A Springtime Getaway Could Be Closer (And Cheaper!) Than You Think

Now that spring fever is running rampant, and you’re itching to take a few days off – or maybe a long weekend – you are probably weighing your options on mini-getaways. We all try to plan one HUGE vacation per year, but you can’t forget to toss in some small trips to spice things up, too! While NYC is always a great weekend trip, I’ve been telling a ton of my friends and family to give Philadelphia a try the next time they’re looking for a quick getaway. You’re probably closer than you think! [caption id="attachment_618621" align="alignright" width="300"] A nice cocktail on the "beach" overlooking the waterfront at Spruce Street Harbor Park![/caption] Especially now that the weather is nicer, here are a few outdoor hot spots that won’t break the bank! Spruce Street Harbor Park: This is hands down my favorite Philly outdoor spot. It’s a blast for kids and adults alike. They have shuffleboard, little food cards (everything from tacos to ice cream) and a floating barge featuring beach chairs overlooking the Delaware River. Don’t worry – if you’re thirsty, they sell a nice variety of beers, too. Some of them are even brewed by local Philly breweries! Independence Beer Garden: Nothing says spring fever better than beer with a view of history! Independence Beer Garden is right across from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. You can enjoy a variety of craft beers and cocktails with some spots for ping pong and shuffleboard within walking distance of where our forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence. They sell food here, too! So if you want to stop by and see some of the most historic sites in Philadelphia and then kick back with a nice cocktail. Washington Square Park and Rittenhouse Square: No food or drink here, but these are great places to kick back and people watch as you take a stroll around the city. The views are perfect for your Insta stories! Please Touch Museum and The Franklin Institute: If you plan on bringing the kids, and it happens to be raining, these are great places to check out! Everything from IMAX theaters to hands-on exhibits. (Even if it’s not raining, they’re worth a stop while you’re in the city!) On top of all of this, the food scene is booming in Philly. Whether your taste buds crave sushi, Mediterranean, ramen or traditional American/pub-style food, you can find it all within a few blocks in Center City. (Heck, while you’re there, check out McGillin’s, the oldest pub in the city. I can’t guarantee Ben Franklin drank there, but hey, after a few beers, does it really matter?) Sure, it’s tempting to do the old tried and true getaways, but if you haven’t been to Philly recently, it might make for a nice springtime getaway! You know you deserve it!