Washington Square West - Philadelphia, PA

There is rich history in Washington Square West. The open space that anchors the neighborhood, Washington Square, is one of William Penn's original five city squares that were created in 1682. It was originally a burial ground, and soldiers killed in the Revolutionary War were buried there. The site was also home to Washington Square prison that housed criminals and enemies during the war.

The oldest theater in the United States, Walnut Street Theater, opened in 1809 in the neighborhood. Although it's been renovated many times, it still retains some of its original architectural elements. The nation's oldest hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital sits in Washington Square West. In addition, the country's oldest diamond district, Jeweler's Row, was created here in the mid-1800s.

Washington Square West is a diner's paradise, with nationally recognized chefs operating fine dining restaurants, and a revitalized 13th Street that was recognized in 2013 by The New York Times as A Philadelphia Street, Transformed.

The award-winning Vetri serves a chef's tasting menu of rustic Italian cuisine. The menu is custom-tailored for the table, and the chef works with food preferences and allergies. With a per person price of more than $150, not including drinks, it's not a restaurant to dine in every night, but it's perfect for special occasions. Reservations are a must.

If your diet is vegan or vegetarian, or if you simply love good food, Vedge is the place you'll want to go. Vedge is a vegetable-focused restaurant with dishes that are globally inspired and are made with locally sourced ingredients. In 2013, it was named one of GQ's 12 Most Outstanding Restaurants in the country. The innovative restaurant never uses animal products, but it serves a rhubarb cheesecake that is a local favoroite.

Although upscale is plentiful in Washington Square West, there are excellent casual restaurants, too. Green Eggs Cafe serves breakfast and weekend brunch. If you go, make sure to check out the decadent red velvet pancakes, layered with chocolate and strawberry mascarpone.

Philadelphia's theater district in Washington Square West offers an alternative to nightclubs. You'll find performances almost every night of the week at The Academy of Music, The Wilma Theater and The Kimmel Center.

It's easy to get around the city using public transportation from Washington Square West. The Septa rail, trolley and bus systems will get you through Philadelphia and out to the surrounding counties. Make sure to download Septa's app to make traveling easy. PATCO, a light rail, runs between Center City and Southern New Jersey, with a stop at 12th & Locust in WashWest. Taxi cabs and Uber are also available for transportation.

Walking is always an option in the neighborhood as is biking. Some of the neighborhood's streets have dedicated bike lanes.

Washington Square Park is one of the five original parks set aside in the city for the public to use. The park houses a memorial to George Washington and to unknown soldiers, along with walking paths and benches to rest on. It's a lovely place for a picnic.

Segar Park Playground is the best place to take young children to play in the neighborhood. It has two play areas for children, a fenced yards for dogs and a tennis court.

A one-bedroom rental in Washington Square West averages about $1200 a month, but rents in some of the historic town homes can go much higher. The neighborhood is one of the more expensive in the city of Philadelphia, but the city itself is one of the more affordable major urban areas in the country.

The gas prices at the stations around Washington Square West are about 11 percent higher than the national average. A beer will cost about $5 for a domestic and $7 for a craft beer on tap.

Couples getting engaged head to Jeweler's Row in Washington Square West, located around 8th & Samson Streets. There, dozens of jewelry stores compete to sell diamond rings, wedding bands and estate jewelry. For something unique, check out Halloween. This creatively named shop offers a range of custom and eccentric jewels, and it also does jewelry repair. Historic Antique Row runs along Pine Street and offers more than just antiques. Independent boutiques, galleries and eclectic shops sit alongside antique stores.

You won't find major chains or large department stores in the neighborhood, but boutiques and specialty stores exist throughout the area. Paper on Pine offers invitations, stationary and gifts. Homemade soaps can be purchased at Duross & Langel. Rustic Music honors Philadelphia's rich musical history by selling vintage recordings and second-hand musical instruments.

Locals purchase groceries at Whole Foods or the West Washington Square location of Di Bruno Bros., an iconic Philadelphia market. If you just need to pick up a few items, a prepared deli sandwich or a six-pack, the local deli Pac A Deli serves as the perfect stop.

Area farmers markets include the Jefferson Farmers Market on Thursdays at 10th Street and Chestnut, and the Headhouse Farmers Market on Sundays at 2nd Street and Lombard.