After a long work week, it's easy (and tempting) to stay on the couch for a TV binge. But there's no better way to unplug and recharge from the week than with a great hike around one of the Philadelphia area's many beautiful trails, followed by a decadent brunch.
The best options in the city are along its main river, the Schuylkill, which has gone through a major and ongoing environmental rehabilitation in recent decades.
Schuylkill Banks and Schuylkill River Park
Center City, Fitler Square, University City
The hike: If you're looking for a quick and scenic riverfront walk, check out the 2.0 mile one-way trip between the University of Pennsylvania and the start of the city's major park system at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You'll spend a good portion of the way over water, crossing the river between University City and walking along the new riverfront boardwalk next to Schuylkill River Park. You'll enjoy the full city skylines the entire time. If you're headed north to south, you'll hit the hub of restaurants along the edge of West Philadelphia.
The brunch: White Dog Cafe is a local favorite, a quarter-mile in from the river on the edge of the Penn campus. The focus is local, sustainable, seasonal and popular dishes, in a venue of three connected brownstone houses, with the brunch menu featuring a variety of well-portioned egg and grain dishes, plus cocktails.
Fairmont Park and Schuylkill River Trail
Center City, Fairmont Park
The hike: Let's say you're heading north, and looking for a bigger adventure. Continue along the Schuylkill River Trail past the art museum, and you'll find yourself in the middle of one of the largest city park systems in the country: Fairmont Park. You can continue north on the main river trail on the east side, for a little under five miles one way to the Roosevelt Expressway, or a more extended selection of routes by crossing to the west side of the park and heading upriver. The main hiking/running loop is 8.4 miles through the park.
The brunch: There are plenty of nearby options, but we recommend the booming art museum district outpost of Sabrina's Cafe. If you're not already familiar, the beloved local restaurants have helped define the local brunch scene over the last couple decades (think banana-stuffed french toast, giant pancakes, generous prosecco pours, and long lines.)
The location opens at 8am every day of the week, so we suggest loading up early before doing the scenic, calorie-burning loop.
Wissahickon Valley Park
Wissahickon
The hike: The Wissahickon Creek flows into a scenic natural gorge in the last few miles as it enters the Schuylkill, and has been a long-time destination for Philadelphians looking for some peace and quiet. Parts of the creek were heavily industrialized over the years, but today it's been rehabilitated and you can enjoy a quiet hike up Forbidden Drive in the valley of the park, or hit one of the trails on the sides for more of a workout. There are more than 50 miles of hiking trails to choose from in total, with the main drive extending for five of them.
The park is easily accessible, including from the north edge of Fairmont Park, if you continue along the Schuylkill River Trail and turn right to follow the mouth of the creek in.
The brunch: The historic Valley Green Inn sits in the middle of the park, and serves a popular (if expensive) brunch every Sunday from 10am to 3pm. The menu has the full range you'd hope for, from french toast to omelettes to chicken and waffles to huevos rancheros and lunch entrees. The high-end restaurant is open for lunch and dinner the rest of the week, too, you just won't have as many egg dishes to choose from.
The ambitious hiker-bruncher may want to take the 5.3 mile route in from northern Fairmont Park to the inn, after following the Schuykill up from the Center City.
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