Here at The Helston, we’re diving right into summer! The Wynnefield Heights neighborhood is the perfect middle ground between the city and the suburbs – making it the ideal place to live in the summer. The studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom apartments provide the perfect home base for exploring the area. Let’s check out some of the fun things to do around The Helston this summer.

Philadelphia Festivals and Events

The whole summer in Philadelphia is a party this year as we celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial! Here are a few events and festivals that will get you in the summer spirit:

• FIFA Fan Festival: If you’re a lover of soccer or community events, the FIFA Fan Festival is a must-visit. Running until July 19th, Fan Fest features game-watch screens, food, music, parties, and so much more at Lemon Hill Park. Register before you go for free to experience the joy of soccer. The festival is a short drive down MLK Drive, but we recommend hopping on your bike, taking the SEPTA bus, or using a rideshare to get there.
• Center City District Sips: Bored on a Wednesday? Not anymore! Center City District’s Sips is back until August 26th every Wednesday. Participating bars and restaurants serve $8 cocktails, $7 wine, $6 beer, and appetizers under $10. Additionally, mocktails will be offered for just $6 at all locations. Some restaurants are even offering 15% off dinner after 7 p.m! Bring your friends and coworkers to Center City for a good time and some tasty after-work libations.
• Freedom Dreams at the Barnes Foundation: Immerse yourself in powerful works of art and histories of Black Americans. Freedom Dreams takes you on a journey to experience the past, present, and future and encourages you to reflect on the cultural memory of Black Americans.
• Parks on Tap: Enjoy the beautiful weather with a pint and delicious food with Parks on Tap. This roving beer garden benefits local Park Friends groups to keep our city beautiful. You can catch Parks on Tap wherever they go throughout the city, but keep an eye out for when it heads to nearby parks like Lemon Hill Park, Shofuso Japanese House, McMichael Park, Historic Rittenhouse Town, and Belmont Plateau.
• Concerts at The Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts: The Highmark Mann Center has been hosting unforgettable musical performances for 50 years. Take this as your sign to enjoy an outdoor concert there this summer! Upcoming musical guests include Death Cab for Cutie, TOTO, Red Clay Strays, Boyz II Men, and many more. Take the bus, walk, or bike from The Helston for a simple commute to the Highmark Mann Center.

For more updates on these events and more, Visit Philadelphia has all the details.

Towns and Neighborhoods to Explore Around The Helston

One of the many beautiful things about Philadelphia is the diversity and uniqueness of its many neighborhoods and nearby towns. Residents of The Helston have many interesting communities surrounding it, such as:

• East Falls: Located across the river from The Helston Apartments, East Falls is a haven for nature-lovers and food-lovers alike. Wissahickon Valley Park flanks East Falls with gorgeous views and great hiking paths. For a bite to eat, visit favorites like La Bus, In Rivia, Wissahickon Brewing, and so much more.
• Manayunk / Roxborough: A favorite duo, Manayunk and Roxborough are also across the river from The Helston. Manayunk is best known for Main Street. Here you can find food, drinks, boutiques, shops, and fun. Roxborough’s Ridge and Henry Ave are also full of small businesses and restaurants. Like East Falls, these neighborhoods are also surrounded by greenery.
• Chestnut Hill / Germantown / Mt. Airy: Find the best of art, shopping, and dining in this area. Experience diverse and historic attractions when you visit. It’s easy to visit all three neighborhoods in one day by taking advantage of SEPTA’s regional rail system.
• Bala Cynwyd: Heading out of the city, let’s talk about Bala Cynwyd. This is the closest next town to Wynnefield Heights and has everything you need, from restaurants to big box stores to historic sites. City Ave is home to your essentials and great dining. For some casual walking, biking, or picnicking, the Cynwyd Heritage Trail is perfect for this.
• Narberth: Just outside of Philadelphia, Narberth has the classic small-town vibe that you see in movies and TV shows. This Main Line town has walkable streets and historic charm. Walk down the tree-lined streets with a cup of coffee to enjoy the atmosphere!
• Ardmore: As one of the largest towns on the Main Line, Ardmore stands out as a beacon for the best shopping, dining, and nightlife in the area. Ardmore is also home to Suburban Square, which is one of the country’s oldest official shopping centers. You can never run out of things to do in Ardmore!

