Whether you’re planning ahead for Valentine’s weekend or just looking to spice up date night, here are our favorite places for romance in Philly.
Longwood Gardens
For Dinner:
Scarpetta
The way to everyone’s heart is through their stomach, so let James Beard Award-winning chef Scott Conant’s take on Italian cuisine whisk your date away into a food coma. If the duck and foie gras ravioli with marsala reduction doesn’t sweep them off their feet, the espresso budino with hazelnut gelato and salted caramel surely will. Between the elegant, soft lit atmosphere and mouth-watering plates, Scarpetta is certainly a date night favorite. 210 W Rittenhouse Square, 215.558.4199, scarpettarestaurants.com
For a Walk in the Park:
Longwood Gardens
When the winter chill descends on Philly, outdoor dates become a distant memory. Thanks to Longwood Gardens’ lush conservatories, couples can meander through whimsical, life-size terrariums year round. Walk through the Orangery, housing a vibrant display of flowers and foliage, or the Cascade Garden, featuring cacti, succulents, rock sculptures and water features—your date will think they’ve died and gone to a summery heaven. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, 610.388.1000, longwoodgardens.org
For an Artsy Date:
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Wander through the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s 200 galleries, featuring world-class exhibitions like Elegy: Lament in the 20th Century. Starting on Feb 12th, Elegy will display powerful works that grapple with grief, tragedy and violence through stunning pieces like the lithograph “Remembering J. J.” by Reginald Gammon. After admiring the collections, drop into Stir Restaurant for hand torn pasta and a bottle of wine. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215.763.8100, philamuseum.org
For Drinks:
Art in the Age
Cocktails at a bar can feel a bit “been there, done that.” For those looking to elevate the typical “drinks” date, book a cocktail, or mocktail, workshop at Steven Grasse’s Art in the Age. Located in Old City, this at-home bartending boutique welcomes guests to shake, stir and sip their way to tasty tipples—with expert, hands-on instruction of course. After becoming a master mixologist, try out their online recipes, like the cold brew old fashioned, for your next date night in. 116 N. Third St., 215.922.2600, artintheage.com
Photography by: Anvesh Gey/Unsplash
