Walking Tours of Philadelphia West Philadelphia

WEST PHILADELPHIA 1.) The Woodlands 6.) Philadelphia Divinity School 4000 Woodland Avenue Spruce Street between 42nd and 43rd streets This National Historic Landmark is a fantastic federal-style mansion Philadelphia Divinity School was founded downtown in 1857 and surrounded by a beautiful, botanical garden. The Woodlands is moved to West Philadelphia in 1921. The site was the location perhaps most famous for its Victorian cemetery. Here lie many of the developer Clarence Clark’s mansion. Clark, after whom famous Colonial American and Civil War fellows, as well as Clark Park is named, developed what is now known as ‘beige members of old Philadelphia families. Thomas Eakins, Joseph block,’ among many other investments. The original plan for Campbell (of soup fame), and Samuel Gross are also buried here. the Divinity School called for a quadrangle which would have WALKING filled the entire square block; however, only six buildings were 2.) Woodland Terrace completed. The site now houses the Penn Alexander School and TOURS OF Woodland Terrace (Off Baltimore between 40th and the Parent Infant Center. 41st streets) 7.) St. Marks Street This small neighborhood is on the National Register of Historical PHILADELPHIA Between Locust and Walnut streets, and 42nd and Places. Here you will see Italianate style houses. This distinct architecture became popular during the 19th century and spread 43rd streets from England to the United States and Australia. Believe it or not, St. Marks Street, located between Locust and Walnut Streets, is an Penn students live in these beautiful homes! intact block of Queen Ann style row houses that gives the feel of a OVERVIEW: late nineteenth century West Philadelphia residential block. 3) Clark Park This tour will take you through beautiful 43rd and Baltimore streets Victorian neighborhoods to great ethnic Clark Park is one of the great public spaces of West Philadelphia. Also of interest: restaurants and a great park—all in Penn’s In the warm months it hosts community festivals and a weekly backyard. Welcome to West Philly! West farmer’s market. At the southern end of the park is the University St. Francis de Sales Church of the Sciences in Philadelphia, which contains the oldest school This spectacular church has been serving the West Philadelphia Philadelphia began as the site of summer of pharmacy in the Western Hemisphere (founded in 1821). The community for the past 100 years. The Gustavino Dome and elaborate homes for colonial elites and then became park boasts the world’s only life-sized statue of Charles Dickens, a stained-glass windows make this church a definite must-see. Located at Philadelphia’s first suburb in the late 19th secret community garden, and a fountain that served the Civil War 4625 Springfield Avenue. century after the creation of the electric hospital that was on this site. streetcar. Lined with Italianate, Victorian, and Rx 4.) Baltimore Avenue Queen Anne “cottages,” the neighborhoods Located on 45th and Spruce streets, Rx is a former apothecary reborn Baltimore Avenue between 45th and 48th streets as a restaurant by a Penn alum just a few years ago. Rx specializes in today house faculty and students of Drexel This street is an old turnpike that went from Philadelphia seasonal dishes and is vegetarian-friendly. See www.rxrestaurant.com. University and the University of Pennsylvania. to Baltimore and is one of the major arteries through West Philadelphia. The trolleys that still run down the street are what Koch’s Deli WHY YOU SHOULD RETURN: made this neighborhood the most desirable suburb of Philadelphia It’s no secret that Koch’s is one of the best delis in the city. Enjoy free in the decades after the Civil War because the streetcars provided samples while you wait in line with all the other people who appreciate a Go to any of the rooftop lounges in the high easy access to jobs in Center City. great sandwich. Located at 4309 Locust Street. rise College Houses, and you’ll see that Penn’s Great restaurants pepper the historic avenue including the popular neighborhood is a sea of green, thanks to its Ethopian eatery – Dahlak on 47th Street. If you are more in the tree lined streets, small gardens and Clark mood for a delicious Vietnamese meal, then you can try Vietnam Park. Part streetcar suburb, part international Cafe which is practically right next door. In addition, the area food court, the collection of architecture, and boasts Thai, Indian, Caribbean, and bar food. cuisine make West Philly worth exploring. This 5.) Garden Court is your new neighborhood, so you should take 47th looking down Larchwood and Osage streets advantage of it! The Garden Court neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of the most charming residential Walk to the corner of 40th and Spruce areas in all of Philadelphia. The homes on Larchwood and Osage Avenues are simultaneously suburban and urbane, and they provide streets to start your tour. attractive city living for many Penn faculty and staff. The homes were designed in the 1920’s and were among the first housing developments in Philadelphia to take into account the family automobile.

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WEST PHILADELPHIA