Fairmount (and adjacent neighborhoods)

Resting just beyond Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Fairmount attracts young professionals and families thanks to its close proximity to Center City, ample green space and pedestrian-friendly streets. In last three years, Fairmount has experienced a residential and commercial boom, becoming a destination for foodies and art lovers. 

Surrounding neighborhoods like Spring Garden, a distinct district wedged between Center City and Fairmount proper, Francisville to the east, and Brewerytown to the north are poised for a renaissance of their own. Fortunately, Spring Garden will retain a distinct personality thanks to historic preservation codes that protect its beautiful Victorian architecture. Additional cultural programming and increased interest in revitalization on the Parkway should also help position Fairmount and its adjacent communities for sustained growth in coming years.

Geography

Fairmount is bound by two commercial corridors, Girard to the north and Fairmount to the south, Fairmount Park to the West, and Eastern State Penitentiary/Corinthian Avenue to the East.

Spring Garden is the neighborhood located between Spring Garden Street and Fairmount Avenue; between Broad Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Getting Connected 

Fairmount Community Development Corporation
Fairmount Civic Association
Great Art Museum Business Alliance 
Friends of Eastern State Penitentiary Park 
Spring Garden Civic Association
Brewerytown CDC
Francisville Neighborhood Development Corporation
 
Notable Events

Bastille Day is celebrated every year with an hour-long spectacle of song and dance at Eastern State Penitentiary. Dozens of "French revolutionaries" overtake the prison, fling thousands of Tastykakes from the towers and chanting, "Let them eat Tastykake!"

The Fairmount Arts Crawl attracts residents, visitors and art lovers to the neighborhood to visit over 45 different businesses-turned-art-venues. Check out installations and stroll the avenue, enjoying music, dancing, kids activities and live demonstrations.

Terror Behind the Walls is Eastern State Penitentiary's thrilling haunted house. Set in the abandoned prison, the Halloween season staple is designed to make you scared. Really scared! Check out a preview here. 

Every year, the Fairmount Fling offers generous samples from over 20 restaurants. The Fairmount Food Fight is the kick-off event -- restaurants feature unique pairings and a winner is crowned by popular vote. 

Local Landmarks

Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous prison in the world, but today stands in ruins. It's definitely worth a visit -- the "Voices of Eastern State Penitentiary" audio tour, narrated by Steve Buscemi, takes you for a haunting journey through crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers.

Eastern State Penitentiary Park was established in 1996 by local residents as a green space for the enjoyment of the local community. Its area encompasses the two parcels of land adjacent to the historic Eastern State Penitentiary across along the 2100 block of Brown Street and the 700 Block of Corinthian Avenue.

Zorba's Tavern is a great Mediterranean restaurant on Fairmont Avenue. A BYOB with prime outdoor seating, it is a neighborhood gem. 

The Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building is an annex of the Philadelphia Art Museum. The beautifully preserved Art Deco building holds the museum's vast costume and textile collection, perfect for enthusiasts of fashion and modern design.

La Calaca Feliz serves contemporary Mexican cuisine featuring bold traditional flavors. Spend the meal sipping margaritas in front of the dining room's whimsical murals.

rybread is a self-proclaimed sandwich-centric café. Choose from their made-to-order creations as well as coffee, soups, salads, homemade treats and more. Check out rybrew at 2816 Girard Avenue to grab a six-pack.

With two locations, Mugshots is a neighborhood staple for fair-trade coffee and organic fare. The shop supports local farmers and is a founding member of B-Corp -- a certification "setting the new corporate standard for social and environmental performance."

Directly across from Eastern State, Jack's Firehouse is a New American eatery set in a charming 19th century firehouse. The space features its original mahogany interior and wood plank floors; even the brass fire pole is still intact.

Fare Restaurant is all about organic, local, sustainable dishes. The restaurant also boasts world-class wines, craft beers and innovative cocktails. 

The Azalea Garden is just steps away from Boathouse Row and the Art Museum, and features just over four acres of fantastic horticulture including over 150 species of Azaleas and rhododendrons intertwined with oaks, sycamores, colorful blossoms and animals.

Bulldog Park is a postage stamp sized park at 25th and Fairmount named for the Bronze Bulldog statue that stalks the yard. 

North Star Bar in Brewerytown is the place to catch live music in the area. It also boasts a great happy hour and creative bar-food menu.

Bishop's Collar, better known to locals as "The Collar," is known for its lively singles scene and, better yet, wide selection of imported beers, top-shelf microbrews and great food. Outdoor seating and accessibility to tons of free parking makes it a great place to meet friends.

Lemon Hill is the new gastropub in the 'hood. It gets its name from the famous historic mansion nearby. The low-key eatery serves classic cocktails and fresh takes on traditional pub food made with local ingredients. Don't miss one of the city's best burgers.

Getting Around

SEPTA's Broad Street line drops riders off on Francisville's eastern border -- it's a quick walk into the heart of Fairmount. Bus lines 48, 33, 32 and 7 shuttle to and from Center City. Girard Avenue's 15 trolley can take you east to Northern Liberties and Fishtown. Biking and walking is common, especially along Fairmount Avenue. Contact Customer Service 215-580-7800 or visit SEPTA.org for schedules, fares and map.