To non-Philadelphians who might be unfamiliar with Fairmount Park's lush offerings, the realization that the Valley Green Inn is situated within city limits could come as a shock.

Actually, it's even a surprise to folks who grew up in the area.

"I've had countless people come to me and say, 'Wow, I never knew this place was here, and I live right up the street,'" the inn's events coordinator, Kate Harron, said during a visit to the business last week. "It's really like a hidden gem."

The mid-19th century building doubtless serves as a landmark to those passing by on Fairmount Park's Forbidden Drive by bike, foot or the occasional horse, such as the rider that came through last week.

The road that is no longer open to vehicular traffic was, ironically, once a major thoroughfare from the city to Valley Forge. Valley Green served as a roadhouse for those passing through, offering food, (mostly catfish, waffles and chicken in those days, fare indigenous to the region), and a place to lay one's head.

Today, Valley Green is recognized as one of the area's last surviving roadhouses. Although the inn no longer serves as a place to sleep and business has shifted to restaurant and catering services, the fact that it is up and running secures Valley Green a special spot in Philadelphia history.

"It's humbling for me to be allowed to take care of this place," said Jack Ott, the inn's owner.

While Ott is in charge of day-to-day operations, Valley Green is unique in that it is technically run by Fairmount Park and the Friends of the Wissahickon. So, while the place has private ownership, it remains under the care of the park commission, (which will soon merge with the city's Recreation Department), and the advocacy group.

The inn is rumored to date back to 1683, but it is highly unlikely a building stood at this spot at that time, said Ott, its owner for the past 11 years, mainly due to the fact that the land wasn't deeded to William Penn until 1685.

Since tax records on the property don't appear until the mid-19th century, Ott said many consider the inn's year of inception as 1852.

There have been many legends throughout the years, Ott said, such as the one that says Benjamin Franklin stored his wine on the premises. But this is most likely myth, since the road leading to the building wasn't constructed until the late 19th century.

One thing that's commonly agreed upon is the inn's ability to inspire creativity. Edgar Allen Poe wrote a poem about the place, and countless artists have immortalized the structure in paintings, sketchings and photographs, a number of them gracing the walls of Valley Green. During a tour, Ott pointed to the three-dozen or so likenesses of the inn that decorate the business.

"It does inspire a lot of people," Ott said.

Ott is also proud of the renovations that have taken place during his time at the inn. Valley Green was closed for six months in 2002, undergoing a major refurbishment project. This included new roofing, and an expansion that included a bar, and an outdoor patio area that is home to about100 event receptions each year. These include weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and bar mitzvahs.

Today, Valley Green is completely ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, but painstaking measures were taken to ensure the upgrades wouldn't come at the expense of the classic look of the building, which sits in an area recognized as a National Historic Landmark - the Wissahickon Valley.

For example, the outdoor handicapped ramp leading up to the building was built on the inside of a stone wall, so as not to compromise the look from the street, or rather, dirt path.

During renovations, Ott found some interesting memorabilia. Hidden inside one of the old walls was a poster advertising the Wissahickon Fall Meet. The event was designed to celebrate the defeat of a proposal that would have allowed vehicular traffic on the portion of Forbidden Drive, also known as Wissahickon Drive, that runs in front of the inn. Ott had the poster restored, and it now hangs in a frame on the wall.

Aside from the specially catered events, the inn also does a decent restaurant business. Food served is what Harron calls traditional or classic American style fare. This can include everything from sandwiches, melts and wraps for lunch, to dinner entrees such as blackened catfish and pan-roasted salmon. In the winter months, the menu might even include specials such as venison and pheasant. The inn also offers Sunday brunches.

Harron said Valley Green welcomes many return customers, as well as first-timers who learn about the secluded inn through word-of-mouth.

Those who attend an event, such as a wedding reception, but hail from out of state, are often surprised to learn the inn is within the city limits.

"I always thought Philadelphia was a scary place," Harron said, repeating an often-heard sentiment. "It helps to round out the city a little bit."

Ott said he couldn't have asked for a better position. Aside from overseeing the 40 or so full-and-part-time employees - it varies depending upon season - the Roxborough resident simply relishes the opportunity to work in a place that has such historic significance.

"I like my job. I like coming here every day," he said. "It's pretty fulfilling."

Ott grew up in Lambertville, N.J. Living in the quaint town across the Delaware River from New Hope instilled Ott with a passion for certain aesthetics, and when he learned about Valley Green, he knew where he wanted to be.

"That's one thing that attracted me to this place," he said. "It didn't change for so long.

"I've always had a good appreciation of history," he continued. "And that's one of the things that attracted me here."

Ott said his only hope is that the continued patronage, and the recently completed renovations, will enable the Valley Green Inn to remain standing for a long time to come.

"Hopefully, this structure will be up for another 150 years," he said. "We're the last of a dying breed. We're the last remaining roadhouse in Philadelphia."

The Valley Green Inn doesn't have a numbered address. It is located off of Wises Mill Road on Forbidden Drive. To learn more about the business, or for directions, call 215-247-1730 or visit www.valleygreeninn.com.

Reporter Jon Campisi can be reached at 215-354-3038 or jcampisi@phillynews.com