Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia's Garden District. #ChestnutHillPA

I've lived most of my life in the beautiful Chestnut Hill area of Philadelphia, 25 minutes North West of Center City, yet we've never done a Destination Report on the area. Since this area is nestled along 1,800 acres of the Wissihickon Valley park, part of Philadelphia's 9,200 acre Fairmount Park, and includes the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania; it has become known as the Garden District of the city.   A current renaissance of development along Chestnut Hill's main street, Germantown Avenue, is bringing new life to this area named a 2010 Distinctive Destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A series of new restaurants and boutiques are are also opening.

 Where to stay...The historic Chestnut Hill Hotel, dating back to 1864, sits on Germantown Avenue in the central part of area. This boutique hotel with 36 rooms, including 4 suites,  has recently undergone a full renovation bringing it up to high standards. Included are large flat screen televisions with premium cable, free internet, workout room, L'Occitaine bathroom amenities,  complimentary continental breakfast, and free parking.  The staff is also outstanding. Recently they arranged for their private car service to get an actress friend not staying at the hotel on time to a performance in downtown Philadelphia after she missed a train.

For more information please go to www.chestnuthillpa.com, www.upenn.edu/arboretum, and www.chestnuthillhotel.com

I will occasionally add timely information about Chestnut Hill in this blog, with a more extensive Destination Report planned exclusively in print for our subscribers.