Fairmount-Art Museum - Philadelphia, PA Area Guide

Built in 1829, the Eastern State Penitentiary was the first in the country to have the intention of reforming rather than simply punishing criminals. Residents know it's a fun place to tour, especially around Halloween. The Philadelphia Museum of Art ranks as the most notable attraction. Established in 1876, it houses more than 227,000 objects. It has grown to include the Rodin Museum and contributes to the area's thriving art scene. Every 4th of July includes a huge celebration along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the Made in America Concert.

Located just two blocks from the Barnes Foundation, at 21st and Green Streets, the Belgian Cafe serves a wide selection of craft beer and nine different mussels dishes, a menu item for which they've become famous. During warmer months, sit outside on the sunniest, tree-lined corner in Fairmount. Hickory Lane serves as a premiere brunch, lunch and dinner destination by offering a diverse menu with quality ingredients that change with the seasons. Perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, residents rave about the three courses for just $25 a person. Indulge in a slice of history at Water Works Restaurant and Lounge. Once America's first municipal water delivery system, this national historic landmark rose into an upscale dining and event destination for first class service, unique cuisine and scenic views. At night, locals call North Star Bar the place to go for happy hour, live music, great food and drinks. Located closer to Olde City at 2639 Poplar Street, this bar thrives as become part of Philadelphia's vibrant music scene, and hosts the likes of The White Stripes, Fun and Manchester Orchestra. Check out live music Thursday through Saturday, Quizzo on Mondays and the best happy hour in the city with $3 drafts from 5 to 7 p.m. The Art Museum Area sits close to a number of diverse neighborhoods, so it's easy to enjoy a variety of nightlife. Nearby Fishtown and Northern Liberties provide a young, hipster scene, while Olde City provides more dance clubs and upscale bars.

SEPTA’s Broad Street train line drops riders off directly on Fairmount’s eastern border, while a number of bus lines (48, 33, 32 and 7) shuttle to and from Center City. Take the Girard Avenue’s 15 trolley east to the hip neighborhoods of Northern Liberties and Fishtown. Biking and walking are common and the best ways to get around. Art Museum area comes in as one of Philly’s most difficult places to park, due to it being highly residential, though there are off-street options, including a large short-term lot at 22nd and Fairmount. Visitors can call a cab or Uber for an easy transportation option, but prices vary depending on how far you want to go. A typical ride costs around $10 to get to Center City. Fairmount provides residents with easy access to major highway 676.

The aptly named Fairmount neighborhood sits right by one of the most charming sections of Fairmount Park, one of the world's largest city park systems. A Victorian-style trolley offers tours of the Colonial-era mansions, while two outdoor concert venues feature top names in music. The Philadelphia Museum of Art sits at the headway of the Park, overlooking the row of Victorian-era boathouses that have become architectural landmarks and the Water Works restaurant. Take a stroll, head out for an afternoon game of softball, frisbee or pier-side fishing, or just relax with a picnic. There are miles of trails for horseback riding, off-road cycling and deep-woods hiking. There are also three environmental centers, as well as a wildlife refuge treatment center. Visit the Charms of Fairmount Park website to learn more about events, tours and all that the park has to offer all year long.

This neighborhood has become a very desirable area and favorite place to live, making it one of the more expensive areas in the city at 26.3 percent higher than the Philadelphia average. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,200 a month, while house prices stick around $354,000.

The heart of Fairmount beats along Fairmount Avenue, lined with restaurants and boutique shops, and while the neighborhood can be pricey, quite a few gems still exist where you can pick up a bargain. Check out Bookhaven, a used book shop on the Avenue that not only sells but buys the books you no longer read. It might be a challenge not spending that extra cash on more books, though. Nearby on Spring Garden sits the Wardrobe Boutique, which doubles as a women's resale shop and a charitable initiative of Career Wardrobe that empowers women to succeed. You'll also find florists, sporting goods stores and an Ace Hardware. Klein's Supermarket serves as the neighborhood grocery store, featuring a butcher and a variety of organic products.