Philadelphia’s Bed And Breakfast Scene… A Visit to the Italian Market
Philadelphia’s Bed And Breakfast Scene… A Visit to the Italian Market
By Bill Milligan
Philadelphia’s hotel scene is rich and varied…small B&B’s to Hyatt’s. Most of the larger hotels are located in the Center City district and sprinkled throughout the rest of the city environs. With a population of a bit over 1.5 million (city proper), this is a multi-ethnic potpourri of races and cultures.
Philly has all the accoutrements expected of a large city, museums, Arts, sports, higher education, high end shopping, parks, varied architecture, boating events on the river, historical sites and an active night life. Many neighborhoods are mixed although some retain their original ethnic flare, with the Italian Market area (Bella Vista) being a prime example. We will take a look at Bella Vista and a jewel of a B&B just blocks from the Italian Market area.
Want a taste of old Europe with an uptown flavor… multi-ethnic street markets, inner city parks, espresso bars, Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, then set your sights on the Italian market section of Philadelphia. Bella Vista is the Italian neighborhood. Browsing 9th street in the heart of Bella Vista is a must…sipping espresso at an outdoor café, cruising cheese and olive oil shops, hunting specialty cookware, haggling at the colorful street market or dining in small intimate restaurants, one is in for a nostalgic step into Italy’s past.
Town houses with hanging flowers on narrow streets, older gentlemen playing bocce, scents of freshly baked Italian breads wafting through the air are just a few of the sensuous pleasures awaiting this jaunt into Philadelphia’s Italian section. Interesting history lurks in many of the older neighborhood restaurants, with Mafioso having downed their last meat ball before their untimely demise.
Bella Vista’s location is ideal for walkers, joggers or strollers, and within easy walking distance to Center city, Queen Village/Society Hill, Historic area, funky South Street and Penn’s Landing on the river. This is a great walking city, one with plenty of variety and interest, one I knew well when I lived there in the 90’s. Interested in something different to eat…Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Thai, Mexican, Spanish, Greek and Middle Eastern, along with usual fare of cheese steaks, street hot dogs or whatever, is readily found within a five block radius. Healthy eaters fear not as there are plenty of vegetarian/vegan eateries nearby.
Philadelphia Bella Vista B&B is a stately three story townhouse located on tree lined 10th street, right in the heart of the Italian Market section. Parking was on street without difficulty finding a space. Ascending aged white marble stairs and entering through large French styled doors, one is greeted with old oriental’s covering 100 year old wooden floors, high ceilings with intricate molding, a huge bowl of fresh fruit and a sense of peacefulness. The first reaction is to toss the shoes, explore the rooms and head for the 4th floor roof top deck with its spectacular view of the city. There are a total of 21 rooms split amongst three houses on the same street.
One has a choice of nicely appointed private rooms with private or shared bath or private suites with extra accommodations for friends. Smaller rooms come with fully equipped kitchenettes and suites have full size kitchens. Colorful interiors, eclectic designs and art, queen size beds, comfy pillows, antique chandeliers, satellite TV, Wi-Fi and a daily ration (free) of one bottle of red or white wine rounds out the amenities.
With its ideal location, a short walk and you’re in the Theatre section, historic area, down on the river (Penn’s Landing) or cruising the restaurant scene. Friendly staff and proprietors, Barbara Ross and Dan McGowan have done a spectacular job of making your stopover in Philadelphia an enriching old world experience.
Philadelphia Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast
10th street, Philadelphia, Pa215-238-1270 or 1-800-680-1270
www.philadelphiabellavistabnb.com
