Fabulous Philly Friends

Join Me for this Scenic Urban Hike Along the Delaware River

Hike Details:

• Distance: Approximately 6.75 miles, with optional additions that can bring the total to approximately 7.5 miles
• Pace: Approximately 3.0+/- mph — moderate/steady pace
• Terrain: Primarily paved urban streets, sidewalks, and paved trails
• Difficulty: Moderate

Fall has arrived and temperatures are cooling. It’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy this “Fabulous” hike.

We’ll hike a loop between our starting point and Penn Treaty Park, with several brief detours, including Penn’s Landing, and stops to take in the great views and visit parks, historic landmarks, piers, and other points of interest along the way.

Although we’ll make periodic stops to take photos and allow everyone to regroup, we’ll maintain a steady pace of approximately 2.8–3.2 mph over the 6.75-7.5 miles hike in order to complete the it in under three hours.

Afterward, we’ll head to a nearby spot for some food and drinks for anyone who would like to join.

NOTE: In the event of rain or severe weather, the hike will be canceled.

The Plan
We’ll meet at 10:00 AM in the Riverview Shopping Center parking lot on the southwest corner of Columbus Blvd (Delaware Ave) and Washington Ave. After brief introductions and getting everyone organized, we’ll begin walking at approximately 10:15 AM.

Our route will take us to Gloria Dei Old Swedes Episcopal Church, aka Old Swedes Church, then north along Front Street, passing Serenity Park and continuing to Foglietta Plaza, the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Irish Memorial, and Society Hill Towers.

From there, we’ll head back toward Columbus Blvd. and continue north past Penn’s Landing, Cherry Street Pier, and Race Street Pier.

Continuing north, we’ll pass beneath the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and past several more piers and points of interest before reaching Penn Treaty Park.

At Penn Treaty Park, we’ll take some time to enjoy the spectacular views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Delaware River, New Jersey, and The Battery, the beautifully restored former power station.

From there, we’ll turn around and head back along the Delaware River Trail, passing Rivers Casino, Waterfront Square, Rivermark Northern Liberties, and various piers until we reach Penn’s Landing.

At Penn’s Landing, we’ll leave Columbus Blvd to walk along the riverfront, passing Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, Liberty Point, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Penn’s Landing Marina, and The Moshulu.

The trail will eventually bring us back to Columbus Blvd, where we’ll continue to head south and back to our starting point, Riverview Shopping Center parking lot.

At that point, you can wrap up your day—or join us for something to eat and drink nearby.

NOTE: We’ll do our best to keep the group together and allow occasional opportunities to regroup, but please be realistic about your own fitness level and ability to maintain the advertised pace.

Shorter-Hike Option
If you find the pace challenging or simply prefer a shorter hike, you will have the option to bypass certain segments, stop before we reach Penn Treaty Park and reconnect with us on our way back, or turn back at almost any point.

Please understand, however, that if you choose to leave the group and turn back, you will be on your own and responsible for making your way back to the starting point.

Gear/food/drink, etc.

• Sneakers are recommended.
• Wear weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring plenty of water.
• Bring snacks to keep you going during the hike.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended depending on the weather.

Parking
There are several parking options in the area, including the shopping center parking lot and street parking.

Please make sure you are legally parked, and be careful not to leave valuables or anything else visible inside your vehicle. Parking and the security of your vehicle and belongings are your responsibility.

Public Transportation
There are several public transportation options that will take you to or near the Meetup location.

The easiest way to determine the best option from your location is to use the SEPTA app or your preferred GPS/navigation app.

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.

🇮🇹 Welcome to Giro d’Italia! 🇮🇹
Get ready to eat, drink, and explore Italy—one Italian restaurant at a time!

🇮🇹 Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy) is a new monthly dinner series where each month we’ll gather around the table at a different Italian restaurant in the Philadelphia area. From classic favorites to hidden gems and everything in between, we’ll be taking our own little culinary tour of Italy without ever leaving the area.

So bring your appetite, favorite bottle, and enthusiasm for good food and good company, and join us for the next stop on our Giro d’Italia!

🍽️🍷 Next Stop: Adoro BYOB
Our second Giro d’Italia dinner takes us to Adoro, a cozy and intimate Italian BYOB located in Bella Vista, one of Philadelphia’s most vibrant and beloved dining neighborhoods. Adoro is known for its warm, inviting atmosphere, generous portions, and classic Italian dishes with a contemporary touch.

The restaurant has the comfortable feel of a neighborhood Italian spot, with a welcoming feeling that makes it a great place to gather with friends. Its menu offers plenty of Italian favorites, including homemade pastas, chicken and veal dishes, seafood, and a variety of appetizers designed for sharing.

Join us for a fun evening of great Italian food, good conversation, and a bottle of your favorite wine as we continue our culinary tour.

Come hungry and come ready for a great evening of delicious food and good company!

I look forward to seeing old friends, familiar faces, and new ones. Hope you can join us for the second stop on our Giro d’Italia!

📍 Adoro BYOB
769 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-627-1454
Adoro — https://www.adorobistro.com/

🍷 BYOB
Feel free to bring your favorite wine or other alcoholic beverage to complement your dinner.

A note about BYOB etiquette: While most people are happy to share, it is inappropriate and inconsiderate to repeatedly come and drink wine at other people’s expense while never or rarely bringing a bottle to drink and share. Please be considerate of your fellow diners and contribute to the table.

