barn turned bookstore in West Chester, Pa. Built in 1822, this 5 story barn has thousands of amazing books and quaint nooks. If you have the time for a short drive, you certainly won’t regret it.
Although this is very dependent on the season, Pennsylvania has endless opportunities to go fruit and apple picking! Highland Orchards in West Chester has fruits to pick all year round, berries, apples, pumpkins, and more. And don’t forget to try their famous apple cider donuts in the fall!
Mountains, forests, lakes, and valleys. The Pocono Mountains are a famous city getaway. With skiing in the winter and white water rafting in the summer, there is no shortage of things to do in this beautiful area! Just under two hours outside of the city, it’s definitely worth a weekend trip. With its endless yellows, golds, reds, and oranges, Philly can’t even try to compete with the fall foliage here.
Fall Fun: Highland Orchards – Apple Picking, Pumpkins, and Donuts | West Chester, Pennsylvania
Who doesn’t love the fall? The beautiful colors that emerge from the previously bright green trees, the yellows, golds, and reds. It’s a wonderland of autumn glory. Sweater weather, countless new fun activities, and boots. A new season is approaching.
I was lucky enough this year to be visiting the U.S. during the prime autumn beauty – October. And there are few better places to see it than the Northeast. Pennsylvania is famous for it’s lovely colors, endless foliage, and fun fall activities.
Apple Picking
I lived in Chester County up until the age of 21 and in Chester County everyone knows about apple picking at Highland Orchards. Although they also have berries and other fruits during the summer, they are most famous for their apples and pumpkins in the autumn.
Every year we wanted to go apple picking here. For some reason, it just never ended up happening and remained a dream. This year was different. I was visiting the States from Israel and now was the chance, the perfect opportunity! I booked our time slot in advance and on the very last day that they were offering apple picking we went!
After a very rainy week we were so lucky to have a bright and sunny Saturday, even though it was very cold for October 39 F (3 C). We put on our thick sweaters and hats, and set off.
Along with the “Pick it Yourself” Highland Orchards also has a farmer’s market, fresh produce, freshly baked donuts, a small petting zoo. We went directly for the shuttle that would take us to the orchards. Hopping on the green vintage-style shuttle, we began our short and bumpy ride to the orchards.
Granny Smith apples happened to be the first stop. As we were looking to make a pie and granny smith are the best for pies, we got off on the first stop and immediately started picking.
Even though it was the end of the season and the very last day of the picking there were still SO many beautiful apples to be found everywhere. We picked a very full basket and walked around the beautiful orchards.
After our apple picking I couldn’t have been more excited to go back to the farmer’s market and get some of their goodies-mostly the apple cider donuts that are famously delicious. Fresh and home baked old fashioned donuts, they are just about my favorite things ever! Especially if they’re warm on a chilly day. I struggled not to buy all of the donuts available to stock up for the rest of the fall!
Apple Pie
Is it even worth it to go apple picking if you’re not going to make a pie out of it afterwards? Granny Smith are by far the best for baking and nothing says fall more than a delicious apple pie with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ice cream.
There’s something even more special about being able to pick your own apples, take them home, and start making a pie from them. Peel, cut, mix and combine and voila! The perfect apple pie! I usually home make the pie crust too as the difference is so evident in deliciousness and flakiness.
Is it really fall without pumpkins? The bright orange and unique shaped gourds that emerge and decorate every house in the area. It just seems like everything is painted orange for the fall, the leaves, the produce, the whole atmosphere.
A bit busy with the need to make something out of all the apples we got, I decided not to get a pumpkin to make a pie. It’ll have to be saved for next time as little is yummier than pumpkin pie with whipped cream! Pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin bread simply cannot compare.
And did I mention that the hat I’m wearing here was handmade! And I even made a pair of mittens to match 🙂
Looking for more amazing things to do in Pennsylvania? Check out our Day Trip to Philly and our USA page!
