Fairmount Water Works

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of touring Water Works and Dionne was my tour guide. It was her first time but she did an excellent job. The tour was very interesting and I definitely learned a lot about the history of Water Works and Philadelphia. I look forward to taking my niece here once she is old enough to enjoy it.

One of the best brunches in Philly with spectacular views of the river landscape. You can get the chefs to make you a crêpe with all of the savory additions one might put in an omlette, just ask. There is a sort of elegance here that I’m in love with. Also, bottomless belinnis and mimosas, I guess I should have led with that. :-)

This is one of my favorite spots to lunch, because when you eat at Water Works, lunch works as a verb. Highlights of lunching at Water Works include:
1) The service– everyone is so formal, yet so cool! They service has way more personality than your usual lunch waiter or waitress, but they also are very buttoned up. Its a pleasure
2) The beverages– so many waters to choose from! I’ve never actually had one, but the range is impressive. What I HAVE had is the Arnold Palmer which is delicious. A little sweet, a little wake-​me-​up– delish
3) The views. WOW. The place could serve dysentery and I’d still come as often as I could. Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive, 76, The Zoo Balloon, 30^th Street Station, The Art Museum– just a lovely panorama view of the city, and the river actually looks pretty!
4) The food– while it COULD be awful, it isn’t! It’s so so good! They serve you fresh rolls at the beginning of your meal, and the appetizers are so delicious. We split a flat-​bread, and the octopus. For my entrée I got the grilled vegetable sandwich and fresh fries. The fries are twice fried so they have that lovely crisp, and they’re perfectly salted. The sandwich is cheesy and warm and not soggy and so fresh and delicious. I just can’t say enough good things.
I don’t lunch often, but when I do, I lunch at Water Works.

Great Park area, made better with some free parking.

I had been in this area a lot and last spring, I decided to actually see the museum.
It is free to get in… WOO!
There are a lot of interactive displays and an educational video that plays about every ten minutes.
There is so much I never knew about the history of the Water Works! I was both impressed and intrigued.
I think everyone should check out the museum and enjoy all of the beauty surrounding it on a nice day.

Water Works is a really special spot behind the Philadelphia Art Museum, on the Schulykill River, near the Fairmont Dam over by Kelly Drive. There are opportunities to run, walk, and bicycle on the clean, well cared for paths. You can exercise on the grassy and gazebo areas overlooking and by the river. You can learn a lot about local history. Take some lovely photographs. Get a fresh perspective on the day with a new view of the city. There are small wading fountains for the kids. It’s a nice place to go for active seniors, adults, young adults, families, folks with dogs. There is fine dining, though I’ve not been so I can’t review the restaurant.
Ive been during the day, the evening, and at night. Early morning and after 5 evening is definitely for joggers, day time for everyone, night time for more casual joggers and walkers, and late night seems more for the young and bold out with their more street style bicycles. Not everyone thinks its good for me to walk at night, though that is usually when I like to walk the most. I’m not sure if it is good to visit if you are in a wheel chair, as quite a few of my friends are — So my next walk I’ll check it out for accessible visits.
Two good links for more information on the Water Works and Schulykill River Walk:

Great park in a great area! The history behind the Water Works is very interesting, and although you can check out the inside for yourself, the grounds are still nice.
Right beside the Philadelphia Museum of Art the entire grounds are well maintained. Great place to stop by if you’re headed to the PMoA.

In Fairmont Park. It is a nice place to walk by. You will see painters paint and fishermen fish.