Philadelphia Architectural Style Bonus Hike: Greatest Hits from All Styles

2.5-3.5 hours, 4-5 miles, brisk pace between stops, greatest hits of Philadelphia architecture in and around Center City, possibility of late lunch afterward if there's interest.

Over the past couple of months we've hiked to see the best examples of Philadelphia architecture across 7 styles that are well-represented in the city. Now it's time to seek out the best of the best! For this hike I'll choose my favorite example from each of the 7 styles (Italianate/Renaissance Revival, Romanesque Revival, Queen Anne, Federal/Colonial Revival, Beaux-Arts, Art Deco, and Exotic) plus 3 “wildcards.” We'll visit each of these 10 favorites, and at the end the group will get to choose the One Building to Rule Them All!

First we'll head into Washington Square West to check out my pick from the Federal/Colonial Revival style hike, which is an appropriate starting point because this is the oldest style on the hike and the one that Philadelphia is most known for. Next we'll head into Center City and wrap around the west side of City Hall to appreciate the best of our city's truly awesome late-19th century buildings. The stone-carving on these buildings is world-class and has to be seen to be believed. Finally we'll hike north of Market to admire the best buildings from the early 20th century.

We will move quickly between locations, while stopping for enough time to enjoy and discuss each one. As always, no knowledge of architecture is needed . . . just an interest in seeing beautiful places and a willingness to stay with the group.

GENERAL RULES : ••Hike at my pace. ••Hike lengths are approx: allow 30min -1hr extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. •• For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2025), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (2152474459) or at mrbasketball.net/HIKEpay.html . Thanks.
Yearly donation $15 July-Aug; $10 Sept-Nov; Dec new year.