Ah, February. Don’t we feel a bit like the whole “dinner somewhere for Valentine’s Day” — and actually, Valentine’s Day itself — is a bit overrated? Instead of doing the usual V-Day date-night-idea round-up, we’ve put together a Guild House shortlist of fun, romantic, unexpected date ideas in and around Philadelphia that you can enjoy anytime—this month, next month, all season (or year) long. Enjoy, lovebirds!

1. For an Overnight

Well obviously, a night (or several nights) at Guild House tops our list. There’s not a suite inside our historic boutique hotel that isn’t luxurious, cozy and well-appointed. (See for yourself!) But if we had to pick, some of our very favorites for romance include the gorgeous, soft Gabrielle suite, the enveloping Eliza, and our pretty, cozy Ruby, a little jewel box of a room. Opt to include a cheese plate from the wonderful High Street Philadelphia, and you can enjoy it along with the drinks, snacks, coffee and more in the privacy of your own room. And when you’re ready to venture out? Our little boutique hotel is in the center of Philadelphia, which means you’re close to Avenue of the Arts, as well as countless restaurants, bars and clubs in the Gayborhood and Washington Square West. Plus, you’re within easy walking distance to Old City, Rittenhouse, Society Hill, and more.

Photo of the Eliza Suite at Guild House Hotel, a boutique luxury hotel in Philadelphia, by Jason Varney

2. For a Bit of Nature

How can anyone interested in romance possibly resist something called Forbidden Drive? This hiking path—a true Philadelphia gem located inside Wissahickon Valley Park—is beautiful year-round: lush and green in the summer; serene and pristine in the winter, with the rushing Schuylkill and loads of spots to go “off-road” for a more challenging hike, a picnic, or just a place to stop and take a little break. The five-mile path includes a covered bridge, an old dam and gorgeous views—plus the lovely, historic Valley Green Inn, which is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, and rounds out an outdoor walking date beautifully.

Photo of Wissahickon Valley Park

3. For a Group Date

If you haven’t done the scavenger hunt at Isaiah Zagar’s Magic Gardens, you’re missing out. This special Philadelphia institution is always— always!—worth taking in, but there’s special fun found in competing to spot all of the details on the garden’s self-guided hunts. As a huge bonus, not far away (six minutes on foot) from the Magic Gardens is Brauhaus Schmitz, one of the greatest beer gardens in all of Philadelphia and a super-fun spot for giant German beers, pretzels, and house-made sausages. Or maybe you’d prefer to round out the outing with a cheese tasting at the Philly Cheese School, which is also close by, and offers private classes. Ninety dollars a person gets you and your crew of 6 to 16 a guided, BYOB tasting of five artisanal cheeses and a short lesson on each cheese, style and good pairings.

Photo of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

4. For Classical Culture

The student recitals at the Curtis Institute feature some of the best musicians in the country—and they happen on a regular basis throughout the spring: The renowned music school offers more than 100 (free!) recitals over the course of its spring semester on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. (You need to register in advance.) Post-concert, you can wander just across the street for dinner and drinks at Parc (if you’re in the mood for French), Rouge (for one of the best burgers in the city), or Via Locusta (Italian).

Photo of The Curtis Institute by M. Fischetti for GPTMC/VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

5. For Offbeat Culture

Admittedly, the Mutter Museum is not the most romantic spot, or even the most romantic museum in the city … but it is one of the better destinations in Philadelphia for spurring conversations, and boasts a charming, intimate garden space outside, plus close proximity to the twinkling Ben Franklin Parkway (nice for a stroll). And just around the block sits a handful of excellent places to grab a drink and have a chat: Chic, stylish Wilder; the sexy, subterranean Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company (far cooler than the name suggests); the moody, tucked-away Ranstead Room … just a few of the best date options nearby.

Photo of the Mutter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia by J. Fusco for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®

6. For Sport

Whether you’re a real golfer or a total novice, Topgolf is a surprisingly awesome date, with built-in entertainment, a chance to get both competitive and cozy with your partner, and on-site food and drink, which you can have delivered right to your private driving range. There are three locations in and around Philly—each within about 20 miles of our boutique hotel—and their hours of operation mean you can opt for a day-date or a more classic evening date.

Photo of Topgolf by Michael Baxter, courtesy of Topgolf

 

Want to book a room or suite at Guild House Hotel, a historic Philadelphia hotel in the heart of the city? Click here to plan your stay!