In 1728, a Pennsylvania Quaker named John Bartram purchased 102 acres near Philadelphia and began assembling one of the most extensive botanical collections in the world. His garden remains the oldest existing botanical garden in the United States, and during Bartram's lifetime, the garden was visited and enjoyed by dignitaries like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.You can spend the day exploring Bartram's Garden, as well!

Visiting the garden on your own is always free, but Yelp reviewers recommend signing up for one of the guided tours, which will explain the garden's layout and design, as well as help you identify the historical significance of certain plants. As an added bonus, you'll get a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline from the estate's meadowlands. Don’t forget to stop by the historic buildings that housed Bartram’s family, and be sure to step inside the nursery where you can purchase native Pennsylvania cuttings and seedlings.

Bartram's Garden
54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 729-5281
www.bartramsgarden.org
www.yelp.com/biz/bartrams-garden-philadelphia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Rachel Kramer

While most wine bars offer a large selection of reds and whites and the cheeses to go along with them, Tria Cafe is a wine bar with a bit more personality. The cafe's Rittenhouse location offers a vast selection of beers for those who prefer a cold brew to a glass of red, but no matter what type of libations you like, you’ll find an atmospheric place to enjoy it inside of Tria's relaxing dining room and, when the season permits, upon the streetside eating area.

Inside, there is a long bar with dim lighting where guests can socialize over some snacks and a beverage, as well as smaller bistro-style tables if you prefer a more formal visit. The menu is small but always changing to accommodate what’s in season, and you’ll always find shareable snacks like olives, sliced Italian meats, and foreign cheeses. Various styles of bruschetta, gourmet sandwiches, and hearty salads create a light meal, while the artistic desserts help to cap off your evening in a truly sweet way.

Tria Cafe
123 S. 18th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 972-8742
www.triacafe.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr vitamindave

Philadelphia vegetarians have an impressive list of dining options in the city’s booming restaurant scene, but Hip City Veg is still a favorite amongst meat-free residents. This unique and forward-thinking restaurant serves an extensive menu of 100 percent plant-based dishes, and the majority of the ingredients used are locally sourced from area farms. All of the packaging at Hip City Veg is compostable, and the interior of the restaurant is made from recycled and energy-efficient materials. If you place a to-go order, your food will even arrive via bicycle messenger instead of the usual car.

If all of that isn’t enough to make you want to try this eco-friendly eatery, the delicious food probably will! Hip City Veg serves flavorful and nutritious dishes such as udon noodle salads, meat-free Philly cheesesteaks, and taco salads that will leave you feeling full. If you’re looking for a better, healthier alternative to fast food, you’ll find it here.

Hip City Veg
127 S.18th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 278-7605
www.hipcityveg.com
www.yelp.com/biz/hipcityveg-philadelphia

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr punctuated