February: Travel Tips

photo courtesy of Mural Arts, Philadelphia

Traveling is one of our main passions in life here at deVivre Concierge! So each month we will share the love by letting you in on some of our favorite places in the world and the most fun things to do in those places. This month...

Philadelphia, USA

Philly is so jam packed with fun stuff to do that I had serious problems narrowing down my recommendations this week. I can't not mention the Philadelphia Museum of Art which is worth a visit alone. There's Tattooed Mom's, Philly Cheese Steaks, Reading Terminal Market and so much more! At only 2 hours from NYC by bus, Philly is the perfect weekend getaway!

-As we had Valentine's day this week, the Love Letter For You Murals train tour seemed appropriate. Commissioned in 2012 by local Philly artist Steven Powers to show the complexities and rewards of relationships. You can take the awesome Mural Arts tour or just jump on the Market/Frankfort El and ride it to the end of the line and back. (Side note: Steven's Love Letter to Brooklyn will soon be demolished as Macy's renovates it's downtown BK location).

-The Barnes Foundation's collection could easily entertain you for a full weekend. Controversially moved to its current site in 2012, the collection is arranged exactly as it was in its original home which is absolutely crammed with art! Every inch of the walls are covered with gem after gem from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and Early Modern periods, interspersed with some wonderful decorative art. Give yourself at least a full day.

-The Magic Gardens are the life work and obsession of local Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar. The house and gardens are covered in wall-to-wall mosaics, which visitors can explore at their leisure. I would recommend seeing this at night however as once lit up its a sight to behold. I would also suggest completing the experience by watching Isaiah's son Jeremiah's documentary In A Dream about what it's like growing up with an OCD artist as a parent.

-Last but by no means least, check out the Fabric Workshop and Museum. It's free and you have to go in with a guide. They will take you to whichever floors have exhibitions on display and give you a bit of background about the artists. You never know what you're gonna get, but there's always something good. The focus here is to allow Contemporary artists room to experiment.

Contact deVivre to help you plan your next adventure!