Spring has veritably sprung in Philadelphia while students were away on break, so now that the coats are being packed away, boots are being shoved in the back of the closet and that peek of sunshine is luring you out of your dorm, what’s a Drexel University student to do?
If you’re eager to get outside but unsure where to go, DrexelNow Editor and Internal Communications Specialist Alissa Falcone and Internal Communications Associate Nat Kaemmerer have pulled together some of their favorite spots in the city to head to when the weather warms up.
Nat:
Find hidden treasures
There’s a little oasis at Natrona and Brandywine Streets with two of the best things to stumble upon during a walk — books and cats. It’s marked as “Cat park” on Google Maps and it’s between a couple residential buildings. It’s just a square packed with plants, patio furniture, art and oh yeah — cats. Back in one corner of the space is a Little Free Library, too, so you can take and leave a book of choice. It’s not the kind of park you’ll roll out a blanket and have a picnic at, but if you’re on a walk, enjoying the warm weather, stop by and you just might get to pet a cat and find a new (old) book.
Enjoy a sky-high green space
You don’t have to search high and low for green space in the city — just search high, and you’ll find Cira Green. It’s an urban rooftop park that is open year-round, and it’s right by Drexel’s campus. Soon, there will be events in the Sunset Social series including movie nights, lawn games and special food and drink showcases; Sunset Social has been teasing the kickoff on Instagram, so check there to see when it starts.
Until then, you can still head up to the top floor to take in the sunshine and the views of Philadelphia as the city blooms for spring. It’s on top of 129 S. 30th St., and the main entrance is located on South 30th Street. Head up to the 11th floor from there and follow the green path to get to the park. You can’t bring outside alcoholic beverages, but you can bring a picnic to share with friends.
Say salutations to the sun
If you’re the yogi type, you can lay out your own mat on a grassy patch near campus like Drexel Park or on the banks of the Schuylkill River and get your child’s pose on with the spring sunshine and a balmy breeze. If you still want to get outdoors but you’d like a little direction in your downward dog, you won’t have to wait long.
Starting April 16, Lumos Yoga and Barre is hosting outdoor yoga classes at The Corinthian Gardens next to Eastern State Penitentiary at Corinthian Street and Fairmount Avenue for $20 per class. From 6–7 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10–11 a.m. on Sundays, you can stretch it out alongside others with yoga teachers from the nearby studio. Make sure you register ahead of time, because slots are limited.
Later in the season, Yoga on the Banks will kick off, too. Keep an eye on their Instagram page to find out the exact date when it’s announced. If you want to stay close to campus, the Pennoni Honors College will be hosting Yoga on the Lawn in front of Bentley Hall on May 2 as well.
Alissa
It's the Best Time to Go to Farmers Markets
Farmers markets can run year-round, but I regularly visit them in spring and summer to buy most of my fruits and vegetables (and so much more!). Everything tastes and looks better when it's fresh and in season, and even going to a farmers market is an activity unto itself. Rhubarb and garlic scapes are some of my favorite things to pick up during the spring; I make rhubarb compotes and syrups and herby garlic scape compound butters to enjoy after the season ends.
I go to the Rittenhouse Farmers Market the most! It has the biggest variety of vendors and spans three of the four sides of Rittenhouse Square. I get produce and planted herbs and flowers the most, but I've also gotten eggs, cheese, baked goods and so much more. It's open on Saturdays and, in a limited capacity, on Tuesdays; I try to go first thing on Saturday morning because it gets pretty busy.
The Farmers Market on Penn's campus (outside the bookstore) on Wednesdays is, for me, a quick excursion off campus during an in-person work day. You can usually pick up fruit, baked goods, pantry items and more. I used to have a cactus at my campus work desk from one of the stands here before I watered it too much and killed it.
Going farther into West Philly, the Clark Park Farmers Market also has a great selection of vendors to choose from. This is another Saturday excursion. I haven't been in a while but writing this made me realize I must change that.
If it's harder to get to farmers markets or it's more intimidating when you don't know what you're looking for, Philly Foodworks is a great online farmers market. Depending on where you live, you can select everything online and schedule to have it delivered to your place or at a pick-up location. I've found a lot of cool shrubs, spices and other pantry items here.
Find Your Oasis
Now is the time to think about how you enjoy spending time outside in an urban setting. Personally, I don't like the pandemic-era "streeteries" or tables and chairs on the sidewalk — I get too jumpy with people and cars going by. I prefer to hang out in spaces that have a lot of greenery and seating options away from pedestrian and car traffic.
John F. Collins Park is my Center City oasis. It's hidden between businesses on 17th and Chestnut streets, but if you can find it, you'll forget about all that hustle and bustle. Where else is there a waterfall in Center City?! If I go to CAVA or Paris Baguette nearby, this is where I'll be eating.
My University City oasis is easier to find (at the Gateway Garden on 32nd and Market streets) and closer to campus. Tables and seating are always available, and there are also Makers Markets every Thursday in the spring. My favorite reason to come to the Gateway Garden is the rotation of local brewers who set up shop every other Wednesday for talks and tastings for people who are 21+. You can enjoy their drinks on site or purchase bottles and cans to bring home.
- Meet the Brewers: Spontaneous Fermentation with Succession Fermentory (April 12)
- Meet the Brewers: Brewing Basics with Stickman Brews (April 19)
- Meet the Brewers: Springtime Brews with Urban Village (April 26)
- Meet the Brewers: IPAs with Love City Brewing (May 3)
- Meet the Brewers: Garden Cocktails with Art in the Age (May 10)
Try it Outside
Nat talked about outdoor yoga, and I talked about trying to eat and drink and hang out outside, but I'm all for doing an indoor activity outdoors when the weather is nice. Do you normally study in the Hagerty Library? Try the space's outdoor seating. Do you have regular phone calls or video sessions for catching up with a family member or friend? Try to find a quiet spot outside to sit and talk instead. Drexel's Wi-Fi extends all throughout campus for a reason! Personally, I like to schedule calls with my dad when I sit on one of the benches on the Schuylkill Banks bridge, so I can watch the waves and, if I'm lucky, see a duck swim by.