Chestnut Hill’s green landscapes, lush gardens, public parks and renowned architecture earned the neighborhood the designation of “Philadelphia’s Garden District” by Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell in 1997. For more than two decades, the picturesque urban village has been a welcoming destination for locals and out-of-towners looking to explore the greener side of Philadelphia.
The outdoor season officially kicks off with the Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival on Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., when Germantown Avenue blossoms into an outdoor garden marketplace. The family-friendly event boasts more than 30,000 visitors and more than 150 home and garden vendors, artists, and craftsmen.
Spend the day strolling Germantown Avenue (which will be closed to traffic) and peruse landscape and garden displays, flower sales, heirloom vegetable plants, terrariums, birdhouses, fountains, and home accessories. Artisans will display and sell goods ranging from hand-made furniture and quilts, to jewelry, art and collectibles. Family-focused activities include amusement rides, face painting, arts and crafts, free train rides and live music on three stages.
Also happening on the Hill this spring and summer, First Fridays (the first Friday of every month) celebrate the start of the weekend with art gallery exhibitions, extended store hours, shopping and dining specials, entertainment, free parking and more. First Fridays offer guests the opportunity to shop, dine and unwind along Germantown Avenue.
Nestled along the 1,800 acres of Wissahickon Valley Park – part of the 9,200-acre Fairmount Park system – Chestnut Hill provides outdoor explorers with access to expansive trails for hiking and biking, horseback riding and other recreational activities. The neighborhood is also home to the 92 lush acres of Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Visitors will find inspiration for updating their own homes from the indoors out after exploring the abundance of shops that offer all the makings of a dream house, from the front porch to the back patio.
Here are some highlights for home and garden shopping throughout Chestnut Hill:
Plant Happy
Up at Top of the Hill Market find a selection for all seasons, including spring tulips, autumn mums and evergreen wreaths for winter. For fresh-cut flowers year-round, visit co-op food market Weavers Way, which also sells bulbs and plants to spring-start your garden. Stop in old-fashioned corner store Kilian Hardware for every homeware and tool you could ever need, including gardening gloves for you to wear while you dig into your outdoor projects!
Patio Paradise
The perfect patio calls for stylish (and comfortable) outdoor furniture – and the new Summer Classics Home is just the place to find it. The store is known for luxury furnishings, with styles ranging from vintage rattan to contemporary coastal.
Home Makeover
Whether you are finishing your master suite or updating your kitchen, let Glenna Stone Interior Design take the lead on re-envisioning your room. The full-service firm has a knack for crafting spaces that are inviting, polished and perfect for each customer. Put the distinctive touches on your abode with accents from Tailored Home, including rugs and tapestries, designer dishware and the luxurious bedding you’ve always wanted.
Explore more businesses on the Hill (including the top spots for arts and antiques) with the Chestnut Hill Business District’s Insider’s Guides.