If you’re in the City of Brotherly Love, you owe it to yourself to make a stop at the Magic Gardens, an astonishing folk art monument that has been a locus of the South Street neighborhood for over a decade. The work of sculptor and mosaicist Isaiah Zagar, the Magic Gardens comprise an indoor gallery surrounded by a humongous labyrinth, where all of the walls are coated with gorgeous tile collages. Zagar started work on the project in 1994 in the vacant lot next to his studio space, excavating tunnels and pathways and building a truly magnificent installation. A nonprofit organization bought the lot in 2002 with the intention of preserving it for the ages. The subject matter of the mosaics can be a little ribald, so it’s not for conservative souls. Admission is just five dollars. Bring a camera, because the sheer amount of detail in these pieces is hard to take in with just one visit.

Philly’s Magic Gardens
1020 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 733-0390
http://www.yelp.com/biz/philadelphias-magic-gardens-philadelphia

Food trucks are one of the hottest things in the eating world right now, so it’s no surprise that Philadelphia has a number of great ones. Recently voted one of the 20 best food trucks in the United States, the Sugar Philly Truck brings sweet treats to appreciative eaters five days a week. Chef Daniel Tang sets up shop in a former mobile post office to knock out some astonishing gourmet desserts. The biggest draw here are Sugar Philly's spectacular French macaron cookies – these amazing sandwich cookies are light but very flavorful. The everyday options include a decadent chocolate ganache and a subtle, comforting “milk & honey” flavor, but the real stars are the daily specials. Show up on Monday for a salted caramel macaron that will blow your mind. The Thursday green tea is also great. And at just $1.50 apiece, prices are extremely competitive. The menu also offers a few other treats that change based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

Sugar Philly Truck
38th & Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(267) 940-7473
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-philly-truck-philadelphia

Founded in 1963 at one of the most productive and exciting periods in American visual arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art has earned a reputation for identifying future talents early in their professional careers and giving them the support they need to develop their work. Andy Warhol had his first museum show here, for instance. For over half a century, the museum has been an essential part of Philadelphia’s cultural and artistic life, and it’s still going strong. The Museum hosts no permanent collection, but it presents a dozen new exhibitions each year. The ICA also offers a wide variety of educational programs and lectures on a diverse assortment of topics. Best of all, admission is absolutely free! The comforting, minimal space is a great place to take a date or just spend an afternoon lost in thought. The first Wednesday of every month is a great time to visit, as the Museum hosts music, participatory activities and more.

Institute of Contemporary Art
118 S. 36th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7108
http://www.yelp.com/biz/institute-of-contemporary-art-philadelphia