This article was adapted from Brittany Valentine’s article from November 2022.
Located six miles northwest of Center City, Germantown is one of Philadelphia’s most historic neighborhoods, and an area of both local and national importance.
The first known organized protest against slavery in the Americas took place there in 1688, when four Germantown Quakers spoke against the practice at a monthly meeting. The neighborhood also served as a refuge for President George Washington, first in 1793 during the yellow fever epidemic and again the following summer when he took respite from the swampy heat in Washington, D.C. The home he lived in became known as the Germantown White House, which you can visit today.
From its rich history to its modern-day sights, here are some great places to check out the next time you’re in the area. Shoutout to Hey Philly reader Lucinda Megill Legendre for the following recommendations ⭐
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books
📚 5445 Germantown Ave.
This space was created to provide underserved communities with access to books. They serve delicious coffee and pastries, a curated book selection, apparel, children’s games, and so much more.
Grumblethorpe
🌹 5267 Germantown Ave.
This historic home and garden was built in 1744 and was home to the German immigrant Wister family for 160 years. It is now a museum and part of the Colonial Germantown Historic District.
Maplewood Mall
🛍️ Maplewood Mall and Armat Street, between Germantown Avenue and Greene Street
One of the neighborhood’s best-kept secrets is now yours for the taking! This city-within-a-city features local businesses and apartments and was recently reconstructed to include roadways and plazas with seating and public art.
Vernon Park
🌳 Within Green Street, W Chelten Avenue, Germantown Avenue, and W Rittenhouse Street
This 8-acre park offers playgrounds, adult fitness equipment, picnic tables, gardens, and plenty of pathways for the perfect afternoon stroll.
Want to learn more about Germantown?
The Germantown Historical Society runs a museum on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you can see a typical home from 1750 to 1900, and an artifact collection.
