Philadelphia Architecture Hike 8 of 12: Best of Colonial Revival Style

3-4 hours, 5-6 miles, brisk pace between stops, best examples of Colonial Revival architecture in Philadelphia, lunch afterward if there's interest.

Many of Philadelphia's grandest Georgian- and Federal-style buildings aren't Georgian or Federal at all. They're Colonial Revival. The Colonial Revival architectural style gained popularity in Philadelphia between about 1880 to 1940. It was a movement to revive and often amplify America's colonial-era architecture. You can imagine developers of the period saying, "Give me Independence Hall, but more so!"
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This sets up a fun game for us. As with the other hikes in this series, we will stop at several outstanding examples of the architectural style, which are spread across Center City. But in addition, between the main stops, we can play "Is it real . . . or is it a copy?" as we hike through the neighborhoods. It's often hard to tell, which is testament to the architects who designed in the Colonial Revival style.

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 30 min - 1 hour extra. ••Donation requested. All monies donated to recreational charities like Natural Lands and the Friends of Wissahickon. ••For ~360 events each year donate $20 (2026), $30 for 2 or family or donate $5 for each event. ••Pay in person or at Zelle (Sidney Goldstein 215-247-4459). Please text Sidney after you donate so he can properly give you credit. The yearly donation goes down to $15 in July; to $10 in Sept-Nov; Dec new year. Thanks.