🍝 Food & Cost
I will order several shared appetizers for the table so that we can sample a variety of tastes. Everyone will then order their own entrée from the menu.

You can anticipate the total cost to be approximately $45–$55 per person, including the shared appetizers, entrées, 8% tax, and a 20% tip. Because the bill will be divided equally among everyone attending, the final amount per person will vary depending on the entrées ordered by the group.

Please DO NOT ORDER additional food or beverage items.

If you wish to order anything extra, you must speak with me first so that I can make sure it is accounted for properly when we split the bill.

Please bring CASH to make bill-splitting easier and to avoid any restaurant credit-card surcharge.

⚠️ Allergies / Dietary Restrictions
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please inform the restaurant in advance or when you arrive.

Please review the menu online carefully and make sure there are suitable choices for you before joining us. Adoro’s current listings indicate that gluten-free options are available, but specific options can change.

📅 Important RSVP Information
I will send a confirmation message a day or two before the dinner asking everyone to confirm that they will be attending. This will allow me to finalize our headcount and make any necessary adjustments to our reservation.

If your plans change, please update your RSVP to “Not Going” as soon as possible so that someone on the waitlist has an opportunity to join us.

🚗 Parking
Street parking is available in the area, although finding a convenient space can take some patience, particularly during the dinner hours.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority operates the 8th & Passyunk Lot at 1012–26 E. Passyunk Avenue, which has 71 spaces and is open 24 hours a day. The PPA also lists other nearby public lots, including South 9th Street and 12th & Passyunk.

You may also find nearby private parking facilities and garages through parking reservation services.

NOTE: Please be aware of and read all parking signs, and be especially careful not to leave anything in your car in plain sight. It’s your responsibility to park safely, protect your belongings, and ensure that you are not ticketed or towed.

🚌 Public Transportation
Adoro is located in an area served by several SEPTA bus routes. The East Passyunk Business Improvement District notes that SEPTA Routes 4 and 29 provide convenient access to East Passyunk Avenue. (East Passyunk BID⁠)

The 9th & Locust PATCO station is another option for those coming from Center City or South Jersey, although it will require a walk or connecting transportation to reach the restaurant. (PATCO⁠)

NOTE: Public transportation and rideshare services are good options, particularly if you plan to enjoy a few glasses of wine.

⚠️ Waiver of Liability
By joining this activity organized by Fabulous Philly Friends Meetup group, you acknowledge that 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 and mentally 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 an extraordinary evening of celebration! Join us as we mark a major milestone: the 3rd Anniversary of Fabulous Philly Friends! When I first started this group, I never in my wildest dreams imagined we would build such an amazing, tight-knit community. Looking back on another incredible year, I am overflowing with gratitude. Every single one of you makes this group what it is, and this evening is all about celebrating our wonderful community together!

Why You Should Join Us:
We are taking over La Familia Ristorante for an exquisite, multi-course anniversary feast. Expect an elevated dining experience filled with phenomenal Italian cuisine, heartfelt toasts, and the warm, vibrant company of our group. Whether you have been with us since day one or joined recently, this is the ultimate celebration to connect, share great memories, and toast to the future!

What's the Plan?
We will gather for a formal 4-course dinner featuring butlered hors d'oeuvres, fresh burrata, artisanal chef's choice homemade pasta, your choice of premium land or sea entrees, a decadent Italian dessert sampler, and full coffee service.

Menu Highlights:

• Butlered Hors D'Oeuvres: Chef's selection (Choice of 3 from list)
• First Course: Burrata con Pomodori – Cream-filled mozzarella served with sliced tomatoes dressed with pesto, extra virgin olive oil, and aged balsamic.
• Second Course: Pasta Mista – Sampler of two (2) homemade pastas, chef's choice (individually plated).
• Third Course (Choice of):
• Agnello alla Sena – Herb-crusted lamb chops with a rosemary and garlic sauce.
• Filetto di Manzo – Filet mignon served in a wild berry and red wine sauce.
• Filetto di Branzino – Filet of Branzino in a lemon, white wine, butter, caper, julienne tomato, and fresh herb sauce.
• Fourth Course: Dolce Misto – Italian Dessert Sampler (Select 3 from list).
• Coffee Service: Coffee, Cappuccino, Espresso, and Tea.

The Deets:

• When: Saturday, October 17th, 2026 at 6:45 PM.
• Where: La Familia Ristorante, Philadelphia, PA.
• Cost: Please anticipate the total cost of the dinner to be between $120 and $130 per person (including dinner, tax, and gratuity).
• HOW TO LOCK IN YOUR SEAT (IMPORTANT): Everyone who RSVPs will automatically be placed on the Waitlist. To secure your confirmed spot on the "Going" list, a $50 deposit is required upfront! You can send your $50 deposit via Venmo (@Randee-Frankel), hand me cash at an upcoming event, or reach out to me directly for alternate payment apps. Once your deposit is received, I will manually move you from the Waitlist to "GOING." The remaining balance will be collected in cash on the night of the dinner.
• Allergies: If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let me know as soon as you send your deposit so I can inform the restaurant in advance. They are going to accommodate everyone.
• Parking & Transportation: La Familia is located in Philadelphia. Street parking and nearby garage options are available, though public transit or rideshare is recommended so everyone can relax and enjoy the evening!

Can't wait to raise a glass and celebrate 3 fabulous years with all of you!