9 ways to go on vacation without leaving the Philly area
If you're reading this, then congratulations, you're smack-dab in the middle of another Philadelphia winter. You're probably itching to get out of town, whether to somewhere with a warmer climate or, at the very least, somewhere that isn't focused on Netf
If you're reading this, then congratulations, you're smack-dab in the middle of another Philadelphia winter. You're probably itching to get out of town, whether to somewhere with a warmer climate or, at the very least, somewhere that isn't focused on Netflix and cold pizza. Even if you can't book a vacation in the coming weeks, you can still bite the travel bug right back right here in Philadelphia. Best part? No passport required, and you'll still have enough pictures from your adventures to plaster all over Instagram.
Yearning for a dip in a Russian bath?
When you think about escaping the cold weather, Russia isn't exactly the first place that springs to mind. A Russian bath, on the other hand? For three to six minutes, you can sit in a room heated to 190 degrees and sweat out those winter toxins at the award-winning Southampton Spa.
Check out the traditional platza services, where a venik - a bundle of birch, oak, or eucalyptus - works as aromatherapy and as a massage tool. The treatment is said to improve circulation and metabolism and lessen muscle and joint pain. Sessions are $30 per person.
Southampton Spa, 141 Second Street Pike, Southampton, $35. 215-942-4646, southamptonspa.com.
Hankering for a honky-tonk?
Prospectors Grille & Saloon in Mount Laurel provides line-dancing lessons every Wednesday and country-dance lessons (for all levels) every Thursday. There's even Sugarfootin' Sundays for your tinier buckaroos. Ten-gallon hats and cowboy boots are not required, though we recommend them for the full effect.
Prospectors Grille & Saloon, 3050 Route 38, Mount Laurel, N.J., 856-235-1121, prospectorsrestaurant.com.
Ready to roll into Japan?
Take a private sushi-making class from the Queen of Sushi herself, Madame Saito, for $185 per person, at The Headhouse in Society Hill. Promising "an educational and aphrodisiacal evening" (well then), the class might stop you from opening up your GrubHub account so often. And you get to eat your work.
The Headhouse, 122-124 Lombard St., 215-922-2515, queenofsushi.com.
Want to reconnect with nature?
For those with an adventurous spirit (or those just looking to shake things up), East Stroudsburg's Pocono TreeVentures will take you to new heights - literally - with zip-lining, climbing, and balancing courses ranging from beginner to expert.
Pocono TreeVentures, 6148 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg, Pa., 800-446-0231, poconotreeventures.com.
Need a little Napa?
You're not alone in your California dreaming, especially when the prospect of wine is involved. But the tristate area has its own version of wine country. Take, for instance, the top-rated, family-run Heritage Vineyards in Mullica Hill, N.J., voted the Garden State's Winery of the Year in 2015. There are tastings, tours, and events year-round.
Heritage Vineyards, 480 Mullica Hill Rd., Mullica Hill, N.J., 856-589-4474, heritagewinenj.com.
Put some stamps in your food passport
That's easy to do around here. We recommend:
* Khmer Kitchen (Cambodian), 1700 S. Sixth St., 215-755-2222.
* Uzbekistan, 12012 Bustleton Ave., 215-671-1990.
* Everyday Good House (Korean), 5501 N. Front St., 215-276-7942.
* Bangles Indian Cuisine, 889 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, 610-269-9600, banglesindian-cuisine.com.
* Kaffa Crossing (Ethiopian), 4423 Chestnut St., 215-386-0504, kaffacrossing.com.
Longing to be under the sea?
Chart a course to Scubadelphia in Rhawnhurst. Owner Dave Barnes says his facility "offers full certifications for anyone that wants to pursue adventure." With events and certifications ranging from $59 to $800, there's something for every level of diver.
Scubadelphia, 7714 Castor Ave., 267-343-5590, scubadelphia.com.
Carolina on your mind?
The Bynum brothers, who brought Philadelphians an authentic jazz experience with Zanzibar Blue, are transporting patrons once more with that same ambience at South.
Jazz and Southern food are both on the menu at this new Broad Street hot spot. Says Robert Bynum, "From the moment you enter the outdoor garden, we wanted you to feel our trip to Charleston with us."
South, 600 N. Broad St., 215-600-0220, southrestaurant.net.
Want your manicure to tell a story?
When you step inside the small, but serene Mi Cumbia Organica, you'll feel as if you've teleported from Rittenhouse to Colombia, thanks to the decor, the background music, and the staff's otherworldly hospitality.
Sipping on a South American coffee or indulging in a Latin American-crafted chocolate bar while you get your all-organic manicure or pedicure, it's hard not to feel like you're on a five-star excursion. And trust us when we tell you to splurge on the coconut shellac.
Mi Cumbia, 328 S. 17th St., 215-735-7980, tierramiaorganicnailspa.com.