Top Restaurants and Bars near Wynnefield Heights

One thing you need to know about the Philadelphia area: we love our food! Here are some of the highest-rated restaurants around The Helston.

• Lark: James Beard finalist and Top Chef winner Nicholas Elmi’s Lark is a coastal Mediterranean restaurant. Its elegant interior invites you to relax and enjoy its mouth-watering dishes.
• Pescatore: this BYOB restaurant serves up beautifully plated seafood, desserts, and traditional favorites. Pescatore is located in Bala Cynwyd and is a short drive from The Helston.
• The Landing Kitchen: Enjoy this beautiful riverfront destination that serves burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, cocktails, and more. Sit inside or on the expansive deck. The Landing Kitchen is open seven days a week, so you can enjoy it any day!
• Blondie: Located on Manayunk’s Main Street, Blondie is a top-rated bistro with a unique and cozy interior. Stop here for a drink, some shots for your Instagram story, and tasty food.
• Le Bus East Falls: In the mood for simple, homestyle food? Le Bus in East Falls uses the best, fresh ingredients to make its food and cocktails. You can also enjoy pastries and breads that are delivered fresh from their King of Prussia bakery.
• In Riva: Sitting along the banks of the Schuylkill River, In Riva specializes in Napoletana-style pizza and fun beverages. Their Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 4 PM to 6 PM and offers amazing deals to kick off your afternoon.

Exploring Nature Around The Helston

As discussed a bit already in this article, The Helston is surrounded by greenery and great places to explore. Here is an overview of some of the local favorites:

• Fairmount Park: Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park encompasses more than 2,050 acres of green spaces and offers an opportunity to enjoy the quiet of nature. There are numerous attractions within the park that you’ll love, like the Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Please Touch Museum, Smith Memorial Playground, the Fairmount Horticultural Center, Boathouse Row, and copious amounts of trails to hike through.
• Cynwyd Heritage Trail: Walk along the two-mile stretch of this path to experience history and nature. The path starts at SEPTA’s Cynwyd Station, passes Bala Cynwyd Park and West Laurel Hill Cemetery, before ending at Belmont Avenue at Rock Hill Road. Along the way, you can enjoy learning about the area’s industrial history.
• Manayunk Towpath: The Manayunk Towpath, or Canal Path, is part of Pennsylvania’s Schuylkill River Trail. It’s accessible from several spots along Main Street and is a favorite for bikers, walkers, and fishers alike.
• MLK Drive: The MLK Drive path is a 4.3-mile paved trail running alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on the western bank of the Schuylkill River. It starts near the Philadelphia Art Museum and ends at the historic Falls Bridge. This path is very close to The Helston Apartments and is perfect for everyday activities!
• Wissahickon Valley Park: Spanning 1,800 acres, Wissahickon Valley Park is a lush, historic park that offers something for everyone. If you’re interested in a casual walk or history tour, stick to the paved Forbidden Drive. If you like more of a challenge, there are dozens of hiking trails on rougher terrain across the creek. Stop at points of interest along the trail like the Valley Green Inn, Historic RittenhouseTown, or one of the few large statues watching over the valley.

Life Is Better at The Helston

With arts, festivals, food, drinks, parks, and fun, The Helston is close to everything you need to live a rich and happy life.

Take a closer look at everything The Helston has to offer, from beautiful, vibrant spaces to endless possibilities. Schedule your tour and see firsthand what makes this community unlike any other. Our team is here to answer all your questions about the community, the neighborhood, and the leasing process. You’ll be confident every step of the way.

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