Visit Chestnut Hill

Chestnut Hill is nestled in the Northwest of Philadelphia and about 25 minutes from Center City. I visited there around the holiday for Stag Night. Enroute Marketing welcomed me back for a day of shopping, dinning, planting, and exploring. Chestnut Hill is thriving as it is the home of over 200 businesses including the addition of  17 openings in the last year. So what makes this quaint piece of Philadelphia special?

Support Small Businesses in Chestnut Hill

Although our day started off taking us into the world of gardening, small businesses are the main character of the section of the city outside of the residents. When you shop small in Chestnut Hill not only are you keeping the money within its borders you are are financing dreams. Most small business owners are doing what they love each and every day. Since the pandemic focusing on keeping these budding businesses supported means more than just surviving economic losses.

Many businesses are grappling with the rise in cost. Simply put, the materials to make a product, the finances to pay the overhead and more aren’t stopping any time soon. The bigger companies who have more backing seem to be the giants that tower daily. However when you mix heart and soul into what you do-it shines. Here are some of the businesses I patron while visiting this weekend:

Market at the Fareway

Here you will find many businesses represented. From Southern Flames BBQ to Chestnut Hill Brewing Co. Think of it as a Thorough Fare. So many different options are available as well as seating too. Simply grab and go or relax and enjoy its up to you.

Hideaway Music

This had to be one of my favorite places to visit. Seeing music on Vinyl really unlocks good memories. I remember as a kid listening to music with my mom which if it was RnB on a Saturday that meant it was time to clean. However I never forgot watching her put a record on for us. Hideaway Music  has what you need. The selections really fit every taste in music from classical to jazz and soul.

 

Booked

I love books. I have quite a library for myself and the kids. I remember during the pandemic my husband having a bookshelf delivered to the house for me. You would have thought I was becoming a millionaire. The way that I danced and clapped as it was getting installed made no sense to anyone but a booklover. Booked is a small bookstore that has something for everyone. From the books to bookmarks and letter kits you will find all kinds of options.

Pro tip especially with new businesses always make sure you add yourself to their email list. I know we get inundated with emails often but if you really like a business it’s a great way to know if there are events or coupons for future visits.

Occasionette

This is your shop for those special gifts like self care and trinkets. I immediately from walking in made a purchase in addition wrote some items down for my upcoming birthday. If you have someone on your list who likes curated gifts this is your one stop shop. Shop all of your goods in person but here is site to help you get an idea of what you may want or need.

The Bone Appetite

Have a dog or dogs? Come and get things from treats to care needs. It is open for your business. I don’t have a dog just yet but I definitely didn’t mind getting one of the besties some treats for their dogs. The prices I must say are reasonable and they have items that are unique to them. Make sure you look Bone Appetite up.

Quelque Chose

I loved how beautifully aesthetic the items were. From the grouping like beach favorites to mugs and cups for coffee and wine drinkers alike-you will fall in love. The shop is designed for you to purchase. Almost the same vibe I get from one of my favorite chain stores but much better.

Dining in Chestnut Hill-Adelina’s

This isn’t the first time I have dined in Chestnut Hill. However it was the first time that I dined at Adelina’s Restaurant and Bar. It is such a large and open space. In addition the food is absolutely worth enjoying. I would say I didn’t see a child’s menu only because the child I had with me eats adult portions. My daughter loved the menu. The cocktails and more specifically the Espresso Martini needs a declaration. So many places make an Espresso Martini but don’t exactly have the overbearing of trying to add so much alcool that it takes away from the experience.

We were able to meet Antonio Presta who is part owner along with his brother, Giuliano. The way in which we were taken care of was nothing short of great. The staff did a wonderful job in making sure that we had more than enough to eat. We dined family style and they did a phenomenal job.

Martines Café

This French inspired cafe has lots of drink options from hot or iced to pastries and light bites. Pro tip: get there early. The lines easily start pouring out of the door. In addition there is dining outside and inside of the cafe. They also feature specials that change often too. Even though it was meant as a start of our tour for Chestnut Hill we went as the end.

Laurel Hill Gardens

This had to be one of the best parts of the day. As you walk in especially during our visit where the weather is comfortable an the sun is out-to a garden expect magic. We had a great time learning how to pot plants including the potting of our own hand picked potted plants and herbs. We learning how to properly pot, change it from its original source and maintenance once home.

Getting outside at least once a day for 10 minutes or so helps with self care for some. I tend to gravitate to being outside but as a Taurus who is Earthy I am not shocked.

We toured, ate, and explored Chestnut Hill. The only things that my daughter and I didn’t get to do was visit the Arboretums or the theatre, The Stagecrafters. This tour not only made me get more insight on Chestnut Hill, it was fun above the day. Remember to attend to Home and Garden Festival happening at on May 7th from 11-5pm with a rain date of May 22nd

Thank you to the businesses including Adelina’s and EnRoute Marketing for having us.