Sponsored Content

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Visit Philadelphia. The opinions and text are all mine.

Thinking you’ll wait until summer to visit Philadelphia? Think again: the Philadelphia Flower Show is officially here, making March the perfect time to stay, whether you’re from across the country or reside in the Philly suburbs.

The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package offers a bonus – if you stay any two consecutive nights, your car stays free. Worried about ditching your car to get around town? Mayor Nutter’s goal to be the greenest city by 2015 provides many sustainable traveling options.  Philadelphia’s own SEPTA claimed the title as #1 large transit system in the country.

What can you explore in your vacation? Don’t worry about the agenda, Philadelphia has tons of sightseeing options. We came up with a perfect 3-day agenda for you, too!

Here’s the perfect, green 3-day (2-night) Philadelphia Escape Itinerary:

Day 1 – Farmer’s, Flowers & Tables

• Wake up with breakfast at Reading Terminal Market, the country’s oldest continuously running farmer’s market.
• Escape from winter by surrounding yourself with blooms. Spend the day at the Philadelphia Flower Show, in town from March 1 to 9, 2014. This year’s theme “ARTiculture” combines art and horticulture, challenging attendees to release their inner artist. Special exhibits include floral prints by Andy Warhol, British garden designer Andy Sturgeon and Andy Sturgeon and Provence-based landscape designer James Basson.

• End your day in one of Philadelphia’s comforting hotels.

Day 2 – Exploring Philadelphia’s Neighborhoods

• Begin your day with the delectable pastries of Michael Solomonov’s Federal Donuts (1632 Sansom Street). The house cup o’ joe from PT’s Coffee Roasting Co. will guarantee to properly caffeinate.
• Head down to South Street to check out Isaiah Zagar’s creation, the Philadelphia Magic Gardens. Zagar uses reclaimed mirrors, tiles, and ‘trash’ (including toilet bowls!) to create elaborate mosaics.

• Continue down South Street to Philly’s infamous strip of eclectic record stores, shops and food. Thrift shops like Decades Vintage and Green Street consignment offer reduced, gently-used clothing.
• For lunch, you can swing into Hot Diggity (630 South Street) to create either a traditional hot or vegan dog with tons of toppings. The Vegan Tree (742 South Street) is the perfect option for herbivores.
• Hop on a bus north to Philadelphia’s hip neighborhood Northern Liberties for the afternoon. Strike up your luck and a few tater tots at North Bowl to try your bowling luck. Walk around the neighborhood to visit the eco-friendly Arcadia Boutique, with sustainable & conscious clothing. Trophy Bikes (712 N 2nd Street), Random Tea Room & Curiosity Shop (713 N 4th Street) and Art Star Boutique (623 N 2nd street) are staples to the casual browser.
• Head over to Silk City Diner to unwind with a drink and for a menu full of variations on classic fare. If you stay, dance the night away in the night club with beats ranging from Michael Jackson to modern hits.

Day 3 – To Prison & Breaking Out

• Go back in time with Al Capone and Willie Sutton and head over to the Eastern State Penitentiary (2100 Fairmount Avenue). Located in Philadelphia’s Art Museum District, the former prison offers tours, exhibitions and special events.

• Dine at Sabrina’s Cafe (1804 Callowhill Street), a popular Philadelphia brunch spot. Infamous for the stuffed french toast and incredible specials, Sabrina’s won’t disappoint.
• After lunch, run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps like Rocky and continue walking around the area. The Kelly Drive is complete with bike rentals, Boathouse Row and running/walking trail next to the The Schuylkill River. Enjoy a breath of fresh air as you take in the outdoor space.
• After sightseeing Philadelphia’s pretty outdoor scenery, treat yourself to the authentic Chef Pizzeria Vetri (1939 Callowhill Street). Enjoy Marc Vetri’s pizza, calzones and salads in an intimate setting.

Whether you stick to my agenda or make your own, Philadelphia is the perfect spot for a getaway! For more information and to book your room: visitphilly.com/overnight.

Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

array(3) {
  [0]=>
  object(WP_Term)#9200 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(541)
    ["name"]=>
    string(18) "Northern Liberties"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(18) "northern-liberties"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(544)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(36)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [1]=>
  object(WP_Term)#9201 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(1561)
    ["name"]=>
    string(24) "Philadelphia Flower Show"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(24) "philadelphia-flower-show"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(1571)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(26)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [2]=>
  object(WP_Term)#9198 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(2611)
    ["name"]=>
    string(12) "Visit Philly"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(12) "visit-philly"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(2624)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(4)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
}

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher