A SWEDISH GUIDE IN PHILADELPHIA
12:15 PM If you are a bit homesick you can continue to walk about 30 minutes south and you will arrive to every Swedes home: IKEA. Of course, you will find some Swedish treats and goods here. How about some meatballs with lingonberry, and why not also do some shopping while you are there?
If you are a bit more adventurous, you should take a 20 minute walk back towards the city to the Italian Market. Here you can find the famous Philadelphia Cheesesteak at two of its top locations: Geno’ s Steaks and Pat’ s King of Steaks. A piece of advice: know exactly what you want to order when you arrive at the cash register, and speak loud and clear. There are always long lines to both places.
2.00 PM After your Philly Cheesesteak experience, head to the subway station: Ellsworth-Federal
From Ellsworth-Federal subway station, hop on the Broad Street Line going south and get off at the AT & T subway station to visit the American-Swedish Historical Museum.
This is more than a museum in fact, they call themselves a community dedicated to preserving and interpreting material culture. The museum hosts Swedish celebrations such as the Crayfish Party and a Midsummer Fest, exhibitions with Swedish themes and offer learning experiences. Spend one or two hours strolling around and embracing the culture. Every room in the museum has its own theme. You can, for example, visit the“ Jenny Lind room”, Chicago room, and the“ Stuga”. There is even an interactive exhibition for children featuring the world of Pippi Longstocking.
The gift shop definitely deserves a visit as well. You will find all different kinds of Swedish and other Nordic countries’ specialties there.
Before hoping on the subway to go back to the Center City, make sure to enjoy the museum’ s beautiful garden and the surrounding area for a while. This is a popular location for weddings and prom photos.
5.00 PM
Back in Center City, take some time to explore the main shopping streets. Some Scandinavian stores include H & M whIch can be found on Walnut Street, and BoConcept on Chestnut Street.
6.30 PM
There is no better way to round off a long and active day then to make yourself comfortable and enjoy some Danish“ hygge” time. Head up to the Spring Garden neighborhood and have drinks and dinner at Bar Hygge. Even though their menu is not Scandinavian oriented, you will feel the invoked concept of“ hygge” at the restaurant. Try their house-made beer and specialty boards with various kinds of cheese, or another one of their specialties which is the“ Hygge fritters.“ page 15