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Summertime in Center City with CCD's Team
We all have our favorite activities that make summertime in the City of Brotherly Love special. In celebration of summer, we asked our CCD team members about their go-to activities in Center City during this sunny season. From soaking up the sun in Dilworth Park to savoring the flavors of outdoor dining, our team shares their favorite summertime pastimes.
We asked our CCD team members: "What is your favorite summertime activity in Center City?”
Note that submissions have been edited for grammar and clarity.
From Our Administrative Team
Leo: Anytime I can, I love a good excuse to wander around Center City and explore! My ideal summer day starts with grabbing an iced mocha or bubble tea from local cafés like Passero's and Boba King while window shopping and reading in the park. After a day of walking, happy hour and bites are a must, so I prefer to check out spots like Attico or The Morris or hide from the heat in the air conditioning at Sampan or Darling Jack's Tavern. To end the day, I love going to musicals and shows, so I always check what's happening at the Wilma Theater, Walnut Street Theatre, and Ensemble Arts.
Giavana: I love a good summertime happy hour! Wednesdays are a perfect excuse to go out and explore new places during CCD SIPS. Depending on my mood that week, I may want to indulge in discounted appetizers somewhere like Prunella or 1225 Raw. If I want to watch a game, I’ll go to a sports bar like Wicked Wolf or Lucy’s. If I want to dance, I’ll find a spot with live music or a DJ, like Vinyl or Time. It’s great that the options are endless!
Jaime: During the summer, when I am out and about in Center City you can find me taking a stroll through one of our many CCD Parks or Rittenhouse Square, grabbing ice cream or gelato at Vita or 1-900-ICE-CREAM or searching for the ultimate outdoor happy hour.
Jess: My favorite summertime activity is going to happy hour with friends after work! I have a lot of other friends who also work in Center City, so we love to meet and catch up at happy hour at the end of the day, especially at CCD SIPS each week. Some of my favorite spots include DBG, Harp & Crown, and Darling Jack's.
Dave: When I plan a trip to Center City it's usually with my son and we take the EL down. He loves riding the subway. We usually get off at 13th or City Hall. We walk through City Hall on our way to Dilworth Park and look at all the architectural and sculptural work. At Dilworth Park, he loves to play in the fountain with the other kids, the lawn, or the Wintergarden (depending on the season). Or we just hang out and look at the people and buildings all around us. Then we hit up Kura Sushi, which we call "robot sushi." He loves watching the food come on conveyor belts, and of course, seeing the drink robot go by. Then we head back to Dilworth and hop on the EL for a sleep ride home.
Kelly: People in the Fitler Square/Graduate Hospital neighborhoods are serious about their sidewalk container gardens. I love taking in the explosion of blooms. There’s no rhyme or reason. Just a riot of color. Some people even have hibiscus trees. If you’re lucky, you may see a hummingbird!
Jinah: One of my favorite things to do in the summer is watch Phillies games somewhere with outdoor seating in Center City.
From Our Parks & On-Street Teams
Aaron: My favorite Center City activities include picnics with my girlfriend at various parks in Center City (Washington Sq, Rittenhouse). I also love to hit happy hours in Midtown Village and Rittenhouse such as Sampan and Giuseppe & Sons. My absolute favorite Center City summer activity would probably be visiting museums and experiencing new exhibits as they become available at the Franklin Institute and the Art Museum.
Al: I love the Chinese Lantern Festival at Franklin Square. It's a new Philly tradition taking place from June to August. It's the perfect event for a warm summer evening, featuring amazing lighted displays of dragons, pagodas, and plant life. The festival also includes Chinese dance, music, and other Asian traditions, as well as delicious food. I was delighted to set aside the cheesesteak and pick up a Chinese bun instead.
Sabryna: I'm really into nature, so I enjoy being outdoors and observing everything that's happening around me. There's always something going on in every direction you look, which makes being here a great experience. There are so many things to do at every corner. If you're ever unsure about what to do, just come down here and you'll definitely find something to enjoy.
Omar: Everything! Center City is filled with so many different activities you can enjoy.
Habram: I'd say the Wawa event down here is always enjoyable. It's great to bring people in and enjoy all the events they have.
Interested in Joining Our Team?
Be sure to check out our current job openings. And while you’re out and about in Center City, be sure to tag us at @centercitydistrict on Instagram to share your favorite things!