Fabulous Philly Friends

Hike Stats:

• Total Distance: Approximately 7 miles
• Pace: Around 3.0+ mph — not very fast, but not a stroll either!
• Terrain: Mostly flat, paved & sidewalks
• Difficulty: Moderate — not tough, but you should be comfortable with the distance and pace
• Time Estimate: Approximately 3 hours, depending on pace & breaks

Meeting & Departure Location & Times

• Meet at 10:30, Sunday November 23, 2025
• Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row
• NOTE: Please plan your trip accordingly, leaving time for both excess traffic and parking. I can’t delay the hike more than 15 minutes for those who don’t show up on time, however, because of the nature of this hike, you might be able to catch up and join us along the route.

Join Me for a Scenic Urban Hike Through Historic Philadelphia!

Come explore the heart of Philadelphia on a scenic and fun urban hike starting and ending at Boathouse Row. We’ll visit all five original squares from William Penn’s 17th-century city plan, taking in some of the city’s most iconic views and landmarks along the way.

Throughout the hike, we’ll stop briefly at several points of interest to take photos, admire the scenery, and allow everyone to catch up. Afterward, those interested can join me for an optional brunch/lunch. Please comment if you’d like to join for the post-hike meal so I can plan accordingly.

This is a great chance to enjoy Philly, get some steps in, and connect with other fun people who love being outdoors. Can’t wait to see everyone — new faces and old friends alike! 🌞

The Plan

We’ll meet in front of Lloyd Hall (the first building at the start of Boathouse Row). From there, we’ll:
• Stroll past the Sea Horses Fountain and Fairmount Water Works
• Stop at the gazebo overlook for amazing views of Boathouse Row and the Schuylkill River
• Walk to the top of the Art Museum steps (yep — the Rocky steps!) for another incredible city view
• Then head down the famous steps, onto the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and continue to the five squares, making our way past museums, fountains, public art, and plenty of Philly’s historic landmarks, as well as several other parks.

We’ll visit all five of Philadelphia’s original squares:

1. Logan Square (Circle)
2. Center Square (City Hall)
3. Rittenhouse Square
4. Washington Square
5. Franklin Square

We’ll finish where we started at Boathouse Row, where you can choose to wrap up your day or join the group for lunch.
(If severe weather is expected, the hike will be canceled.)

We’ll try to keep the group together, but please know your own pace and fitness level. If you’d prefer something shorter, there will be a few spots where you can shorten the route — we’ll figure that out when we meet.

Gear/food/drink, etc.
Sneakers are fine/recommended.
Wear weather-appropriate clothes
Bring plenty of water, plus snacks to hold you over

Parking
There are several options for parking nearby. There are two paid lots, a parking garage behind the museum and a parking lot next to Lloyd Hall. There is street parking on Kelly Drive as well as on Sedgley Drive, which is directly across from Lloyd Hall and runs perpendicular to Kelly Drive. I, as well as many other people, park on Sedgley Drive, although I must admit that I’m not 100% sure about the parking status on that street.
Please be aware and read all parking signs. Be especially careful not to leave anything in your car in plain sight. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are not ticketed or towed, be safe, and protect your belongings.

Public Transportation
There are several public transportation options that will take you to or near our meetup location. You should be able to figure it out using either the SEPTA app or one of the map apps.

Waiver of Liability
By joining this hike or activity organized by Fabulous Philly Friends Meetup group, you acknowledge that outdoor activities involve risks, including injury, illness, or death. You voluntarily participate at your own risk and agree to assume full responsibility for any harm or loss you may suffer. You hereby agree to release and hold harmless Fabulous Philly Friends, its organizers, volunteers, and members from any liability, claims, or demands arising from participation, including those caused by negligence. You affirm you are physically able to participate and understand this waiver is binding. You also consent to the use of any photos taken for group purposes.

Get ready for a culinary journey to the Middle East! Our next stop on the World Food Tour is Hadramout, a hidden gem in West Philly, where we'll discover the rich, flavorful, and incredibly comforting tastes of authentic Yemeni cuisine. Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience!

Why You Should Join Us:
Hadramout offers a truly unique dining experience, focusing on slow-cooked, deeply flavored traditional Yemeni dishes. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore a culinary tradition that you don't find everywhere in Philly.

• The Signature Dishes: They are famous for their slow-roasted meats. You absolutely must try the Lamb Haneeth (slow-roasted lamb seasoned to perfection, served with rice and vegetables) or the equally tender Chicken Mandi.
• The Atmosphere: Hadramout provides a warm, authentic, and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for genuine conversation and building connections.
• A Culinary Experience: Don't miss the dramatic Fahsah, a sizzling shredded lamb stew served bubbling hot in a traditional clay bowl with a huge piece of homemade, clay-oven-baked bread for dipping!

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### What's the Plan?

We'll be gathering at Hadramout to immerse ourselves in their diverse menu of Yemeni specialties. We'll plan to share some appetizers to sample a variety of traditional tastes and then enjoy the main course of your choice.
You can get a preview of the deliciousness here (note: some menu prices may vary):

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### The Deets:

• BYOB: Please note, Hadramout is a Halal restaurant and does not serve alcohol, nor is it BYOB.
• Cost: We will plan to order some shared appetizers, and then everyone will order their own entree. Please anticipate the total cost to be approximately $30–$40 per person (including shared appetizers, a drink, tax, and a 20% tip). Bring Cash to make bill-splitting easier.
• Allergies/Dietary: If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, especially if you are vegetarian (they do have several delicious options like Foul and Fassolia), please let me know as soon as you RSVP so I can inform the restaurant in advance.
• Important: I will send a confirmation message a day or two before our visit to finalize the headcount. If your plans change, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" promptly. This helps those on the waitlist to join us and helps me adjust our reservation accordingly.
• Parking: Street parking can be found in the neighborhood, but it may be limited. Public transportation is recommended.

Can't wait to explore the incredible flavors of Yemen with you!