My parents are coming into town tomorrow (friday the 20th) and I was wondering what spots in Germantown/Mt. Airy/Chestnut hill would be great to show around. I just moved to Philadelphia a few months ago and haven't seen many parts (of the city). Anything historical, shopping districts, parks, homes, landscapes...would be great. Oh and exact locations would be swell too. Thanks for any help.

Germantown Ave in Chestnut Hill would be a very good place to start.

yes, there's a farmer's mkt in back of the hotel. McNally's up by border's and tons of shops, etc. there isn't a whole lot in Mt. Airy but I love McMenamin's pub. btw, anyone else see that Bitar's is moving into Mt. Airy?

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There's also Pastorius Park, a sweet little park a couple of blocks west of the Hotel. You can spend hours strolling around there admiring the old houses.

If you want to see lots and lots of trees, head north on G'Town Ave and visit Morris Arboretum.

If you're in Chestnut Hill, Valley Green may be nice to visit. It is at the bottom of Springfield Ave (parallel to Willow Grove Ave heading west from G'town ave). Down below Chestnut Hill Academy.

Unlike the arboretum, it is free. the path extends 2.5 miles in either direction if you wanted to take a little walk. There is also the Valley Green Inn right there. It is a lovely location to eat, especially this time of year. I have had some nice meals there.

Although, I did have a bad experience at the restaurant once. The manager is complete jackass. If they look busy, best to stay away. If not, it should be fine. They have a nice menu.

If your parents are history buffs there are several historic buildings along Germantown ave heading out of Mt. Airy into Germantown. I guess most notable would be Cliveden.

Main Street in Manayunk, Kelly Drive or the Art Museum Area would be nice too.

As pointed out, the key shopping district is the upper end (above Willow Grove Avenue) of Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill. You could check out Woodmere Art Museum at the very top of the Hill if that's your bag. WashWestDad mentions the Arboretum, which is gorgeous, and has a fun Garden Railway as well as many trees.

Historical/homes - Further down Germantown Ave (back towards the city) you have Stenton, the Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, and Cliveden. All have relatively limited hours (and Maxwell may be closed at the time being - they were having some trouble). Not too far away is the Allens Lane Art Center, which does have a small gallery with a show currently running.

Parks/landscapes - In addition to the Arboretum, Valley Green is a great place to visit the Wissahickon Valley and enjoy part of the largest contiguous urban park in the country (Fairmount Park) - feed ducks, go for a walk, perhaps dine al fresco at the Valley Green Inn.

See all the links for exact locations/directions/hours. General Chestnut Hill site: http://www.chestnuthillpa.com

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I really dig that Ebeneezer Maxwell mansion. Check out some of the historical houses at least worth driving past in Swinefielld's phototours of G'town, Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill.

http://phillyblog.com/philly/showthread.php?t=7367
http://phillyblog.com/philly/showthread.php?t=7459

Valley Green Inn sounds like a great lunch recommendation for the grandparents.

WQstur -

Not a fabulous weather day, unfortunately. Where did you end up going with your parents? Did you have a good time?

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