A Philadelphia Weekend Getaway:
Compass Style
Other than hanging out with my amazing family and friends, my favorite things to do in the entire world are eating, traveling, and looking at beautiful homes! So I figured, what better way to combine my loves than to chat with fellow Compass agents around the country to get a local’s look at the best places to eat, sleep and shop in their city? Plus, just for fun, we can check out their amazing listings too – because who doesn’t like to look at a little real estate eye candy?
To kick off our new monthly series, we’re taking a quick trip up I-95 to the City of Brotherly Love, just a 90-minute train (or three-hour car ride) away from DC, making for a perfect weekend getaway! We chatted with Margaux Genovese Pelegrin – a born and raised Philadelphia Realtor who knows the city inside and out. We asked Margeaux for her take on her city’s hottest spots and her personal tried and true favorites. Bonus – she also works with her mother as the partners of the On the Square real estate team of Compass. I like her already!
Here is her rapid-fire guide to an amazing, local’s Philadelphia getaway.
What are your favorite Philadelphia hotels?
Rittenhouse 1715 – A Boutique Hotel and Hotel Monaco — A Kimpton Hotel.
Rittenhouse 1715 is an adorable upscale Bed & Breakfast located on a quiet tree-lined street just off of Rittenhouse Square Park. The Hotel Monaco is located in the heart of the historic district & boasts an incredible rooftop deck for warmer days.
Philadelphia is known for its amazing food. What are your go-to recommendations for restaurants?
This is HARD but here are a few favorites:
Vernick
2031 Walnut Street (Rittenhouse Square)
Upscale American dining in a converted townhouse. Reservations needed or first come in the bar area. Pro tip: get there early, enjoy a drink at the bar and wait for a bar area table!
120 S. 13th (Midtown)
Japanese Fusion in a speakeasy-style underground setting.
BOK Bar
800 Mifflin
South Philly rooftop bar in a former schoolhouse with incredible skyline views.
Barbuzzo
110 S 13th (Midtown)
Italian/Mediterranean food in a cozy restaurant space. Pro-Tip: Start with a pizza and end with a Budino.
The Bakeshop on 20th
269 S. 20th (Rittenhouse Square)Amazing baked goods (scones, muffins, cookies). Pro Tip: to change your life, order a Brookie.
Reading Terminal Market
12th & Arch
A foodie’s dream market. Stop here for a quick lunch!
Side Note: Pro Tip from Allison — keep an eye out for the station with cream cheese frosted pumpkin cookies from one of the Amish Country stands — to die for!
DiBrunos
1730 Chestnut
Great grab & go food and the city’s BEST cheese.
OK – I noticed you didn’t list any spots for cheesesteaks!! I know it’s super touristy, but we all want to know… where can we get THE BEST cheesesteak in Philly?
We like Jim’s on South Street!
400 South Street
Other than catching our DC sports teams play on the road in Philly, what else should we be sure not to miss?
Great boutique shopping on 3rd Street in Old City – from Market to Race.
Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street)
Take a jog/walk/run/bike ride along the Schuylkill River Trail through Kelly Drive. 
Grab lunch and eat it in Rittenhouse Square Park (1800 Walnut Street)
Take in some culture at The Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy) and The Barnes Museum (2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway). Pro Tip: Don’t forget to run up the Art Museum steps ala Sylvester Stallone!
Get your laugh on at Helium Comedy Club (2031 Sansom Street in Rittenhouse) or Punch Line Philly (33 E. Laurel Street in Fishtown)
Now, what we’ve all been waiting for… can you give us an inside look at some of your BEAUTIFUL listings?
Yes! Check out 2317 Delancey Place located in Filter Square ($2,750,000) and our loft-style Penthouse Condo listed in Locust Point ($369,900) which has beautiful river views.
We can’t thank Margaux enough for sharing with us! Of course, if you or any of your friends need real estate help in Philly, we’d be happy to connect you with her and her team.
Stay tuned next month – we’ll be exploring Miami, just in time for Spring Break and Nationals Spring Training!
