Avenue Of The Arts Central - Philadelphia, PA Area Guide

It wasn't until the mid-1800s that Broad Street truly came into its own, becoming the home of many wealthy residents of Philadelphia as well as banks and office buildings. By the 1950s, however, skyscrapers and development in other areas of the city threw Broad Street into a decline.

It didn't start to climb out of its slump until the 1990s. At that time, the Avenue of the Arts was simply Broad Street, but that changed in 1993 with the creation of the Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI), a non-profit organization dedicated to developing this section of Center City into a respected arts hub. The AAI oversaw the street's beautification as well as the construction of the Kimmel Center, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Walk of Fame, a series of plaques that honor the city's music legends.

While there are other options for nightlife, people go to the Avenue of the Arts to enjoy excellent music and exciting theater. In addition to a lovely covered rooftop garden, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts houses the Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater and SEI Innovation Studio, a black box theater. Hear the Philadelphia Orchestra play, or see amazing feats of dance performed by PHILADANCO. The dance company's heart belongs to modern contemporary dance, and their inspired movements lift you up and make you glad you came to see a show on the Avenue of the Arts.

If theater is more where your interests lie, check out the Wilma Theater. It got its start in 1973, but has had a home on the Avenue of the Arts since 1996. Having worked with legends like Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Miller, the Wilma Theater strives to present daring performances. From "Hamlet" to "The Threepenny Opera," this theater's productions challenge and delight you.

No show, whether it's classical music or contemporary dance, is complete without a little food before or after. If you're in search of a meal or just a few drinks, two must-visit eateries are Barbuzzo and Alma de Cuba. While Barbuzzo isn't on the Avenue of the Arts, it's a short two blocks away, and the walk to South 13th Street is worth it for a variety of pizzas ranging from $13 to $16. If you can't manage to find a pie you like, select from plenty of other Italian classics like gnocchi and meatballs. And the salted caramel budino for dessert receives rave reviews.

Another nearby restaurant is Alma de Cuba, which is located on Rittenhouse Square. The ambiance is romantic, making it perfect for a first date or fiftieth. With classic Cuban food such as arroz con pollo and fun, unique drinks like the black cherry caipirinha, this spot makes an excellent choice when you wish to do dinner before a show.

The Avenue of the Arts is a beautiful place to take a stroll, whether it's on your way to work or from dinner to a show. Light posts are lit up with glowing double As for "Avenue of the Arts," and the sidewalks are filled with people.

Getting to the Avenue isn't difficult at all, whether you're coming from inside or outside the city. The PATCO (Port Authority Transit Corporation) Speedline allows visitors to park in southern New Jersey and ride the train into the city anytime of the day or night. SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) Regional Rail service allows visitors from just outside Philadelphia to enter easily, stopping at Suburban and Market East stations, both of which are a walk away from the Avenue of the Arts. Within the city, bus lines, five trolley routes and the Broad Street Line subway provide convenient ways to navigate to a beautiful visit to the Avenue of the Arts. And, of course, there are street and garage parking options for drivers.

While there aren't any notable parks on the Avenue of the Arts, Rittenhouse Square is nearby. It's a park with a long history stretching back over 400 years, and it's beloved by locals and visitors alike. The park features grassy spaces as well as benches and walkways that lead to an oval in its center. Beautiful maple and locust trees and elegant flowerbeds are accompanied by public art. One such statue is Lion Crushing a Serpent, which was cast in bronze in 1890. Restaurants like Rouge and Parc and Barclay Prime allow you to enjoy a meal or appetizer, and then take a stroll along the walkways in Rittenhouse Square.

Center City, home to the Avenue of the Arts within Philadelphia, is, in general, a pricier place to live than other areas of the city or the suburbs. Gas prices tend to be higher than the national average. Despite this, there are both luxury and affordable apartments near enough to all of the action.

The average rental rate for this neighborhood is $1,754 per month for a one-bedroom unit. Drinks also run a little higher than other parts of the city, as the Avenue caters to many tourists and visitors.

On the Avenue of the Arts, you're most likely to spend your money buying tickets for performances and food from high-quality restaurants. However, luxury shops and large chain retailers line the streets, meaning there will be something to offer any shopper. If you're searching for high-end jewelry and accessories, check out Tiffany & Co. or Swarovski. Between Macy's, Banana Republic and Polo Ralph Lauren, you're sure to stay well-dressed.

There are a few grocery stores within walking distance of Avenue of the Arts, including Citi Market Place, with a limited selection of fresh produce and grocery items as well as a deli and soup counter. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, and Superfresh all have locations a mile or so away.