Philadelphia Architectural Style Hike 3 of 3: Exotic Styles

2-3 hours; 3-4 miles; brisk pace between stops; best examples of exotic architectural styles found in and around Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood; late lunch afterward if there's interest.

We're closing out the year with a mini-cycle of 3 hikes devoted to the hidden gems of Philadelphia architecture. We'll get back to the heavy hitters in 2026, but for these hikes we'll focus on the smaller-scale jewel box buildings that pop up all over Center City. We'll wrap up this mini-cycle by visiting some fabulous "exotics." These are gems in architectural styles for which Philadelphia has relatively few examples.

First we'll head toward Rittenhouse to check out a couple of buildings that look like they have been lifted straight out of a High Street in London. Then we'll hike to see a miniature French chateau that's located right on Rittenhouse Square. Finally we'll work our way toward the Washington Square neighborhood to visit examples of architectural styles usually associated with Birmingham (England), Paris, and Chicago.

If you haven't been on previous architecture style hikes with us, I guarantee you'll see Philadelphia from a new perspective. For those who have joined previous hikes, this hike features ALL NEW buildings. All are welcome!

As always, we will move quickly between buildings, but we'll also stop for enough time at each one to enjoy and discuss the wonderful craftsmanship. 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 30 min-1 hr 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.