Roxborough: Climb, Dine & Unwind in Northwest Philly

Can’t-Miss Experiences

1. Browse small businesses along Ridge Avenue

The heart of the neighborhood, Ridge Avenue is home to a dynamic collection of indie shops and eateries.

Local faves include Philly’s first Tibetan restaurant White Yak, known for its tasty momos (dumplings); microbrewery New Ridge Brewing Co.; colorful coffee shop Eremita Cafe; and handcrafted and vintage goods boutique Poppy & Bean.

Seasonal hotspot C&C Creamery makes life a little sweeter with its massive ice cream list, water ice and a drive-thru (!). (Tip: Get the cherry cone dip.)

White Yak   — Photo courtesy Roxborough Development Corporation

2. Discover the mysteries of Wissahickon Valley Park

Running between Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Germantown and Andorra, Wissahickon Valley Park is the undisputed gem of Philadelphia’s park system, with miles of serene wilderness.

Don’t miss the tranquil trails of Forbidden Drive; the spooky shadows of Kelpius Cave, the 17th-century hideaway for America’s (alleged) first cult; and the historic Thomas Mill Bridge, Philly’s only covered bridge.

  — Photo courtesy Friends of the Wissahickon

3. Unwind at one of the many public parks and green spaces

Natural wonder doesn’t stop there.

Gorgas Park plays host to summer concerts and events, picnics and many a game of tag. Upper Roxborough Reservoir Preserve, a 35-acre woodland, hides tranquil trails and rich wildlife habitats for birds, toads and more. The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education invites you to explore nature trails, exhibits and more.

Fairview Park, LaNoce Park, Neighbors Park and Roxborough Pocket Park are just a few more of Roxborough’s leafy green spaces.

Gorgas Park   — Photo by Studio Luminoso

4. Settle Philly’s second-most-famous cheesesteak rivalry

Henry Avenue gets in on the cheesesteak wars with a cross-street rivalry of its own: Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies versus Chubby’s Steaks.

Old-school steak shop Dalessandro’s has slung massive rib-eye sandwiches since 1960, while Chubby’s has served up finer chopped steaks, a full bar and (usually) shorter wait times since 1987.

An honorable mention goes to Barry’s Steaks, a staple with a new Ridge Avenue location following a two-year closure.

5. Gear up for annual festivals

Roxborough’s family-friendly event lineup gives you yet another reason to head outdoors.

Mark your calendars for food trucks, craft brews and more at the Roxborough Spring Fest & Rockin’ the Ridge Car Show, a springtime double-header festival, and Roxtoberfest in the fall.

Roxborough Spring Fest   — Photo by Studio Luminoso

Where to Stay

Roxborough is a largely residential area, but there are a handful of B&Bs nearby, along with quaint hotels in nearby neighborhoods, like the Chestnut Hill Hotel, further north.

Supreme King Room at Chestnut Hill Hotel   — Photo courtesy Chestnut Hill Hotel

Local Tips

Ready to experience the neighborhood firsthand? Here are some tips to get you started:

• The neighborhood is generally quite walkable, but be prepared to take on some hills, which make for some incredible views and workouts if walking or biking north.

• Roxborough is connected to lower-lying neighbor Manayunk — with its many Main Street shops — by over a dozen staircases, totaling an impressive 1,304 steps.

• Public transportation makes it easy to get to Roxborough. Multiple SEPTA bus routes and the Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail Line serve the area.

• Driving? Street parking can be tough, especially on Ridge Avenue, but public lots are available at 465 Leverington Avenue and 514 Dupont Street.

Watch: It’s a Roxborough Thing