From June 2, 2023 to June 4, 2023, the Roots Picnic will once again be taking place at Philly’s Mann Center. The annual music festival is bringing an amazing lineup of artists to the City of Brotherly Love, this year celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Planning to be in town for the event? Make sure to spend some time exploring the city’s culture and food scene. From long-time local favs to fresh and new Black-owned establishments, here’s where to eat, stay and play for an unforgettable time in Philadelphia.
Where to Stay
Akwaaba is a beautiful gem of a bed and breakfast housed in a stately 1880 manor. Boasting features like stained-glass, marble fireplaces, crystal chandeliers and original woodwork, it gives classic, posh vibes. The inn’s comfy, well-appointed rooms are decorated to reflect Philadelphia’s musical legacy and outdoor space is available on the spacious porch surrounded by greenery.
The accommodation is conveniently located in West Philly’s University City area, just 10 minutes from the Mann. Best of all, it’s Black-owned. Other great options include the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Lokal Hotel Old City and Canopy by Hilton.
Where to Eat
Booker’s Restaurant and Bar is one of the city’s newest Black-owned dining establishments, and it is quickly becoming a favorite among locals. Offering classic Southern cuisine with a modern twist, the eatery has a diverse menu of delectable dishes. Visit for brunch, lunch, happy hour or dinner and try the country fried chicken, seafood mac and cheese or creole vegan jambalaya.
If you’re looking to experience your very own Philly food tour, head downtown to Reading Terminal Market, where you can find some of the best culinary delights the city has to offer—all under one roof. One of the oldest and largest public markets in the U.S., it celebrated its 130th birthday this year. Shop the craft vendors for unique souvenirs, and come hungry to sample tasty treats from the more than 80 merchants offering all types of foods. Some of our favorites are the cheesesteak pretzel from Miller’s Twist, sweet potato pie from Black-owned Sweet T’s Bakery & Snack Shop, and any of the 40+ flavors of sweet, creamy goodness from Bassetts Ice Cream.
Where to Play
When the weather breaks, it’s time to enjoy the outdoors, and Spruce Street Harbor Park is one of the best places in Philly to do so. Set on the waterfront along the Delaware River, you can enjoy the breeze strolling down the boardwalk or lounging on colorful hammocks under the light-adorned trees. There’s a beer garden serving local craft beers and food from some of the area’s best restaurants. Floating gardens and barges, arcade games and more are all a part of the vibrant scene.
For art lovers, we recommend paying a visit to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens. In addition to its sculptures and indoor galleries, it features a large maze-like exterior completely covered in fun mosaic designs by artist Isaiah Zagar. But be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance, as it is not uncommon for tickets to sell out.
Philadelphia is home to many attractions significant to the history of not only the city, but also the nation. With most of them being located close to one another in the historic district, it’s easy to see several in one shot. If you’ve got an extra day to spare, you might spend it visiting landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the African American Museum, the Betsy Ross House and Elfreth’s Alley.
